CORAL GABLES/ COCONUT GROVE
CAFFE ABBRACCI
This is the type of white-tablecloth, ruby-lighting, Venetian glass-art, and dome-ceilinged Italian joint where a goodfella (and good Italian) like Tony Soprano would be a regular. That’s probably why—save the al dente pasta and socialite clientele—it’s been an under-the-radar hot spot for almost three decades. 318 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, 305-441-0700; caffeabbracci.com
COPPER 29 BAR
Coral Gables’ first legit cocktail bar is shaking and stirring up creative concoctions with ingredients such as chia seed-infused vodka, avocado honey syrup, and Cabernet air foam. Bottoms up. 206 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 786-580-4689; copper29bar.com
GEORGE’S IN THE GROVE
Nestled among the cozy, tree-lined streets of the Grove, George’s serves up traditional French favorites, including its famed lamb shank, braised to perfection for more than three hours. 3145 Commodore Plz., Coconut Grove, 305-444-7878; georgesinthegrove.com
GLASS & VINE
Chopped winner and culinary mastermind Giorgio Rapicavoli is at it again, only this time he’s dishing out Florida stracciatella, charred cauliflower, and Florida beer-spiked PEI mussels with sour orange at what is arguably Coconut Grove’s most stunning eatery. 2820 Mcfarlane Road, Coconut Grove, 305-200-5268; glassandvine.com
GREENSTREET CAFE
With cinnamon-roll pancakes and white peach purée Bellinis on the menu, it’s no wonder lines are forming around the block for brunch at this café. And at any other time of day, you can feast on popular offerings like braised short ribs with polenta and truffle honey or crab and lobster ravioli. Whiskey Wednesdays are still happening, by the way. 3468 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove, 305-4440244; greenstreetcafe.net
JOJO TEA
Want to know the origin of oolong? Make a reservation with Jojo founder and local tea guru Michael Ortiz and he’ll gladly fill you in during an omakase tea experience that will give you a newfound appreciation for the ancient art. 951 SW 42nd Ave., #305, Miami, 305-322-9521; sipjojo.com
LOKAL
What’s better than a burger? A burger between two scrumptious doughnuts from The Salty Donut. Get yours at this Coconut Grove burger and craft-beer joint. 3190 Commodore Plz., Miami, 305-442-3377; lokalmiami.com
LOVE IS BLIND FOOD & WINE
Take your taste buds 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, 305-7486118; loveisblindrestaurant.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 this 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 (favored 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