12 June 12-18, 2025 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | MonthXX–MonthXX,2008 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | ART | STAGE | NIGHT+DAY | METRO | RIPTIDE | LETTERS | CONTENTS | The City Bountiful Behold the best restaurants in Coral Gables. BY NICOLE LOPEZ-ALVAR I f you live in Miami long enough, there’s one thing you’ll realize: Coral Gables is pure magic. Known as the “City Beauti- ful” for a reason, the Gables is like Mi- ami’s old soul, a place where Mediterranean Revival architecture wraps around banyan-shaded streets, and where ev- erything feels just a little more romantic the second the sun goes down. Between the dreamy 1920s buildings, candlelit dinner ta- bles along the sidewalk, and stately palm- lined boulevards, you can’t help but feel like you’re wandering through a sepia-toned postcard or the set of a ‘90s rom-com. It’s a pocket of Miami that insists you slow down, sip your wine a little longer, and maybe, if you’re lucky, fall in love with your dinner. And there’s so much to fall in love with. Coral Gables isn’t just stunning, it’s also home to some of the most beloved and iconic res- taurants in all of Miami. Take Caffe Abbracci, for instance, a restaurant that’s been serving pasta and old-school charm for more than 35 years. Or The Café at Books & Books, tucked inside a historic 1927 building, where tables spill into a vine-draped courtyard so charm- ing it practically demands a handwritten love letter. Then there’s Christy’s, founded in 1978 and still one of the city’s most timeless steak- houses, its wood-paneled dining room whis- pering stories of decades of celebratory dinners. If you know, you know: Coral Gables isn’t just about what’s new, it’s about places that have stood the test of time. Of course, that’s only the beginning. From the cozy, Parisian vibes of Frenchie’s Diner to the family-style Argentinian feasts at Grazia- no’s Restaurant, to Havana Harry’s, the unof- ficial home of every major Cuban family celebration, Coral Gables has restaurants that feel like a second home. Whether you’re peo- ple-watching at Hillstone (maybe sipping a martini next to a newly single Coral Gables socialite) or slurping ramen at Ichimi, there’s a spot here that becomes your spot. Here’s our list of the 22 best restaurants in Coral Ga- bles, places that are as beautiful, timeless, and unforgettable as the city they call home. Bouchon Bistro 2101 Galiano St., Coral Gables 305-990-1360 bouchonbistro.com Bouchon Bistro by acclaimed chef Thomas Keller stands out as one of Coral Gables’ most beautiful and delicious restaurants. Housed in the historic La Palma building, the restau- rant truly makes diners feel as though they’ve stepped into a Parisian bistro with its beauti- ful patio and romantic dining room. With a menu featuring classics like soupe à l’oignon served with country bread and Comté cheese, the poulet rôtir, their famed roasted chicken plated with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms and bacon lardons in a Dijon chicken jus, and Bouchon’s best-selling dish, the steak frites, it’s the perfect date night spot. Café at Books & Books 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables 305-448-9599 booksandbooks.com After opening in 1982, Miami’s oldest book- store relocated in 2001 to the beautiful Coral Gables Register of Historic Places building across the street from where it is today. Built in 1927, the café and bookstore feel like the set of a romance novel that takes place in the ‘80s or ‘90s. You’ll find smiling faces mingling over espresso and sandwiches, a couple sip- ping wine while diving into books, or a woman having a slice of chocolate cake while writing a novel. Plus, the menu is divine, ranging from breakfast sandwiches and yo- gurt parfaits to grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup and great salads. Caffe Abbracci 318 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables 305-441-0700 caffeabbracci.com For 35 years, Caffe Abbracci has been a Coral Gables institution, beloved for its elegant northern Italian cuisine and the warmth of its late founder, Nino Pernetti, who made every guest feel like family. Today, the legacy lives on through his daughters, Tatiana and Kat- erina, who have gracefully taken the helm, continuing their father’s vision with heartfelt dedication and community support. With loyal staff, regulars who feel like relatives, and a dining room that echoes decades of memo- ries, Abbracci remains one of the city’s most cherished and enduring restaurants. Caffe Vialetto 4019 Le Jeune Rd., Coral Gables 305-446-5659 caffevialetto.com Founded in 1999, Caffe Vialetto stands out in Coral Gables for its inventive fusion of Italian cuisine with Latin and Caribbean in- fluences, offering dishes like pear and gor- gonzola cheese-filled ravioli covered in gorgonzola fondue and beer-battered shrimp tempura topped with a spicy chili guava drizzle. The restaurant’s warm, inti- mate ambiance and attentive service create a dining experience that feels both upscale and welcoming. Signature dishes like “The Funk” dessert, which is a creative twist on the tiramisu with Heath Bar crunch and blueberry sauce, are a testament to its love of innovation. Christy’s 3101 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Coral Gables 305-446-1400 christysrestaurant.com Founded in 1978, Christy’s is one of the oldest and most beloved restaurants in Coral Gables. Its signature red interiors and white-table- cloth charm haven’t changed since opening, and it’s the kind of place where you still get your Caesar salad made tableside, the prime rib is carved to perfection, and the waiters greet regulars like family. An old-school fa- vorite that has stood the test of time, Christy’s is where Coral Gables goes when it wants a classic. Frenchie’s Diner 2618 Galiano St., Coral Gables 305-442-4554 frenchiesdiner.net Frenchie’s Diner is a Coral Gables gem where classic American comfort food meets ele- vated French technique. The retro-style diner, helmed by chef François Delfosse, de- livers decadent takes on burgers, milkshakes, and brunch staples with an unmistakably Pa- risian flair. It’s the kind of charming, unfussy spot locals return to weekly, where the fries are crispy, the wine is flowing, and the chef might just greet you by name. Fratellino 264 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables 786-452-0068 fratellinoristorante.com Fratellino isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a Coral Gables institution where every meal feels like Sunday dinner at nonna’s. The cozy, white- tablecloth spot is consistently packed with loyal regulars who come for the housemade pastas, like the pillowy agnolotti di pera, and stay for the warm, old-school hospitality. With more than 1,000 five-star reviews on Yelp, Fratellino proves that simple, soulful cooking never goes out of style. Graziano’s Restaurant 394 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables 305-774-3599 grazianosgroup.com What started as a humble weekend cookout in a Coral Way parking lot has grown into Grazia- no’s, a family-run Argentine institution with more than three decades of history in Miami. At their Coral Gables location, the Graziano family stays true to their roots, serving grass-fed, hor- mone-free beef from Argentina alongside a care- fully curated wine program of small, family-owned pro- ducers. Through authenticity, con- sistency, and a com- mitment to tradition over trends, Graziano’s has become an enduring part of Miami’s culi- nary fabric, beloved by generations of diners. Havana Harry’s 4612 S. Le Jeune Rd., Coral Gables 305-661-2622 havanaharrys.com For more than 25 years, Havana Harry’s has been a Coral Gables staple, mastering the art of Cuban comfort food with a few playful twists. Yes, it’s not a high-end spot, but it’s like having Cuban food in your abuela’s dining room with your whole family, and that’s even better. The massive, dozen-page menu has something for every craving, from classic vaca frita de pollo to bold dishes like fufu-stuffed churrasco and guava-glazed pork chops. Gen- erous portions, two side dishes with every en- trée, and some of the best flan in Miami make it a go-to for anyone seeking abuela-level fla- vors in a lively, welcoming setting. Hillstone 201 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables 305-529-0141 hillstone.com Yes, ok, hear me out. I know this spot is a chain. I know it’s everywhere. I know some people prefer Houston’s over Hillstone (it’s all the same thing). But listen..the Coral Ga- bles location is an absolute vibe. If you know, you know. Whether at happy hour on a Mon- day, a business lunch on a Tuesday, or a wine night on a Wednesday, this place is slammed — and for good reason. Every dish here is a hit, including the spinach and artichoke dip, the French dip sandwich, the insane mile- high chopped salads, and even the sushi. If you’re single and over 30, it’s a great spot to meet divorcees. Just saying. ▼ Café Havana Harry’s photo Havana Harry’s has served Cuban food in Miami since 1995. CORAL GABLES ISN’T JUST ABOUT WHAT’S NEW, IT’S ABOUT PLACES THAT HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME.
