Coral Gables for the holidays

[elasticwaistband]

We will be in Coral Gables for a short time over the holidays and are in need of some suggestions for sushi.

Also, we are looking for opinions about which of the following newish places are worth trying:
Charlotte Bistro
Talavera
Por Fin

We like all types of food, not so into Indian cuisine though.

Thanks.

[Frodnesor]

Su-Shin is best sushi in Coral Gables. It is good but not exceptional, their izakaya style dishes (lots of blackboard specials) are also very good. If you go just a few minutes out of the Gables, Matsuri probably has better fish. None of the other sushi options in the Gables are worth mentioning IMO.

Por Fin is one of my favorites in the Gables. Their chef very recently left but I have been there at least twice for lunch since, and while I can tell a difference in a few dishes, it's still very good.

I've had a couple meals at Talavera, it is good, but some things are better than others (at least this early on - they just opened in the past month). My favorites have been the tacos de chilorio and the vuelve la vida ceviche. The huaraches are also good.

I had one meal at Charlotte Bistro and am still on the fence. It is intriguing and shows some promise. The Venezuelan chocolate soup alone is worth making a visit for.

Other good places in the Gables include Ortanique (modern Caribbean), Le Provencal (old school French), Pascal's (somewhat more updated French), Bugatti (Italian). It's got a limited menu but I also like Copas y Tapas (Spanish). Randazzo's if you're in the mood for red-sauce style Italian. Graziano's for Argentine. Francesco's for Peruvian. Angelique Eurocafe is an interesting little place that just opened on Miracle Mile.

www.foodforthoughtmiami.com

[elasticwaistband]

Thank you!

I love Ortanique too.

What is the scoop on Les Halles? Is it still as good as it used to be?

I think that we will try Por Fin for sure.

I have also made a reservation at Charlotte because I like the menu - it looks interesting - and we will be sure to check out the chocolate soup and post a review.

Are the line-ups at Randazzo's new location any better? I once had to wait about 45 mins. with 2 kids only to be told that our wait time would actually be double, so we left. No meatball is worth waiting 1 1/2 hours for!!!

[Frodnesor]

Les Halles had gone downhill but recently changed management; I've not been back since the new folks came in.

I work in the Gables so if I visit Randazzo's it's for lunch, when I've never had a wait. It is a much bigger space (maybe 3x as much seating) which ought to help. Odd layout, mostly just a bar downstairs, with seating upstairs.

[bfgpollara]

Su-shin Izakaya is a great spot for sushi. Consistently good food and good service. They also have a constantly changing alternative menu on a blackboard along their wall that usually has some delicious (non-sushi) japanese specialties.

Of the three other restaurants you mentioned, I've only been to Por Fin, but I've been there dozens of times and its great. They are currently doing a special prix-fixe three course meal for $35 which is a great value in a neighborhood where many entrees run $30 or more.

[Sinicle]

Strongly second su-shin for sushi and other less common Japanese treats.