La Pata Gorda’s Signature Ceviche
La Pata Gorda’s Signature Ceviche Sets the Tone for a Night of Flavorful CelebrationPhoto Courtesy of La Pata Gorda

Celebrating One Flavorful Year: La Pata Gorda Marks Its First Anniversary in Coral Gables

Miami’s Beloved Ecuadorian Seafood Restaurant Toasts a Milestone With Latin American Flair, New Dishes, and Signature Celebrations
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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.

Humitas and Bolones
Ecuadorian Classics Like Humitas and Bolones Shine in This Colorful Anniversary PlatterPhoto Courtesy of La Pata Gorda

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.

Dish Spread
Shared Plates and Latin Comforts Make for an Unforgettable Evening SpreadPhoto Courtesy of La Pata Gorda

A Culinary Evolution Anchored in Ecuador

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.

Grilled Salmon with a Crisp White Wine Pairing
Grilled Salmon with a Crisp White Wine PairingPhoto Courtesy of La Pata Gorda

“Opening in Miami has been an incredible journey for us. We’re proud to bring a true taste of Ecuador here, with a little touch of Latin America’s coastal flavors.”

Josué Sánchez, Founder of La Pata Gorda

Founder Josué Sánchez
Founder Josué Sánchez Shares a Toast to One Year of Flavor, Family, and Ecuadorian SoulPhoto Courtesy of La Pata Gorda

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.

La Pata Gorda’s Signature Ceviche
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Latin Spirit, Miami Energy

La Pata Gorda Interior Dining
Warm Wood, Coastal Roots, and Mangrove Murals Set the Scene at La Pata GordaPhoto Courtesy of La Pata Gorda

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.

Smoked Cockles Arrive Aflame, Elevating the Art of the Appetizer
Smoked Cockles Arrive Aflame, Elevating the Art of the AppetizerPhoto Courtesy of La Pata Gorda

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.

A Year Marked by Flavor and Community

Outdoor Tables at La Pata Gorda Offer a Breezy Escape Along Miracle Mile
Outdoor Tables at La Pata Gorda Offer a Breezy Escape Along Miracle MilePhoto Courtesy of La Pata Gorda

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.

House Cocktail With Citrus Foam and Dried Lime Garnish
House Cocktail With Citrus Foam and Dried Lime GarnishPhoto Courtesy of La Pata Gorda

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.

La Pata Gorda is located at 232 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. Open Monday through Saturday from 12 PM to 10 PM, and Sundays from 12 PM to 8 PM.
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