THE TOP December 2020

Outdoor Restaurants

Usually our dining guide is a listing of the finest restaurants Coral Gables has to offer, sorted by types of cuisine. Once the coronavirus forced dining rooms to shut down, we switched to listing restaurants that were offering takeout options, then those with outdoors dining. Even though indoor dining is allowed again, we’re sticking with our listing of outdoor dining, which feels like a safer bet when venturing out. We list the best establishments that have al fresco dining in some form or another.

$ ............ Under $25

$$ .......... $25-$40

$$$ ........ $35-$75

$$$$ ...... $70-$100+ Prices are per person for appetizer and entrée, no tax, tip or drinks. Prices are approximate.

AMERICAN

77 Sport Bar

77 Sport Bar already had outdoor dining, like most restaurants on Giralda Plaza, so they’re ahead of the game. They’re known for having the coldest draft beer, which is exactly what we need for the summer heat. $ 180 Giralda Ave. 305.735.1477

Bachour

Their expansive courtyard is perfect for a pandemic. It has plenty of outdoor seating options and it was designed to have a breeze blow down the center, circulating fresh air throughout. $ - $$ 2020 Salzedo St. 305.203.0552

Burger Bob’s

Great burgers and chili. They’ve set up a few tables outside, so you can eat your classic burger virus-free while enjoying the views of the Granada Golf Course. $ 2001 Granada Blvd. 305.567.3100

Cheesecake Factory

With over 250 menu items from flatbread pizzas to “glamburgers,” Cheesecake Factory has something for everyone’s food mood. They also have outdoor tables in a covered area on Andalusia Avenue. $$ 2418 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.529.0703

Clutch Burger

Being on a pedestrian walkway, outdoor dining is plentiful for this home of gourmet burgers that required you to unhinge your jaws. Fans for when there isn’t a breeze. $$ 146 Giralda Ave. 305.400.8242

Copper 29

The outdoor dining setting is more or less the same as before the pandemic, with a handful of high top tables on the sidewalk (now they’re just farther apart). A great setting for brunch, happy hour and people watching on the Mile. $$ 206 Miracle Mile 786.580.4689

Denny’s

If you don’t know about Denny’s, then you probably don’t live in the US. Now this emporium of American breakfast and lunch standards has 14 outdoor tables. Stack of pancakes and sausage anyone? $-$$ 1 Miracle Mile. 305.445.2300.

Doc B’s

This American eatery has taken advantage of the city’s temporary outdoor dining permit and has set up tables on the corner of Miracle Mile and Salzedo. We can finally have their cinnamon swirl pancakes again. $$ 301 Miracle Mile 786.864.1220

Eating House

Pre-coronavirus, Eating House didn’t have any outdoor seating, so they made their own. Now there are three tables and a tent where two parking spots used to be. They get an A for effort. $$ 804 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.448.6524

Seasons 52

The restaurant itself is massive –especially for a space on Miracle Mile – which means they have plenty of sidewalk real estate. Their desserts alone are worth the visit. $$ 321 Miracle Mile 305.442.8552

Sports Grill

Now you can enjoy those famous Sports Grill special grilled wings without the fear of catching COVID. Outdoor seating both in front and along the alleyway. $ 1559 Sunset Dr. 305.668.0396

Tap 42

The outdoor scene at Tap 42 hasn’t changed a whole lot. The booths already have a high back that separates diners from each other. We’re just happy that the brunch scene is alive and well. $$ 301 Giralda Ave. 786.391.1566

The Globe

Plenty of tables on Alhambra Circle. The Globe always keeps their doors open, so you can sit inside and enjoy the cooler air while munching on their incomparable conch fritters and their famous Globe salad. $ - $$ 377 Alhambra Circle 305.455.3555

The Local

Plenty of shaded seating on Giralda Plaza where you can enjoy their downhome cooking, though we wonder what has happened to their fried chicken. Stick with the warm spinach salad. $$ 150 Giralda Ave. 305.648.5687

Titanic Restaurant and Brewery

The brewery/restaurant down the street from the University of Mi- ami has teamed up with the university to create outdoor seating in a park-like setting adjacent to the parking lot behind the restaurant. $ - $$ 5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.667.2537

Yard House

The Shops at Merrick Park is a haven for outdoor dining. Even with six feet between tables, all restaurants here have enough space to still seat upwards of a dozen parties on their outdoor patios. $-$$ 320 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.9273

ASIAN

Benihana

The national chain now has seating on Miracle Mile. It’s not the same as sitting around the grill trying to catch veggies in your mouth, but at least we can still have their hibachi steak. $$ 242 Miracle Mile 305.567.2000

Canton Chinese

The only sit-down Chinese restaurant in the Gables now has outdoor seating on Ponce. Their fried rice, lo mein and sweet and sour chicken is just the comfort food we need right now. $$ 2614 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.448.3736

Ichimi

This off-Mile eatery has developed a cult following for its Japanese noodles and rice bowls. Now it has a couple of tables outside. Wish there were more! $-$$ 2330 Salzedo St. 305.960.7016

Izakaya

Across from the Colonnade hotel on Aragon, Izakaya is a must for lunch, with lots of excellent specials and the best bento box around. Now they have a few outdoor tables, too. $ 159 Aragon Ave. 305.445.2584

Kao Sushi & Grill

This Miracle Mile eatery has a plethora of tables outside, from tables out on the sidewalk to the entrance-way alcove. Amazing deals right now on rolls and their chaufa fried rice. $$ 127 Miracle Mile 786.864.1212

Lotus Garden

Great Thai food at a great price. They now have outdoor dining options on the expanded sidewalk of Miracle Mile. $ 318 Miracle Mile 305.446.2360

Malakor Thai Isaan

Malakor prides itself on authentic, tasty Thai food. That means pork skewers with sticky rice, or Gang Aom, a Thai curry with fish sauce and herbs. Great pad Thai. Now they have tables on the Mile. $$ 90 Miracle Mile 786.558.4862

Miss Saigon

Being on Giralda Plaza, Miss Saigon has plenty of seating for excellent, healthy Vietnamese fare. You can’t beat their special pho or their fried seafood rolls. A favorite in the Gables, not long ago voted best restaurant in Miami-Dade. $$ 148 Giralda Ave. 305.446.8006

Mint Leaf

Their al fresco eating in the alcove could only accommodate six people with three two-person tables. Now they have added more for their south Indian cuisine. $$ 276 Alhambra Circle 305.443.3739

Moon Thai

With lots of tables and an umbrella at each, this is a great spot to eat outside if you don’t mind the noise from U.S. 1. Highly recommend their Japanese house salad (who doesn’t love ginger dressing?) and anything duck. $ - $$ 1118 S. Dixie Hwy. 305.668.9890

Sakura

This Japanese restaurant on U.S. 1 has expanded into the great outdoors – meaning their parking lot out back. Great lunch specials like a salad, gyoza, noodles, a California roll and shrimp tempura for $12.95. $$ 440 S. Dixie Hwy. 305.665.7020

Sawa Restaurant & Lounge

The Shops at Merrick Park is a haven for outdoor dining, with lots of tables where you can enjoy Sawa’s parallel Lebanese-Japanese menu. Daily fresh hummus and inventive rolls. $$-$$$ 360 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.6555

Sushi Maki

You can sit al fresco in the patio area on the corner of Ponce and Aragon, or on the sidewalk on Ponce. We prefer the patio because when it comes to sitting outside in the summertime, shade is a must. $-$$ 2334 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.443.1884

Taste Buds of India

We love Taste Buds of India because of its all-you-can eat luncheon for $15, which changes daily. Its bright, pleasant space has tables out front. $$ 2624 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.483.8379

French

Brasserie Central

This little slice of Parisian bistro is a tad pricey but top quality. Plus, in addition to seating in the vast Shops at Merrick Park courtyard, they have more tables in the San Lorenzo Avenue underpass for when the rain comes. $$$ 320 San Lorenzo Ave. 786.536.9388

Chocolate Fashion

This tiny but delightful French bakery café on Valencia now has a handful of tables outside, spreading onto the parking space streetside. Great place for breakfast, with excellent baked goods. $$ 248 Andalusia Ave. 305.461.3200.

Pascal’s on Ponce

Pascal’s is the culinary canvas of owner-chef Pascal Oudin, who brings authentic and exquisite French cuisine to the heart of the city. His tables on Ponce have now expanded, to let you enjoy it all al fresco. $$$-$$$$ 2611 Ponce de Leon Bvld. 305.444.2024

Stephanie’s Crepes

Small, charming house of innovative crepes for a late breakfast, lunch or dinner. Also, fresh and healthy smoothies. Three tables are set up outside under a shady tree and lit up at night. Doesn’t open until 10 am, and closed Monday and Tuesday, but stays open until midnight Tues.-Sun. $ 2423 Galiano St. 786.636.8939

Italian

Amore

Small, sweet Italian spot on Miracle Mile, with a half dozen tables outside. A wide ranging selectin of pastas, including linguini vongole, pumpkin and lobster ravioli and fagottini de pera. Nice service, good house wines. $$ 94 Miracle Mile. 305.200.3216

Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza

Big pies and lots of seating at tables on the corner of Ponce and Almeria. Their specialty: Pies cooked at 900 degrees, so they are a little charred at the edges. $-$$ 2626 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.456.9200.

Caffe Abbracci

Nino Pernetti’s Italian restaurant is both a power lunch favorite for the business elite and an evening gathering place for families and couples. Now it has a few tables on Aragon for outdoor dining. $$$ 318 Aragon Ave. 305.441.0700

Caffe Italia

Enjoy homemade pastas and other Italian cuisine, along with a hearty wine list, now served on their outdoor “patio” on 8th Street. $$ 3800 SW 8th St. 305.443.8122

Cibo Wine Bar

This Miracle Mile establishment now offers outdoor patio dining. A great setting to sip vino from their extensive wine menu. And the Gigli pasta is a must-have. $$$ 45 Miracle Mile 305.442.4925

Forno’s

Maybe the best pizza in the Gables – super flavorful, with a thin, crisp crust. Last time we checked they were only making personal pizzas, but we’ll take them, with a couple of tables outside. $-$$ 1403 Sunset Dr. 305.661.3964

Fiola

This upscale Italian restaurant offers intimate al fresco dining with tables tucked away on the side of the building facing San Ignacio Avenue. Perfect for date night and special occasions. Expensive but brilliant cuisine. $$$$ 1500 San Ignacio Avenue 305.912.2639

Portosole

The latest entry in the battle for Italian food lovers in downtown Gables, started by former staff of

Zucca. With glass walls opening onto Ponce, there is now plenty of seating at this elegant new North Italian eatery. 2530 Ponce de Leon Blvd. $$$ 786.359.4275

Salumeria 104

Another restaurant that has plenty of outdoor dining options. You can sit underneath the overhang or right on the street to enjoy the best shaved Italian meats in town. $-$$ 117 Miracle Mile 305.640.5547

Terre del Sapore

We love eating here (seriously, they have some of the best pizza in the city), and their small outdoor presence has expanded. Still, come in the evening when its cooler. $$ 246 Giralda Ave. 786.870.5955

Villagio

One of the most popular Italian restaurants in town, with lots of outdoor seating in the Shops at Merrick Park courtyard and down the “tunnel” of San Lorenzo Ave. Surprisingly good apple pie dessert. $$-$$$ 358 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.8144

LATIN & SOUTH AMERICAN

Buenos Aires Bistro

Every table has wide, cushioned chairs and couches, under the arches of the Colonnade building. Perfect for relaxing with a cocktail, or dining on Argentine grill or healthy quinoa and salmon bowl. $$ - $$$ 180 Aragon Ave. 786.409.5121

Caja Caliente

Prior to COVID, Caja didn’t have any tables outside. Now they set up three with two chairs at each. So, not a ton of seating, but their $4 lechon tacos on Tuesdays make up for it. $ 808 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.431.1947

Calle 23

We’re excited to have another hangout that will draw the Millenial crowd to the Gables with neon signs and happy hour deals. Owned by the same people Copper 29, with high tops out on the sidewalk and a lounge by the entrance. $-$$ 230 Miracle Mile 786.325.3474

Divino Ceviche

Divino takes ceviche to another level, along with lots of other authentic Peruvian foods and beer. Add to that their cluster of tables

Dining Guide

under umbrellas on Giralda Plaza for a winning formula. $$ 160 Giralda Ave. 786.360.3775

El Porteño

Great Argentine food, great wine and an awesome cheese board. Now you can enjoy it outside. $$ 271 Miracle Mile. 786.534.8888

Graziano’s Market

This gourmet Argentine deli and restaurant (with a great wine collection) has plenty of outdoor seating at high tops under the arches along Galiano, with signs indicating which ones have been sanitized. $-$$ 2301 Galiano St. 305.460.0001

Havana Harry’s

This restaurant with a cult following now has outdoor seating, and lots of it – some 20 tables under the big tent and umbrellas. Indulge in croquetas, ropa vieja and tres leches while also following CDC guidelines. $-$$ 4612 S. Le Jeune Rd. 305.661.2622

La Taberna Giralda

Only a few tables out front on the sidewalk, but they have a spacious courtyard out back. From tapas, to paella to their Spanish wine collection, there isn’t a bad item on the menu. $$ 254 Giralda Ave. 786.362.5677

Punto Criollo

Incredibly authentic Venezuelan cuisine. The arepas las gaiteras and the pechuga al grill are standout items on the menu, plus wonderful Ajiaco soup (corn, chicken, potatoes, milk, celery).Expanded into the street on Andalusia. $ 262 Andalusia Ave. 786.599.7117

Talavera Cocina Mexicana

The only Mexican restaurant in Coral Gables also happens to be its best with plenty of seating on Giralda Plaza. All your Mexican favorites plus some off-beat authentic dishes, like iguana soup. $-$$ 2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2955

Wood Label Bistro

Sweet, small café down from the Sports Grill on Sunset, Wood Label serves Argentine, Cuban and Spanish food at their few alcove outside tables. The best empanadas anywhere. $$ 1573 Sunset Dr. 786.773.2394

Seafood

Gringo’s Oyster Bar

Fresh seafood with the freshest and tastiest oysters you will find anywhere (as they should be at $3 each). Also great lobster rolls. A long alleyway on the side of the restaurant, with overhead fans, lets you enjoy outdoors. $$ - $$$ 1549 Sunset Dr. 305.284.9989.

Mesa Mar Seafood Table

Is this the best seafood place in the Gables? Their customers think so, with super fresh local fish that is heightened by a delicious, inventive overlay of oriental and Latin flavors. $$$ 264 Giralda Ave. 305.640.8448.

Sea Grill

Tucked away in a corner of the courtyard at Shops at Merrick Park, plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy Greek style seafood flown in from the Agean. $$$-$$$$ 4250 Salzedo St. 305.447.3990

SPANISH

Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant

They have a Miami Spice menu and their new al fresco seating on