Motek Coral Gables — Restaurant in Coral Gables

This restaurant is definitely an asset to Coral Gables and a significant competitor to the surrounding restaurants, if you’re into Mediterranean cuisine (and if you’re not, PLEASE still try it). There are so many great things about this place, beginning with its bright and airy atmosphere, that is Instagram worthy, to its outstanding hostesses and wait staff. We had a variety of drinks and everyone loved theirs, especially my “Mom’s Day Off” (I think that’s what it was called). We visited for Mother’s Day and were tucked away in a quiet, comfy, private(ish) corner, which I loved. We tried the chicken schnitzel that was breaded with panko crumbs and sesame seeds. It was the best plate by far with the chicken being thin yet juicy and the breading being perfectly crunchy. I’m still dreaming of it. Their fries are yummy too, but not home-made. They would be so much better if they were fresh, fried potatoes instead of frozen (fresh is cheaper anyway). The fresh pita bread is the show stopper. It would literally be good with ANYTHING. We had 3 I believe and I could have had that alone as my meal. The tzatziki dip and babaganoush were the perfect pairings for the pita with the tzatziki having julienned cucumber, which stood out for me. Sooo good. We also tried the Malawach Yemenite Pancake, which is a single, large, fluffy, pancake-shaped croissant. I asked for it plain with a side of honey. I recommend you try the same. OMG! it was amazing. The crispy cauliflower was also yummy, but not crazy good. It needed a little more flavor. My sister had the avocado toast and the Greek salad. Both looked very fresh and appetizing, but I didn’t try them. Finally I tried the side of rice, which in my opinion was very dry and had way too many lentils in it. The rice was completely overpowered by the lentils and it was all I could taste, plus the texture wasn’t great. Maybe if it was slightly more moist and had far less lentils it could shine. We ended our meal with the chocolate babka bread pudding and baklava. Both were out of this world. However, my sister had the vegan Malabo Israeli Panacotta and was disappointed by how plain and bland it was. So why only 4 stars? The let downs previously mentioned and the following: The AC needs to be extra cool if the doors are going to be open. Because we were all the way in the back of the restaurant and everyone was sitting in a large booth, it got quite warm, and some people at the table were uncomfortable and sweaty, myself included (we were 7 and 5 of us were hot). Second was the pricey Arayes burger. Maybe we just had bad luck, but the flavor of the meat was offputting as was the presentation. It didn’t look very appetizing. I realize that kofta can be made with only beef or a blend of beef and lamb, but their menu does not specify, and going by the odd flavor, I suspect it did have lamb. If it does, it should definitely be mentioned on the menu, since this is an ingredient that is an acquired taste for many. These things aside however, I would definitely go back and look forward to it. I also recommend that everyone visit and try their unique appetizers and dishes, as everything else was truly excellent and worth...

I’ve worked in hospitality long enough to know when a restaurant has potential… and when it’s hiding behind a concept while ignoring the basics. Unfortunately, Motek Coral Gables falls into the second category.

Let’s start with the obvious: the AC is broken—and has been for three weeks. You don’t operate a restaurant in Miami, in the middle of summer, with no air conditioning. Not only is it uncomfortable for guests, it’s unfair to your team. What’s worse? We saw reviews from over a week ago where the restaurant claimed it would be fixed “that week.” It’s still not.

Now, the service. Our server, Yari, greeted us not with a welcome, but with a list of restrictions. No cash. Only three credit cards per table. And if anyone wants the Miami Spice menu? Everyone at the table has to order it. We had two people who wanted to try it and couldn’t—because the rest of us didn’t want it. That’s not hospitality—that’s forcing a spend.

And if you’re going to push a set menu, at least have your signature dishes available. They were out of branzino, lamb, and beef kabobs. That’s not running out—that’s poor forecasting and prep.

Soda came out warm, and we weren’t told refills weren’t included until we saw them on the check. And yes, gratuity is automatically added. In some places that’s standard—but here, it feels like they know they wouldn’t earn it otherwise.

But what really crossed the line was this: my wife has allergies—dairy, sesame, and gluten. When we asked if the kitchen could accommodate, the response was, “We’d prefer she not dine here.” That’s not just dismissive—it’s dangerous. You don’t turn away a guest with a dietary restriction. You lean in. You find a solution.

Look, I wanted to like this place. The concept is solid. The Coral Gables location is beautiful. But there’s no excuse for broken air conditioning, no flexibility, poor communication, and a lack of genuine hospitality.

If the team here wants to charge premium prices and run a polished operation, they need to deliver on the basics first. Start with making your guests feel welcome....

My name is Vanessa I was almost everyday eating at least 4 times a week. Around 3 weeks ago new manager came. I arrived around 1:00 pm the new hostess and new manager. I have a bottle of water less than have and a little cookie and the hostess that was new told me you can not seat on a chair with water and a half small cookie. I ask for the manager as they know me because she knows me as well many of all the staff because I spend thousands like I am a client that I go almost everyday. I asked for the manager he came and he was new manager I told him the hostess just told me I can not seat and eat if I have a bottle of water and the cookie? He told me she is right but you can seat outside. I said no she told me not outside not inside. As I was going outside with him he told me listen you can eat the cookie small on the bench and the water and then come. I did not go there to drink my water and cookie and went to order a meal. I said sir I want to seat and have the coffe and order, can I do it? The new general manager told me today no. I said to him ok today not and neither tomorrow. My friend Moran knows the owner and my husband Richard Millard he is hotel business at around Miami and American we can not believe it what this general manager told me. I was very disappointed, after thousands and thousands of dollars we spend every week, I with my husband and my friends. I want to say thank you to the general manager the lady and the other man that they were or still working. With me and my husband they were amazing but this new manager because of a bottle of water he did not let me eat, He lost clients. I am very disappointed, heartbroken from this experience. You don’t treat customers regulars or not regulars like this. We spent thousands of dollars. Please know that in the 60 days before this incident I my husband we were almost everyday eating a full meal, and we also probably on 8 occasion we took groups to the restaurant and spent 500 dollars each time or more. The way in which I was basically throw out of Motek coral gables...