A Food Lover’s Guide to Coconut Grove’s Best Restaurants

A Food Lover’s Guide to Coconut Grove’s Best Restaurants

Feeling hungry in Coconut Grove and not sure where to go?

Miami’s most underrated neighbourhood might just be home to some of the best restaurants in Miami. Michelin-starred fine dining meets casual Cuban-American diners in this leafy part of South Florida. You’ll quickly find your new Coconut Grove staples here.

Here’s the thing…

Coconut Grove isn’t just a buzzy Miami neighbourhood. It’s been officially named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world. But the best restaurants in Coconut Grove aren’t stopping there. This dining scene is absolutely booming right now.

What’s in this guide:

  1. Why The Grove is a food lover’s paradise
  2. 10 best restaurants in Coconut Grove
  3. How to pick the right spot for you

Why Coconut Grove Is a Food Lover’s Paradise

The Grove’s dining scene has had a major boom in recent years.

The foodie corner of Miami keeps growing by the minute. Constant restaurant openings mean there’s never been a better time to explore what’s popping right now in Coconut Grove. The charming walkable triangle of shops, parks, and restaurants transports you between American and South American culture.

Best of all?

Diners in the Grove will find everything from waterfront dining to cozy French bistros. That’s the best part for families searching for a kid-friendly restaurant in Miami. The best restaurants in Coconut Grove offer plenty of options for outdoor seating, welcoming atmospheres, and kid-friendly menus.

Here’s why that matters:

According to US Foods research, 55% of Americans now prefer eating at restaurants rather than ordering takeout. Americans are craving the atmosphere. The experience. Socialising over a good meal.

Coconut Grove delivers exactly that.

10 Best Restaurants in Coconut Grove

Here are the 10 best spots to check out right now…

1. Sereia

Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa brought his 2 Michelin stars straight to Miami when he opened Sereia.

Seafood-forward dining means dishes like the sublime bacalhau à brás are a must. Subtle ocean-inspired decor and airy lighting create a serene atmosphere that lets the food shine.

Best for: Special occasions and fine dining experiences.

2. Bayshore Club Miami

Bayshore Club Miami brings waterfront dining to a whole new level in Coconut Grove.

Stunning views of Biscayne Bay pair perfectly with a menu that celebrates fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The outdoor terrace is ideal for sunset cocktails and long relaxed dinners. Live music and a laid-back vibe make this one of the most memorable dining experiences in the Grove.

Best for: Waterfront dining and sunset vibes.

3. Chug’s Diner

Started as a pop-up, this Cuban-American diner quickly became a local foodie favorite in Coconut Grove.

It’s no wonder Chug’s won a Michelin Bib Gourmand. The all-day breakfast menu is outstanding. Grab a cafecito and bacon, egg, and cheese croqueta for an energizing start to the day. Or settle in for “La Completa” — three eggs any way with potatoes and warm Cuban bread.

Best for: Breakfast, brunch, and comfort food.

4. Glass & Vine

Glass & Vine Peacock Park offers one of the most stunning garden dining settings in Miami.

The monumental garden is beautiful and makes this perfect for families that want great food without sacrificing ambiance. Raw fish delights like branzino crudo sit alongside classic brunch favourites. If you want something sweet, the cornflake-crusted French toast is a kid-friendly hit.

Best for: Family dining and outdoor brunch.

5. Le Bouchon du Grove

This French institution has been feeding Miamians for over 30 years.

The sprawling terrace is excellent for people-watching. French toast, pancakes, omelets, and classic brunch cocktails dominate the menu. A complimentary glass of champagne is served right to your seat. Don’t leave without ordering the tarte tatin or crème brûlée for dessert.

Best for: Classic French fare and long lazy brunches.

6. Los Félix

Mexican restaurant Los Félix serves up excellent Mexican food with house-made corn masa.

The pork cheek carnitas and grilled octopus tacos never disappoint. Sister restaurant to Krüs upstairs, the menu takes Mexican food very seriously at Los Félix. Come for brunch if chilaquiles are your thing.

Best for: Authentic Mexican cuisine and taco lovers.

7. Cotoletta

Cotoletta might have been one of the most anticipated Miami openings of 2024.

This quiet Italian gem focuses on one thing: perfecting the veal Milanese. Pan-fried in butter and oil, the meat comes out rich yet almost shockingly light with a perfectly toasted crust. It’s the only main dish on the menu and it doesn’t need anything else.

Best for: Italian food purists.

8. Sadelle’s

Major Food Group from New York imported their famous bagel tower to the Grove.

It arrives on a spear with six bagels and a gleaming three-tiered tray that looks like it belongs on a royal tea service. The cushy booths and leafy outdoor area attract a crowd who seem to pull off looking fabulous first thing in the morning. Instagram gold and actually pretty delicious too.

Best for: Brunch scenes and New York-style bagels.

9. Greenstreet Cafe

Another Grove institution with a serious case of staying power.

Breakfast runs all the way until 2:45 pm, which basically makes it brunch heaven. Spreading out on the sprawling terrace is excellent people-watching territory. Frozen cocktails and mocktails flow freely alongside mimosas and bloody marys.

Best for: All-day breakfast and casual terrace vibes.

10. A.C.’s Icees

This Miami food truck might be the best kept secret in Coconut Grove.

Allan Cohen has been serving frozen lemonade since 1978. Typically parked outside Kennedy Park, A.C.’s Icees represents some of the last remaining slices of old Coconut Grove. On a hot Miami day, nothing beats one of Cohen’s frosty frozen lemonades paired with a hot dog.

Best for: A quick refreshing pit stop on warm days.

How to Pick the Right Spot

Different restaurants suit different moods.

The Grove has something for every mood and budget. Casual dining remains the most popular choice among Americans at 69% and the best restaurants in Coconut Grove delivers plenty of excellent options in that category.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Fine Dining: Sereia, Bayshore Club Miami
  • Casual Eats: Chug’s Diner, Los Félix, Greenstreet
  • Family-Friendly: Glass & Vine, Bartaco, Sadelle’s
  • Hidden Gems: Cotoletta, A.C.’s Icees

Big restaurant groups from New York and LA are landing in Coconut Grove. Local chefs are hitting their stride. The mix of old-school staples and trendy newcomers create a dining scene hard to match anywhere else in Miami.

Final Thoughts

The Grove has quietly become a legitimate foodie destination.

Multiple sushi restaurants, multiple Mediterranean joints, and everything from Cuban ventanitas to Portuguese fine dining in a matter of blocks. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion at Sereia or grabbing a casual bite at Chug’s Diner, there’s a new Coconut Grove staple here for every food lover.

Coconut Grove keeps evolving, but the high standards and commitment to welcoming atmospheres remains a constant.

The only question left is… Where are you eating first?

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