Restaurant Wish List: Coral Gables

mio-gelato.com

Gelato!

​In and around Miracle Mile, there is no shortage of solid restaurants, ranging from an Irish pub (John Martin's) to steak houses (take your pick here, here, and here) to Italian (upscale or family-style) to casual (and packed). Just about every mood, preference, and price can be found between LeJeune Road and Douglas Road.However, there are some eateries that could enhance the area just a bit.

Panera Bread: Every morning, Starbucks and Einstein Bros., which are next-door neighbors on the corner of Ponce de Leon and Miracle Mile, have lines out the door. That chaos could be alleviated with a Panera Bread in the vicinity. Coffee, fresh-baked breads, sandwiches, and soups -- Panera is a better alternative.

A gelato shop: Yes, there's a Cold Stone Creamery on the block, and even a Ben & Jerry's just off the Mile, but what the strip needs is an honest-to-goodness gelateria. There's nothing like going for a walk with a cup or cone of the real thing. When the only thing you desire is a refreshing scoop of frozen Italian indulgence, nothing else will do.

Jersey pizza!

​Pizza. Real pizza: Northeast bias is going to rear its head here, but what every Miami neighborhood needs is a real Jersey- (or New York-) style pizza parlor. The pies must be large, floppy, burnt on the bottom, saucy, and cheesy. With all due respect to California Pizza Kitchen and Archie's (one should never use the word gourmet to describe pizza), neither comes close. There is no mistaking the delight derived from homemade dough, sweet sauce, and fresh mozzarella.