While South Beach may be the ultimate Miami destination for nights out, some of the city’s most integral players call Coral Gables and South Miami home. And with both areas rich in history and charm, we thought we’d highlight exactly what makes Coral Gables and South Miami haute.
Best Shopping
Sunset Drive
Sunset Drive between South
Dixie Highway and 57th Avenue
Miami, FL 33143
Spanning prime South Miami real estate, Sunset Drive is home to some of the best boutique shopping destinations in the city, including high-end stores like Capretto Shoes, Jenna White and Studio LX. Make it an afternoon and have lunch at one of the many acclaimed restaurants in the area and treat yourself to something special.
Village of Merrick Park
358 San Lorenzo Ave
Coral Gables, Florida 33146
305-529-0200
From H.Stern and Tourneau to Gucci and Neiman Marcus, the Village of Merrick Park is home to top luxury brands in fashion, jewelry and beyond. The mall’s culinary reputation is equally impressive, with restaurants such as Mariposa, Villagio and Sawa Restaurant & Lounge constantly packed with shoppers and international patrons.
Best Gym
Body & Soul
3183 SW 38th Court
Miami, FL 33146
305-441-2348
The newly-reopened Body & Soul gym is back, “bigger, better and stronger” than ever before. The allin- one fitness facility is best known for its highly-attended Videosync and cycling classes. Stop in for a full-body workout and leave with a more toned physique and possibly some new threads from the gym’s in-house boutique, Tina B.
Best Restaurant
Palme d’Or
1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral
Gables, FL 33134, 305-913-3201
Situated inside one of the most iconic properties in Coral Gables, Palme d’Or at the Biltmore Hotel brings French flavor to Miami. The restaurant features an award-winning international wine list and an array of culinary choices ranging from foie gras terrines to select meat and vegetarian options.
Caffe Abbracci
318 Aragon Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-441-0700
A quaint Italian eatery founded by Nino Pernetti, Caffe Abbracci has earned the coveted AAA Five Diamond accolade for consistently serving its local clientele mouthwatering Italian cuisine in an intimate environment. Some of the best items on the menu are the Tortellini Tatiana, Veal Milanesa and the Shrimp Balsamic, an item off the menu that only insiders know to order. You can thank us later.
Best Hotel
Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral
Gables, FL 33134, 305-445-1926
The opulent Biltmore Hotel is a landmark in the city of Coral Gables, boasting 150 acres of flawless landscapes. The luxurious golf and spa resort features an 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course, 10 tennis courts and a grandiose swimming pool with private cabanas.
Best Spa
Elemis
330 San Lorenzo
Drive, Suite 2345
Coral Gables, FL 33146
305-774-7171
Since its inception in the United Kingdom, Elemis spas have made their way to the U.S., and into the heart of Coral Gables. The spa offers an aromatherapy lifestyle through services including the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial and Reflexology treatment.
Best Sunday Brunch
Sunday Champagne Brunch at Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral
Gables, FL 33134, 305-445-1926
Hailed as one of the most lavish destinations in the city, the Biltmore Hotel’s Champagne Brunch is offered every Sunday in a stunning courtyard setting. The over-the-top buffet includes everything from caviar to carved meats, pastas, sushi and more.
Best Lunch Spot
Hillstone
201 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-529-0141
Since 1976, Hillstone restaurants nationwide have become a favorite dining destination amongst the most particular restaurant patrons. Expect a wait, however, as Hillstone’s Coral Gables outpost is one of the hautest lunch spots in the area. Go for Spinach and Artichoke Dip, a Coconut Shrimp Roll or the Grilled Chicken Salad, we promise you’ll be satisfied.
Whisk
7382 SW 56th Avenue
South Miami, FL 33143
786-268-8350
This gourmet eatery uses quality, seasonally local and organic ingredients to create innovative trademark dishes. Recently awarded the Chef’s Choice Award at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival Burger Bash, the restaurant features an array of daily specials in addition to must-try items on their regular menu, including the Bacon-wrapped Dates, Homemade Corn Bread and the Spicy Seared Beef. We suggest stopping in for lunch on a Friday, when the restaurant serves their weekly burger creation.
Best Kept Secret
The Showroom
5804 Sunset Drive
Miami, FL 33143
305-668-4485
As South Miami’s onestop- shop for all things indulgent, The Showroom is the brainchild of wellheeled ladies Sylvie Kruger, Lidia Pefaur, Hanic Arias and Marilyn Sanchez. The Showroom hosts daily trunk shows for VIP clients, offering the best in beauty styling, luxury exotic skin handbags by Hunting Season and one-of-a-kind jewelry by Thousand Jewels.
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