Price Range
$$
Social Reviews
Iaanna Kanaplianik
4 months ago
I am not even Ecuadorian but this is by far my favorite restaurant, visited around 5 times, never unhappy. The food is exceptional, whatever you order you will be specified, we know tried almost everything on the menu. Reservations are very much recommended if you don’t want to wait for dinner, but lunch is not so packed during weekdays. I love love love the food, service and atmosphere! 1000 times recommending!
Alfredo Schery
4 months ago
My experience at La Pata Gorda was outstanding, largely thanks to Nerea, whose service truly elevated the visit. Her mastery of the menu is remarkable—she explains each dish with clarity, offers confident recommendations, and demonstrates a deep understanding of Ecuadorian cuisine. Her communication is flawless, always attentive, warm, and genuinely special.
The traditional Ecuadorian menu was executed with precision and authenticity. From the flavors to the presentation, every dish reflected technique, tradition, and respect for Ecuador’s culinary roots. A memorable experience from start to finish.
Del Gutierrez
4 months ago
A solid 7 out of 10.
The atmosphere here is cozy and the staff is welcoming, though they seemed to struggle with the rush, leading to a slow start with our drinks.
While most of the meal was average, the octopus was a major let down due to its texture.
Because of the small size of the dining room, it's not a place for a spontaneous walk-in. Be sure to plan ahead and make reservations. Definitely some odd music playlist choice for an Ecuadorian restaurant.
José Guevara
5 months ago
In a 4 day trip in Miami I came two times because the food was soooo goooooodddd , the best Ecuadorian food that I ever had in USA, my girlfriend loves the crabs and we ordered the both times that we ate here, great drinks , the happy hour menu it’s fantastic, the encebollado was so tasty like eating in Guayaquil, for the first time I feel the food fresh and delicious like eating in my country, the only bad thing it’s when we went they didn’t have “conchas negras” 🥲 if you want to give a try to Ecuadorian food this is the place
Patrick Walker
7 months ago
It’s hard to compete against my wife for amazing Ecuadorian cuisine, but this restaurant makes a valiant effort. We had the Ecuadorian Platter (a sampling of several foods) and Arroz Marinero (seafood and rice, a little like Spanish paella). My wife thought the food was a little off from the real thing, but we both enjoyed what we ate. The blue crab in the seafood dish is very distinctive from American crab and is definitely is worth a try. They served an excellent sweet liqueur at the end.
Edgar C
7 months ago
Tucked into the vibrant stretch of Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile, La Pata Gorda isn’t just another spot competing for the attention of hungry Miamian diners; it’s an invitation to plunge fork-first into the depth and dynamism of Ecuadorian coastal cuisine, all with a breezy Miami swagger. The name? “The Fat Leg.” Playful, bold, and (once you meet the crab) perfectly fitting.
Inside, the space balances rustic charm with refined design: exposed wood, warm ambient lighting, nautical hints that steer clear of cliché, and a striking mural of the Ecuadorian mangrove that hints at the menu’s heart. It’s the kind of place where you linger; maybe for a second cocktail, maybe for a second round of crab.
The menu is a flavorful ode to the Ecuadorean coast, starting with the Jipijapa-Style Ceviche, a citrusy mix of shrimp, octopus, and fresh catch topped with roasted peanuts. If crunch is your love language, the Seafood Chicharrón delivers golden, addictive bites of calamari, shrimp, and fish with crisp plantain chips.
Craving something shareable? The Pata Gorda Platter is a greatest-hits collection: ceviche, calamari, crab claws; which pairs perfectly with an evening on their relaxed outdoor patio. But for me the true showstopper is the Chopsué: tender crab over a bed of gloriously crispy rice, with fried plantains and a slightly spicy house sauce that ties everything together.
On another visit, the Crab Bisque proved silky and indulgent, while the Signature Cazuela: green plantain, roasted peanut sauce, shrimp, and fish; felt like a seaside postcard from Ecuador blending fresh sea flavors, warm hospitality, and a sense of home. A 20% service fee is added to the bill.
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NOTE: Across the country, restaurants are increasingly adding automatic 18 to 20 percent service fees to customer bills in an effort to supplement worker pay and offset the federal $2.13 subminimum wage for tipped employees. For diners, however, these fees often feel like the latest squeeze, layered on top of already rising menu prices. This backlash has reignited a broader debate over how restaurant labor should be paid. Advocacy groups such as One Fair Wage argue the solution is legislative, eliminating the tipped wage altogether and establishing a universal minimum wage. At the same time, some restaurants are experimenting with all-in pricing models that build labor costs directly into menu prices, eliminating tips and surprise fees. Lawmakers are also stepping in with new transparency laws aimed at banning junk fees by requiring restaurants to clearly disclose all mandatory charges upfront. Nevertheless, looming over every reform effort is the National Restaurant Association, which represents the $600-billion restaurant industry and has spent decades successfully lobbying against minimum-wage increases.
Inside, the space balances rustic charm with refined design: exposed wood, warm ambient lighting, nautical hints that steer clear of cliché, and a striking mural of the Ecuadorian mangrove that hints at the menu’s heart. It’s the kind of place where you linger; maybe for a second cocktail, maybe for a second round of crab.
The menu is a flavorful ode to the Ecuadorean coast, starting with the Jipijapa-Style Ceviche, a citrusy mix of shrimp, octopus, and fresh catch topped with roasted peanuts. If crunch is your love language, the Seafood Chicharrón delivers golden, addictive bites of calamari, shrimp, and fish with crisp plantain chips.
Craving something shareable? The Pata Gorda Platter is a greatest-hits collection: ceviche, calamari, crab claws; which pairs perfectly with an evening on their relaxed outdoor patio. But for me the true showstopper is the Chopsué: tender crab over a bed of gloriously crispy rice, with fried plantains and a slightly spicy house sauce that ties everything together.
On another visit, the Crab Bisque proved silky and indulgent, while the Signature Cazuela: green plantain, roasted peanut sauce, shrimp, and fish; felt like a seaside postcard from Ecuador blending fresh sea flavors, warm hospitality, and a sense of home. A 20% service fee is added to the bill.
________________________________________
NOTE: Across the country, restaurants are increasingly adding automatic 18 to 20 percent service fees to customer bills in an effort to supplement worker pay and offset the federal $2.13 subminimum wage for tipped employees. For diners, however, these fees often feel like the latest squeeze, layered on top of already rising menu prices. This backlash has reignited a broader debate over how restaurant labor should be paid. Advocacy groups such as One Fair Wage argue the solution is legislative, eliminating the tipped wage altogether and establishing a universal minimum wage. At the same time, some restaurants are experimenting with all-in pricing models that build labor costs directly into menu prices, eliminating tips and surprise fees. Lawmakers are also stepping in with new transparency laws aimed at banning junk fees by requiring restaurants to clearly disclose all mandatory charges upfront. Nevertheless, looming over every reform effort is the National Restaurant Association, which represents the $600-billion restaurant industry and has spent decades successfully lobbying against minimum-wage increases.
milena rivas
8 months ago
This is an Ecuadorian restaurant, and since I’m from Ecuador, I brought my boyfriend (who is from Ukraine) knowing we were going to have a great experience and it definitely exceeded our expectations. Our server, George, was incredibly kind and charismatic. He explained the menu to my boyfriend in a very clear and detailed way and knew every dish perfectly
The drinks were amazing. My boyfriend ordered a piña colada, which was absolutely spectacular, and my drink (Guayaquil Mule)was also incredibly good. The food was delicious !!🤤My boyfriend ordered the Catch of the Day, a grilled fish served with calamari and shrimp, creamy risotto, and asparagus, and it was outstanding. I ordered the Chopsué, which was also absolutely delicious
After we finished eating, my boyfriend was so happy that he even thanked me for bringing him there because he truly loved the food. I’m very happy that this franchise has made it all the way to Miami while maintaining the same quality and authentic flavors as in Ecuador. The food was excellent, the service was outstanding, and we left very happy. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and would come back again☺️
Hiu Yan Chan
8 months ago
First time here in Miami and came to this amazing restaurant. We had a crab bisque that is FILLED with crab meat in every single bite. The grilled seafood platter is also too notch. The slight hint of sweetness in fresh seafood and charred flavour made our night complete. We especially love the octopus it is so tender and full of umami.
Staff here is absolutely lovely - George is friendly and warm. He greeted us with a big smile the moment we walked in and is very hospitable throughout the meal. He was patient with our questions about the menu and was attentive to us the entire evening.
I would recommend this place 10/10 for those who want an amazing seafood experience with amazing vibe and service!
Daniela Remon
11 months ago
Absolutely loved our experience at La Pata Gorda! The service was outstanding, everyone was so friendly and attentive. You can really taste the quality and freshness of the ingredients in every dish. The shrimp ceviche and the locro were incredible, full of authentic Ecuadorian flavor. We also tried the cocolón and the crab chopsuey, both delicious! Definitely one of the best Ecuadorian restaurants around. Can’t wait to go back!
David C
11 months ago
Do NOT miss this spot. This is probably the only Guayaquilean (Southwest coastal Ecuadorian) style cuisine you can find in the US. Especially if you’re going for the crab and chopsuey. The cocktails and mocktails are spectacular.
Servers were super attentive too, Byron super was helpful.
We had the chopsuey de camarón, empachadito de cangrejo, and definitely try the cazuela and/or jipijapa ceviche if returning. We’ve traveled a lot, and these flavors (especially the mangrove crab) are unique throughout South America.
Por tip: Ask for ají (quite spicy pico-de-gallo-like sauce) and/or lime (perfect acidity) if getting seafood. It gives everything an extra kick of deliciousness.
Eve Velastegui
11 months ago
Amazing food!! Byron gave us great service. Everything was full of Ecuadorian flavor and beautifully presented. The staff was super friendly and the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming. One of the best Ecuadorian restaurants in Miami — can’t wait to come back! 🇪🇨✨
Maria Wakefield
11 months ago
La Pata Gorda is a restaurant I’ve been meaning to try. I was born in Ecuador but was basically raised in the United States since I was 7. The very few Ecuadorian restaurants I have tried weren’t that good.
La Pata Gorda was not just a beautiful atmosphere, but so Ecuador—it was elegant and rich in culture without being tacky. The menu was just right, not too many options but the authentic ones. At first, I was caught off guard by the portions, but they were just enough—not leaving you stuffed and overfull. The quality was top-notch. The way they served the meals was art. It was beautiful to see how elegantly this restaurant represents Ecuador.
The staff was amazing as well.
Maria Coca
11 months ago
I had a wonderful experience at La Pata Gorda. The food was absolutely delicious — fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. The service was excellent as well; our waiter Byron was attentive, friendly, and made great recommendations.
Overall, a fantastic dining experience with both amazing food and outstanding service. I’ll definitely be coming back and highly recommend it!
den izzy
1 year ago
My wife and I came here on a whim. It's hard to explain how satisfying delicious everything was. From the presentation of the food and flavor La Pata Gorda hit all points for a 5 star location. Liset, our server, went above and beyond in customer service. She was great and describing what our food exactly was going to be. She was able to describe it in such detail that we can almost taste it before it came to the table. Even the way the bill was presented was excellent. I'm looking forward to bringing the family here - on a future trip to miami. This is definitely it must try.
Darling Ovalles
1 year ago
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We had an amazing experience at La Pata Gorda! The food was absolutely delicious — full of flavor and beautifully presented. The music added the perfect touch to the vibrant atmosphere. A special shoutout to Byron, our server, who went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of. Friendly, attentive, and professional — he made our night even better. Highly recommend!
We had an amazing experience at La Pata Gorda! The food was absolutely delicious — full of flavor and beautifully presented. The music added the perfect touch to the vibrant atmosphere. A special shoutout to Byron, our server, who went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of. Friendly, attentive, and professional — he made our night even better. Highly recommend!
Jimmy Portillo
1 year ago
We came in a little before close, regardless we we were wonderfully revived by Byron and he went on to give us the most spectacular service. The food was also some of the best I’ve ever had in Miami. Everything from the appetizer, entrees, desserts, and cocktails were top notch. I will definitely be back whenever I’m back in town!
Zahera Leacock
1 year ago
Amazing. Waiter really knew the menu and gave phenomenal recommendations. The food was steaming hot and the flavors were all there. Buenísima! The atmosphere for lunch was great, I was able to sit and read my book and vibe out to the music with no issues from the staff, granted I visited in a Monday afternoon. They don’t rush you, very warm atmosphere and service. Would 10/10 recommend. Byron was my server I think, super knowledgeable. Other staff working were super helpful too, offering to answer whatever questions I had as a first time patron.
Jo
1 year ago
The food was delicious!!! Everything we ordered was perfection! We loved the flavors and the presentation of each plate. The pride in the food and the Ecuadorian culture was evident throughout the meal.
Byron was absolutely amazing! He took time to go over the menu with us and gave recommendations of his favorite plates. He was very personable, funny, and kind. He made the experience memorable. Top shelf customer service!
10/10 recommend this place!!!
Cirene Bula
1 year ago
I recently visited this restaurant with my husband and a friend. My husband is from Ecuador, and I’m not, so it was exciting to try some authentic dishes together.
We ordered the encebollado, which my husband said was absolutely delicious, very authentic and well prepared. We also got the “Ecuadorian Platter” sampler to share at the table. Overall, it was good, the chicharrón was amazing, and the other items were good too. The only thing we didn’t love was the bolón, which didn’t really taste like plátano and seemed more like harina.
The service was good, and the atmosphere and decor were really pretty, which made the experience more enjoyable.
Bianca Palacio
1 year ago
Born and raised in Miami, I never knew how delicious Ecuadorian food could be. As a seafood enthusiast, La Pata Gorda has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants. I’ve been coming here consistently, and the service is always top-notch. My favorite waiters, Byron and Nelson, always provide excellent service and ensure a 10/10 experience. I keep telling everyone I know to come here and try it out themselves!
Jennifer Colburn
1 year ago
An amazing experience! They were very welcoming! Food was fantastic. This was the first time my family enjoyed Ecuadorian cuisine and our waiter Nelson made us feel right at home! Highly recommend!
Sharky
2 years ago
I had an amazing experience at La Pata Gorda in Miami! The seafood was incredibly fresh, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. The ceviche was one of the best I’ve ever had, and the grilled octopus was cooked to perfection.
What made the evening even better was the outstanding service from Byron. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and made great recommendations. His friendly attitude and professionalism truly elevated our dining experience.
If you’re looking for delicious Ecuadorian seafood with top-notch service, this is the place to go! I’ll definitely be coming back.
dario aguilar
2 years ago
Pata Gorda is an absolute gem! If you're looking for an elevated dining experience with authentic Ecuadorian flavors, this is the place to go. The gourmet dishes are not only beautifully presented but also bursting with flavor. Each bite reflects the perfect blend of tradition and creativity, making every meal unforgettable.
The service is impeccable — attentive, friendly, and always making you feel welcome. The staff truly goes above and beyond to ensure you have an exceptional experience.
For anyone who loves gourmet cuisine with an Ecuadorian twist and top-notch service, Pata Gorda is a must-visit. Highly recommended, and I’ll definitely be back soon