Located in the heart of Coral Gables, La Pata Gorda offers a delightful blend of traditional Cuban flavors with a modern, upscale dining experience. Known for its authentic Cuban dishes and a welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant is a beloved spot for both locals and visitors craving a taste of Cuba. With its casual yet chic ambiance, La Pata Gorda stands out as one of the best places to enjoy flavorful Cuban food in Miami, whether you’re after comfort food or looking to try something with a fresh twist on classic dishes.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the restaurant’s ambiance, menu offerings, service, and overall dining experience, providing a closer look at what makes La Pata Gorda a must-visit destination in Coral Gables.
Ambiance: Casual, Stylish, and Inviting
La Pata Gorda offers a casual yet stylish atmosphere that blends the charm of traditional Cuban eateries with a modern flair. As you step inside, you’re greeted by an open, airy space that feels both comfortable and vibrant. The restaurant’s interior design incorporates a mix of modern furnishings, bright colors, and Cuban-inspired elements like vintage posters, vibrant artwork, and warm lighting, creating an inviting and lively environment.
The dining area features comfortable seating arrangements with wooden tables, cozy booths, and bar seating, offering both intimate and social settings for guests. The spacious layout ensures that the restaurant can accommodate both small groups and larger parties, making it an ideal spot for casual dinners, family gatherings, or celebratory events.
The atmosphere is laid-back but not overly casual, striking a balance that is perfect for enjoying delicious Cuban food in a relaxed, yet upscale setting. The friendly and attentive service also adds to the warm and welcoming environment, enhancing the overall experience.
Cuisine: Traditional Cuban Dishes with a Contemporary Twist
At the heart of La Pata Gorda’s success is its diverse and flavorful menu, which is rooted in authentic Cuban cuisine. The restaurant serves a range of traditional dishes, from hearty meats and rice dishes to fresh seafood and flavorful appetizers, all made using the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques.
The menu is carefully crafted to offer a mix of classic Cuban comfort food and contemporary interpretations of Cuban flavors, giving guests the best of both worlds. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cuban cuisine or trying it for the first time, there’s something for everyone on the menu.
Appetizers: Tasty Starters to Begin Your Meal
To kick off your meal at La Pata Gorda, you’ll want to sample some of the appetizers, which capture the essence of Cuban flavors and offer a satisfying start to your dining experience.
One of the standout appetizers is the Cuban Croquettes (Croquetas). These golden, crispy treats are filled with a variety of fillings such as ham, chicken, or even fish. The croquettes are light and crispy on the outside while creamy and flavorful on the inside. They’re the perfect appetizer to share with friends or family as you enjoy a round of drinks.
Another delicious starter is the Tostones, crispy twice-fried green plantains served with a garlic dipping sauce. The tostones are perfectly crunchy and provide a great contrast in texture when dipped into the tangy, garlicky sauce. It’s an excellent way to begin your meal while getting a taste of Cuban street food.
For something more substantial, the Ceviche is a great choice, particularly for those craving something refreshing and light. Made with fresh fish and a citrusy marinade, the ceviche is seasoned with Cuban spices and served chilled, making it a perfect dish for Miami’s warm weather.
Main Dishes: Hearty Cuban Comfort Food with a Modern Twist
When it comes to the main dishes, La Pata Gorda does not disappoint. The restaurant’s menu offers a wide range of hearty Cuban classics, such as tender meats, rice dishes, and fresh seafood, all prepared with authenticity and a contemporary touch.
Ropa Vieja is a must-try, and La Pata Gorda’s version of this traditional Cuban dish is one of the best in town. The shredded beef is slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and spices, resulting in a rich, savory dish. The meat is tender and packed with flavor, and it pairs perfectly with a side of rice, black beans, and sweet plantains.
Another standout dish is the Lechón Asado, which features succulent, slow-roasted pork marinated in a garlic and citrus sauce. The pork is crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside, offering a delightful contrast of textures. The dish is traditionally served with rice and black beans, creating a fulfilling and satisfying meal.
For seafood lovers, the Camarones al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) is a fantastic choice. The shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic sauce, seasoned with Cuban spices, and served with a side of white rice and tostones. The shrimp are perfectly cooked, with a delicate flavor that is balanced by the bold and aromatic garlic sauce.
The Arroz con Pollo is another favorite, offering a hearty serving of chicken cooked with rice, peas, and spices. The dish is flavorful and comforting, with the rice absorbing the savory flavors of the chicken and spices, making every bite deliciously satisfying.
For something more unique, try the Bistec de Palomilla, a Cuban-style steak that is thinly cut and grilled to perfection. It’s served with a side of garlic butter, white rice, and sweet plantains, making for a simple yet flavorful meal that is sure to please steak lovers.
Vegetarian and Lighter Options
While Cuban cuisine is traditionally centered around meat, La Pata Gorda also offers a variety of delicious vegetarian options, making it an excellent choice for those with plant-based preferences.
One standout option is the Tamal Cubano, a Cuban-style tamale made with cornmeal dough and filled with flavorful vegetables, seasoned with cumin, and wrapped in banana leaves. It’s hearty, flavorful, and makes for a great alternative to meat dishes.
The Vegetarian Cuban Sandwich is another great option for vegetarians, offering layers of grilled vegetables, cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between soft Cuban bread. It’s a perfect choice for those craving the iconic Cuban sandwich without the meat.
For lighter options, the Cuban Salad is a refreshing choice. Made with fresh greens, tomatoes, onions, and avocado, it’s dressed with a tangy citrus dressing that gives the salad a zesty, light flavor that pairs well with heavier main dishes.
Sides: The Perfect Accompaniments
No Cuban meal is complete without an array of sides to complement the main dishes. La Pata Gorda offers a variety of traditional Cuban sides, all of which are made with care and attention to detail.
Arroz con Frijoles Negros (rice with black beans) is a staple on the Cuban menu, and La Pata Gorda’s version is exceptional. The rice is fluffy and light, while the beans are perfectly seasoned, creating a satisfying side that complements any main dish.
Another popular side is the Yuca con Mojo, boiled yuca (cassava) served with a garlicky, tangy mojo sauce. The yuca is soft and starchy, while the mojo adds a bright, flavorful contrast.
For a touch of sweetness, the Maduros (sweet fried plantains) are a must-try. These caramelized plantains provide the perfect balance to savory dishes, offering a natural sweetness that enhances the overall dining experience.
Drinks and Desserts: Cuban-Inspired Refreshments and Sweets
La Pata Gorda offers a variety of refreshing beverages to pair with your meal, including classic Cuban drinks like Mojitos, Daiquiris, and Cuban Coffees. The cocktails are expertly crafted, with fresh ingredients and just the right balance of flavors.
For dessert, the restaurant serves up traditional Cuban sweets like Flan and Tres Leches Cake, both of which are indulgent and delicious. The Flan is creamy and silky, with a rich caramel flavor that melts in your mouth, while the Tres Leches Cake is moist and decadent, soaked in a blend of three types of milk.
Service: Friendly, Attentive, and Knowledgeable
The service at La Pata Gorda is friendly and attentive, with staff members who are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to provide recommendations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, the staff goes out of their way to ensure that your experience is smooth and enjoyable. They are prompt in taking orders and delivering food, and they’re always ready to make sure you have everything you need to enhance your dining experience.
Pricing and Accessibility: Affordable Cuban Cuisine in Coral Gables
In terms of pricing, La Pata Gorda offers great value for the quality of the food. The dishes range from around $10 to $25, depending on the entrée, making it an affordable option for those seeking delicious Cuban food in a relaxed, upscale setting. The portions are generous, ensuring that guests get plenty of food for their money.
The restaurant is located in the heart of Coral Gables, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. There is ample parking in the area, and the restaurant’s central location adds to its convenience for anyone in search of a satisfying Cuban meal.
Final Verdict and Rating
La Pata Gorda is a standout Cuban restaurant in Coral Gables, offering a delightful mix of traditional flavors and contemporary flair. From its hearty main dishes to its delicious sides and refreshing drinks, La Pata Gorda delivers an authentic Cuban dining experience with a modern twist. Whether you’re craving classic comfort food or looking for something new and exciting, this restaurant is sure to satisfy.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
With its authentic Cuban flavors, great service, and inviting atmosphere, La Pata Gorda offers an exceptional dining experience in Coral Gables. While the pricing is slightly higher than casual Cuban eateries, the quality of the food and the overall experience make it worth the visit for anyone craving a memorable Cuban meal.