There is a new player in town, but you need to head to Coconut Grove to experience it. Cotoletta, located at 3206 Grand Avenue, has been buzzing with excitement since its October 2024 debut. This cozy, lively bistro is making waves with a refreshingly simple concept: one main dish on the menu, Veal Milanese, is offered as part of a prix fixe meal for two at $80.

The ambiance is charming and vibrant, with walls adorned with a mix of family photos, quirky tie displays, and an open kitchen that adds a touch of theater to the dining experience. The playlist is upbeat and fun, but fair warning, this isn’t the place for a quiet chat, as the lively atmosphere might have you raising your voice to converse.

Coteletta marks the U.S. debut of this concept, inspired by one of its owners’ family legacy. His grandfather worked at the Savoy in London before pioneering one of the UK’s first restaurant chains. Drawing from that rich heritage, the team, led by executive chef Giulio Rossi, brings a modern twist to tradition.

Your meal starts with two crowd-pleasing appetizers: a flavourful bruschetta with a creamy burrata and juicy tomatoes, and a standout arancini, a crispy rice ball draped in a decadent truffle sauce. But the star attraction is the Veal Milanese. This massive, bone-in cutlet is pounded thin, breaded to crispy perfection, and seasoned simply with rosemary, salt, and a squeeze of fresh lemon. It’s tender, juicy, and so generous that leftovers make for an excellent next-day lunch. At $80 for two-including your two choices of sides- its value holds its own against pricier options at spots like Carbone.

However, the sides could use a little more finesse. Choices include an arugula salad, fried zucchini, pasta al Pomodoro, and a special of penne Bolognese. The penne was underwhelming, with a dry sauce and an overly al dente pasta, while the arugula salad lacked the vibrant flavours you’d expect from its Italian inspiration.

The drink list, though extremely limited, covers some fine basics: the red was a Chianti Classico, the white, was a Gavi, as well as a Prosecco, a  Champagne, beer, and soft drinks. As for dessert, the four options- cheesecake, tiramisu, chocolate cake, and affogato- are unremarkable and not worth the indulgence.

Despite these minor hiccups, Cotoletta is more about the experience than haute cuisine. It’s a clever concept, delivering a fun and satisfying evening in a setting that is equal parts nostalgic and energetic. If the buzz surrounding this first U.S. location is any indication, we can expect to see more Cotoletta outposts popping up soon.

Happy dining,

Shanea

01/30/2025

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *