The Best Restaurants in Coral Gables

The neighborhood is also home to the University of Miami, which makes it a favorite destination for students, alumni, and Hurricane fans, especially on football weekends. From casual coffee shops to Michelin-rated restaurants, Coral Gables offers a dining scene as diverse as the people who visit it.

Here are 19 restaurants to check out as you cheer on the U in Coral Gables right now. The selection is seasonal and changes frequently, but go with the tasting menu to get a full picture of the creative, layered Japanese preparation with abundant multicultural influences that makes this place so special.

Yet there is much more at this quaint restaurant — handrolls, nigiri, dumplings, crudos, and bowls, all of which can be paired with sake and wine. This newcomer steakhouse hails from the team behind award winning Cienfuegos, and 130° Steakhouse in Mérida, Mexico, and is helmed by chef Marcelo Palacios, formerly of Prime 112.

Nestled on the first floor of the iconic Alhambra Towers, the interior design full of natural materials is reminiscent of a cave, and with the modern touches it yields a warm and intimate setting despite the massive 7,000 square foot space. The menu offers a variety of cuts of meat, along with plates paying homage to Mexico such as a tuna tostada; a hamachi tostada; fire. Bone tacos with grilled steak, roasted bone marrow, lime, cilantro, and onion; and a grilled octopus with spinach pesto and lime that can easily feed three to four people.

After becoming a runaway favorite during the COVID-19 shutdown through social media, “Asian-ish” restaurant Zitz Sum threw open its doors a permanent outpost in Coral Gables and earned four consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand awards from 2022 through 2025. Happy hour is offered Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m. with an extensive list of discounted food and drink items.

Rapicavoli showcases his Italian heritage through a menu that blends traditional dishes with contemporary techniques. Flavor, as in the pappardelle with beef short rib Bolognese, the grilled heirloom carrots, the lamb shank, and the innovative takes on Italian-influenced cocktails. From the team behind Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient Zitz Sum comes this new izakaya-style restaurant focusing on Japanese small plates to be paired with sake, wine, and cocktails. While the menu is constantly rotating at this cozy and intimate spot, every dish is curated with chef Pablo Zitmann’s flair for big flavors, as in the karaage with yuzu kosho ranch.

All dishes can be complemented with an array of sides, pastas, and risottos, along with a bottle of wine from an impressive wine list. Don’t miss out on weekly happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m. with $5 food and drink specials.

James Beard Award-winning chef Michael White brings his signature Italian sensibility to Coral Gables with Mika, located on the ground floor of the Plaza in the heart of the City Beautiful. Patrons can expect an extensive selection of premium cuts of meat like the fan favorite Margaret River wagyu skirt steak, along with fresh seafood. An array of luxurious accompaniments like the twice baked potato with caviar, the Florida Rosemary fries with Parmigiano Reggiano, and onion ketchup. Enhance the experience with a glass of wine from the curated cellar or a cocktail from the full service bar.

At this Michelin-recognized restaurant, patrons will find a vast selection of butcher’s cuts, including Australian wagyu and 35-day aged steaks. There are also seafood, chicken, and pastas with an equally extensive selection of appetizers and side dishes.

Diners can in addition take advantage of daily happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. with discounted cocktails, wine, beer, and food.