Update: We know it’s that time of year for shopping! While checking out the boutiques in Coconut Grove, also take some time to dine at one of these fabulous little Coconut Grove restaurants.
Coconut Grove is one of Miami’s iconic little neighborhoods with a long history of a unique culture. Locals will tell you it’s worth a visit to this part of town to experience the lush landscaping, waterside views, and cozy but energetic vibes of one of the Magic City’s greatest gems.
Between Grand Avenue, Main Highway, and Bayshore Drive just off of the beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay, there is an abundance of adorable spots to eat, drink, and shop in this very comfortable and walkable part of town.
One of the greatest features of Coconut Grove for foodies and wine-os is the diversity of cuisine available. With everything from Argentine lomo to a Greek Kalamaki Souvlaki platter, Coconut Grove restaurants offer a whole world of dining.
Here are just five examples of fantastic restaurants where you can eat & drink (wine) around the world in Coconut Grove.
Coconut Grove Restaurants
Meraki Greek Bistro (Greece)
From the second you step into this charming Greek bistro, you know you’ll enjoy an evening of feeling like you’re worlds away sipping Assyrtiko on the shores of Santorini. You can choose to sit inside, outside on the Main Hwy sidewalk, or down the alley that leads to the Aegean-inspired terrace. At Meraki, enjoy traditional Greek dishes like lamb kabobs, “Biftekia,” or plenty of seafood options like Creta seafood with pasta or rice. Before settling into your main course, you must order the incredible honey & sesame cheese puffs, which are triangle-shaped filo puffs stuffed with sesame feta and drizzled with finger-licking honey.
When it comes to wine, Meraki has a great selection of Greek favorites by the glass or bottle. Whether your mouth waters for Assyrtiko or you crave Xinomavro, you can find a bottle on the list that will transport you to another place–Greece! Look for the skin contact options, too. Several selections exist to taste the pink-skinned Roditis grape in wines from various producers. Don’t leave before you try one of the dessert wines like the Mavrodaphne from Patras or the St. John Commandaria from Cyprus.
3462 Main Highway
Loretta and the Butcher (Argentina)
Meat and wine lovers know it’s really hard to beat a juicy lomo and a glass of Malbec. If you’ve ever been to Argentina, you’ve surely experienced this perfect combination at many meals. When you visit Loretta and the Butcher on Commodore Plaza in the heart of Coconut Grove, you may as well be transported to Buenos Aires. In fact, if you visit this restaurant on a day when Argentina is playing soccer, you will really enjoy an authentic experience with the game broadcast on the wall for all to cheer for the home team.
As expected, the list of meats available is plentiful, with a cut to satisfy every beef lover. Empanadas, pulpo, Provoleta, and an assortment of veggies, potatoes, and chorizo are also on the menu here.
The wine list is full of delicious wines produced in a wide range of regions across Argentina from Salta in the north to Patagonia way down south. You’ll find Malbec, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Torrontés and more. Look for excellent wines from the Durigutti Family such as Proyecto Las Compuertas ‘Cinco Suelos‘ Malbec. Also on the list is the sought-after Domaine Nico Pinot Noir, and Paul Hobbs’ Cocodrilo Cabernet blend from Viña Cobos. All are perfect options for this very flavorful Argentine meal.
3195 Commodore Plaza
Los Félix (Mexico)
Los Félix is a concept by Grassfed Culture hospitality group that is a relative newcomer to the Grove opening in September 2021. The restaurant is a love letter to the fine and nearly extinct traditions that make up authentic Mexican cuisine. Here, the focus is on crafting traditional Mexican fare, using the finest heirloom corn and Milpa farming techniques to create the ultimate Mexican-styled eatery. Dishes include homemade Mexican tacos and quesadillas hand-crafted on the restaurant’s molino – traditional tortilla mill – aguas frescas, and a mix of seasonal dishes paired with natural wines and craft beers.
The natural wine list is extensive and includes wines by the glass or bottle. Though the list changes periodically, you can find popular low-intervention producers such as Berkeley’s Donkey & Goat on a regular basis. Look for interesting takes on sparkling wine like Chile’s Trapi del Bueno Riesling/Chardonnay blend traditional method sparkling. You can also get your fix of European wines like Flavia “Etna Bianco” or Bodegas Marenas “Cerro Encinas” Monastrell.
It’s also worth noting that the Michelin Guide awarded this Coconut Grove restaurant with a coveted star in 2022.
3413 Main Highway
Le Bouchon du Grove (France)
This iconic French bistro takes its cues from the cuisine of Lyon, mixed with a bit of South Florida inspiration. Le Bouchon has certainly been a favorite Coconut Grove restaurant for many years across generations and cultures. Step inside this tiny spot off of Main Highway for a taste of France as you experience an extremely cozy ambiance. Dine on a mouthwatering menu that is 90% gluten-free (if that is your thing).
Here you can enjoy exquisite French favorites likes Escargots en Persillade, Foie Gras, and traditional Boeuf Bourguignon. Le Bouchon also serves breakfast and lunch with an option to have French basics like petit déjeuner Français or Croque Monsieur, plus much more. Don’t miss out on the mussels with white wine sauce and French fries at any meal! This dish is mandatory eating!
The wine list is sectioned out by French region, making it easy to discover exactly what you are looking for depending on your mood or meal. From Chablis to Sancerre and Muscadet, finding a glass or bottle of delicious French white wine isn’t a chore. Fancy a red? Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley are well represented, with a few others (Brouilly, Corsica) popping up. Whichever bottle you choose will surely complete the picture of a perfect night out in Coconut Grove’s version of France.
3430 Main Highway
Sapore di Mare (Italy)
Sapore di Mare is another fantastic European escape located in the Grove. The quaint interior of the restaurant is designed as if it were a boat, with the typical colors of Capri and the Amalfi Coast. As soon as you walk inside, it feels as if you could be somewhere on the Italian Mediterranean eating fresh fish and pasta overlooking the sea. Out in the back, past the tiny but mighty kitchen is a small courtyard with just a few seats in what is one of Miami’s most famous little dining treasures. Anyone who has the opportunity to sit on the patio knows how special of an experience it truly is.
Though the menu is seafood-based and has many wonderful fish dishes, the most famous item to order cannot be found in writing. If you so desire, make sure to ask for the cacio e pepe, which is served fresh tableside after being stirred in a parmesan bowl. This is one of Miami’s best off-menu secrets.
When it comes to wine, you will find many of Italy’s top regions represented on the list. From Franciacorta to Chianti, over to Marche, and down to Puglia, there is something for every Italian wine tastebud. Many of the wines, such as the Tenuta Agostinetto Vermentino DOCG or the Due Palme Malvasia Bianco IGT are listed as “biologically organic.” Look for favorites like Chianti Classico or try something different like a Negroamaro from Puglia or Nero d’Avola from Sicily. No matter which food & wine combination you choose, one thing is for certain — you will enjoy every minute of your meal at this Italian seaside restaurant in Coconut Grove.
3111 Grand Avenue
For more Miami restaurants with great wine lists, visit our Dining section.