Graziano's

Reviews

Name: Eschel Hamel

Occupation: Systems Analyst

Lives In: Ft. Lauderdale

Favorite Restaurant: Grazianos

Reviewed Grazianos: Mar 3rd, 2008

My girlfriend and I actually decided to walk to the restaurant rather than driving. When we arrived, we were treated graciously by the hostess and immediately taken to our table. The skewers of meat looked tempting, but I left them for later admiration. We were seated and almost immediately offered our choice of sparkling or regular water (we always choose regular), and were brought warm mini-Cuban rolls and crisp bread sticks. Try to avoid eating too many of these if you can, because they can spoil things later! We then chose our two empanadas ($4 for the spinach and ricotta and $5 for the Arabian-style beef) and salad ($10, I think), as well as the shared parillada (a great value at $17, and for which the waiter was more than willing to make an adjustment for us because I don’t care for blood sausage), a side of French fries ($7?) and the glasses of Spanish red wine ($10 each) the waiter had suggested to us.

It was around this time that the large group near us started speaking VERY loudly, which they did on and off throughout the rest or our meal. It was frustrating and distracting but we did our best to tune them out. I’ll leave my complaining to that…

The wine arrived shortly thereafter as did the appetizers. All were exceptionally enjoyable, but I particularly enjoyed the salad, which had large pieces of blue Stilton. After we were finishing that up, the meat and fries arrived. It’s amazing how much meat they think is actually designed for one person. It was actually enough for three! Each of them was quite tasty, and cooked exceptionally well, but my favorite was the Argentinean-style chorizo. The fries, as always, were exquisite, and are unbelievably hard to stop munching, even when you’re stuffed to near-bursting.

After we were done feasting, we were offered a choice from their tempting selection of desserts, but passed, given how full we were. My girlfriend got a cortadito, and we requested the check. With tip it came to about $85, and I think we got off lightly. We then walked home, with me feeling somewhat uncomfortable with how much I’d consumed.

Name: Donnamarie Baptiste

Occupation: Liquor Brand Manager

Lives In: Miami

Favorite Restaurant: B & M Market

Reviewed Grazianos: March 14th, 2008

The street was quiet when we arrived, and parking was plentiful. Upon entering, I immediately noticed the open glass bbq area at the entrance, and beside the hostess stand. The hostesses were pleasant, and we were immediately seated when arrived (on time) for our reservation. We checked out the decor and the guests seated all around us. Our seating was European style, basically small tables lined up to make one long table for dining. Each couple was seated at their individual tables, but those tables are right next to each other. The next thing that really caught my attention were the enormous portions of food around us. (It really seemed excessive to me, and I LOVE to eat.) We were approached shortly after being seated for water and then cocktails. We ordered the caprese salad as an appetizer, which were beefsteak tomatoes, mozzarella and basil with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I was hesitant to even order an appetizer after seeing the food portions, but figured I should for this review.....The tomatoes were not ripe enough, and kind of threw off the salad. I was hungry, so I ate mine anyway. My date ate half of his.

Our entrees were enormous, as I ordered my skirt steak based on what my neighbor had, so I knew what I was getting. For side dishes, there were lots of potato options...of every kind. I chose asparagus with garlic as my side dish. My steak was delicious, even though I could only eat half of it. My asparagus was also good, not over cooked at all. I was full. We ordered dessert because we felt we should...not because we could. We decided to try a sample of three different desserts. Dessert was just okay. Anyway, by that time I could barely eat another bite.

The service altogether was very attentive. The atmosphere was lively, a bit loud, and fun.

Name: Ron Paine

Occupation: Marine Industry Technician

Lives In: Fort Lauderdale

Favorite Restaurant: Lips

Reviewed Grazianos: March 15th, 2008

Parking is either on the street or in a parking garage. When you enter the restaurant you will be greeted by the glass-enclosed grill room, which turns on your appetite immediately. Seating was fast, and the service was excellent. The specialty of the house would have to be the oversized, expertly-prepared steaks. However, the side dishes and appetizers could use a little work. The grilled scallops were grilled beautifully but very salty. The fried provolone was quite salty also and topped with a slice of tomato that was not ripe. The filet mignon came with a mushroom sauce that tasted as if it was from a can. Excellent service, the portions were large, and the quality was very good

Michelle's Take

Graziano’s is the epitome of the Argentine steakhouse located in Coral Gables as well as on Bird Road down south, big chunks of meat hanging which is very much in the style of Argentine culture and cuisine. Everything is grilled to perfection and the wine list reads like a bible, so go with a little extra time so you can pick out the perfect red for your juicy grilled steak.

Restaurant Information

Location: 9227 SW 40th St Miami, FL 33165

Parking: Self, complimentary valet
Phone: (305) 225-0008/ (305) 223-4933
Website:www.grazianosgroup.com

Restaurant Owners: Leo Graziano
Executive Chef: Leo Graziano
Pastry Chef: Leo Graziano

Type of Cuisine: Argentinean
Signature Dishes: Yes
Vegetarian Options: Yes
Alcohol Served: Full Bar
Corkage Fee: $25 per bottle
Bottle Limit: No

Restaurant Hours:
Monday – 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m./5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Tuesday – 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m./5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Wednesday – 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m./5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Thursday – 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m./5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Friday – 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m./5:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Saturday – 12:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Sunday – 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Meals Served: Lunch & Dinner
Prix Fix Menu: Yes
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: No
Average Dinner Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $40
Average Lunch Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $25
Payment Options: do you accept credit cards and if so, which ones? Yes
Accept Reservations: Yes
Need Reservations: Optional
How far in advance do you require reservations be made: 1 hour prior

Accommodations for Children: Yes
Dining Style: Casual/business
Disabled Access: Yes
Restaurant Size: 150-200 seats
Accommodate Groups: Yes
Private Dining Room: Yes
Tables with Scenic Views: Yes
Outdoor Dining: Yes
Entertainment: No