Where to dine with your South American suegros
Restaurants that are in-law-approved & you'll enjoy too
Sep
25
2024
We’re about to make a complete generalization but go with it for a few. It will work well for this guide…
Living in Miami, you’re either South American or know one very well. In this case, you married one. And it’s all fun and games until your South American (or Latin) suegros want to go out for dinner.
Los suegros pueden ser complicados. That’s just the reality of life. For that reason, we’ve created a list of restaurants that will W O W your in-laws and get them thinking, “damn, they married a good one.” The in-laws will keep returning for more, which may suck, but at least you’re on their good side. Right?
RECOVECO
Neighborhood: South Miami
Address: 6000 SW 74th St Ste 1
Cuisine: Modern American, International
Recoveco is hands down the best restaurant in South Miami. It’s the cutest double date spot for those hip and experimental suegros.
This spot is for those who are open-minded, love good food, and interesting flavor combinations. You may not know every ingredient listed on the menu, but you’re intrigued and curious enough to ask about it.
This new establishment, created with love by Chefs Maria Teresa Gallina, Chef Nico Martinez, and wine expert Shannon Gable, is where we want to live. From the silverware to the lighting, the amazing wine selection, and the carefully crafted dishes, Recoveco shows us how great Miami restaurants can be.
The menu changes based on the best available ingredients and is cooked in their open kitchen, intentionally keeping things simple yet bursting with flavor. Standout dishes include one of the best salads you’ll ever have, the Celery & Lovage Salad with apriums, pepitas, and a mountain of Parmigiano Reggiano, the Great American Red Snapper Crudo in a savory horchata sauce, as well as the Royal Red Shrimp in white soy ponzu and the Grassfed Beef Tongue with whipped sesame, chimichurri, paired with the crispiest carta di musica crackers. Oh and for sure order, the Fig Leaf & Cucumber with lemon sherbet and juniper berry meringue. This is already one of the best desserts we’ve had this year.
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BOUCHON BISTRO
Neighborhood: Coral Gables
Address: 2101 Galiano St
Cuisine: French
Want to impress los suegors with the latest restaurant by a Michelin-starred chef? You’ll get brownie points if they love French food.
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.
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. Get the chicken, it’s so juicy and we barely ever order chicken at a restaurant. We also love their happy hour menu if los suegros love an early hang.
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LA MÀRTOLA
Neighborhood: Buena Vista
Address: 4702 NE 2nd Ave
Cuisine: Italian, French, Spanish, Mediterranean
If your suegra loves to wear a linen set and summer on the Amalfi coast is her thing, La Màrtola is where you’re going next. Inspired by the Riviera in Italy, this spot is the ideal Italian getaway in Miami. It’s simple but elegant, in the way that coastal Europe tends to be.
Here, it’s all in the details – white linen, candles, flaky sea salt, the most refined olive oil, and even Mozzarella flown in directly from Italy.
Everyone says they use the freshest ingredients, but at La Màrtola, it’s obvious in the elevated simplicity of the dishes.
Some of our favorite dishes include the Paleta Iberico with chips, the Carne Cruda Albese (tastes lemony in a way that transports you straight to the Mediterranean), the Bucatini Guanciale, and the Carbonara pizza prepared with pecorino romano fondue, guanciale, eggs cream, and fried zucchini flower. Pair your meal with a glass from their hand-picked wine selection, and leave room for some gelato, a special collab with Simone Bonini, straight from Florence.
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LPM RESTAURANT & BAR
Neighborhood: Brickell
Address: 1300 Brickell Bay Dr
Cuisine: French, Mediterranean
LPM stands out for its unique French Mediterranean and Nicoise cuisine, beautiful decor inspired by the French Riviera, and impeccable service. It’s a crisp, clean, and consistent choice for those suegros who love to dress up, eat well, and enjoy a well-made cocktail to kick off the meal. They serve delicious pasta, seafood, and meat dishes using fresh Mediterranean produce such as lemons, artichokes, and olives.
Start your meal with a Tomatini (it’s a cherry tomato in drink form). Once you’ve enjoyed your drink, move on to the Warm Prawns with olive oil and lemon juice; the Tuna Tartare on puff pastry with guacamole, and Escargots with garlic butter and parsley. For your main course, we recommend the slow-cooked coquelet au citron confit. This Marinated Baby Chicken is probably one of the best chicken dishes we’ve had. We’re never one to order chicken at a restaurant, but this one is worth it. Please order the Gâteau au Fromage Frais, which is the vanilla cheesecake with berry compote. It’s delicate, smooth, creamy, and will melt in your mouth.
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PASTIS
Neighborhood: Wynwood
Address: 380 NW 26th St
Cuisine: French
The iconic NYC staple, Pastis, expanded its presence from the Meatpacking District to the vibrant neighborhood of Wynwood. The restaurant stays true to its New York roots, offering the same menu filled with classic Parisian bistro-style dishes and an incredible ambiance that won’t make you feel like you’re in Miami, and even less in Wynwood.
You’re heading here for a weekend lunch or dinner with los suegros. If weather permits, we recommend sitting at their gorgeous outdoor patio decorated with ceiling fans, red patio umbrellas, and twinkly lights.
We’d start with some drinks (of course), if la suegra is a spritz person looking to relax, she should start her meal with their St. Tropez Spritz made with St. Germain, lemon, aperitif, sparkling wine, and strawberries. But if it’s been a long day (or week) then kick off the meal with a tiny Le Petit Pickle martini.
As for the food, we like to start with a few hors d’oeuvres for the table. We usually go for the Tuna Carpaccio with lemon vinaigrette, Escargots with garlic-parsley butter, Onion Soup, and Crispy Artichokes with garlic aioli.
As for the entrées, we love their Chicken Paillard with almonds and picholine olives, and we always love to get an order of the Moules Frites with white wine and garlic for the table (don’t forget to dip the bread in the sauce). If you still have a little room, the grand finale is the airy Profiteroles, delicately filled with velvety smooth vanilla ice cream, and generously drizzled with warm chocolate sauce.
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THE SURF CLUB RESTAURANT
Neighborhood: Surfside
Address: 9011 Collins Ave
Cuisine: Modern American
The Surf Club Restaurant is worth the drive. And if you’re looking to wow your suegros, this is it. We’d like to note that it will be an expensive dinner so either pick up the bill or make sure the suegros are cool with the price point. We’d hate for any unpleasant surprises.
We think The Surf Club Restaurant is great for celebrating any major life achievements. Maybe you just got engaged, you got your dream job, you’re pregnant, or you’re celebrating a vasectomy! Whatever it may be, we love it for a milestone.
The à la carte menu interprets classic Continental cuisine delivering a sense of nostalgia through every dish. Start your meal with a beautifully executed cocktail at the bar before heading to your table. We loved the refreshing Basil Smash with gin.
From the appetizers, we recommend the best crispy, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake of your life and the Hass Avocado & Garden Vegetable Louie. Moving on to the main event, let us introduce you to the best Fettuccine Alfredo we’ve ever had. It wasn’t overpowering. It was light and creamy. Normally, we’re meh about truffles but in this dish, it made sense. This is a splurge experience and if you’re going to spend $53 on pasta in Miami, this is where you should do it. If it’s your first time at The Surf Club, order the Prime Beef Short Rib Wellington for $152. The dish comes with a Périgourdine sauce and serves at least two. This is an intricate dish, so if you’re going to try it somewhere try it at The Surf Club.
One last thing, you have the option of booking in three different spaces. Reserve in the Club Room if you’re going for a more pristine and classic outing. The Banyan room is brighter, for those looking to feel like they’re dining al fresco except you’re not and there’s AC. And the lounge is more vibey with live music at times. Choose wisely, that’s all.
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FIOLA
Neighborhood: Coral Gables
Address: 1500 San Ignacio Ave
Cuisine: Italian, pasta
Famed for their Michelin star standing in Washington, Chef Fabio Trabocchi is bringing that same energy to Fiola in Miami.
Stop by for a classic Italian meal with some Frank Sinatra in the background with your traditional suegros. Dinner at Fiola will always start with an amuse-bouche. Ours had Foie Gras and was similar to a crema Catalana.
Order the Pane Pugliese with sheep’s milk ricotta, honey & thyme. Other dishes we recommend include the Burrata with heirloom & sundried tomato pesto, Fiola Meatballs with shaved royal trumpet mushrooms, Pecorino from Sardinia; Spaghetti alle Vongole with Middleneck and littleneck Clams, Fresno peppers parsley; Whole Wheat Rigatoni with Classic Bolognese, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe with whipped Parmigiano & Pecorino. Additionally, they have the option of a Pasta Omakase with a six-course pasta-tasting menu, featuring Chef’s choices.
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ZUCCA
Neighborhood: Coral Gables
Address: 162 Alcazar Ave
Cuisine: Italian
If your suegros want to stay near Coral Gables and are looking for a white tablecloth spot for lunch or dinner, Zucca is a great choice. With its modern, sleek vibe, the indoor restaurant features beige booths, white orchids, and columns draped in green foliage. It’s also grandparent-friendly, making it a great place to bring your abuelitos.
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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LIDO RESTAURANT AT THE SURF CLUB
Neighborhood: Surfside
Address: 9011 Collins Ave
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
If you want a restaurant that will serve as a buffer when you’re with your suegros, bring them to Lido at the Surf Club. Trust us, this is the spot. They won’t shut up about how nice it is. Once you step inside the Four Seasons in Surfside, all negative thoughts and any anger you feel towards them will go out the window. At least while you are there. After that, you’re on your own.
You’re going to Lido for an Italian Mediterranean dining and retro glamour experience. We recommend sitting outside on the oceanfront terrace. The menu highlights simple Mediterranean cuisine. Some of our favorite dishes include the Ricciola al Limone, sliced yellowtail, “Amalfi” crudo with lemon dressing; Vitello Tonnato, thinly sliced veal, tonnato sauce, crispy capers, and Aged Balsamic; and the Saffron Risotto with organic Acquarello rice and Amarelli licorice.
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JOE’S STONE CRAB
Neighborhood: South Beach
Address: 11 Washington Ave
Cuisine: Seafood, American
Joe’s Stone Crab is one of the oldest restaurants on this list. It’s been around since 1913. That’s 100 years of stone crabs and the most glorious fried chicken.
We’d pick Joe’s for those suegros that don’t live in Miami. They appreciate the old-school vibes, incredible service, and a good bread basket. These suegros know how to have fun—they don’t take themselves too seriously, and they’ll happily put on a bib and dig into their claws with their hands.
We always go for the select-size stone crabs. Make sure to dip them into the mustard sauce. You also can’t miss Joe’s fried 1/2 chicken, the stone crab bisque, and the ice-cold slice of Key lime pie.
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MANDOLIN AEGEAN BISTRO
Neighborhood: Design District
Address: 4312 NE 2nd Ave
Cuisine: Mediterranean
For those suegros, that are all about el ambiente, being outside, and eating “light”, Mandolin is calling your name. This Miami favorite serves Greek and Turkish dishes in a 1940s home that was restored and transformed. Its quaint outdoor patio space is almost always fully booked, so we suggest you plan and make a reservation with time.
We recommend the Mussels with white wine, garlic, lemon, and oregano; the Grilled Halloumi with heirloom cherry tomatoes and fresh oregano; and Grilled Octopus to start. As well as the Greek Sampler, a trio of tzatziki, olive tapenade, and tirokafteri.
From the sandwich section, we’d go for the Spicy Mandolin Kebab, with a grilled house blend of ground beef and lamb, onion, parsley, sumac, and spicy Greek yogurt. And don’t forget to order a side of House Cut Fries with garlic Greek yogurt to share.
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AMAL
Neighborhood: Coconut Grove
Address: 3480 Main Hwy
Cuisine: Modern Lebanese
The team behind Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Byblos opened a restaurant concept in Coconut Grove. Stop by Amal, with your young at heart suegros who are in the mood to dress up, but don’t want to go to the Beach. You’re not sure if you’ll grab drinks after, however, conveniently Amal has a rooftop bar called Level6.
The menu focuses on modern Lebanese dishes created by Chef Wissman Baki. Expect a sharing-style menu that includes dips, cold and hot mezze, plus skewers.
The space is so freaking gorgeous. We honestly wouldn’t mind our house looking like this. Imagine, sandy interiors with earth tones like rose and terracotta. They’ve also incorporated small palm trees throughout the restaurant to give it a touch of Miami. Anyways, we could live here because it’s so pretty but also because the food is fresh and tasty.
Our favorite dishes so far (but for sure we’ll be back for more) include Amal’s Hummus served warm with beef tenderloin, pomegranate, and roasted pine nuts; beef Kibbeh on a bed of cucumber yogurt; the refreshing and sweet Monk salad with roasted eggplant, capsicum peppers, parsley, and a pomegranate garlic emulsion.
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PORTOSOLE
Neighborhood: Coral Gables
Address: 2530 Ponce de Leon
Cuisine: Italian, pasta
Portosole is one of the best Italian restaurants in Coral Gables. Half the guests are Italian which is always a good sign. Here your suegros 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 or a refined dinner. 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. They also have great specials so make sure you ask for them. Get the Sgroppino Veneziano, a dessert cocktail made with Prosecco, vanilla ice cream, and vodka; and finished with lemon zest and ground coffee. Trust us.
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SAPORE DI MARE
Neighborhood: Coconut Grove
Address: 3111 Grand Ave
Cuisine: Italian
The cutest, most picturesque, Italian, seafood spot in Coconut Grove is, of course, the beloved Sapore di Mare. Locals have been coming here since 2014 but honestly, it feels like it’s been longer. It’s a great spot for a cute double date lunch or dinner with your very chill suegros who love a cozy spot. If you don’t have a reservation and are trying to go for dinner, you’ll wait a while. Luckily for you, you’re in the Grove and can walk around.
Anyways, if you’re coming here because of the Cacio e Pepe post you saw on Instagram, that’s perfect because it’s as good as it looks. However, we’d also like to note that they offer daily specials that are worthy. During our most recent visit, we had this rich gnocchi with cherry tomatoes and tiger prawns and we’d get it again.
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UCHI
Neighborhood: Wynwood
Address: 252 NW 25th St
Cuisine: Japanese
This is for the worldly suegros, the one that travels, and who like a sprinkle of culture with their meal. You’re taking them to Uchi, one of our favorite reasons to stop by Wynwood.
This modern and sophisticated Japanese restaurant from Austin, Texas offers delicate flavors, modern techniques, and innovative dishes. You will be blown away by the simplest of dishes.
We love the hot and cold dishes off the menu at Uchi. However, if you’re in the mood for a modern take on Japanese sushi and crudo, check out the hama chili, ora king crudo with passion fruit zu, the kinmedai golden eye snapper, and the managatsuo pomfret.
If you want to sit back and relax, feel free to tell your server what you like, and your budget; he or she will curate a delicious dinner based on your preference. The team at Uchi is incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, and the dishes are consistently delicious, so we feel completely confident letting them take charge.
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