And it’s not just the delicious Italian fare either …
LDV Hospitality, the team behind Dolce and Regent Cocktail Club, has transformed the restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove into Isabelle’s Grill Room and Garden {3300 Southwest 27th Avenue, Miami; 305.400.0562}, bringing some South Beach swagger to the posh hotel. The kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Abel Veulens. The name pays homage to Isabella Peacock, one of the Grove’s earliest settlers.
1. The space is chic and inviting.
The cavernous dining room is made intimate with handsome dark green leather banquettes, burnished brass fixtures, and dark wood finishes. An outdoor trellised garden terrace is outfitted with over-sized planters and lush green landscaping, natural wood tables, and white and taupe woven chairs with plush cushions.
2. The eclectic menu of modern Italian-inspired dishes.
Start off with small plates like the Spanish Octopus with baby artichokes, fingerling potatoes, olives, and spicy romesco or the Crab Cake with apple slaw. Vegans will love the Carrot Ginger Soup, while a handful of salads keep things light and fresh, like the Roasted Beets with Greek yogurt, apples, and oranges dressed with pickled mustard seeds or Isabelle’s Salad with endive, radicchio, candied pecans, craisins, pecorino, and honey mustard vinaigrette.
Spaghetti Pomodoro and Lobster Papardelle will fulfill carb cravings while those looking for steakhouse fare can go for chops like an 8-ounce filet, a 14-ounce NY Strip, and a massive 40-ounce porterhouse for two. A Kurobuta Pork Chop and Seared Striped Bass round out the mains, along with sides of truffle fries, roasted carrots, and wild mushrooms.
3. The Wednesday happy hour is the perfect way to rosé the evening away.
Hump Day just got a lot better with the restaurant’s “Rosé for the Ladies” special from 5-10pm on Wednesdays. Ladies can enjoy a selection of rosé for only $5 per glass in the lush garden terrace. And added bonus: Guests receive a discounted rate of $7 for valet with validation.
By Sara Liss, contributing writer