Coral Gables is a Miami neighborhood completely unique to the rest of the city. It’s calm, romantic, and despite its rich history, it is still ever-evolving with restaurants and new developments popping up every day. On top of its tree-lined streets and Spanish-style architecture, Coral Gables is one of the most creative yet reliable Miami neighborhoods when it comes to good food. Seriously, when in Coral Gables, just close your eyes, spin around, and eat wherever you spot first— and you might just have a great meal no matter what. Institutions like Caffe Abbracci and Hillstone are trusty staples, while additions like Tina in the Gables and Luca Osteria have become everyone’s newest obsession.
Sprawling with both old-time favorites and trendy hot spots, Coral Gables mixes local charm with a fresh culinary metamorphosis. No matter the occasion or cuisine, Coral Gables is forever one thing— timeless.
Breakfast
Tina in the Gables
I admittedly have a hard time finding breakfast spots I love in Miami when, for me, nothing beats a Cuban bakery. Plus, I don’t fancy paying $25 for a stingy avocado toast. Don’t worry, you won’t find any of that at Tina in the Gables, and oh, it’s pretty amazing in general.
Everyone’s talking about Tina. Tina in the Gables, that is. This cozy spot has a menu that is a Sunday morning personified. The French toast, Soft Shell Crab Sandwich, and Sunny Side Scrambled are stars of the show (the coffee, too).
Madruga bakery
Madruga Bakery is the perfect stop on a slow morning or for a quick bite after your Saturday morning workout class. There are not many standout artisanal bakeries in the area, so Madruga Bakery is the place to go if you’re craving something indulgent. You absolutely must try the guava and cheese danish and take home a sourdough loaf.
Miam Cafe
I’d describe Miami Cafe as both playful and satisfying. If you’re craving sweets, try their fluffy pancakes in either the classic or tres leches flavor. On the other hand, the breakfast burrito is my go-to order, and it hits every single time.
Lunch
Ichimi
Located just off Miracle Mile, Ichimi Ramen Bar is easily my favorite ramen in Miami. At Ichimi, you’ll create your perfect ramen order (I like the Spicy Miso Ramen- yum, drool) and leave feeling like you’ve eaten the edible version of a hug.
Sanguich Coral Gables
Miamians have strong opinions about, well, everything, and there is always debate about the best Cuban spots in the city. Sanguich is not a full Cuban restaurant, but we can all agree it does serve an insanely good Cuban sandwich. The Cubano (yum!), Pan con Lechón (yum!!), Media Noche (yum!!!). I recommend getting a couple of sandwiches to try because one simply isn’t enough.
Motek Coral Gables
It feels like Motek popped up out of nowhere and rose to Miami stardom in the blink of an eye. Motek is visually stunning— airy and boho with a Mediterranean feel— and serves sharing plates that transport you to a Greek island. I prefer Motek for lunch over dinner because their menu of small sharing plates still feels casual and light enough for lunch. Bonus tip: They have a banging happy hour (which is my personal favorite meal of the day).
Dinner
Luca Osteria
Luca is one of those restaurants that delivers excellence every. single. time. Located in the middle of Giralda Plaza, one of Coral Gables’ most charming streets, Luca is the perfect combination of excellent ambiance and food. The Pasta Limone and Patate Fritte are a must-order. The Patate Fritte, little potato balls topped with a Parmigiano fonduta and creamy egg yolk, transcend normalcy. End the meal with a tiramisu and *muah* it’s the perfect meal.
Hillstone
Oh, Hillstones— forever timeless and always the Gables it-girl. Doesn’t matter if it’s a chain; Hillstones is just that girl. On a Saturday night, you’re still waiting over an hour for a table (if you’re lucky). I dream of the Pressed Sushi and Spinach Artichoke Dip often and obsessively.
Eating House
The new Eating House location is… dare I say… DIVINE! I get very excited when talking about Eating House because it’s flipping fantastic, let me tell you. Miami icon Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli showcases his creativity through dishes that definitely surprise you. Here, you can order Cap’n Crunch pancakes, curry-spiced ravioli, and a modern take on arroz con pollo.
Zitz Sum
Zitz Sum is consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in Miami— no surprise. This is one of the most ‘wow’ meals in Coral Gables because it’s genuinely an experience. This tiny but mighty restaurant blends Asian, Italian, and Latin flavors, which sounds like a lot, but boy does Zitz Sum do it well. This is the perfect place for an extra special date night or birthday dinner.
Caffe Abbracci
Simply put, Caffe Abbracci is a Coral Gables institution that, despite its years, has never wavered in quality. This is the one true white tablecloth classic on the list, and it wouldn’t be complete without this Italian cafe. From the moment you walk in and see the stained-glass bar and hushed dining room, you leave the world as you know it and step into another time. If I had an Italian grandma (which I don’t, I have a Cuban one— besitos, Tata), I would imagine Caffe Abbracci to taste just like her cooking.
