Tina in the Gables

Tina in the Gables is a minimalist nook of a breakfast and lunch restaurant tucked in a tiny Coral Gables strip plaza. The sparse, earth-toned setting evokes the rustic digs of a hushed monastery. But this spot packs in a lively crowd Wednesday through Sunday, and you’ll find no shortage of decadence written into its creative, Latin diner–inspired menu. 

From the team behind local hits Miami Slice in Downtown and La Latina in Edgewater, Tina’s take on a neighborhood cafe puts local, organic ingredients at the forefront—think pasture-raised eggs and chickens and cold-pressed, non-GMO juices. This intentionality creates a solid foundation for a menu that spans everything from a salmon Benedict and French toast to the watercress Caesar salad and smashed taters fried in tallow.

The vibe: Tina draws a crowd of foodies willing to endure long wait times and snug seating conditions for their meals. It’s charming and casual, comfortable, but not in a way that’d make you want to spend more than an hour here. Save Tina for a more intimate catch-up rather than a larger group hang.

The food: Standout dishes include the Sunny Side Duck made with two duck eggs, sliced smoked duck breast “bacon” and pâté on country loaf; Tina’s French Toast on brioche with salted butter, maple and orange zest; and a soft shell crab sandwich that consists of breaded and fried soft shell crab, mango, pico de gallo and tartar sauce all nestled in a fluffy, Japanese-style shoku-bun.

The team’s Latin roots shine through in the selection of arepa and rotisserie offerings, including a tender picanha of Angus culotte that’s slow-roasted and served with greens.

The drink: Tina shines as a cafe, serving up the usual espresso-based suspects, plus tea (matcha, chai and Earl Grey) and nutrient-packed juices. The signature drink is the foamy and sweet iced Gable Café Crème. They don’t serve alcohol. 

Time Out tip: Parking is extremely limited, so plan to ride-share or build in some extra time to park nearby and walk.