Frenchie's Diner

Frenchie’s Diner in Coral Gables is a bistro—a real French bistro, where the focus is entirely on the quality of the dishes listed on a chalkboard, and the owner gestures to your table like a proud dance partner at a curtain call. Between courses, the parchment paper on your table will read like the tea leaves of a good meal—with oily trails of butter from tender escargot, a smattering of tangy steak tartare, and drops of french onion soup.

You’re coming here for a leisurely, decadent, and casual meal—which you’ll get whether you order the rich $14 French onion soup or a crackly-skinned duck confit for $39. Sit under the gentle glow of Frenchie’s red lighting and be sure to finish an indulgent lunch or dinner with the chocolate mousse that’s thick, bittersweet, and served in a coffee cup.

photo credit: Cleveland Jennings