Daniel’s, a celebrated Florida steakhouse originally based in Fort Lauderdale and recognized by the Michelin Guide, has just opened a second location in Coral Gables at 1500 San Ignacio Avenue, in the space formerly occupied by Fiola. This new outpost is a refined evolution of the original—a 2.0 version that retains everything that made the first so beloved, with a few elegant enhancements.
The interior is striking. The already beautiful dining room has been updated with forest green upholstered furniture, stunning new Murano glass chandeliers, updated sconces, and dramatic black-and-white photography by David Yarrow. The award-winning wine collection remains on full display, boasting over 8,000 bottles. Subtle changes have also been made in the kitchen, but what hasn’t changed is Chef and Director Daniel Ganem’s outstanding menu, still guided by owner Thomas Angelo of the Gioia Hospitality Group, with support from his daughter Kassidy.
The 130-seat restaurant was packed by 6:30 pm on a recent night—just ten days after opening—buzzing with locals, athletes, and loyal fans who, like me, made the drive to experience it. The philosophy remains grounded in quality, showcasing premium ingredients sourced as locally as possible from Florida farms, fisheries, and ranches. Steaks come from exceptional producers such as Strube Ranch in Texas and Stone Axe and Margaret River as well as from Australia, where our exquisite filet was from. A new framed steak menu placed on each table offers a detailed guide to each cut, its origin, and aging process.
Service is another standout. The restaurant is well-staffed, and all staff members are thoroughly trained and genuinely attentive. I especially appreciated the thoughtful touch of switching out my white napkin for a black one to match my pants—something rarely seen in Miami.
As for the food, everything we ordered was excellent. A few highlights: the Florida Blue Crab cake with Kaluga caviar, the Oysters Rockefeller, and the ultra-fresh tuna tartare topped with caviar. Our steak was perfectly cooked to a true medium
rare, and the twice-baked potato is a must. Dessert was just as memorable—an indulgent Key Lime Pie with a graham cracker crust, luscious sweet-tart custard, Italian meringue topping, and a touch of passion fruit purée. It was large enough to share among four. Nearly every dish is generous in size.
The menu is as strong as ever, with each dish executed flawlessly by the same extraordinary team, now showcased in a more polished and luxurious setting. Coral Gables is lucky to welcome this modern steakhouse, which is open daily for dinner, Tuesday to Friday for lunch, and Sunday brunch. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Happy dining, Shanea
08/21/2025
