Where to eat lunch in Coral Gables right now
The City Beautiful is indeed replete with restaurants and cafes dishing up cuisine spanning from Japan to the Caribbean and good ol’ American comfort food. Whether you want to impress clients with the proper power lunch, hit up the latest hot spot, save a buck or simply eat clean for your mid-day meal, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here.
What’s Hot
Tap 42
May saw the Miami opening of Fort Lauderdale’s popular Tap 42 in the heart of Coral Gables. Now Gableites can enjoy a gastropub menu in the middle of their work day. Get your co-workers together and start off with short rib beef sliders, then move on to whatever will get you through the rest of the work day: a falafel veggie burger, grilled salmon zen bowl, or maybe some crispy tostones.
301 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables; 786-391-1566
Ichimi Ramen
At Ichimi Ramen, this still-new Japanese restaurant, features contemporary twists on ramen, plus delicacies like pork belly buns with ginger confit, crispy pig ears, and scallion pancakes with yuzu cream sauce. Opt for the bento box lunch featuring gyoza, salad, ramen, and Japanese pickles.
2330 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables; 305-960-7016
Ms Cheezious
Locals love the Ms Cheezious food truck. It was one of the first on the scene and has delighted cheese-lovers with incredible, gooey, flavorful sandwiches for years. Now they’ve got their second brick-and-mortar store in the Gables with ample air-conditioned space to indulge in all of your favorites: the grilled blue-and-bacon, BBQ tempeh melt, the goat cheese and prosciutto, the list goes on. Add a cup of soup, a side of mac n cheese, and a pastelito milkshake for the most epic lunch ever.
1915 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables;
Healthy Spots
Green Gables Cafe
This staple of the Gables has been nourishing locals with purely organic meals for nearly a decade. Walk through the bright-green door at Green Gables Cafe and you’ll be met by kind staff, affordable prices, and meals you’ll never regret. The Green Gables Burger (a black-bean veggie patty with sweet potato fries) is always a hit and washes down perfectly with Spicy Apple Juice.
327 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables; 305-445-7015
My Ceviche
What began as a take-out window on South Beach has flourished into a popular spot for ceviche and other fresh delights with locations in Brickell, Midtown, South Miami and now, Coral Gables. You’ll want to come here first and foremost for the ceviche, always served with a side of lime-spiced popcorn for a welcome twist to the lunch doldrums. Vegans and omnivores alike will find plenty of options at My Ceviche, including crunchy salads and filling burrito bowls.
232 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 786-409-7329
Green Berry
Green Berry is where you go when you’re craving classic healthy fare. It’s where the Gables’ fit-and-trim go for a quick post-workout lunch just before heading back to the office. On the menu at this compact health eatery are smoothies with names like Muscle Madness and Protein Cycle; wraps and salads in Asian, Mexican, Greek and other varieties; platters with quinoa or brown rice; even empanadas (because a little indulgence doesn’t hurt).
305 Alcazar Avenue #1, Coral Gables;
Power Lunch
Ortanique on the Mile
Folks come to Ortanique for two things: an ambiance that is certain to impress and a cuisine unlike any other. Bring your business and your appetite to this Miracle Mile restaurant and enjoy entrees like West Indian Style Bouillabaisse and Jerk Chicken Penne Pasta. Or better yet, opt for the Taste of the Sun prix fixe menu (just $20 for two courses and $25 for three).
278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305-446-7710
Swine Southern Table and Bar
Swine Southern Table and Bar (pictured at top) is a popular spot for working lunches in the Gables, and there’s good reason for it: the food is impeccable, service swift, and it has an atmosphere that’s trendy yet relaxed–ideal for young professionals. Their lunch menu includes a smoked brisket po’boy, kale salad, and low and slow duroc ribs.
2415 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 786-360-6433
Cheap Eats
Chandler’s Place
For an inexpensive, off-the-beaten path lunch, there’s no better spot in the Gables than Chandler’s Place. Peruse the menu before getting in line as service here is quick and most regulars already know what they want. Sandwiches, salads, and a rotating selection of hot meals are on the menu. For $10 or less, you can have a well-rounded meal in a matter of minutes.
166 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables; 305-444-1121
Pummarola Pastificio and Pizzeria
When eating on a budget, pizza is usually a good option, and one of the best in the Gables can be found at Pummarola. Neapolitan-style pizzas topped with spicy salami, fresh basil, and even truffled mushroom cream can be purchased here for under $11 and various calzones plus pasta dishes like gnocchi alfredo and lasagna for under $10. Service is speedy, adding to its lunchtime appeal.
141 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables; 786-409-6866
This story was originally published July 11, 2016 at 1:07 AM.