5 restaurants in Coconut Grove, Miami

While soaking in some sun on South Beach and getting “cafecitos” in Little Havana are a must for anyone visiting Miami, it is also nice to go to some spots that only locals know. It feels as if you’ve discovered a valuable secret, or a long-lost treasure. As the greenest area in Miami, and very centrally located, Coconut Grove is a famous neighbourhood to the locals, but it gets a lot less hype online.

Long ago considered the place to be, then not, then again: the popularity of this area comes and goes like the waves on Biscayne Bay. However, the locals don’t care and still go out on a quiet night to enjoy dining al fresco at many of the restaurants that have withstood the fickle test of time. There is no shortage of great restaurants in Coconut Grove, but below are a few places that are a must.

Greenstreet Café
This café is a gold standard for outdoor dining and people watching. Come in early for happy hour and sit on red velvet rococo sofas and watch the people float by before your meal. This restaurant has been there for over 31 years and still manages to draw a crowd on Friday nights and hefty wait times for brunch. As if this classic café needed another reason for us to praise it, it is open early for breakfast, and stays open till late into the evening. The menu ranges from delicious pancakes and brunch fare to trendy appetisers and exquisite pasta dishes.

Le Bouchon du Grove
Another staple in the neighbourhood that has been around for as long as any local can remember. This charming little bistro makes you feel as if you are dining in a tiny, cosy street in Lyon on a summer day. Everything on this menu is made with love, by people who couldn’t love French cuisine more. Make sure to order a tall glass of champagne as you gaze through the open French doors, as the cool ocean breeze rustles through the canopy of banyan trees, palms, and bougainvillea plants.

Bombay Darbar
For any fans of delicious and authentic Indian Cuisine, Bombay Darbar is a must. This restaurant began as a tiny mom-and-pop restaurant years ago now boasts a much larger location in the Grove as well as another location in Fort Lauderdale. While the atmosphere might be a bit brighter and more roomy, the mouth melting food is still the beating heart of the restaurant. There really isn’t a wrong choice when deciding which dish to order on the menu, which is quite large.

Peacock Garden
The atmosphere at Peacock Garden is something to be seen. With giant French doors leading out to a splendid courtyard, bathtubs filled with flowers, lush green canopies and chic white tablecloths, one instantly gets the feeling that they are in some place special. Sit in this magical garden and sip on a mint julep as you wait for your meal. The menu is pretty varied, with great seafood, casual appetizers, pastas, and a great steak or two. It’s no wonder this place is as popular as it is.

The Lokal/Vicky’s House
When it comes to a good burger, many locals will fight over who has the best one. But the Lokal is definitely on everyone’s radar, and it’s closeness to perfection can’t be argued with. With a casual atmosphere, and a great beer list, it is easy to see why this place is so popular. And despite the laid-back atmosphere, their philosophy is to be environmentally responsible. With names inspired by its city, such as the “Miami Heat”, and selling local Florida beers, this neighbourhood staple makes sure it sources locally. If this wasn’t reason enough to stop by, they also have a not so secret milkshake spot next door. Each milkshake at this speak easy is a work of art, and is inspired by the 1980s, the interior was designed to look like the owner’s childhood kitchen.

Getting your ESTA application sorted out

If reading this got you in the mood for a trip to Miami, good news! The US government has announced it will be welcoming tourists again from November 2021. Just make sure your have the right travel authorization for your trip. Generally, this means submitting an ESTA application or going to the embassy to apply for a visa. Notice how you don’t need to go to the embassy for an ESTA? That’s because an ESTA application is submitted entirely online. You simply fill in the form, make the payment and wait for the ESTA to be approved. Keep in mind that an ESTA is not a piece of paper you can print. An ESTA is electronically linked to your passport. All you need to show at the airport is your passport.