Hidden in the Grove Isle, deep into Coconut Grove, this secluded restaurant is a top choice for many big names in Miami as it offers a certain level of privacy and security. Gibraltar is part of the Grove Isle Hotel and Spa, but is definitely so much more than your typical hotel restaurant! If you are looking to celebrate a special occasions with your significant other or just trying to find a place to enjoy a memorable afternoon over drinks with your friends, Gibraltar is a great option!
Where you sit in the restaurant makes a big difference in the type of experience you will have. Looking for a super romantic evening? Then call ahead and reserve a table for two outside, you won’t regret it! These tables are situated on a pathway right by the water and each table is separated from the other, so you have a total private and intimate setting. Get there an hour or so before sunset to enjoy an amazing view of fading colors over Biscayne Bay and all the boats coming in for the day.
There is also a “patio” which is covered but still as an outdoor feel to it. If you sit on the waterside, you still can enjoy an amazing view of the water but without the extra level of romance and privacy. There is also plenty of seating for larger parties, so this seems like a great option for birthday gatherings, baby showers, or big Sunday brunch groups.
Get yourself mentally prepared beforehand to spend a pretty penny if you plan to enjoy a full meal at Gibraltar. I had been holding on to a Restaurant.com gift certificate for a special occasion, so that definitely helped our bill, but it was still on the pricey side for me. However, if you are celebrating a special occasion and have no problem spending around $70 a person, then go for it!
They had a full bar, but the cocktails were a little too pricey for my taste (starting at $12/14), so we opted to share a bottle of wine which seemed to be more reasonably priced. This definitely a good option if you want to have more than 1 drink each, otherwise, their selection of cocktails did seem really interesting!
Let’s be honest, with this view, they could probably serve you grilled tires and people would still come! In Miami, a good view usually means horrible food at obnoxious prices, but that’s the case at Gibraltar! Our favorite small plate was definitely the grilled octopus that was incredibly fresh and light.
We ended up splitting the main course, because we filled up on small plates and I ordered the soup of the day (which was cauliflower with bacon and was amazing!). I pretty much planned my meal around the small plates so that my date and I could save room for a yummy dessert!
Since we were celebrating an anniversary, the staff treated us to a dessert on the house, which was a really nice touch. The chocolate was out of this world and the perfect finish to our romantic evening.
The best way to get in touch with the Gibraltar restaurant is actually via the hotel, Grove Isle Hotel and Spa. Their Facebook page will keep you updated on any specials and cool events happening at the location…plus who doesn’t enjoy a nice sunset photo in their newsfeed from time to time?
