Talavera Cocina Mexicana — Restaurant in Coral Gables

We were SO thrilled when we found out Talavera had reopened after the remodel because for years it had been our favorite “go-to” date night restaurant (we’d bring all of our out-of-town friends and family here regularly.) Sadly, though, we were disappointed on a number of not-so-good (to us) changes when they reopened. Having said that, these new changes could be easily tweaked to make this restaurant as good as it was previously. To begin, they took away the staple of the traditional and delicious Mexican food experience: the chips. Chips to start are one of the best parts for us, even if they charged for them I wouldn’t mind. Pretty please, just offer them again! Give us the option. The two little baked corn circles they brought out were very bland. No salt or flavor. I understand they’re trying to help us make healthier choices without the fried food and flour products (they took away all gluten products, too) which is a nice gesture I suppose in some perspectives, but we do the “healthier” choices on a day-to-day basis and we would like to live a little when we go out to eat. Secondly, again I reiterate, their new gluten free approach. We don’t care for the new “only corn tortilla” option. The little soft round flour tortillas were our absolute favorite, especially with the melted cheese appetizer we would always get. (They also changed the pico that came with that on the side and it’s no longer as delicious.) Again, just allowing us the option between the two (flour and corn tortillas) would be better, as they did before. Thirdly, the sangria wasn’t as good. It’s a new recipe that was previously our favorite. My husband mentioned that. Fourthly, the portion sizes are smaller. The rice portion was half as much as it used to be. But the recipe is still good. Fifthly, some of the decor. It’s dark and more basic now, as they took away all the brilliant gorgeous blue and white hues of tiles and giant jars that I would gaze at and would lift my mood upon entering! They have now a plain brown paneled wall where the artful octopus used to be. If they put a large bright colorful pop of art there, maybe something abstract to go with their new modern approach, it would bring some zest and happiness to the overall new slightly somber/grey, monotone —flat—feeling. Just feels like it needs one central, colorful art piece.

Ok; time for the positives! What I do like in the changes are the round tables and removal of the booths. The chairs are more comfortable. The natural texture of the light fixtures above the tables are a nice touch. Also, the server we had was absolutely wonderful! Very attentive and very kind. She made my night! We thoroughly enjoyed our entrees of the night.

To wrap it up, if they bring back the chips and the flour tortillas I will pop the rating back up to 5 stars and we’ll be...

Where do I start? Went for a birthday dinner with the sons, spouses and grandkids. Always liked the restaurant

1. Bathroom in back was filthy. See photo (photo doesn't show the dirty toilet and floor stains- plus the smell). The ones that ventured there came back disgusted. Told the front deak and the waiter but nothing was done.

2. Service was bad. The waiter was super busy and kept forgetting about us (back of the restaurant). He left our table dirty, even when beinging food. We had to ask for chips, salsa and water several times. No one checked on us and we had to look for the waiter to pay and leave!!!!

3. No Chips! They serve hard toasted tortillas instead of delicious chips. They were hard to break and not cery good to eat

4. The salsa was served in tiny dishes. Not enough for 4 bites. Asked for more and they brought 2 more tiny dishes We were 10 people!

5. Servers used table behind us to drop all the dirty dishes. It was disgusting to see. We were in a large table in the back so the servers used that empty table as their dumping station, without any regard to us!

Did I mention thw disgusting bathroom and our dirty table???

We will never celebrate anything again at this restaurant

And tell the Chef that his round. Hard toasted tortilla is no substitute to good, crispy chips. And to serve a descent...

We discovered this restaurant during Miami Spice and enjoyed the food and returned to celebrate a special occasion. The service was great and the food was outstanding. The cilantro soup was so smooth,creamy and flavorful. A must enjoy this soup. The snapper in salsa verde was so flavorful. The fish melted in you mouth and the salsa was an explosion of flavors. Vanessa and the other servers were outstanding. Attentive to all of our needs from my young grandsons to my 96 year old mother in law. The decor is beautiful. I highly recommend this wonderful restaurant. April 2025. Just returned from lunch. I am disappointed. First the menu on line dies NOT match the menu at the resturant. I was interested in the snapper with salsa verde for $26. When I order the waiter told us that they did not serve snapper but another white fish. Price $37 instead if $26. Ordered it anyway. The dish was okay, too much lemon in the sauce. Fish was not debone. Second we ordered the Cilantro soup. Never received it. At the end if the meal our waiter asked if we wanted desert and we reminded him about the soup. I am not returning to this restaurant. It was my favorite because of the snapper. Also the internet menu is an old version with much better prices....