Coconut Grove

Ariete, which has inadvertently put Coconut Grove on the culinary map, specializes in comfort food with a Cuban edge. The grilled oysters drenched in bone-marrow butter is the most indulgent interpretation of surf and turf we’ve ever seen. The interior can’t quite make up its mind—tiled walls against wooden floors, with industrial ceilings heavy with pipes. But the sunny patio brings the whole thing together, and the fritas (spiced burgers topped with crispy fried matchstick potatoes and wrapped in a Cuban roll) make us quickly forget any design quirks.

This favorite local coffee shop has three locations in Miami (Wynwood, Sunset Harbour, Coconut Grove), each one with a slightly different vibe. The Wynwood Panther, not surprisingly, has a hipster feel, and on a weekday you’re likely to find many locals sitting on the large outdoor patio or at the interior cafeteria-style tables, laptops out, quirky pop music playing in the background. The Sunset Harbour location feels a bit more industrial; it has a bigger interior and no outdoor garden. The Coconut Grove spot has the more upscale aesthetic, but still coolly so. Good cold brew, almond croissants, etc., whichever one you find yourself at.

For Bianco Gelato, quality is key. In addition to using 100 percent organic ingredients, they never use hydrogenated fats, GMOs, artificial ingredients, or chemicals. Their gelato is now sold in over 40 locations in Miami, and they also have dairy-free, low-fat, and low-sugar options, as well as specialty coffee and the yummiest almond milk lattes.

If you find yourself in Coconut Grove while you’re in Miami (perhaps post-farmers’ market), head to Peacock’s outdoor space, a large Charleston-esque garden set up with old-time patio furniture. The food is casual and easy—soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastas—the waiters are warm, and it’s very family-friendly (you’ll see kids running around). Take note: The cocktails (especially the guava martini) are wonderful.

Coconut Grove has a nice-size Saturday farmers’ market, not tiny but not overwhelming, with a wide, quality selection. Depending on the week, you might see a vegan Ethiopan stand, a kombucha stall, locally grown pickles, and, of course, lots of organic fruit and veggies. Photo: @carlachloe.