The October Hit List: La Natural, Bouchon Bistro, Yardbird, and More

Here with a highly anticipated fall opening, Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller (of French Laundry fame) has brought his beloved French bistro to Coral Gables’ beautifully revitalized La Palma building. Adorned with mosaic tile, antique light fixtures and hand-painted murals by a French artist, the casual bistro’s interior design blends seamlessly with the historic charm of this 1924 Mediterranean-style building. There’s also al fresco seating in the central courtyard. The seasonal menu highlights raw bar items and French classics like escargots, steak frites, trout amandine and steamed mussels, plus you can count on a curated wine selection from France and Napa Valley.

The duo behind casual Cuban spot Doce Provisions is livening up Little Havana with a new supper club that’s meant to be a love letter to Cuba in the 1940s and ‘50s. Back then, going to a supper club was a full-evening affair, from cocktail hour to dancing and nightlife after dinner. A three-piece band will play live Cuban music nightly from Thursday to Saturday while guests enjoy Nuevo Cubano cuisine and classic cocktails that blend Cuban tradition with contemporary twists. The Cuban food here gets a serious upgrade with dishes like fish croquetas topped with Kaluga caviar, short rib vaca frita braised in red wine, and Mar y Tierra, a plate of New York strip steak paired with prawns. And if all that doesn’t transport you, the tropical dining room and patio with lush greenery, suspended chandeliers, and neon signs should do the trick.

Call 786.703.9210 for more info.

Make time for some pizza and wine this month. La Natural is aptly named as such for its naturally leavened pizzas, their accompanying natural wine selection, and the simply designed space in which you’ll be dining – picture white walls, neutral earth tones, concrete flooring and dim lighting. This unassuming yet chic Little River spot offers an appetizing array of pillowy pizzas with funky toppings like Sichuan peppercorns and za’atar, alongside veg-centric plates that are ideal for sharing. Their wood-burning oven churns out perfectly charred pies, with the classic burrata and basil pizza being a standout, and that natural wine list is also one of the longest in the city.

Brace yourself for some spice at elevated Indian restaurant Rishtedar, a concept that comes to us by way of Santiago, Chile. Rishtedar offers diners a symphony of spices and flavors with Indian cuisine influenced by Portuguese, Persian, and English cooking traditions. Fitting of its location in the Wynwood Arts District, the sensory experience extends beyond the plate, as the restaurant’s inviting ambiance is marked by earthy incense and vibrant decor that immerses you in a kaleidoscope of colors and scents. Guests are welcomed with the application of a bindi on their foreheads, and the meal culminates with a special ritual where your hands are cleansed with cinnamon and cardamom-infused water poured from a pitcher into a brass bowl.

Call 305.799.0724 for more info.

As further proof that Hedy Goldsmith does it all, the two-time James Beard finalist for pastry chef has revamped the savory menu at Natural Wine Bar. With new dishes like the Signature Margot grilled cheese, tuna Nicoise tartine, and a tinned fish board, the tapas-style menu is meant to to introduce a range of flavors – from sweet and salty to sour, bitter and umami – that pair perfectly with Margot’s extensive list of natural and organic wines. They have over 75 wine options, including bubbles, whites, reds, rosés and skin-contact, so the possibilities are endless. Margot remains the kind of cute and cozy spot that works equally well for date night or a long overdue meetup with a friend. Order a glass, share a few of the new small plates, and thank us later.

The Chang Gang’s casual Nikkei sushi counter B-Side has quickly taken over the former Itamae space, which closed at the end of August. Alongside sushi rolls and bowls that fuse Japanese and Peruvian flavors, B-Side’s new Design District location offers an extended menu with a few of Itamae’s greatest hits, like the Tiradito Apaltado and Octopus and Hokkaido Scallop Bañaditos, so there’s no need to say goodbye to those inventive Nikkei favorites entirely. Soon to follow, Itamae will be reborn as an elevated omakase called Itamae Ao, opening next door to sister restaurant Maty’s in Midtown later this fall.

Walk-ins only. See here for more info.

Tucked away in Brickell, Morla offers a blend of Mexican and Peruvian seafood fare, marrying the cultural backgrounds of owners Ruben & Sharon Morla, a Mexican-Peruvian couple. The romantic restaurant serves a tasting menu with dishes like tuna and salmon nikkei ceviche, aguachile shrimp, wood-fired octopus, and branzino tiradito. Morla is hidden in a speakeasy setting – ring the doorbell at their secret entrance to be greeted, but be sure you have a reservation as there’s limited seating. Inside, you’ll discover an elegant, rustic ambiance with warm lighting, wooden furnishings, and a wine wall. Outside, Morla’s charming patio, adorned with lush greenery and moody string lights, sets the stage for an enchanting dining experience.

One of the newest cocktail bars in town will make you want to drive west. From the team behind Lincoln’s Beard Brewery and Cry Baby Creamery, Thorn has opened up in West Miami-Dade on the ground floor of an apartment complex on Bird Road. The cocktail menu will rotate frequently, designed to be paired with their inventive plates like lamb arancini; cauliflower with sherry maple, tahini and roti; pulpo (grilled octopus) with pickled mushrooms and sunchoke puree; and churrasco steak frites with smashed fingerling potatoes and chorizo aioli. More familiar favorites include the wedge salad, Thorn burger, and chicken wings. And there’s even a counter that serves Cry Baby’s ice cream and other sweet treats. The industrial-chic interior has walls of windows that let in natural light, hanging plants and golden chandeliers, and there’s also a covered outdoor lounge.

Call 786.803.8973 for more info.

Give into your comfort food cravings with a classic brunch. Celebrated for its soulful Southern comfort food, Yardbird has become a South Beach staple over the last 12 years (chickens might not really fly, but time sure does). The rustic backdrop of wood-beam ceilings and reclaimed wood walls might contrast the rest of glitzy South Beach, but it’s all meant to make you feel at home as you dive into some of the best fried chicken in town. While Yardbird is also open for lunch and dinner, weekend brunch is when you really want to indulge in favorites like Lewellyn’s fried chicken, chicken & waffles, shrimp & grits, and the massive Yardbird cinnamon roll. Pair your meal with any of their signature bourbon cocktails, or even make your own flight of house-infused whiskey flavors.

Lettuce & Tomato is a surprising gem of a gastrobar in North Miami Beach, situated along the busy West Dixie Highway thoroughfare. The culinary team skillfully merges cultural inspirations from South America, Europe, and Asia while highlighting the vibrancy of ever-changing seasonal ingredients. The extensive menu spans everything from raw bar items, soups and starters, creative veggie plates (the place is named Lettuce & Tomato, after all), burgers and heartier entrees – so you’ll be sure there’s something to please any palate. Popular choices include the lamb burger, truffle tuna bites, and panko-crusted salmon buns. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the new L&T Bakery on the same strip for delicious breads and pastry treats, sandwiches and other snacks.