Hungry Posted: Jaguar Restaurant

Photos by: Jaguar Restaurant

By: Destiny Beck

WHAT TO EXPECT

Open since 2005, Jaguar Restaurant is one of Coconut Grove’s favorite neighborhood hangs. Mexico City born owner/chef Oscar del Rivero and his team are passionate about Latin American food history, techniques, and ingredients, and they treat every guest like family.   Since inside dining still remains off-limits, Chef Oscar has created a mini ‘habitat’ in front of the restaurant.  Outdoor seating is also extended to the side of the building, with a view of the Jaguar mural by artist Erick Sandoval Hofmann that was completed during Art Basel.

THE MENU

Start with Jaguar’s signature tiraditos and ceviches. Chef’s Tiradito Oriental offers a generous portion of raw tuna served with a tangy ginger-jalapeño sauce, avocado, fresh cucumber criolla, and toasted corn, giving it a nice crackle.

The Shrimp Ceviche Lima with an addictive aji amarillo has a back end kick. It was so good that we ordered an off-menu chef’s special Seafood Platter with mahi mahi, shrimp and calamari.Celia’s Salad, a bright mix of iceberg and romaine, jalapeños, avocado, tomatoes and black beans topped with crunchy tortilla strips and tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette. We never pass up tacos. We chose Jaguar’s tender roasted pork tacos with peppery achiote, pickled red onions and guacamole.The Churrasco with Chef Oscar’s house made chimichurri is a meat lover’s dream, perfectly cooked and served with a choice of side.  

If you still have room for dessert, we recommend the crêpes with rich mascarpone cheese, and fresh peaches and bananas, sprinkled with hazelnuts, drizzled with dulce de leche, and served with vanilla ice cream. 

Jaguar offers Miami Spice through the end of September. Don’t miss their “Hora Jaguar” happy hour Monday – Friday. This happy hour includes deals on food and half-off drinks.

HOW TO SCORE A TABLE

Due to limited seating with Covid-19 Jaguar Restaurant does not accept reservations, so take that into consideration for timing.

Covid-19 Safety Measures

Staff members observed  Miami’s Covid-19 protocols, including all the tables properly sanitized during turnovers. Dine al fresco or get take out/delivery including their craft cocktails and house-made sauces to go.