On Friday, October 27, 2023, phase two of chef/restaurateur Michael Beltran and Ariete Hospitality Group’s (AHG) two-part restaurant rollout at CocoWalk commenced with the arrival of Eva, AHG’s casually sophisticated new Mediterranean restaurant. The grand debut comes hot on the heels of the arrival of The Oyster Bar, which opened in September to deliver an intimate experience rich with raw bar classics, small plates, and curated libations. Eva will bring a taste of the Mediterranean, cocktails and wine, and an upscale yet approachable atmosphere to Coconut Grove. Eva and The Oyster Bar enjoy shared space in the CocoWalk complex located at 3015 Grand Avenue.
“Eva is designed to be an everyday any occasion spot with great food, service and a fun, casual vibe. The idea of a Mediterranean-inspired bistro was the basis for the concept and we went from there,” says Beltran in a statement. “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.”
Through the culinary prism of Chef Beltran and Executive Chef Ashley Moncada, the menu offers a lineup of Mediterranean dishes and raw bar offerings. To start, guests will enjoy fresh Breads such as Bazlama, a Greek yogurt Turkish flatbread served with house labneh, urfa (pepper) and candied walnuts, as well as Small Plates and starters including Foie & Dates, date pancakes and grilled foie gras with rose and pomegranate, and Kibbe Naya, lamb prepared with black garlic, cracked wheat, onion, shiso and marjoram. Mains and Large Plates highlights include Giouvetsi, a Greek stew rendered here 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, a harissa-marinated chicken breast kebab coupled with an onion marinade chicken thigh and charred green peppers. Several desserts including a “Seashell” Pistachio Baklava will be available. At the time of opening, Eva will serve dinner only, however plans to launch lunch service are in the works for the near future.
As with any AHG concept, the bar program is as thoughtfully crafted as the menu. For Eva, AHG Wine Director Adrian Lopez has curated an exquisite wine program of more than 40 bottle selections. From sparkling to dessert wines, the wine list features unique bottles sourced primarily from Greece, as well as international varieties from Lebanon, Israel, Slovenia, Spain, Croatia, Palestine and Italy. In addition, Eva’s bar program will feature a lineup of cocktails such as the Me Joolie – bourbon, dates, cardamom bitters and orange; Night Shade – tequila, Aperol, bell pepper and pineapple; and Kashmir Sour – gin, Strega, honey and lemon.
Sporting a soothing, sandy color palette studded with glamorous gold accents, Eva is rustic yet modern, a sprawling space encompassing 4,100-square-feet of indoor space alone including The Oyster Bar. Design elements include solid wood benches, tables and chairs, woven rattan chair backs, a marble-topped main bar with a base of worn stones, solid stone support columns (a small ode to the Parthenon) and an abundance of natural light. Eva will seat 139 between the main bar, dining room, and outdoor patio, which serendipitously surrounds CocoWalk’s decidedly Grecian rear fountain.
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 5PM to 10PM; and Thursday to Saturday from 5PM to 11PM. The Oyster Bar is open Monday to Wednesday from 3PM to 10PM; Thursday and Friday from 3PM to 11PM; Saturday 11:30AM to 11PM and Sunday 11:30AM to 10PM.
