Chef Daniel Ganem made regulars out of Coral Gables’ wealthy suburbanites at Fiola, the Italian fine dining restaurant he ran before opening his namesake steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale. Just six months later, Daniel’s had already garnered a loyal local following and sought-after recommendation from the Michelin Guide. With an upscale country club feel, impeccably cooked steaks, hyper-local ingredients and flourishes like caviar-stuffed olives atop its martinis, it’s easy to see why Fiola in Miami is set to be supplanted by a second Daniel’s steakhouse.
The vibe: Sophisticated but not stuffy, with a lounge-like style that nods to South Florida’s mid-century heyday. Enter the main dining room past a sleek rectangular bar area that fills up during lively after-work happy hours. The large open kitchen, where you can view chefs at work, also adds to the convivial energy.
The food: All the standard American steakhouse classics feature prominently on the menu, with the decadence turned up to 11. For instance, my table audibly gasped at the Chips & Dip ($54), which arrives with a heaping dish of Umai caviar to complement the smooth, tangy caramelized onion dip. The Wagyu & Pearls ($28) appetizer likewise utilizes caviar to enhance an exceptional tartare dotted with black garlic aioli. Don’t shy away from the pastas (Ganem’s pasta “omakase” at Fiola was a favorite). But the steaks are undeniably the star of the show, paired with comforting, elevated sides like corn pudding and twice-baked potato.
The drink: You’re at a Florida steakhouse, so you’re ordering a martini. The Daniel’s Martini is an excellent one, made with Florida pure sea salt-brined olives, preserved lemon and Grey Goose or Bombay Sapphire. Perhaps a Cosmopolitan is in order—its alleged Miami origin is part of our Florida lore. Daniel’s cosmo is lightly tart, not too sweet and dangerously crushable.
Time Out tip: For the team’s take on a “Florida sports bar,” head next door to D’s, where you’ll find wings, gussied-up tots and one of the best double smashburgers in town in a more relaxed clubhouse-style space.