CITY SNAPSHOTS | COCONUT GROVE MIAMI
When I crave the beauty of Miami without the thrum of its party pulse, I retreat to Coconut Grove — known simply, amongst locals, as The Grove. This leafy enclave, nestled along the shimmering curve of Biscayne Bay, is an idyllic escape — without having to venture too far from city life. It’s walkable, low-key, lush, cocooned beneath a canopy of ancient banyans and swaying palms — blissfully unbothered by the transience of trends or the din of bachelor parties echoing from South Beach. The Grove feels a world apart — a coastal village with a cosmopolitan soul.
As Miami’s oldest neighborhood, it carries the weight of history while maintaining an easy elegance. Once a refuge for artists, dreamers and wanderers drawn to the sea, it still hums with that free-spirited energy — though now rooted in a more polished present. Ivy-covered cottages and Mediterranean villas peek out from flowering gardens. Meandering streets lead you past outdoor cafés abuzz with laughter and the clink of glasses, while the scent of espresso and salty sea air lingers on the breeze. Here, Michelin stars shine just as brightly as locally cherished spots set in sun-dappled corners. Upscale boutiques, design studios and galleries invite unhurried exploration. I love the barefoot elegance of it all — a cin-cin over a languid midday meal at a tucked-away terrace, the scent of gardenia in the warm evening air, sailboats nodding lazily in the bay during golden hour — its quiet confidence that doesn’t clamor for attention.
There’s something in the air here — reminiscent of the European seaside, yet distinctly unique — a heady cocktail of old Florida glamour, bohemian refinement and coastal chic, this tropical enclave is unmistakably The Grove.
Here’s where to check in, dine well and escape to enjoy The Grove at its best:
Sleep
Mr. C Miami | Coconut Grove
A study in nautical elegance, Mr. C — conceived by the Cipriani family — blends mid-century glamour with sleek, maritime charm. Think polished woods, rich leather, and vintage travel details, all set against sweeping views of Biscayne Bay. Thoughtful details like Bellini cocktails at check-in and handwritten welcome notes make everyone feel like a VIP. The rooftop pool and Bellini bar are as chic as they are serene — perfect for refined lounging with a panoramic view.
The Mayfair House Hotel & Garden
An icon reimagined. Originally designed by architect Kenneth Treister, The Mayfair blends architectural whimsy with garden-wrapped tranquility. Open-air courtyards, mosaic fountains, terracotta-tiled pathways and a canopy of palms give it the feel of a hidden courtyard in Barcelona — bohemian, bold and rich with soul. Rooms feel like a tucked-away villa, some with oversized soaking tubs and garden patios. Don’t miss the rooftop pool or the cocktails at Sipsip, a Caribbean-inspired bar with skyline views.
Sip
Bellini | at Mr. C
Perched above the treetops, this chic rooftop bar is my go-to spot for a pre-dinner drink or sunset aperitivo. There’s a see-and-be-seen energy to the crowd, but the atmosphere remains relaxed. With panoramic views over Biscayne Bay, a well-curated cocktail list and well-edited menu of Italian bites, it’s easy to linger well past happy hour.
The Commodore | at Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove
Dimly lit and rich with old-school ambiance, The Commodore is a cocktail lounge that hums with low jazz and old Miami charm. Tucked inside the Ritz-Carlton, this clubby cocktail bar is named after early Grove pioneer Ralph Middleton Munroe, is equal parts refined and relaxed. Leather chairs, dark wood and expert bartenders mixing timeless classics — ideal for a quiet nightcap or a pre-dinner martini.
Taurus Beer and whiskey house
Since 1969, Taurus, The Grove’s oldest bar, has been a beloved low-key neighborhood institution — especially amongst whiskey connoisseurs. A bit divey, a bit discerning, this wood-paneled haunt offers an impressive whiskey collection — over 100 labels, with rare casks in rotation — and a beer list as deep as it is global. Now under the care of the Ariete Hospitality Group, the bar’s kitchen now matches the spirits in quality and creativity.
Victoria's Vinos y Vermuteria
You could use the front door, but it’s far more fun to slip through the phone booth and into this hidden European-inspired gem. It’s vermouth-forward cocktails and well-curated natural wine selection encourages exploration. The vibe is intimate and transportive — order a vermouth-based spritz and soak in its sultry, candlelit ambiance.
Panther Coffee
A local institution for good reason. Their house-roasted beans and canopy-shaded patio make for an ideal morning ritual. The cold brew is strong, the pastries are excellent and soundtrack of birdsong and breeze is the perfect backdrop for your caffeine fix.
Savor
Carbone Vino
An homage to the original Carbone on Thompson street in New York, this moody, romantic offshoot leans heavily into its wine program — 3,000 bottles strong, with an impressive by-the-glass offering. Expect the classics — Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka, Caesar alla ZZ (tossed tableside) and Veal Parmesan, alongside thoughtful new dishes from Chef Mario Carbone’s long-kept recipe notebooks. A rich blend of nostalgia and sophisticated glamour.
Le Bouchon du Grove
Unpretentious and perpetually packed, this cozy bistro delivers French comfort food with charming chaos. Authentic Lyonnaise fare and crowd-pleasing classics like escargot, steak frites and lush wines are served alongside the kind of energy that makes you feel like a regular — even on your first visit.
Koko
Tucked under an arboreal canopy, Koko feels both elevated and grounded — chic yet cozy — and exactly the type of place that comes to mind when you think of Miami. The menu pays homage to authentic Mexican cuisine with wood-fired platters, dishes showcasing heirloom ingredients and inventive agave spirit-based libations. Adventurous diners will appreciate the section dedicated to los insectos — delicacies like chapulines and ant salt — offering a true taste of tradition with a modern twist.
Krüs Kitchen
Tucked above its sister restaurant, Los Félix, this causally elegant restaurant is a true gem. Chef Sebastián Vargas has cooked in some of the world’s most acclaimed kitchens (Osteria Francescana, Eleven Madison Park, Fäviken), and here he brings that pedigree to a space that still feels deeply local and warm. The food is ingredient-driven, globally-inspired, yet completely unpretentious — think crudo with leche de tigre, slow-cooked local vegetables and sourdough that will throw your carb-free routine out the window. The wine list skews natural - keep an eye out for interesting orange wines on offer. It’s also a proud recipient of Michelin’s Green Star—awarded for sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Los Félix
Located directly beneath its sister restaurant Krüs Kitchen, these siblings could not be more different — it’s the laid-back, effortlessly cool younger sib. A celebration of masa and Mexican heritage, tacos of grilled octopus or pork cheek carnitas are standouts, while brunch is legendary — especially the chilaquiles. The food tells a story you’ll want to return to again and again. Come with someone who loves to share, because you’ll want to taste it all.
Ariete
Refined yet unpretentious, Michelin-starred Ariete reimagines New American cuisine through a Cuban lens. Helmed by Chef Michael Beltran, he crafts a menu that blends Cuban-American influences with French technique — expect duck à l’orange with a citrus glaze, foie gras with plantains and smoked short rib with black garlic. Whether you choose to be guided through a tasting menu or go à la carte you are guaranteed an innovative, enjoyable experience.
Sadelle’s
A New York import with a Miami twist, Sadelle’s brings polished glamour to brunch. Beneath twinkling chandeliers and soft blush hues, indulge in towering platters of bagels and smoked salmon, addictively crisp latkes, and morning mimosas that stretch into late afternoon. Glam, a bit decadent and very fun!
El Bagel
Do not be fooled by the unassuming exterior — these handmade bagels (made with only 5 ingredients) are the real deal. Mixed, hand-rolled, slow-fermented and baked without preservatives or shortcuts, El Bagel’s offerings are simple perfection. The King Guava — guava cream cheese and bacon — is everything you didn’t know you needed. Locally owned (and beloved) and always worth the wait.
Salt & Straw Ice Cream
This West Coast import brings its small-batch, thoughtfully sourced ice cream with creative, seasonally inspired flavors to the tropics. Inventive, rotating flavors like Roasted Pineapple Coconut Sherbet, Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, and Panther Coffee Tres Leches have cultivated a cult-like following. There’s always a line, but good things come to those who wait!
See
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Step into another era at this villa nestled on the bay. Once the private estate of industrialist James Deering, it is a masterpiece of Renaissance-inspired architecture and design. Wander coral stone terraces and formal, manicured gardens that feel as if they were transported straight from Lake Como. The ornate baroque interiors are equally stunning, filled with antiques, tapestries, and old-world romance. A visit here is a luscious combination of dreamy and dramatic.
Sail or Paddle the Bay
One of the best ways to take in the tropical beauty of the neighborhood is head into the water. Embrace the Grove’s maritime soul with a sailing excursion from Dinner Key Marina or a paddleboarding session through calm bay waters. You might spot dolphins surfacing nearby, with the downtown skyline glittering beyond the mangroves.
Shop and Sip in CocoWalk
Once a bohemian haunt, now a modern piazza. High-end boutiques, indie bookstores, and stylish cafés converge in this open-air hub. An ideal place to browse or break for an afternoon spritz. Stop by Narbona for gourmet pantry finds or grab a terrace table (and G&T) at Botanico Gin & Cookhouse.
Shop
The Bazaar Project
An impeccably curated lifestyle boutique with a Mediterranean sensibility. Pop in to shop luxuriously whimsical homewares and trinkets, fabulous jewelry, eclectic accessories, and statement-making resort wear — with a glass of bubbly in hand of course. A kaleidoscope of creativity, everything is curated with care, perfectly capturing the Grove’s chic, global spirit. And be sure to sip champagne at the café out front before browsing — it sets the mood perfectly.
Books & Books
There’s nothing like a well-loved bookstore, and this independent treasure never disappoints. More than a shop, this local institution serves as a cultural hub hosting a variety of events. Its beautifully curated selection spans literature, art, travel and culinary titles — the perfect place for finding your next beach read or coffee table conversation piece.
Celestial Treasures
Part apothecary, part sanctuary, this spiritual boutique offers crystals, incense, and metaphysical curiosities. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or simply seeking a little magic, it’s worth a wander. Incense and palo Santo are a lovely way to bring your visit home.
Blue Mercury
Nestled in the revitalized CocoWalk, this modern apothecary is a beauty lover’s sanctuary. The sunlit space offers an impeccable edit of high-performance skincare, cult-favorite cosmetics and indulgent wellness essentials with cult-favorite brands like Augustinus Bader, Skinceuticals, Chantecaille, and Westman Atelier lining the shelves. So, whether you’re replenishing skincare staples or discovering a new signature scent, the experience makes everyday self-care effortless.
