4 Unique Dining Experiences to Try in Coral Gables this Year

Southern Florida is known for being the state’s go-to sector for all things luxury, fine cuisine, and beach fun. The city keeps this tone with its wealth of experiences, activities, five-star restaurants, and the iconic selection of Coral Gables luxury homes. Situated directly below Miami, Coral Gables is somewhat quieter and is ideal for families that enjoy being a stone’s throw from modern conveniences. Upscale local attractions like the Fairchild Botanic Garden and the Lowe Art Museum aid the city in feeling simultaneously posh and intriguing.

Every bit of this coast of southeastern Florida is notorious for its superb places to eat, the perfect pairing to the one-of-a-kind attractions throughout every city. Fresh and fun flavors are created with the mix of cultural influences that local chefs bring from family recipes. Coral Gables has a reigning spot in the southern Florida culinary scene. Concept restaurants, specialty fusion cuisines, and downright stunning interior decor schemes are just a few of the curiosities you will find while experiencing Coral Gables’ fine dining options.

Named after the restaurant's creator, Antonio Bachour, this eatery provides guests with a culinary experience that is creative, unique, and laden with new and familiar flavors. Prioritized as a bakery and pastry shop, the menu has been expanded to include creations that are served as main dishes. The main allure stems from the variety that is embedded into the menu. Encountering a gourmet restaurant with specially curated dishes is usually indicative of a small- to medium-sized menu, often with seasonal changes. Bachour supersedes that with its menu of desserts, tartines, sandwiches, main courses, salads, and a complete viennoiserie line. Every category offers multiple options to choose from, so a visit here will require enough time to scan the menu.

Though the food is gourmet and prepared by expertly trained chefs, the restaurant is bright, casual, and airy, with a design that is reminiscent of a classic cafeteria. Walk-in dining is only accepted during daytime hours, cutting off during dinner for exclusive reservation-only dining. Masterfully mixing contemporary American cuisine with a large and diverse menu has made this one of the most famed dining experiences in Coral Gables.

The most unique culinary experiences are those that break the rules and constraints that confine what any particular meal or cuisine “should '' be. Zitz Sum solidifies this theory with their experimental takes on Asian flavors and dishes. The restaurant has branded itself a “speakeasy non-traditional Asian-inspired restaurant,” and the description fits perfectly. Asian staples like dumplings, charcoal-grilled meats, and noodles doused in flavorful broths are menu staples that come in consistently changing variants. That’s right — Zitz Sum changes its menu daily.

In the upscale culinary world, weekly and even monthly changes are seen most often. This restaurant supersedes that, mixing up its offerings on a daily basis. Customers have taken to the ever-changing menu, using the variety as a reason to frequent the restaurant. New dishes that are reliably delicious and intriguing have skyrocketed Zitz Sum to the top of the Michelin Star’s restaurant catalog after only two short years of business.

The comforting richness of Italian dishes is perfectly showcased at Luca Osteria. The motto “good pasta, good people'' makes it clear what you can expect to experience once inside. Handmade Italian classics comprise the majority of the menu with the occasional addition of a creative new dish the chefs have curated.

Cacio e Pepe, pasta al pesto, and pasta al Limone are restaurant staples that are foolproof for all taste buds. More whimsical dishes like the osso buco and short rib bolognese make great ways to enjoy modern cuts of succulent meat alongside rich flavors and handmade pasta and risottos. Akin to a traditional Italian eatery, Luca is open only for dinner, allowing for a focused menu and an entire day of preparing the ingredients that fuel their dishes.

Translating to “hot box”, this Cuban-fusion restaurant is headed by Chef Monica Leon and her team of skilled sous chefs. Here you will find a menu full of creative dishes that meld traditional and experimental in a way that resembles dishes you would normally only catch on a food show. Caja Caliente makes dreams of aesthetically pleasing dishes a reality with their colorful plates that ensure quality and quantity go hand in hand.

Tacos here are the restaurant's own take on the Mexican classic, reinventing everything from the traditional smaller size to the flavors and amount of protein in each taco. Served on a seven-inch tortilla and packed with curious options like octopus, Mahi Mahi, and fried cheese, there are enough options to visit the restaurant often and still have something new to try.

Cuban buns, burritos, and sides like croquettes are all offered with dessert and drink options to pair perfectly. The flavors of the food at Caja Caliente are the focus, but the interior is notable as well. Created to resemble traditional Cuban eateries, but also feature modern, luxurious touches, the colorful decor is inviting and energizing.

Taking the time to enjoy a classic or modern fusion meal in a way that is new and invigorating is the perfect way to get to know the city. Whether you are celebrating your new Coral Gables luxury home, a special event, or just want to treat yourself to an innovative dining experience, these options in the city are sure to leave each one of your senses satisfied.

There are countless reasons to become a resident of this beautiful city. Uncomplicate your luxury home search by contacting Erik Rojas of Epik Realty today.