Costa Med Bistro+Wine — Restaurant in Florida

Tucked into the heart of Key Biscayne, Costa Med Bistro+Wine is far more than a neighborhood favorite. It’s a clear example of how refined ingredients and attentive, heartfelt service can transform a meal into something memorable.

The setting is intimate and elegant, with crisp white linens, warm lighting, and subtle Mediterranean touches that reflect the coastal charm of its surroundings. The space isn’t large, but it doesn’t need to be. Every table feels thoughtfully placed, every guest intentionally welcomed.

At the center of it all is Antonio Braschi, the kind of host whose presence defines the experience. A gentleman in the truest sense, his soft-spoken manner and constant smile have made him one of the most beloved figures in Key Biscayne. His gift lies not only in hospitality, but in memory: he’ll often recall your preferred wine from a past visit, how you take your steak, or which pasta made you linger over your last bite. Without hesitation, he might suggest the catch of the day, lobster or branzino sourced that very morning, prepared simply to let its quality shine. If he recommends it, you can trust it will be one of the best things you’ve had in a while.

The menu is rooted in Mediterranean tradition, guided by seasonality and the availability of premium ingredients. Starters like the grilled octopus with lemon confit or the tuna tartare with avocado are consistently well-executed. Pastas are a strength, especially the black linguine with seafood or the rich, slow-cooked short rib ragú over pappardelle. Among the mains, the Chilean sea bass with truffled cauliflower purée and the Angus filet mignon are standouts, both beautifully balanced and technically flawless.

The wine list is tightly curated and refreshingly personal. Rather than overwhelming you with options, it invites discovery. Antonio often remembers what you liked before, and might offer a new bottle that aligns with your taste without repeating the past. It’s an experience that feels crafted, not commercial.

Service throughout is seamless. The staff moves with quiet confidence, attentive but never intrusive. They seem to anticipate what you need before you ask, and they do it with grace. There’s a consistency in quality that reflects not just good training, but a sense of pride in being part of something special, most of the staff have been working there for many years and you can feel they’re proud of it.

Open Monday to Saturday from noon to 10 pm, Costa Med also offers a low-key happy hour at the bar from 4:30 to 6:30 pm with select wines and small plates, a favorite among locals. The restaurant draws a steady mix of residents and loyal visitors, including public figures and athletes who value the relaxed discretion it offers.

Costa Med doesn’t rely on spectacle or social media hype. Its appeal lies in substance: honest cuisine, genuine care, and the quiet luxury of being remembered. It’s a rare balance of culinary precision and human warmth. That combination is what makes it one of the most compelling dining experiences in South Florida.

Thank...

It may look like your average neighborhood small restaurant, but Costa Med is anything but!

I visited with my family and best friends three times for lunch and dinner, and was immediately greeted by the friendly staff, modern contemporary environment and incredible aroma of Mediterranean cousine.

The restaurant fills up very quickly (I suggest to make a reservation) but we managed to snag a table by 12:30 and/ or 7 pm

We ordered the Beef Carpaccio and the mussels to share. We then ordered the lobster linguini pasta (Homemade Black Linguini, Spicy Tomato Sauce With Lobster Chunks) and an All Natural Milk Fed Veal Chop to die for.

The lobster chunks were little bombs of tasty, fresh goodness, and the linguini was perfectly cooked “ Al Dente”. Amazing taste all together, but not overpowering. The Tomato sauce was delivered with true Italian flavor, and the sauce had a great consistency and perfectly cooked.

The Veal Chop was tender and perfectly cooked. So soft that it melted at soon as you taste it. By the middle of the meal we were planning our next visit.

When our food arrived, our expectations continued to be exceeded. The staff recommended a glass of wine to complement the food. The taste and the price was perfect.

Don’t let appearances fool you—the menu may look a little bit in the high-end, but the entire experience is more than fantastic. Worth every penny…. And not pricey at all. This place is perfect for business, casual, elegant and groups or a casual date night.

It is the perfect restaurant. A true secret in the heart of Key Biscayne. Value for money like no...

Very expensive — nearly $177 for lunch for two. The salmon alone was around $37 with no sides included, and a plain side of white rice (with a fancy description) was an additional $10. In my opinion, that’s excessive given the overall food quality.

While the service was genuinely excellent, the pricing simply didn’t match the value. Definitely not the kind of place I’d return to.

In response to the owner's disrespectful comment: tipping has always been a gesture of appreciation for good service, not a mandatory surcharge. Customers should feel free to tip based on service quality and what they can reasonably afford. In this case, service was great — but the food was overpriced, and I tipped the best I could under the circumstances. If the restaurant industry paid fair wages, the responsibility for compensating staff wouldn't fall so heavily on the customer.

Also, you don’t need my help to discredit your business — you’re doing that yourself by treating customers as if they don’t matter and even encouraging them to go elsewhere (which, frankly, I agree with).

I’ve visited many places in my life, and I can confidently say this was one of the worst experiences I’ve had.

To be absolutely clear: I always share honest feedback based on my personal experience, I have reviewed many places in hope to help other people to have a great experience when they go out. If you’re unable to accept or respect customer opinions, that still doesn’t give you the right to attempt to silence them or shut down...