Bouchon Bistro

A lot of people (including us) might walk into Bouchon Bistro with particular expectations. Their other Miami restaurant, The Surf Club, is a place where you can wear a suit and order a $150 beef wellington that tastes like the American mid century economy. But Bouchon is actively trying to not be that kind of restaurant. They’re aiming for a simpler, consistent experience, which they hit so easily that it can feel like they’re playing it a bit safe—especially if you’re coming here with Surf Club expectations. 

photo credit: Adrian Gaut

photo credit: Adrian Gaut

photo credit: Adrian Gaut

You have to shed those expectations to take advantage of this place for what it is: a reliable upscale French option in Coral Gables. Bouchon tries to help you do that. The disposable menus are made of paper. Daft Punk songs reach through the speakers and try to loosen your shoulders. Service is smooth and professional, but not suffocatingly formal. The dark wood, white tablecloths, and intricate tile help it blend with the historic building without feeling too stuffy.

This is not the kind of exciting restaurant to plan an entire month around, but it is a pretty perfect place to bring picky parents or intimidating clients. The straightforward entrees feel designed for such a crowd. There are technically fine options like sautéed trout, gnocchi à la parisienne, and roasted lamb that wouldn't feel out of place at a well-funded retirement party. But there are also enough exciting dishes to prevent Bouchon from feeling boring.

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The poulet rôti is a testament to the power of a perfectly cooked chicken, but it’s actually the hors d'oeuvres that more than justify the trip. A successful meal here should include foie gras terrine you scoop out of a little glass jar, escargots de bourgogne, and the crispy pig ears, which are one of the best things you’ll eat all year, yet tragically a seasonal summer dish. Still, everything on the menu is cooked with the kind of precision that comfortably lands Bouchon among the city’s top French restaurants, and one of the best places to eat in Coral Gables. If that’s just not enough for you—maybe make a reservation at The Surf Club instead.

Food Rundown

photo credit: David Escalante

Oreilles De Cochon

These thin strips of crispy pig ears aren't just the best thing on the menu, but possibly any menu within a five-mile radius. Here's the bad news: it's a seasonal dish that's usually available during the summer.

photo credit: David Escalante

Poulet Rôti

This roast chicken is the entree to prioritize here. The half bird is plated in a slightly stressful game of chicken Jenga, the breast balanced precariously atop the dark meat. Both are cooked to perfection, and adding a side of fries to this order for jus-absorbing is an excellent idea.

Terrine De Foie Gras De Canard

It’s so rich and indulgent that eating it almost feels like committing some sort of misdemeanor. Thankfully no one will arrest you as you use the toasted rectangles of baguette to scoop every molecule out of the jar.

photo credit: David Escalante

Escargots De Bourgogne

These escargots are hiding under a fluffy puff pastry, which doubles as a convenient device to scoop, soak, and consume the parsley/garlic butter-soaked snails beneath it.

photo credit: David Escalante

Soupe À L'oignon

It’s cheesy, packed with onions, and exactly what you want if you’ve had an unreasonable craving for onion soup lately. This with an hors d'oeuvre or two is a great meal on its own.

photo credit: David Escalante

Steak Frites

It’s not a steak that’s worth over $50. But it’s a solid steak, cooked to your precise temperature, and the massive pile of fries ensures you’ll have plenty of potatoes to pair with each bite until the perfectly fine steak is gone.