Da Silva Hospitality, Owners Of Italian Hot Spot Zucca, To Expand With Two New Culinary Concepts In Coral Gables

Da Silva Hospitality, the family-owned company behind Zucca, an award-winning Coral Gables mainstay since 2017 known for its authentic regional Italian cuisine, has two new concepts coming to the City Beautiful this winter.

The first of the new concepts, Hereford Grill, one of Miami’s pre-eminent dining destinations for 25 years, which closed in 2021 during the COVID pandemic, has been acquired by Da Silva and will re-open in its original location at 782 NW 42nd Avenue after an extensive redesign of the space and menu refresh. When its doors do open, guests – both longtime fans of the original and neophytes – will encounter a contemporary steakhouse with food & beverage as tantalizing to the palate as its design will be to the eye. The second new concept, which is inspired by Zucca’s success, will expand its interest in all things Italian with Zuccaly, an Italian Food Hall with a multi-concept gourmet food & drink experience. Occupying more than 9,000 square feet with a capacity of 190 seats at The Plaza at Coral Gables, Zuccaly will offer six different dining and market experiences.

Da Silva Hospitality owner Erasmo Da Silva, whose father started the company in Venezuela more than 70 years ago, presently operates six restaurants and two hotels in Venezuela, and a restaurant in Portugal. He has long envisioned a Miami expansion in addition to Zucca. “We’ve looked at several other opportunities to grow our hospitality brand in South Florida,” offered Da Silva. “Finally, we decided to move forward with two concepts that we’re very excited about. Both are different regarding the type of cuisine they will offer, but both share our commitment to delivering an exceptional dining experience via high-quality culinary options and excellent service in joyful settings that foster memorable experiences.” Hereford Grill, a classic steak house known as a celebrity magnet in its heyday, will re-emerge as a welcoming modern venue, boasting a new menu that is a nod to Miami’s melting pot status as both a multicultural city and international tourist destination. While it will incorporate flavors, textures, and techniques from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, the heart of Hereford will be its top-quality meat program. Menu details are forthcoming. The restaurant will seat approximately 250 indoors and out, with plenty of room for large groups for festive events and a private dining room.

“We aren’t abandoning tradition here, merely reinventing it,” comments Da Silva who traveled to Argentina and consulted with several Buenos Aires restaurants, including Corte Comedor to help solidify his vision for the restaurant.

With plans to open Zuccaly at the upscale mixed use development, The Plaza at Coral Gables, around the same time, Da Silva will bring diners the opportunity to sample dishes from six distinct restaurants under one roof. There, guests can sample food from LaBiga (pizzeria), a pasta concept, a grill and fish station, PortaVia – a gastro market offering both dine-in and take-home options, and a Dolci station featuring a delightful array of desserts and gelato. Zuccaly will also have a bar area featuring fine Italian and global wines, Italian craft beers, and cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere.

“Zuccaly will appeal to Coral Gables’ young professionals and families, offering something for everyone who loves Italian food but wants a more casual, comfortable, less formal setting,” offered Da Silva. “We hope it will become a regular destination for residents, those who work in the area and a must-visit locale for visitors all day long – for lunch, dinner, dessert, Happy Hour or just to pick up something to eat at home.”

Both concepts should be up and running by early 2025, offering Coral Gables residents and visitors two new venues in which to enjoy the hospitality and top-notch culinary experiences that they have grown to love at Zucca.

 

Photos Credit: Da Silva Hospitality Group

Date Posted: October 28, 2024