Super 7: Coconut Grove Restaurants
Where tacos, veal cutlets, and donut burgers share the same zip code
Koko By Bakan
KoKo feels like the Grove’s modern side, always full of locals even on weeknights. From the cofounders of Peacock Garden and Jaguar Ceviche, it already feels like part of the neighborhood. The food leans refined with tacos on Oaxacan tortillas, lobster with chorizo, short rib mole, and whole snapper from the grill. The mezcal list runs deep and the cocktails are well made. And yes, it’s pup friendly.
Pro Tip: Grab a table on the patio and let the larger plates shine. @kokobybakan // 2856 Tigertail Avenue
Le Bouchon du Grove
This tiny Lyonnaise bistro has been pouring wine and serving duck confit for decades, and the locals never stopped coming. Is it cramped? Yes, but that’s half the charm. Because it’s French comfort food done straight: escargot, steak frites, cassoulet. You get the idea.
Pro Tip: Go mid-week and you’ll probably score a free glass of sparkling on arrival. And maybe even a magic show? I swear it’s happened to me before. @lebouchondugrove// 3430 Main Highway
Strada in the Grove
After closing in 2024, Strada returned across the street with a bigger patio, wraparound bar, and a menu that blends its pastas and risottos with Farinelli’s pizzas and antipasti. Favorites like burrata, cacio e pepe, and prosciutto and fig pizza make it clear why the comeback mattered.
Pro Tip: Order a mix of pasta, pizza, burrata, and something fried, then settle in with a frozen Negroni. @stradainthegrove // 3197 Commodore Plaza
Krüs Kitchen
Krüs sits above Los Félix and feels like the Grove’s calm escape. The menu changes often but stays rooted in local farms and seafood. Recent hits include cavatelli with clams, crudo with peach ponzu and nectarines, and smoked coconut rice with wild crab. Natural wines line the shelves, the room glows at sunset, and the pace is unhurried.
Pro Tip: Ask the staff what they love that night, they usually steer you right. @kruskitchen // 3413 Main Hwy
Ariete
Michael Beltran’s flagship always ambitious and a little fiery, which makes sense if you know the chef. The menu swings from kampachi crudo and oysters with uni butter to wagyu ribeye with ropa vieja agnolotti and a pressed duck for two that is still one of Miami’s best dishes.
Pro Tip: The tasting menu is the best way to experience it, but brunch gives you plenty without the full splurge. // 3540 Main Hwy // @arietecoconutgrove
Cotoletta
Cotoletta is all about veal Milanese. Literally. It’s even named after the dish. The $80 set menu for two comes with antipasti, the cutlet meant to share, and a couple of sides. The dining room is tiny, lined with family photos, and feels more like a neighborhood living room than a restaurant. It is simple, charming, and always a good call.
Pro Tip: Forget Resy, you have to call to get a table. @cotoletta.miami // 3206 Grand Ave
LoKal
LoKal has been Coconut Grove’s burger HQ since 2011, and the menu shows why. The Frita with guava jelly, potato stix, bacon, and Swiss is the classic order, but there’s also the half-beef, half-bacon Fidy-Fidy, the brie-and-apple Bababooey, and even fried gator strips on the side. The beer list leans Florida, the key lime pie wins awards, and the dogs get their own menu.
Pro Tip: This is one of the few places where ordering chili in Miami might… make sense? @lokalcoconutgrove // 3190 Commodore Plaza