LOVE IS BLIND FOOD & WINE
Take your tastebuds on a trip across the globe (through everything from Asian vegetable spring rolls to Italian zucchini linguini) without leaving Miami. 225 Altara Ave., Coral Gables, 305-748-6118; loveisblind restaurant.com
MONTY’S RAW BAR
Crack open steamed clams and oysters or nosh on conch fritters while downing frozen favorites like a Miami Vice or Monty’s infamous Pain Remover (a blend of rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple and orange juices), all served with a side of waterfront views. 2550 S. Bayshore Dr., Coconut Grove, 305-856-3992; montysrawbar.com
ORTANIQUE ON THE MILE
See (and taste) for yourself why chef Cindy Hutson is heralded for her culinary ingenuity at the Miracle Mile staple, where she fuses Latin and Caribbean flavors in dishes like jerk chicken penne pasta and West Indian-style bouillabaisse. 278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 305-446-7710; ortaniquerestaurants.com
PALME D’OR
The longest-running French eatery in Miami boasts upscale Parisian fare, including braised rabbit and tempura-battered frog legs, along with an expansive wine list. 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, 305-913-3201; biltmorehotel.com
PASCAL’S ON PONCE
Chef Pascal Oudin opened his Coral Gables mainstay in 2000 after being named one of America’s Best New Chefs by Food & Wine in 1995 and the Best New Chef in Florida by Esquire in 1997. Seventeen years later, he continues to delight with his contemporary spins on classic French foods and techniques, like his gourmet sirloin burger filled with braised short ribs. 2611 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, 305-444-2024; pascalmiami.com
TAP 42 GABLES
This is the place to be for happy hour on Friday (favorite sips include the blood orange cosmojito, the mule on tap, and the “te-kill-ya” ) and bottomless brunch on Sunday. Can you say chocolate banana French toast? 301 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables, 786-391-1566; tap42.com
VERSAILLES
A Miami institution flooded with politicians discussing city matters over ropa vieja and black beans, this Calle Ocho staple and its Cuban sandwich got their 15 minutes of fame in the film Chef. 3555 SW Eighth St., Miami, 305-444-0240; versaillesrestaurant.com
ZUCCA
An upscale Italian restaurant located in the historic Hotel St. Michel that is serving up an ever-rotating selection of fresh pasta and Italian-inspired libations like Nonna’s mule (made with grappa instead of
vodka) and mixed up by Cocktail Cartel. 162 Alcazar Ave., Coral Gables, 786-580-3731; zuccamiami.com