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PEACOCK GARDEN
Tucked away in the historic neighborhood of Coconut Grove, steps away from Cocowalk, is Peacock Garden, the beloved restaurant that has been a local hidden gem and go-to dining destination in the Grove for the last 10 years. In late December 2020, Peacock Garden made its return in an exciting way when it relaunched as an entirely reimagined restaurant with a new menu, elevated bar program and stunning new design. Inspired by the restaurant’s unique “secret garden” setting, Peacock Garden has transformed its dining room into an open-air space that brings the lush outdoor terrain inside and creates one collective al fresco dining area, flipping the indoors out. Helmed by Miami’s seasoned restaurateur Lalo Durazo - founder of DZO Hospitality (Bakan; Talavera CocinaMexicana; Peacock Garden), and who originally opened Jaguar in the Grove - the new iteration of Peacock Garden brings his vision of a quintessential Coconut Grove restaurant to life.
“The Grove has always been my favorite neighborhood in Miami; it’s where my family and I have lived since moving here almost 20 years ago and where my journey as a restaurateur in Miami began,” said Lalo Durazo. “The first restaurant I had in Acapulco, Mexico was actually called “Coconut Grove” so it has always felt serendipitous to build restaurants here. With the new reimagined Peacock Garden, I want to help keep a little of the history and casual charm the neighborhood was originally known for, while still creating a restaurant that is focused on exceptional cuisine and cocktails, served in one of the most beautiful outdoor gardens in Miami.”
Located near the corner of South Bayshore Drive and McFarlane Road, Peacock Garden boasts a redesigned, expanded, dining room and garden with 180 seats. Three floor-to-ceiling retractable garage doors open from the dining room to the garden and blend the two areas seamlessly to create one collective indoor/outdoor space. The design is focused on minimalistic-style, with natural elements with light woods, rattan wicker chairs, and an earth tone color palette. Planters, lush greenery and softly-lit bulbs lights are strung throughout the garden and decorate the space.
The garden itself has taken on new life and surrounds diners with flourishing plants and flowers as they dine under the shade of tree canopies during the day and underneath starry skies at night. Durazo has partnered with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and The Million Orchid Project, a program focused on propagating millions of native orchids and other important orchids for reintroduction into South Florida’s urban landscapes. Orchids are planted throughout the garden and further create a beautiful tropical oasis brimming with life and nature. Durazo also worked with Arva Moore Parks, a local historian, author and preservationist, before her passing last summer, to create a special magazine for the restaurant that houses the history of this unique location and tells the story of the original Peacock Inn, the first hotel built
in Miami in 1883.
Peacock Garden’s new menu has been reconceptualized to feature something for everyone. A largeSeafood and Raw Bar is on display with fresh favorites like Stone Crab Claws; Raw Oysters with yuzu and soy mignonette and serrano chile; and Tuna Crudo with jalapenos, cilantro, cucumber, avocado and crispy wonton. Plenty of salad options and casual favorites are found on the menu, like the Wedge Duo; Fresh Pear salad (mixed greens, limestone, walnuts, sun dried cherries, Stilton cheese, pears, port wine dressing); and Maine Lobster Roll with mayo, tarragon, green onion, celery, bib lettuce, served with a side of fries. Peacock Garden also features a Daily Roast section with rotating specials like Roasted Organic Chicken with lemon, garlic, fresh rosemary, Brussels sprouts and whipped potatoes; Rack of Lamb with Moroccan spices and mushroom risotto; and Prime Beef Rib. A selection of steaks and chops, fresh fish, pastas and risottos round out the lunch and dinner menu.
Cocktails are inspired by the garden and blend traditional techniques with contemporary mixology elements, making the restaurant as much a destination for drinking as it is for dining. The new bar program offers drinks such as the Garden Mule (vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, lychee puree); Daisy de Santiago (rum, yellow chartreuse, Demerara syrup, lime juice); and the Desert Rose (mezcal, Ancho Reyes Verde agave, lime juice, cucumber, mint and pineapple juice). Peacock Garden’s revamped bar features an industrial stone bar-top and white subway tile backsplash which will extend from the inside of the restaurant to the outside deck area.
Peacock Garden’s event space will offer events for up to 80 guests (restrictions apply due to current Covid-19 CDC restaurant guidelines).
Peacock Garden is located at 2889 McFarlane Rd, Coconut Grove, FL 33133. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner; weekend brunch is forthcoming.
Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
