Between attending the University of Miami and working at Coral Gables Magazine, I spent just about every day of my seven years of Miami in the City Beautiful. While obviously a lot has changed since I left the city, so many iconic restaurants, coffee shops, and venues have remained. Known for its rich history, Mediterranean architecture, and tree-lined streets, Coral Gables is definitely worth a visit while in Miami.
Jump to: Restaurants | Coffee Shops | Things To Do | Bars | Hotels
Restaurants
Bachour
Owned by renowned pastry chef Antonio Bachour, this is a brunch hotspot in the Gables. Whether you’re dining in or just getting a box of pastries to go, the croissants, muffins and desserts are nothing short of a work of art. They serve brunch until 5 p.m. on weekends and the Bachour breakfast sandwich will fill you up until dinnertime. They also have a great lunch menu and their Greek salad is one of the best I’ve had.
2020 Salzedo St.
Bagel Emporium
There’s no better place to cure a hangover than Bagel Emporium. The amount of food they give you is almost overwhelming, but perfect for soaking up any remaining alcohol in your system. All of their egg dishes come with home fries AND a bagel with cream cheese – as if a bagel with cream cheese isn’t a whole breakfast in and of itself. They also put a bowl of giant pickles on the table. It’s the closest you’ll get to a New York deli in Miami.
1238 S. Dixie Hwy.
Bulla Gastrobar
Sure, there are a lot of Spanish restaurants in Miami, but Bulla is arguably the best. Some of my fav items are the menu are the croquetas, tortilla Española, tuna tartare, huevos Bulla, and patatas bravas. Basically, you can’t go wrong with anything. Most items are tapa-style though, so you really can sample a lot of different dishes. As for drinks, I alternate between the Moscow Mule and the sangria de cerveza. For dessert, the churros, which come with dulce de leche and melted dark chocolate for dipping, are an absolute must.
2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Caffe Abbracci
Caffe Abbracci is a Coral Gables staple. It’s been around forever and it’s always busy, no matter the day or the time. I love the fettuccine bolognese. For dessert, the profiteroles (paired with an espresso, of course) are a must.
318 Aragon Ave.
Canton Chinese
One of the things I miss most about New York is good, authentic Chinese food. And while that void has never truly been filled in my seven years of Miami, Canton is probably the best bet. They offer all the classics like lo mein, fried rice and wonton soup, as well as some specialties like honey chicken, Shanghai salmon and orange beef.
2614 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Doc B’s
Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, you can’t go wrong with any meal at Doc B’s. They’re famous for the Angry Meatball appetizer: a $19, one pound meatball with spicy tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garlic bread. Their brunch dishes are so innovative: Think brunch pizza, scrambled egg quesadilla, and a quinoa breakfast bowl. If you’re looking for a breakfast option that’s more sweet than savory, the 10-inch Cinn-a-Swirl pancake is the way to go.
301 Miracle Mile
Fiola
Fiola is an upscale Italian restaurant that opened around 2019. Come here if you’re celebrating an occasion, trying to impress a date, or just looking to be bougie with friends. Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s signature dish is the lobster ravioli for a cool $58. While the food here is expensive, it really is amazing. Definitely worth the dent in the bank account (once in a while).
1500 San Ignacio Ave.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Like most steakhouses, Fleming’s is pretty high end. On Tomahawk Tuesdays, they have a deal for a three-course meal for two people (with their 35 oz. tomahawk steak to share) for $135. If you’re not trying to break the bank, come for happy hour when drinks and bites are slightly less expensive.
2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd. #100
Fontana
On the ground floor of the Biltmore Hotel, any meal at Fontana is memorable. Though they have indoor seating, the outdoor courtyard is stunning. While also open for lunch and dinner, they are renowned for their Sunday brunch. At $120 per person, it includes a caviar bar, carving station, sushi and sashimi rolls, omelet station, and so much more.
1200 Anastasia Ave.
Havana Harry’s
At Havana Harry’s, the food is cheap and the portions are generous. Their Cuban sandwich is $13 and could easily feed two people. They also serve Cuban classics like arroz con pollo, vaca frita, and a medianoche sandwich.
4612 N. Le Jeune Rd.
Hillstone
Hillstone is easily one of the most popular restaurants in the Gables. You’ll need a reservation no matter what day of the week you’re going. And for good reason. The food, the drinks, and the service are all impeccable. Some of their standouts are the spinach and artichoke dip and The Hawaiian — a ribeye steak with pineapple soy-ginger marinade and a loaded baked potato on the side. They also have a sushi bar, so throw in a couple rolls to the order.
201 Miracle Mile
Ichimi Ramen Bar
Ichimi does have some other entree options, but their ramen bowls are the star of the show. They even offer nine different types: Spicy miso ramen, curry ramen, seafood ramen. There’s something for everyone here (unless you don’t like ramen lol).
2330 Salzedo St.
Izakaya
Their bento box specials draw a large lunch crowd. For just $16 you get shrimp and vegetable tempura, a California roll, salad, miso soup, and your choice of sashimi, sautéed vegetables, chicken or fish teriyaki, or sushi. Wash it all down with some green tea.
159 Aragon Ave.
Kao Sushi & Grill
Kao has tons of great food items, both sushi and non-sushi. For sushi, the Kao tempura roll takes the cake every time. During happy hour, all sushi rolls are $10 and pair nicely with a two for one wasabi martini.
127 Miracle Mile
Khaosan Road
Formerly Bangkok Bangkok II, Khaosan Road is still under the same ownership, but they rebranded themselves during Covid. Named after a famous street in Thailand, it serves Thai street food, as well as some of the fan favorites from the previous menu.
157 Giralda Ave.
La Taberna Giralda
The quality of the food at La Taberna Giralda is outstanding. A few of my favorite tapas are the Tortilla Española, Garbanzos Fritos, and Patatas a la Giralda. A glass of Spanish wine is a must. La Taberna also hosts weekly events, such as wine tastings on Fridays, a flamenco performance on Saturdays, and a paella party on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
254 Giralda Ave.
Malakor Thai Isaan
Malakor is a Thai restaurant in the heart of downtown Coral Gables. They serve all the classics: Pad Thai, pad see eew, spring rolls, dumplings, etc. The quality of the food is great, as well as the portion sizes.
90 Miracle Mile
Mamey Miami
Having opened in Summer 2020, Mamey was an overnight success. Chef Niven Patel’s “island-minded” restaurant offers a menu of innovative dishes bursting with flavor. Their happy hour menu alone is something to write home about (get the truffle and brie grilled cheese and a jerk margarita). The rooftop area is a total vibe and overlooks the Gables’ famous tree canopy.
1350 S. Dixie Hwy. (THēsis Hotel)
Moon Thai
Right across the street from the University of Miami’s campus, Moon Thai was my go-to during college. It’s a Japanese-Thai fusion restaurant and has extensive menus for both types of food. My usual is a house salad — solely for the ginger dressing — and shrimp pad Thai, but they also have great sushi.
1118 S. Dixie Hwy.
Morton’s the Steakhouse
Morton’s has so many different cuts (and sizes) of steak: Filet mignon, ribeye, New York strip, there’s something for all steak lovers. And their selection of happy hour bar bites, like sliders and Spinach artichoke dip, are amazing. One of the best parts about eating at Morton’s is that they’re under the arches of the Colonnades building, so all of the tables outside are shaded.
2333 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Ohho Noodles Market
The name says it all: Ohho Noodles Market is your one stop shop for all things Asian noodles. I always get ramen, but they also have pad Thai, lo mein, pad see ew, etc. They have eight different kinds of ramen, including pork, chicken, vegetable, and spicy — there really are no bad choices here. I also highly recommend the steamed bao pork buns.
1100 S. Dixie Hwy.
P.Pole Pizza
P.Pole is a build-your-own-pizza experience. They have over 100 toppings and a pie with two toppings is just $12 (or $15 for six toppings). They make it on the spot and put it in a conveyor belt-like oven, cooking the pizza in mere minutes. My creation is a BBQ sauce base with onions, spicy pepperoni and olives. After it goes through the oven, I add on tomatoes, pesto, and parmesan. Don’t knock it till you try it.
279 Miracle Mile
Salumeria 104
There are a ton of Italian restaurants in the Gables, but Salumeria 104 definitely stands out. Start the meal off right with a meat board and cheese pairing. For the primi course, you can’t go wrong with any of their pastas. End the meal like a true Italian with a cappuccino.
117 Miracle Mile
Sawa
Meaning “together” in Arabic, Sawa is a Mediterranean and Japanese restaurant in the Shops at Merrick Park. I always like to get items from both menus because they’re equally amazing. They have sushi rolls, kebabs, sashimi, lamb lollipops, tapas, and more. The menu is obviously extensive, and I’ve never eaten something there that I didn’t like. Belly dancers entertain diners every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
360 San Lorenzo Ave. #1500
Seasons 52
Seasons 52 prides itself on offering healthy, yet delicious foods. Their flatbreads are amazing and during happy hour, flatbreads and a glass of wine are just $12. The only bad thing about Seasons 52 is they list the calories on every item, but I guess that’s part of the whole “health conscious” mission.
321 Miracle Mile
Sports Grill
If you need a good game day hangout, look no further than Sports Grill. Their chicken wings are an absolute must, especially the special grilled wings. They’re dipped in their Sports Grill sauce, charbroiled and lightly washed with a secret sauce. The restaurant refers to the Sunset Drive outpost as their South Miami location, but it’s technically within Coral Gables’ city limits.
1559 Sunset Dr.
Talavera Cocina Mexicana
Talavera is the one of the only upscale Mexican restaurants in the Gables. Their list of margaritas is seemingly endless and the grilled jalapeño one is chef’s kiss. On the appetizer side, the queso fundido clasico is phenomenal. One of their specialties is iguana soup. It does not taste just like chicken, but it does taste like pork.
2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Terre del Sapore
Terre del Sapore has the best pizza in Coral Gables. It’s not the cheapest pizza place, but I do think that the quality is worth it. All pies are $18-$20, except for a classic margarita, which is $13. But for their lunch special you can get a pie, a house salad and beer or wine for $17 on Thursdays and Fridays.
246 Giralda Ave.
Threefold Cafe
Threefold Cafe will forever be one of my favorite breakfast spots in all of Miami. The food and the coffee are equally amazing. Their smashed avocado toast is a fan favorite and I think about it constantly to this day. A heaping pile of avocado is topped with feta cheese and lime juice and served on top of toast and a bed of mushrooms. Adding a poached egg is definitely worth the $2.
141 Giralda Ave.
Titanic Restaurant and Brewery
Right next to the University of Miami, Titanic is a casual spot with comfort food and craft beer. Brewed onsite, there are about a half-dozen beers on tap at any given time, plus seasonal offerings. As an IPA lover, I’m a fan of the White Star but they also offer ales, stouts, and bitters. Menu items include bar bites, sandwiches, pastas, and even some vegan options.
5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Villagio
Villagio offers just about every Italian dish under the sun: Pasta, pizza, meat entrees, etc. I recommend the risotto, which is delicious and creamy. They have a ton of indoor seating, but sitting outside in the courtyard of the Shops at Merrick Park is so pleasant.
358 San Lorenzo Ave. (Shops at Merrick Park)
Yard House
While Yard House is primarily American food, they also have some Asian, Mexican, and Italian offerings like poke nachos, tacos, and pizza. The menu is huge and the beer listings alone is an entire page. Whether you’re trying to be healthy with a soup or salad, or just really need a BBQ bacon cheeseburger, there’s something for everyone. They also have a great happy hour deal with half-off select apps and pizzas, and $2 off wines, beers, and cocktails.
320 San Lorenzo Ave. (Shops at Merrick Park)
Zucca
Located in the iconic Hotel Saint Michel building, Zucca is an upscale Italian restaurant with a menu that focuses on the northern region of Italy. One of their signature dishes is the fried zucchini, stuffed with either mozzarella or goat cheese and sprinkled with truffle honey. “Zucca” is actually Italian for pumpkin, and they have a homemade ravioli stuffed with pumpkin and sautéed with a light butter sauce and sage.
162 Alcazar Ave.
Coffee Shops
Al’s Coffee Shop
Al’s Coffee Shop is the definition of a hole-in-the-wall, tucked inside the Valley National Bank building on Ponce. Not only is their coffee good, but also their prices: A large cafe con leche is less than $3 here. Get some Cuban toast to dip in it.
2121 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Cafe Demetrio
An icon in Coral Gables, Cafe Demetrio opened in 1997 and is in the building that used to be home to the city’s first newspaper. Before ordering your usual coffee, take a look at the menu. They have some pretty unique drinks, like the Cafe Leo, a latte with their secret cacao powder, caramel, and either vanilla or hazelnut syrup. The outdoor courtyard is absolutely stunning and its entirely shaded by one massive (oak?) tree.
300 Alhambra Cir.
Cafe Grumpy
Cafe Grumpy constantly has new and original latte flavors, like orange and dulce de leche. While some coffee shops also have a full menu, their main focus is coffee, selling only pastries and snacks food-wise. They also sell bags of their coffee on their website so you can have Cafe Grumpy at home.
2516 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Chef Sucre Cafe
Chef Sucre Cafe is a French restaurant/coffee shop, which is hard to come by in Miami where most places are Cuban or Latin American. Since they’re French, the food menu includes dishes like a Croque Monsieur/Madame. Of course, they still offer cafe con leche and cortadito.
475 Biltmore Way #104B
Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar
If you only go to one coffee shop in the Gables, let it be Crema. The quality of the coffee here is amazing, and whenever I get a flavored latte it’s never too syrup-y (order an iced vanilla latte). They also serve breakfast all day, and the open-face breakfast sandwich is my favorite item on the menu. Enjoying a coffee and breakfast on their expansive outdoor patio in the shade of the Colonnade building is the perfect way to start the day. Crema is rapidly expanding, so be on the lookout for one opening in your neighborhood – if it hasn’t already.
169 Miracle Mile
FRSHst
Owned by Fresh Del Monte Produce, FRSHst is on the ground floor of their Gables headquarters. They are a fast, but fresh food cafe, emphasizing that you can still eat healthy even if you’re in a hurry. In addition to coffee, they also offer sandwiches, smoothies, bowls, and fresh pressed juices.
241 Sevilla Ave.
Madruga Bakery
If you’re stopping by Madruga to grab your morning coffee, throw in an egg sandwich to the order as well. Made with an over-easy egg, cheddar cheese, bacon, sautéed greens and an herb aioli served on an onion poppy roll, it’s easily one of the fanciest and most delicious egg sandwiches I’ve ever had.
1430 S. Dixie Hwy., #117
Pasion del Cielo
Pasion del Cielo serves coffee from all over the world, like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Cuba. In each location, there is a flavor profile underneath every country, ranking the bean on things like flavor and acidity. No matter what you order, you’ll get to choose the country of origin for your roast. They also sell bags of their single origin coffee online, so you can have their delicious coffee without having to leave the house.
100 Giralda Ave.
Sacha’s Cafe
Sacha’s is a hidden gem in Coral Gables. Tucked into the courtyard of the 2525 Ponce building, brings a sophisticated European experience to Miami. They have great breakfast pastries and lunch sandwiches. Their coffee sizes are on the smaller size, but they do ask if you like your coffee light or dark, which is appreciated because there’s nothing worse than drinking a coffee that’s mostly milk.
2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Tinta y Cafe
If you’re speeding down Ponce, you’ll easily miss this place. It’s right after Salamanca Avenue (or before, depending on which direction you’re coming from), just before the road splits into Ponce and East Ponce. This is a Cuban cafe, so you know the coffee is going to be good. Whether your preference is a cafe con leche, colada, or cortadito, there are no bad brews. They also have an incredible Cuban sandwich. Head inside if you’re dining in, or order from the ventanita if you’re grabbing coffee for the road.
1315 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Things to Do
Books & Books
Books & Books is more than just a bookstore, it’s a neighborhood hub. Of course they have hundreds, if not thousands, of books spanning every genre, so be sure to shop local for your next paperback. They also have a cafe so readers can unwind with a bite and a coffee after securing the next title on their TBR. The open-air courtyard is so peaceful, but there is also indoor seating when you need to take shelter from an afternoon downpour. Books & Books also regularly hosts events, such as author discussions and writing workshops.
Coral Gables Art Cinema
Movie buffs will love Coral Gables Art Cinema. The art house has daily screenings of both independent and classic films, as well as special programs and film festival events. On weekends, the After Hours series shows cult classics and foreign favorites late at night. Cinephiles can buy an annual membership to get discounted admission, access to exclusive showings, and free food and drinks on certain days.
260 Aragon Ave.
Coral Gables Museum
Formerly the Coral Gables Police and Fire Station, the building opened as an operational museum in 2011. A number of rotating exhibits are on display, as well as the permanent “George Merrick’s Vision Revisiting Arva Moore Parks’ ‘Creating the Dream'” exhibition, which details the founding of the city through the lens of historian and museum director Arva Moore Parks. The museum also hosts a series of events, such as monthly walking and bike tours throughout Coral Gables, lectures, and Gallery Night on the first Friday of every month featuring live music and free drinks.
285 Aragon Ave.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
A sprawling, 83-acre botanic garden, Fairchild is rife with rare tropical plants like palms, cycads, and flowering trees. The grounds are stunning and are definitely worth an afternoon of meandering through the flora and fauna. There’s always some type of event happening, from an orchid festival to photography classes to early morning bird walks. Every year from mid-November through mid-January, NightGarden transforms Fairchild into a magical land filled with lights, talking trees, holograms, and more.
10901 Old Cutler Rd.
The Shops at Merrick Park
An outdoor shopping mall, the Shops at Merrick Park has everything from boutiques and home goods stores to restaurants and gyms, and even a movie theater. Do some retail therapy at Neiman Marcus or Anthropologie, break a sweat at SoulCycle or Equinox, and grab a meal at Sawa or Yard House. In the center of it all is a gorgeous courtyard, where you can enjoy a coffee from Ebar.
358 San Lorenzo Ave.
Venetian Pool
Open since 1923, the Venetian Pool is a part of Coral Gables history. Refilled daily from an underground aquifer, the water is not heated, which is honestly a refreshing respite from the Miami heat — especially when the temperature of the ocean and the bay is like bathwater during the summer months. The pool is open to the public, and features two waterfalls and cave-like grottos to explore.
2701 De Soto Blvd.
Bars
Copper 29
Let’s be honest, Coral Gables doesn’t have a ton of options when it comes to nightlife. But Copper 29 is the real deal. On just about any night of the week, the place is packed, music is blasting, and drinks are pouring (and once they close at 2 a.m., head to Brickell or Wynwood where everything is open until 5 a.m.). Their brunch has the best bottomless drink options I’ve ever seen. On Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. for just $25, you can rotate between mimosas, Bloody Marys, mojitos, pinot grigio, and merlot.
206 Miracle Mile
Tap 42
Tap 42 keeps the party going every night of the week. Between happy hour Monday-Friday, $5 draft beer on Tap Tuesdays, half-priced bottles of wine on Wednesdays, and ladies night on Thursdays, it’s easy to find an excuse to visit. The festivities here isn’t restricted to only the nighttime, though. Their weekend bottomless brunch is more of a dance party than a sit-down meal once enough bottles of champagne has been popped. They have a breakfast shot that literally tastes like pancakes and syrup; the best part is that you chase it with bacon.
301 Giralda Ave.
Hotels
Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables
For a more urban environment, make a reservation at the Hotel Colonnade. One block away from Miracle Mile, the property is within walking distance to just about everything in downtown Coral Gables, and is attached to Morton’s the Steakhouse. The rooms are spacious and clean, and there’s a rooftop pool deck to soak up the Florida sun. They also provide bikes for guests if you want to spend an afternoon cycling through the suburb’s tree-lined streets.
The Biltmore Hotel
Established in 1926, the Biltmore is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the City Beautiful. While welcoming visitors to the Gables, it’s also a hotspot for locals who take advantage of their fine-dining restaurant, sun-drenched pool deck, manicured golf course, and luxurious spa. Although there’s so much to do in the city, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t leave the property your entire stay. By the way, it’s haunted if you’re into that kind of thing. If you’re not, don’t stay in the Everglades Presidential Suite — also known as the Al Capone Suite.
Coffee and Countries 