12 September 11-17, 2025 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | ▼ CORAL GABLES HAVANA HARRIED Havana Harry’s, a beloved Cuban institution in Coral Gables for nearly three decades, has been forced to close indefinitely following a city shutdown order. This has left dozens of employees without work and has caused some confusion among its longtime customers, as the restaurant states it has plans to reopen. According to the South Florida Business Journal, the restaurant filed a Worker Adjust- ment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice on August 28, confirming that 28 of its 77 employees will be permanently laid off. According to the notice, signed by Centurion Restaurant Group (CRG) executive Milciades Pachas, the cuts were scheduled in two rounds: the first effective August 24 and the second by August 31. The remaining employ- ees will be reassigned to other CRG restau- rants, including Bulla Gastrobar, Beehive Kitchen, and Pisco y Nazca. The shutdown comes after the Coral Ga- bles Development Services Department or- dered Havana Harry’s to close on August 21. Larry Carrino of Brustman Carrino Public Relations, representing CRG, confirmed the closure to the media outlet but did not pro- vide details on the specific violations that prompted the city’s decision. A timeline for reopening has not been announced, though CRG says it will consider rehiring the laid-off staff if operations resume. For now, a recorded message on the res- taurant’s phone line claims Havana Harry’s is “closed for renovations.” The statement echoes earlier controversy. In June, New Times reported that the restaurant had been shut down by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) after inspectors discovered a roach infestation. At the time, the restaurant posted a sign saying it was “closed for repairs,” but WPLG Local 10’s Jeff Weinsier revealed that the state-mandated closure notice was being obscured. Havana Harry’s reopened days later after passing two follow-up inspections. CRG insists that the city-ordered closure is unrelated to the prior DBPR violation from this summer. Still, the timing raises concerns for loyal customers who have long flocked to the Coral Gables landmark for oversized plates of Cuban-American comfort food like ropa vieja, vaca frita, and flan so rich it drew praise from the Michelin Guide, which listed Havana Harry’s among Miami’s best Cuban restaurants in 2024. In an Instagram post shared by Havana Harry’s on August 22, the restaurant released the following statement: “Havana Harry’s is temporarily closed as we complete important interior upgrades. These include plumbing and kitchen improve- ments, along with other facility enhancements — all designed to ensure the highest standards of comfort, safety, and experience for our guests and team. “We’re working closely with the city and local authorities to move this process forward as quickly as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to welcom- ing you back very soon. “Thank you for your patience and contin- ued support! Please stay tuned for updates on our reopening. —Your Havana Harry’s Family This prompted customers to voice their concerns. One commented on the post, “This is looking really bad. I used to go there con- stantly but...” while another commented, “Papo, what’s going on over there? This used to be the spot for Cuban food in Miami. Ponse las pilas!” Others remain hopeful for a come- back. “It needed upgrades hella bad! Can’t wait to see the finished product!” Since opening in 1995, Havana Harry’s has been more than just a restaurant; it’s been a gathering place for Coral Gables resi- dents, visitors, and generations of Miami families. The restaurant was even named New Times’ Best Cuban Restaurant 2020. This is why news of its sudden closure has raised concerns for so many of its devoted customers. Havana Harry’s. 4612 S. Le Jeune Rd., Coral Gables; 305-661-2622; havanaharrys.com. Closed until further notice. NICOLE LOPEZ-ALVAR | TASTE TEST | ▼ Café Café Art Credit Art Credit ▼ COCONUT GROVE A SWANKY NOODLE NEWCOMER T wo local culinary titans will open their Italian restaurant tomorrow, September 4, at CocoWalk in Coconut Grove. First announced back in July, Da Angelino Cucina Italiana promises to serve soulful Italian dishes with a Florentine touch. Ariete Hospitality Group (of award-winning Ariete and Chug’s Diner, both down the street in the Grove) and Graspa Group (Salumeria 104 and Osteria) are behind the new spot, with Florence-born hospitality veteran Angelin Ko- meta leading the charge. The 4,441-square- foot space is Ariete Hospitality Group’s first Italian restaurant and Graspa’s Coconut Grove debut. “It’s not fine dining in the traditional sense,” says Kometa in a statement. “It’s how we grew up eating in Italy – elegant but never stiff, where guests are welcomed like family.” The Italian restaurant is also a personal one for Ariete Hospitality CEO Andrew Falsetto, who frequented Graspa’s restaurants with his Italian father. “We’ve dreamed of opening an Italian restaurant in the Grove for years,” says Falsetto in a statement. “But we knew we had to do it with the right partners. Graspa Group brings decades of award-winning flavor, ser- vice, and soul.” Da Angelino’s menu doesn’t focus on a sin- gle region in Italy but promises a delectable journey from north to south. The menu opens with antipasto and crudo, including starters like tuna tartare, polpo alla griglia, and frittura mista. The stuzzichini section offers small plates like arancini and mini calzoni. Naturally, the star of the show is the house- made pasta, including a tableside cacio e pepe alla routa, gnocchi alla vodka, and linguine ai frutti di mare. From the secondi and dall griglia (from the grill) sections, diners can expect short ribs and cotoletta alla Milanese. Mean- while, the contorni (sides) include braised arti- chokes, grilled jumbo asparagus, and creamy spinach with parmesan. Like any good Italian spot, Da Angelino’s wine list is expertly curated. It features Italian reds from Tuscany, Veneto, Sicily, and Pied- mont, as well as whites from Trentino, Friuli, and Campania. A cocktail menu will also be available, featuring signature drinks carefully crafted to pair perfectly with the menu offer- ings. Da Angelino Cucina Italiana. 3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove; 305-603-9009; daange- lino.com. JOSE D. DURAN Swanky new Italian restaurant, Da Angelino Cucina Italiana, will open in Coconut Grove at CocoWalk on September 4 offering housemade pastas and wine. Da Angelino Cucina Italiana photo
