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Upscale Colombian Restaurant, OCIO, Opens in Coral Gables


I was invited to try a brand, new, Colombian restaurant nestled in the heart of Coral Gables. The restaurant features elegant decor with golden accents and serves traditional Colombian dishes: bandeja paisa, sancocho, ajiaco, empanadas, pargo frito, and tons of other yummies. The service is super friendly and makes you feel right at home.

We kicked off the experience with a limonada de coco (coconut lemonade). It was sweet and sour with hints of coconut. This is one of my favorite refreshing drinks and OCIO doesn’t disappoint. We had beef empanadas with aji. Followed by a cheese empanada. Colombian empanadas are deep fried not baked. So their outside is crunchy adding a nice texture to the soft and savory cheese inside.

As our main dish we ordered the bandeja Paisa. A typical dish from a Colombian region known as Antioquia composed of different comfort foods: pork rinds, red beans, rice, fried egg, and steak. You can add morcilla (blood sausage) or sausage for an extra fee.

If you are looking for a solid Colombian meal with great service, I recommend you stop by OCIO. Tell them Coral Gables Love sent you. OCIO is located at 2626 Ponce de Leon Blvd #2, Coral Gables.


About Author

Paola Mendez is a hypnotherapist, published author, and the curious soul behind Coral Gables Love and The Blogger Union. Her journey didn't start in a clinician's office — it started at age 15, battling a mind that used food to quiet a constant internal critic. After two decades at war with her own subconscious, searching for peace as a self-described "introvert in a loud world," Paola found her way out through hypnotherapy. That same journey pushed her out into the city she loves, discovering the gems hiding in plain sight all around Coral Gables. Today, she channels both passions into everything she does: helping people quiet their inner critic through her hypnotherapy practice Pao Hypnosis, sharing those subconscious healing tools through her app Mochi Zen, and showcasing the people, places, and flavors that make South Florida worth savoring — one matcha latte at a time. She is also the author of A Taste of Coral Gables, a cookbook featuring recipes from the city's top chefs. Say hello at info@coralgableslove.com

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