The best restaurants in Coral Gables
Covering old-school restaurants, Italian spots, and our favorite sandwiches in Miami
Jun
29
2026
Keep this guide handy when you’re in the area and are looking for the best restaurants in Coral Gables.
Coral Gables has an old soul. Some of the restaurants on this list have been around for more than 30 years. And yes, they’re still ironing those white tablecloths—a testament to the neighborhood’s timeless charm.
Classic restaurants aren’t the only thing Coral Gables does well. The neighborhood also has a serious love for Italian food. So, of course, this guide will offer plenty of options for all your pasta cravings. And while the neighborhood has historically been a bit buttoned-up when it comes to dining, we’re happy to report that a new wave of culinary talent has made its way onto this list, bringing exciting dishes to the table.
Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Coral Gables.
FRANKIE AND WALLY’S
Address: 216 Palermo Av
Cuisine: American, deli
Good for: take-out approved, quick bite, eating alone
They started with lasagnas during COVID, then a food truck for sandwiches, and now they’ve opened a “bodega finaaa” with some of the best ingredients. Think New York deli meets The Hamptons with a little Miami flavor.
Located in Coral Gables, Frankie and Wally’s also doubles as a little market where you can grab both local and national snacks and produce.
Currently, the menu includes ready-to-bake lasagnas, cold and hot sandwiches, pastries by local bakeries like Flour and Weirdoughs, and speciality cafecito beverages. One of our current favorites is the BEC, available from 9 AM to 10:50 AM, with bacon, Happy Eggs, new school American cheese, tomato, and onion jam on a brioche bun.
The rest of the sandwich menu starts at 11 AM and runs until sold out. Our favorite so far is The Wally, made with oven-roasted turkey, Muenster cheese, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, mayo, spicy mustard, and finished with salt, pepper, olive oil, and vinegar. Next on our list is the Chopped Cheese, a New York deli classic with Wagyu beef, new school American cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato, bodega sauce, and all the right finishes.
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STAND
Address: 98 Miracle Mile
Cuisine: Japanese, café
Good for: quick bite, cafecito run, eating alone
If you’re into matcha, Japanese cafés, or a new lunch spot in Coral Gables, STAND. deserves a place on your list.
From the team behind Michelin-starred SHINGO, STAND. brings Tokyo café culture to Miracle Mile with sandos, pastries, specialty coffee, and matcha sourced from Japan. On the food side, don’t miss the Housemade Milk Bread. It’s used for everything from their Japanese Egg Salad and Chicken Katsu sandos to thick-cut toasts and their signature Shio Pan, a buttery Japanese bread roll that comes in flavors like Curry Pan, Chocolate Pan, and Cream Pan.
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BUCCAN
Address: 100 Miracle Mile
Cuisine: New American
Good for: date night, dinner with friends, has a vibey “ambiente”, birthdays, clients, eating out with suegros, special occasions, big groups
You’ve seen Buccan’s viral Beef Carpaccio Sandwich all over your feed, and we’re happy to report that the restaurant is just as good.
Chef Clay Conley has brought his Palm Beach favorite to Coral Gables, serving a menu inspired by flavors from Italy, Vietnam, Laos, Peru, and beyond for dinner. On our visit, we loved the famous Hot Dog Panini, the Beef Tartare topped with crispy egg yolk and black truffle, and the sweet corn agnolotti. But the standout of the night was the Braised Rabbit Tagliatelle with morel mushrooms, asparagus, and truffle-taleggio butter.
For mains, don’t skip the Wood-Grilled Half Chicken served with coconut rice, charred cabbage slaw, and Jeow Som, a spicy and sour Laotian dipping sauce. And if you make it to dessert, order the Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re baked to order, gooey in the center, crispy on the edges, and worth the wait.
Whether you’re planning a date night, celebrating something special, or simply looking for your next great meal in Coral Gables, Buccan deserves a spot on your list.
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BUCCAN SANDWICH SHOP
Address: 100 Miracle Mile
Cuisine: American, deli
Good for: take-out approved, quick bite, eating alone
Same address, just a different setup. Let us explain. During lunch, the restaurant closes its dining room and opens a sandwich window that operates exclusively for takeout.
As we mentioned above, you’ll want to try the signature Beef Carpaccio Sandwich with arugula, parmesan, crispy balsamic onions, mayo, and lemon vinaigrette. We’d recommend ordering the Sandwich Box, which comes with homemade chips, a generous-sized pickle, a chocolate chip cookie, and your choice of drink (the ginger lemonade is the move).
We also love the Super Salad, made with arugula, baby kale, napa cabbage, roasted carrots, cucumber, pickled onion, blueberries, avocado, and a plant-based green goddess dressing.
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TINTA Y CAFE
Address: 1315 Ponce de Leon
Cuisine: Cuban
Good for: all day breakfast/brunch, kid-friendly, budget-friendly, eating alone, take-out approved, quick bite, cafecito run
Tinta y Cafe is a modern coffee house and ventanita with locations in Coral Gables and Miami Shores. If you care about Michelin accolades, they’ve received four consecutive Bib Gourmands.
If you’re in a hurry, grab your coffee, croquetica, and sandwich through the ventanita. If you have time to sit and chill after a workout for breakfast or brunch, we recommend you grab a table inside.
We love their sandwich selection, even for breakfast. Our favorite is the Guajiro, which you can have with pork or chicken. It comes with Swiss cheese, sautéed onions, and is drenched in a delicious mojo de la casa. They also have big, delicious salads, and we love their Honey Mustard Chicken with romaine, shredded chicken breast, provolone, and manchego crisp, tomato, red onion, and honey mustard dressing. It feels like the most Miami choice. The iced coffee with a croqueta is the Miami duo you need. Go with the spinach or ham croqueta.
Tinta y Café in Coral Gables is open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. On Saturday and Sunday, they close at 4 PM.
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DANIEL’S
Address: 1500 San Ignacio Ave
Cuisine: American, steakhouse
Good for: birthdays, clients, date night
Daniel’s, the Florida steakhouse from the team behind Fiola, brings a fresh take on the classic steakhouse to Coral Gables. Their Michelin-recommended Fort Lauderdale location set the tone, and this is their second South Florida location.
Most steakhouses are dim and moody, but Daniel’s is warm, bright, and suited for family dinners, birthdays, client outings, or anniversaries. If you appreciate great service and a classic steakhouse atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home here. It’s also a great spot for brunch after Sunday mass, a classic date night, or any special occasion.
The menu focuses on seasonality and quality, with locally sourced ingredients and imports like 100% Coratina olive oil from Puglia. Start with the Chips and Dip with Kaluga caviar, house-made potato chips, caramelized onion, Florida sour cream, and chives, along with the Basil Caesar Salad. For mains, the wet-aged Australian Wagyu NY Strip comes with Daniel’s signature steak sauce. On the side, don’t miss the Corn Pudding or the Twice Baked Potato.
And whatever you do, save room for one of our favorites: the Chocolate Hazelnut Cake.
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TINA IN THE GABLES
Address: 4700 S Le Jeune Rd
Cuisine: Latin American
Good for: eating alone, healthy eating, with friends, all day breakfast, brunch
Our favorite all-day breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot in Coral Gables comes from the creators of Miami Slice and La Latina. Next to Shadow Wagyu in a cozy strip mall, you’ll find Tina in the Gables—La Latina’s more refined, posh cousin.
At Tina’s, you’re getting simple, homestyle cooking infused with a Latin twist. Must-try dishes include the Sunny Side Duck, featuring two sunny-side-up duck eggs, smoked duck breast “bacon,” pâté, and country loaf, as well as the Tuna Melt, served on sourdough with Tina’s tuna salad, tomato, sharp cheddar, and a side of house coleslaw. Don’t miss the seeded arepas, like the Coral Queen (Reina), filled with rotisserie chicken and avocado salad—a lighter take on the classic Reina Pepiada, made without mayo. If you’re craving something sweet, try Tina’s French Toast—made with brioche, salted butter, maple, and a hint of orange zest—it’s easily one of the best we’ve ever had.
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MIKA
Address: 3005 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 248
Cuisine: Italian
Good for: big groups, birthdays, clients, date night, special occasions, happy hour
Chef Michael White, known for his six Michelin stars and a James Beard Award, has opened MIKA in Coral Gables. Located in The Plaza Coral Gables, the restaurant draws inspiration from the coasts of Italy and France, blending those influences with his signature style of cooking. The menu features crudos, house-made pasta, and standout dishes include the Bistecca Fiorentina and the Spaghetti with blue crab, caviar, and lemon butter. Some of their pastas come in very generous half sizes, which we loved.
The bar is first come, first served, and offers the full menu along with an Aperitivo Menu (Happy Hour), available exclusively at the Bar & Lounge. It’s a vibe on Friday, so we recommend stopping by on the earlier side to snag a seat with a date.
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KOJIN
Address: 804 Ponce de Leon
Cuisine: Modern American, Japanese
Good for: big groups, birthdays, clients, date night, dinner with friends, special occasions, eating out with suegros
Kojin is a chef-driven concept that works for all types of occasions, including a date night. We also love a non-Italian dinner in a neighborhood that has a fixation with Italian restaurants. Yes, Coral Gables, we’re talking about you.
Chef Pedro Mederos & his team are cooking over wood, and while the menu is influenced by Japanese cooking and flavors, to say that this restaurant is Japanese would be putting them in a box. It’s the food of fine dining, but they’re back in the kitchen wearing their kicks. Think of really pro chefs cooking what they love to eat in a very relaxed vibe.
They have à la carte dining and tasting menu options. And the best part is that if your date wants the à la carte menu and you want the tasting menu, you can both get what you want.
Menu changes often and these are some of the dishes we loved from past visits: the Maitake mushroom with parmesan, wild rice risotto, and some apricot; the most deliciously cooked brown butter Scallop we’ve had in a very long time with smoked pork in a white bean sauce; and the Kojin Caesar, which they describe as a Flangian’s salad that was dropped off in Kyoto for a year.
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SHADOW WAGYU
Address: 4702 S Le Jeune Rd
Cuisine: American, Steakhouse
Good for: eating alone, takeout, casual date night, lunch
In a strip mall off US1 and Le Jeune, in a spot you likely never noticed, you’ll discover a hidden gem for those who love quality meat. We’re talking about the unassuming Shadow Wagyu. A butcher shop by nature turned into a tiny casual spot serving Wagyu everything-you-can
Shadow Wagyu is very chill. It’s basically a butcher display of their finest meats and one big table for communal dining. Come comfy, because you’re going to want to eat. Our extended team feels strongly about their favorites at Shadow Wagyu. Our point of entry was the Wagyu 8oz Cheeseburger with pickled onions. They also love Wagyu Steak Fries. But the big debate is all about which Latin dish is better. Some say the Wagyu Yuca Frita, served with rice and marinated onions, while others say the Wagyu Lomo Saltado with fries, tomatoes, onions, and a side of rice. Let us know if you check it out.
FYI, they don’t take reservations. So, just stop by. Their corkage policy is straightforward: if a guest brings a bottle and also buys a second bottle from Shadow Wagyu, they will waive the corkage fee. Otherwise, the fee is $50 per bottle. For takeout, call or text them at 786-828-8023.
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SHINGO
Address: 112 Alhambra Cir
Cuisine: Japanese, sushi, omakase
Good for: date night, special occasions
In May 2023, Chef Shingo Akikuni unveiled his long-awaited restaurant, Shingo, in the heart of Coral Gables. After earning accolades at Michelin-starred Hiden in Wynwood and Sushi Azabu, Chef Shingo received his first Michelin star in 2024.
Located in the historic La Palma building, Shingo offers an intimate omakase experience with only 14 seats, ensuring an exclusive and personal touch. If you’re seeking a luxurious, traditional experience, prepare for an 18-course menu that highlights the essence of Japanese nigiri, seasonal sashimi, and delectable yakimono dishes.
Priced at $275 per person (tax and gratuity not included), this top-tier omakase experience is worth the investment. For an even more elevated experience, you can add a seasonal wine and sake pairing for an additional cost. Be sure to book your reservation ahead of time—your meal will end with one of the best handrolls we’ve ever had!
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BOUCHON BISTRO
Address: 2101 Galiano St
Cuisine: French
Good for: clients, eating out with suegros, special occasions, date night
Bouchon Bistro is the second restaurant by Chef Thomas Keller to open in Miami. If you’re into fine dining, you’ve heard of Chef Keller’s acclaimed restaurants The French Laundry in Napa Valley and Per Se in New York City, as well as his first restaurant in South Florida, The Surf Club Restaurant inside the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club. Want to impress a date with a Michelin-starred chef? You’ll get brownie points if they love French food.
Bouchon, situated in the historic La Palma building in Coral Gables, is a classic French restaurant offering dishes like Beef Tartare, Steak Frites, a Seafood Tower, Roasted Chicken, Gnocchi à la Parisienne, and buttery Escargots de Bourgogne. Get the chicken; it’s so juicy, and we barely ever order chicken at a restaurant.
They also serve the delicious TAK Room Burger—made with American Wagyu beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, red onion, tomato, dill pickles, and secret sauce, served with French fries. You can find it Friday through Sunday during lunch and brunch, and at Happy Hour from Wednesday to Sunday at the bar and in the garden between 4 PM and 6 PM (along with $2 oysters).
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MATSURI
Address: 5759 Bird Rd
Cuisine: Japanese, sushi
Good for: budget-friendly, dinner with friends, date night
Matsuri, located inside a casual strip mall off of Bird Road, offers top-quality sushi at a reasonable price time after time.
This unpretentious, neighborhood spot has an extensive menu of soups, sushi, sashimi, rolls, and Matsuri’s New World (modern dishes with Japanese ingredients). We like to order by the piece. Anything from Salmon Belly to Amaebi nigiri. And lately, we’ve been really into ordering a bunch of makis to share.
If you don’t really know what you want, we suggest getting a sushi and sashimi platter like the Masa Special for three. It comes with 24 pieces of sashimi, sliced shellfish, 15 pieces of sushi, and three fish rolls. Make sure to order the sashimi thinly sliced. For a more premium boat platter, we’d go for the Go-To-Ren Special. Count on 28 pieces of sashimi, sliced shellfish, 22 pieces of sushi, and three fish rolls. End the night with an Ikura hand roll with a quail egg. It’s better than dessert.
Matsuri is one of those local gems that gets packed. If you arrive at 5:20, you will get into the first seating once they open at 5:30 PM. Make sure you know your order by the time you sit down. If you’re not feeling patient or in the mood to deal with the crowd waiting outside for a table, you can now schedule your pickup order HERE and indulge from the comfort of your couch.
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ZUCCA
Address: 162 Alcazar Ave
Cuisine: Italian
Good for: clients, date night, special occasions
In Coral Gables, there are a large number of Italian restaurants. And in this guide, we’ll talk about the ones worth your time. If you’re looking for a white tablecloth situation great for lunch with clients, stop by Zucca. It’s also parent & grandparent-friendly, so bring your abuelita, mom, dad and suegros.
The indoor restaurant has a classic vibe with beige booths, white orchids, and columns covered in green foliage. You’re passing by Zucca if you want to wine and dine someone in a traditional Coral Gables way.
The menu is influenced by flavors from Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, and Umbria. The first thing you need to order is the Fiori Di Zucca, the restaurant’s signature dish. These are fried zucchini flowers stuffed with goat cheese, sprinkled with truffle honey. Our recommendation is to order at least two pastas. Make sure to ask for the specials; they usually have one with a ragú sauce that feels like home.
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CAFFE ABBRACCI
Address: 318 Aragon Ave
Cuisine: Italian, pasta
Good for: classics, big groups, clients, eating out with suegros, special occasions, out-of-towners
You’re going to want to binge the Sopranos after dinner at Caffe Abbracci. This Northern Italian restaurant has been serving delicious and oversized pasta dishes since 1989.
When you step inside Abbracci, it’s like stepping inside a time capsule back to the 90s. It seems like nothing has really changed. The friendly team has remained pretty much the same. And it’s always a good sign of hospitality when most of the staff has been around for 10 to 30-plus years.
Stop by with the mindset of sharing large plates. We recommend the thinly sliced Vitello Tonnato. Followed by the Linguine with Clams, Penne della Nonna with eggplant and marinara sauce, and the Veal Scaloppine “Piccata” with a side of fries (yes, do it).
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LUCA OSTERIA
Address: 116 Giralda Ave
Cuisine: Italian, pasta
Good for: birthday, date night, eating at the bar, outdoor seating
Luca Osteria is the second restaurant by Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli. Tapping into his Italian background, Rapicavoli has created a fresh and inventive menu where every ingredient has a purpose. If you’re dining with one other person, we recommend a seat at the bar. We also love sitting outside, especially when the weather is nice and we can people-watch.
Expect to order half of the antipasti on the menu. Start with the Patate Fritte. It’s their soft potato balls/bites covered in Parmigiano fondue, egg yolk, and black truffle specks. The Grilled Wild Mushrooms should also be at the center of the table. These mushrooms are served with Bagna Cauda, a sauce from Piedmont with garlic, salted anchovies, lemon, and a fancy olive oil drizzle. And if you have to pick one more appetizer, go with the crowd favorite: the Yellowfin Tuna ‘Caprese’ with preserved tomato, aged balsamic, basic and fior di latte cheese.
We’d share a few of the pasta dishes, including the Pasta al Limone with 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano and the Pasta al Pesto.
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ZITZ SUM
Address: 396 Alhambra Cir Suite 155
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Good for: birthday, date night, outdoor seating, special occasions
If you love an exciting and surprising take on Asian food, add Zitz Sum to your date night rotation. It’s a special place, so we’d make sure to bring someone you like. Located in Coral Gables, it’s casual enough that you can wear sneakers, but heels also would work, thanks to the dim and cozy lighting.
The elevated Dim Sum & Izakaya concept by Chef Pablo Zitzmann is inspired by Japanese and Chinese street food with a Miami twist. The menu changes daily, and we’re always pleasantly surprised by the delicious and balanced dishes that Chef Pablo comes up with.
The dumplings are hand-rolled, and we always want to order that whole section. Staples include the Wonton in Brodo and Steak Tartar.
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PORTOSOLE
Address: 2530 Ponce de Leon
Cuisine: Italian, pasta
Good for: big groups, clients, outdoor seating
Portosole is one of the best restaurants in Miami. Half the guests are Italian, a good sign when you’re at an Italian restaurant. Here you will feel important & well taken care of in a brightly lit, white tablecloth setting (yes, it’s a Coral Gables thing). We love it for a bright lunch with los suegros. It’s also great for clients, date night, or a cute day dress situation with your amigas.
Make sure you order one of the best Melanzane alla Parmigiana we’ve had in Miami, Ravioli di Ossobuco allo Zafferano for those who love saffron, and the classic and traditionally executed Tonnarelli al Cacio e Pepe.
Get the Sgroppino Veneziano, a dessert cocktail made with Prosecco, vanilla ice cream, and vodka. Finished off with lemon zest and ground coffee. Trust us.
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GRAZIANO’S RESTAURANT
Address: 394 Giralda Ave | 9227 Bird Road
Cuisine: Argentinian, steakhouse
Good for: big groups, clients, classics, birthday, special occasions, kid-friendly
Martinis, steak, and the best sobremesa in Miami?! That’s Graziano’s. This classic Argentinian steakhouse has been around since 1962, and it’s where you want to spend a birthday with your family and/or a big group of friends. We love the food and the attentive hospitality. No one is going to rush you out of here. You can literally be here for more than two hours.
Consider ordering the roasting feast of your dreams. A Parrillada with certified Angus beef, raised by three-generation family ranchers and naturally aged for at least 21 days. Our favorite cuts are the skirt steak and Picanha. We’d also get the mussels with leeks in a Marsala wine sauce, the melted Provoleta cheese, the polenta with parmesan in a tomato sauce, and the mashed potato. For dessert, order the crepes with dulce de leche.
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BUGATTI BISTRO
Address: 2504 Ponce de Leon
Cuisine: Italian, pasta
Good for: clients, classics
Bugatti is a Coral Gables institution that has been around for 35 years. If you’ve been here before, then you probably grew up with their White Lasagna. The first Wednesday of the month was the best and most popular day to visit Bugatti for this meaty dish. There was always a wait but it was worth it.
Now it’s easier to get in, and you can have their delicious bechamel-based
However, other dishes that we enjoyed include the stuffed spinach and chicken Ravioli Bombay with a curry sauce, topped with diced apples, raisins, almonds, and whipped cream. An eccentric dish, but when you have the first bite, it all makes sense. For dessert, make sure you order the Chocolate Mousse. It’s the only place we would order this old-school dessert.
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