Ariete Hospitality Group and Chef Michael Beltran are rolling out their two-part restaurant concept at CocoWalk in Coconut Grove with the opening of Eva, a new Mediterranean restaurant. Following the success of The Oyster Bar, which opened last September, Eva will offer a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere with an upscale menu, top-notch cocktails and wine, and excellent service. Eva and The Oyster Bar will share the CocoWalk complex at 3015 Grand Avenue.
“Eva is designed to be an everyday any occasion spot with great food, service and a fun, casual vibe,” Beltran says. “The idea of a Mediterranean-inspired bistro was the basis for the concept and we went from there. Eva will be as suited for a family dinner as it will be a casual business lunch or night out with friends. There will be a few upscale items and a flourish here and there, as we do want to make it interesting. Our goal is to have a restaurant that is super approachable and fun with the level of service and sophistication diners expect and deserve.”
Chef Beltran and Executive Chef Ashley Moncada have created a menu influenced by Mediterranean cuisine and offer an array of tempting dishes and raw bar selections. Guests can start their meal with freshly made bread, such as Greek yogurt Turkish flatbread known as Bazlama, served with labneh, urfa pepper, and candied walnuts. Additionally, starters include Foie & Dates featuring date pancakes and grilled foie gras with rose and pomegranate, and Kibbe Naya made with lamb, black garlic, cracked wheat, onion, shiso, and marjoram. Some of the mains and large plates include Giouvetsi, a Greek stew prepared with monkfish, prawns, squid, and orzo in a tomato sauce, Lamb Chop with Zaatar chimichurri and shaved cabbage salad, Pork Schnitzel served with orange tahini, fennel, and orange salad, and Green Circle Chicken that features a harissa-marinated chicken breast kebab, onion marinade chicken thigh, and charred green peppers. For those with a sweet tooth, there are several indulgent desserts, including a “Seashell” Pistachio Baklava. Eva will initially serve dinner only but plans to launch a lunch service soon.
Eva’s bar program is just as impressive as its menu. The wine program has been curated by AHG Wine Director Adrian Lopez, featuring more than 40 bottle selections, including unique bottles sourced primarily from Greece, as well as international varieties from Lebanon, Israel, Slovenia, Spain, Croatia, Palestine, and Italy. The wine list ranges from sparkling to dessert wines. Eva’s bar program also includes a fantastic selection of signature cocktails, such as the Me Joolie, made with bourbon, dates, cardamom bitters, and orange; Night Shade, made with tequila, Aperol, bell pepper, and pineapple; and Kashmir Sour, made with gin, Strega, honey, and lemon.
Eva’s atmosphere is rustic and modern, with a soothing sandy color palette and luxurious gold accents. The restaurant is very spacious, encompassing 4,100 square feet of indoor space, which includes The Oyster Bar. The design features include durable wooden benches, tables, and chairs, as well as woven rattan chair backs. Eva’s main bar boasts a marble top with a base of weathered stones, and its solid stone support columns pay homage to the Parthenon. The restaurant is filled with natural light, and its outdoor patio, which surrounds CocoWalk’s Grecian rear fountain, adds to its charm. Eva can accommodate up to 139 people, with seating available in the main bar, dining room, and outdoor patio.
Eva and The Oyster Bar are located at 3015 Grand Avenue at CocoWalk in the heart of Coconut Grove. Eva will be open Sunday to Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Oyster Bar is open Monday to Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit Evacoconutgrove.com. Follow on Instagram: @evacoconutgrove | @theoysterbarmiami
Photos courtesy of Ariete Hospitality Group
