Nestled inside the gorgeous La Palma building in Coral Gables is Bouchon Bistro, an intimate restaurant that will not only surprise you but will also make you feel like you are in your own little world. La Palma building, a staple at the Gables since 1924, has a long-standing history of it being a well-known and classic one, especially with its past as an upscale hotel in the city.
Once you get to Bouchon Bistro, you will realize that the feel of it is an elegant and artistic one. Diners will be completely impressed with the beautiful Mediterranean-style exterior and its breezy central courtyard, perfect for those breezy days in South Florida.
The restaurant is small, with about 160 tables and 30 courtyard seats. Also, those who wish to host a special occasion there can do so, for the restaurant also offers those opportunities to anyone that would like to celebrate something special there. Overall, Bouchon Bistro feels like a truly special place.
That feeling was proven as soon as my husband and I stepped through the restaurant’s doors where we were formally greeted and led to a cozy table. This is the type of table that was perfect for us to have intimate conversations while enjoying our exceptional dining experience.
Bouchon Bistro feels right at home in the city of Coral Gables, one that is full of history and class. The restaurant emulates the type of experience that you’d receive in a top-notch restaurant because it is.
They restaurant thrives with its impeccable service and it’s one that is not afraid to show off the fact that they know that there’s true magic behind their menu offerings. From impressive cocktails to hand-selected wine options, the staff is one that is as knowledgeable as they are passionate about the space and what Bouchon Bistro offers.
Thomas Keller, the chef and founder of the restaurant, is truly a force to be reckoned with when it comes to French fare. Bouchon also has locations in Yountville and Las Vegas, where diners can experience the same quality of French dishes and the same intimate feel as the one in Coral Gables.
Let’s talk about the menu. Bouchon Bistro offers seasonally changing classic French dishes such as roast chicken, steak frites, and croque madame. The steak frites were delightful, as well as the mussels and fries that we dined on. Their appetizer with a selection of cheeses was a perfect way to start our meal and left us truly satisfied.
For those who enjoy seafood, the restaurant also offers a signature raw bar with a selection of fruits de mer. Diners can also opt to create their own seafood and raw bar feast, which they can share with their table and enjoy with those who are passionate about this type of food.
Let’s discuss the impressive French and domestic wine list, one that the server will bring to you on a digital table so you can swipe through their extensive wines by the glass and bottles to share. From Pinot Noirs to refreshing white wines, they make sure to give recommendations and offer you a chance to pair your meal with the best wine that would truly complement your meal of choice. You’ll also realize as you explore the tablet and its options, that there are many cocktails to choose from that would work great as a start to your dining experience. Those behind the bar are also not afraid to prepare you a cocktail based on your preferred flavors and spirits as well.
The expansive wine list is thanks to the restaurant’s Vin de Carafe program. Do not expect the usual wines on the list, as they proudly select their wines and work with winemakers in places such as California and France. And the wines that we tried were fantastic, proving that they do not shy away from picking the best of the best for their clients. Their cocktails also use French spirits as a base for their creations and we recommend giving them a chance when you visit. You won’t regret it.
Lastly, do not leave without trying the restaurant’s amazing Bouchon dessert. Just imagine warm rich chocolate brownie-like cakes that simply melt in your mouth. The bites have a cork-like look, and tableside-poured warm chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream and candied cocoa nibs will have you happy that you decided to end your meal with this indulgence.
This all proves that Bouchon Bistro is not only a place to gather and enjoy a classy feast. It’s an experience not to be missed.
For more information, visit https://www.thomaskeller.com/coral-gables-florida/bouchon-bistro. Reservations are available and can be made on resy.com.
