Source: La Pata Gorda

Reported By: Caroline Dalal

In a city where culinary innovation and cultural homage intersect on every plate, La Pata Gorda has found its rhythm—and its following. This month, the Coral Gables hotspot commemorates its one-year anniversary, celebrating twelve months of introducing Miami to the depth and dynamism of Ecuadorian coastal cuisine.

What began as an homage to the flavors of Guayaquil has evolved into a broader culinary dialogue, reflecting the pulse of Latin America’s coastal cultures—from the Pacific shores of Colombia and Peru to the Caribbean tide. Since opening, La Pata Gorda has transformed its stretch of Miracle Mile into a destination where seafood is more than just a meal—it’s a story, a ritual, and a community celebration.

At the heart of La Pata Gorda is a commitment to quality seafood and cultural authenticity. The menu, while deeply rooted in Ecuadorian tradition, has expanded to embrace a broader Latin American identity—without ever losing its soul.

This blending of roots and reach is evident in standout menu items that have garnered local acclaim. Guests return for the golden Carapacho Croquettes, stuffed with Ecuadorian mangrove crab and sweet plantain, balanced perfectly by a red pepper aioli. Signature ceviches—like the pesca blanca, jipijapa LPG, and shrimp varieties—offer a bright, citrusy nod to the coastal kitchens that inspired them. And traditional Ecuadorian Chopsué, served with cocolón and house special sauce, continues to anchor the menu in its origin story.

But La Pata Gorda is more than its food. The restaurant’s first year has been defined by the spirit it fosters inside its walls—one of celebration, connection, and sensory immersion. Guests can crack crab shells at communal tables, sway to Latin DJs spinning into the night, or linger over towering seafood platters designed for sharing. It’s a culinary performance that blends Miami’s taste for nightlife with the communal joy of Latin American dining traditions.

For weekday regulars, the executive lunch menu offers standout value at just $25, while the “Golden Hour” happy hour—Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 PM—entices with $1 oysters, $8 ceviches, and discounted drinks. Midweek celebrations are also encouraged: all wine bottles are half-off on Wednesdays.

La Pata Gorda’s Coral Gables outpost is the tenth in a family of restaurants, and its success is a testament to both the enduring appeal of Ecuadorian flavors and the warmth of its Miami welcome. With over 40 dishes on its menu, the restaurant seamlessly combines ingredients imported from Ecuador with fresh local finds, preserving a sense of home while embracing its new culinary landscape.

As La Pata Gorda looks ahead to its second year, its mission remains the same: to serve exceptional seafood with soul, and to celebrate the stories behind every dish. For those yet to discover this Coral Gables gem, there’s no better time to pull up a chair, pass the crab hammer, and taste what all the buzz is about.