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1. La Palme d'Or
1200 Anastasia Ave, Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables, FL 33134 · 305-913-3201
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| Avg. Entrée: |
$$$$$50+
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| Reservations: |
Required |
| Outdoor Dining: |
None |
CORAL GABLES. Surround yourself in luxury at this upscale French restaurant. First, soak up the glittering ambiance, full of polished crystal, crisp linens and gilt-lined mirrors. Then dive into the rich cuisine, which may include dishes such as lobster fricassee over linguine or chicken stuffed with foie gras. Wonderful wines and impeccable desserts complete this sophisticated yet unpretentious dining experience. Reservations required.
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CORAL GABLES. Nouvelle French cuisine served in a cozy, unpretentious setting – this is the forte of chef-owner Pascal Oudin's friendly little eatery, where Coral Gable sophisticates scramble to secure one of the handful of tables or, if nothing else, a stool at the small bar area. While decor may not dazzle, the menu sure will, especially when one factors in such delightful dishes as lobster bisque, crispy sea bass in a red wine reduction, veal rib-eye with endive, and steamed salmon with shrimp and scallops. Of course, desserts at such a place are always in order, and Pascal's clafoutis with fresh, dark cherries is nothing short of divine. Reservations are suggested, especially on the weekends.
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3. Blue Door
1685 Collins Ave, Delano Hotel, Miami Beach, FL 33139 · 305-674-6400
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SOUTH BEACH. This hyper-modern restaurant, with its sleek, chic interior, is considered command central for Miami's fabulous scene-makers. Housed inside the stylish Delano Hotel, the Blue Door boast an outdoor dining area that is in particular demand. Or diners can opt for space at the large communal table in the lobby of the hotel, a great vantage point for watching the who's-who traipse by – Madonna, Calvin Klein, and the like. If you aren't preoccupied by the scene, you'll enjoy great brunch dishes like Belgian malted waffles, salmon Benedict on toasted brioche or Blue Door Benedict on a toasted English muffin, served with Hollandaise and truffle carpaccio. Breakfast served daily. Reservations recommended.
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4. Le Provencal
382 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134-5820 · 305-448-8984
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CORAL GABLES. For a pleasing midday meal with all-out French flair, this pleasant bistro fits the bill. Meet friends or business associates for the fixed price lunch, which offers three fabulous courses for one reasonable price. The authentic French soups are a specialty, and fresh seafood is frequently featured as a special. Look for the fresh catch prepared with leeks, tomato, and garlic-infused olive oil. Nice wines and a romantic dining room sweep you away to the Champs-Elysees. Business casual attire.
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5. Les Halles
2415 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134 · 305-461-1099
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CORAL GABLES. Whether you are in the mood for beef, fowl, seafood or salad, you'll be satisfied at elegant, intimate Les Halles. This authentic bistro is always buzzing with activity, and the menu offers numerous unexpected pleasures. The grilled calamari is served with a flavorful ratatouille, and the steak au poivre is a perfectly prepared classic. The frites that accompany this dish are almost as excellent as the beef itself. The duck confit is an indulgent and flavorful choice, served atop a bed of salad frisse and garlic-infused baby potatoes. Speaking of salads, lighter appetites will find plenty of fresh choices on the lunch menu. Request the private balcony tables for a bird's-eye view.
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DOWNTOWN. This understated, romantic country bistro combines French and Italian cuisines with sublime results. Set away from the hustle of the city, the French-style former home is shielded by a grove of oaks, lending a woodsy, rustic feel. The menu offers a broad range of items, but seafood is the top choice for most patrons. Enjoy homemade pâté, sautéed scallops St. Jacques in creamy champagne sauce, or the always-excellent steak frites. The wine list includes superb French and international varietals. Reservations recommended.
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7. Tamara
1677 Collins Ave, The National Hotel, Miami Beach, FL 33139 · 305-532-2311
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SOUTH BEACH. Experience the color and flavor of France at Tamara. The menu takes traditional Continental cooking and applies a decidedly modern spin. Menu highlights include blackened grouper with tagliolini pasta, scallop and salmon dua and croissant chicken pot pie. Soak up the evocative Art Deco-style interior and enjoy a cocktail, particularly during happy hour, when Cosmopolitans are two for the price of one. At the adjoining cabaret bar, the D'Lounge, you'll find plush couches and live music. Valet parking: $12-$30.
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SOUTH BEACH. After a hard night of clubbing or bar-hopping, nothing's better than a hefty sandwich from this walk-up counter right off Collins Avenue. Crusty French bread is piled high with your choice of meats (from turkey and prosciutto to pâté and smoked salmon), cheeses and condiments. If you need a veggie fix, opt for a salad – all are generous, fresh and tasty. Smoothies and frozen yogurt satisfy sweet-tooth urgings, and prices are more than affordable. Expect a line, though, because the place attracts a crowd all day long.
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9. Michy's
6927 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL · 305-759-2001
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UPPER EAST SIDE. This snug little French-Med charmer on Biscayne is owned by Michelle Bernstein (she formerly headed Azul at the Mandarin Oriental). The space itself sports a certain sense of whimsey – the bold blue and orange hues of the walls, the Capiz-shell chandeliers, the kicky orange banquettes, and the assorted chairs, many of which look like they came from thrift stores or yard sales. The cuisine, meanwhile, reflects Bernstein's rich background, from her classical French training to her affinity for Southern, Latin, Italian and even Asian nuances. As you might expect, the results are simply magical. NB The place sits around 60, so reservations are a must.
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NORTH MIAMI. The name sums up the offerings quite nicely – the atmosphere is pure diner, but the cuisine is pure gourmet. The French favorites are skillfully prepared but low-priced, including classic dishes such as buttery escargot, châteaubriand, loin of lamb in herb crust, and creamy seafood au gratin. At lunchtime, the vinaigrette-topped salads are a customer favorite, and the special listed on the blackboard is sure to please. Whether you're by yourself or with a crowd, you'll enjoy the atmosphere, which recreates a dining car from the 1950s. Excellent wines and desserts like the custard fruit tart make this a first-class dining experience without the high prices.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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