Coconut Grove’s Must-Try Restaurants for Food Enthusiasts
Where are the best restaurants in Coconut Grove?
The Miami neighborhood has quickly become one of South Florida’s hottest dining destinations. World-class chefs, waterfront views, and garden patios have created an experience that leaves foodies wanting more.
The problem is this…
Not every restaurant in Coconut Grove is worth your time or money. Some are tourist traps. Others are hidden gems that only locals know about.
This guide skips the drama and ranks the must-try restaurants in Coconut Grove.
Here’s what’s inside:
- The Top 7 Best Restaurants in Coconut Grove
- What makes each spot special
- Tips for getting the best experience possible
Why Coconut Grove is a Food Lover’s Paradise
Coconut Grove’s dining scene has evolved significantly over the past several years.
Local entrepreneurs and international restaurant groups alike have established a home in the Miami neighborhood. The result is a culinary mix of Cuban-American comfort food and everything from modern Portuguese seafood to Greek tavernas.
Florida’s full-service restaurant industry is estimated to generate approximately $28.7 billion in revenue. Coconut Grove is playing a leading role in that growth thanks to an expanding list of destination restaurants.
It’s time to take a closer look at the 7 best restaurants in Coconut Grove that are worthy of your time.
The 7 Best Restaurants in Coconut Grove
Bayshore Club
The best waterfront dining experience in Coconut Grove
Bayshore Club is an obvious choice for anyone visiting Coconut Grove. The restaurant is located on the water with uninterrupted views of Biscayne Bay and a marina setting you won’t find anywhere else.
It’s not just the ambiance that lands Bayshore Club on the number one spot on this list. The food and service are also top notch.
Bayshore Club menus and dining options feature fresh seafood, premium steaks, and craft cocktails to match.
Why does Bayshore Club stand out from the crowd?
First, there’s the location. Sitting on the waterfront with expansive views creates an unforgettable experience. But it’s the quality of the food and service that will keep you coming back for more.
Things to know about Bayshore Club in Coconut Grove:
- Unobstructed waterfront views of Biscayne Bay
- Sourced fresh and locally whenever possible
- Special occasion and casual dinners
- The happy hour is one of the best in the Grove
Take it from someone who has spent more than her fair share of time in Miami over the past decade. The ambiance at Bayshore Club is different. It’s one of those restaurants you tell friends and family about when they ask, “Where should we go in Coconut Grove?”
Glass & Vine
Miami’s only restaurant inside a park
A restaurant inside a park. Really?
Yes, it’s true. Miami has one and it’s located in Coconut Grove. Glass & Vine resides in Peacock Park. That means every seat is outdoors.
Diners eat under the shade of mature oak trees with a view of Biscayne Bay in the distance. Oh yeah. It’s also owned by James Beard-nominated Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli.
Menu dishes are influenced by Latin and European cuisines while staying rooted in a contemporary American style.
Expect to see dishes organized into Snacks, Garden, Sea, and Land categories.
Key takeaways on Glass & Vine in Coconut Grove:
- 150-seat garden patio setting
- Family and pet-friendly
- Weekend brunch can get busy for good reason
- Craft cocktails are made to order
Chug’s Diner
Cuban-American comfort food done right
Have you ever heard of a Michelin Bib Gourmand?
This is a recognition that’s given to restaurants that offer great value. Chug’s in Coconut Grove earned a Bib Gourmand distinction thanks to Chef Michael Beltran.
The Cuban-American diner features an all-day breakfast menu that gets locals back for more.
Many of them can’t get enough of “La Completa” or the cast-iron pancake that comes with three eggs and smoked cheddar.
Croquetas are some of the best in Miami.
Here’s what to know about Chug’s in Coconut Grove:
- Grab-and-go counter is perfect for those in a hurry
- Bacon, egg, and cheese croqueta is amazing with a cafecito
- Sip local craft beers from Greely Brothers Brewing Company
Greenstreet Café
The Grove’s people-watching institution
Greenstreet has been a mainstay in Coconut Grove for as long as anyone can remember.
The restaurant has become known as a people-watching institution with an outdoor patio that overlooks Main Highway. That’s right in the middle of a lot of action in the Grove.
Greenstreet works well for all occasions. Dinner with friends. Late night drinks. Weekend brunch.
People return year after year because of the consistency.
The menu at Greenstreet covers all the bases without getting too complicated. Excellent burgers. Fresh salads. Dependable cocktails.
Key takeaways for Greenstreet in Coconut Grove:
- Neighborhood staple for decades
- Outdoor patio on Main Highway
- Ideal for people-watching
- Reliable options for burgers, salads, cocktails, etc.
Lokal
Restaurant with a focus on local ingredients and craft beer
One of the most underrated restaurants in the Grove is Lokal.
Owner Matt Kuscher has become a champion for local ingredients and craft beer in Coconut Grove and beyond. The restaurant has been a constant since opening on Commodore Plaza in 2011.
Lokal has seen restaurants come and go over the years. The secret to Kuscher’s success is focusing on doing one thing and doing it well.
Miami Food Pug described the burgers at Lokal as one of the best in all of Miami. And that’s saying a lot given the competition.
Key takeaways on Lokal in Coconut Grove:
- One of the most underrated restaurants in the Grove
- Opened on Commodore Plaza in 2011
- Focused on local ingredients and craft beer
- Burger often cited as one of the best in Miami
Le Bouchon du Grove
Bring some French bistro charm to Coconut Grove
The Grove’s restaurants and bars have been through many boom-and-bust cycles over the years.
So when you find an establishment that has been around for a while, it’s usually a sign you should check it out.
Enter Le Bouchon du Grove. The restaurant is best known for its authentic French bistro charm.
Chef/owner Nicholas Carr brought a slice of Paris to Coconut Grove.
Whether you’re there for dinner or drinks, the romantic atmosphere of Le Bouchon is perfect for date nights.
Cotoletta
The new Italian restaurant in Coconut Grove is making waves
Miami New Times named Cotoletta one of the biggest restaurant openings of 2024. Of course, this was a post we immediately had to share.
The thing about Cotoletta is the focus. Chef/owner Rafa Taulan is serving just one main dish: veal Milanese.
Miami New Times described Cotoletta’s cozy space and focused menu as part of the restaurant’s charm.
Dining in Coconut Grove Tips
Make reservations whenever possible.
Especially on weekends, the best restaurants in Coconut Grove book up fast. Call ahead or use apps to make reservations so you don’t miss out.
Parking logistics:
Parking in the Grove can be tricky. If it’s available at the restaurant you’re going to, valet can be a great option. CocoWalk Garage is one of the central parking spots in Coconut Grove.
Time your visit wisely.
Try early dinners around 6 PM if you want to avoid the crowds. Or snag late reservations after 8:30 PM if you don’t mind waiting for a quieter setting.
Bringing It All Together
The restaurants in Coconut Grove have something for every taste and occasion.
Waterfront fine dining. Casual neighborhood spots. The Grove delivers the kind of experiences that are living up to its reputation as one of Miami’s best neighborhoods.
The bottom line:
Restaurants that make this list of the best in Coconut Grove have a few things in common. They care about the quality of their ingredients. They work hard to create a memorable atmosphere. They know how to consistently deliver an experience that’s worth returning to again and again.
Start with Bayshore Club for that waterfront experience you’ll love. Glass & Vine will give you a garden dining experience unlike any other in Miami. Then make your way through the rest of the list.
Every restaurant earned its place. Now it’s time to go taste for yourself why Coconut Grove is a destination foodies don’t want to miss.