Burrowed within the eclectic Coconut Grove are hidden gems waiting to tempt your taste buds. Whether you crave laid-back Mediterranean bistros or wallet-friendly omakase, the cherished Miami neighborhood has something for everyone when it comes to lunch.
Amal
Amal oozes Lebanese hospitality all within a bright and breezy setting inspired by the Mediterranean shores of the motherland. This is an ideal place to hit up with your crew of coworkers and besties, sharing some mezze over lunch. With a plethora of hot and cold appetizers, skewers, lavash wraps, and entrees to choose from, we guarantee even the pickiest of eaters won’t go hungry. Get some mezze to pass around the table with a warm and fluffy pita ready to be dipped. Creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, fire-roasted muhamara—we’re all about that. The aromatic pistachio kabab platter loaded with veggies straight off the grill, hummus, biwaz, pita, and a choice of rice or fries serves as the perfect meal to keep you full till it’s time to clock out. Fancy a sip for lunch? Amal delivers with what might be the best selection of Lebanese wines in town.
Amal is located at 3480 Main Hwy Suite 100, Miami, FL 33133. For more information, visit their official website.
Chug’s Diner
Chug’s Diner is a real treat amidst the hustle and bustle of a work week. Stepping into the retroesque establishment, we feel like kids again, and our eyes run wild at the sight of all the scrumptiousness. The three-time Michelin-recommended Cuban-American diner started off as a pop-up and became a neighborhood institution in an eyeblink. We’re not complaining, though, ‘cause Chug’s is where we want to be seated 24/7. Lunch here, however, starts at 11 a.m. sharp and includes a myriad of mouthwatering options from pan con lechon asado with pickled mojo onions to the classic Abuela’s plate served with the quintessential white rice, black beans, banana, and your choice of protein. To finish the meal, the dulce de leche & trigo milkshake may be in order, and luckily we don’t need to ask permission for this one.
Chug’s Diner is located at 3444 Main Hwy Suite 21, Miami, FL 33133. For more information, visit their official website.
Eva
Lunch at Eva is offered solely from Friday to Sunday from noon till 3 p.m. While this Mediterranean gem won’t be your go-to lunch spot in between working hours, it’s all for the better. The radiant coastal atmosphere beckons diners to spend leisurely afternoons uninhibited by further commitments. On the menu, find specialties like bazlama with labneh, aromatic lamb chops accompanied by a za’atar chimichurri, and a fine rendition of a classic Greek salad. The restaurant also boasts an A1 selection of European wines, most of which hail from Greece, and some unique craft sips like the Me Joolie made with bourbon, medjool dates, and cardamom bitters. Oof.
Eva is located at 3015 Grand Ave #120, Coconut Grove, FL 33133. For more information, visit their official website.
LoKal
LoKal has been flipping burgers and pouring drafts since 2011, earning itself a coveted space on the block. It’s the spot where all the cool kids gather to satiate their comfort food cravings without sacrificing the need for sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. But it’s more than just burgers you’ll find at this bustling joint. The fried Florida alligator strips are raved about far and wide, as well as Mama Bear’s Chicken & Waffles served with powdered sugar and sriracha maple syrup. Yup, it’s as sweet as the name. As far as burgers go, the unanimous winner is the Frita by Kush—voted one of the top 52 burgers in the US, this rebel with a cause is loaded with guava jelly, potato stix, bacon, swiss cheese, and LoKal sauce. There’s a fair selection of veggie burgers for the fellow herbivores too, as well as a raved-about doggy menu for your pooch. Cause the folks at LoKal are just that dope.
LoKal is located at 3190 Commodore Plaza, Miami, FL 33133. For more information, visit their official website.
The Last Carrot
The Last Carrot is a family-owned business dishing out health-forward fare since 1975. The specialty here is sandwiches, salads, smoothies, fresh juices, and paleo and vegan-friendly dishes that don’t sacrifice flavor. Our go-to order is the Albacore tuna pita with extra herbal dressing, aka the red sauce (trust us on this one). When it’s not that, it’s the cheese & tomato spinach pie—we don’t know how they do it, but this pie is ridiculously good and, for $9, quite possibly the best-valued lunch option in the area. It’s no wonder loyal patrons have continued to frequent The Last Carrot since the 70s.
The Last Carrot is located at 3133 Grand Ave, Miami, FL 33133. For more information, visit their official website.
Midorie
Omakase for lunch? Yes, please! Midorie offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking a fast-casual Japanese lunch imbued with authentic charm. Step into the cozy haven, where lunchtime transforms into a celebration of the sea’s bounty. The concise menu showcases five classic Japanese dishes, each meticulously prepared: fish donburi, maki rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and temaki. And yes, an affordable omakase to boot. Starting from $50, indulge in the chirashi omakase featuring the freshest cuts of fish flown in directly from Japan, nestled atop warm sushi rice. Or, elevate your experience to the $100 nigiri omakase, which promises some rare delicacies. Midorie beckons as the essential destination for a wholesome, budget-friendly seafood lunch experience.
