There’s something quietly transportive happening in Coconut Grove. A kind of place that makes you slow your roll, order another cocktail, and forget whatever plans you had after brunch. That place is AVA MediterrAegean, and its newly launched weekend brunch feels like a trip through the Aegean without ever leaving Miami.
Set inside a lush, light-filled space that balances refined Mediterranean design with an effortlessly relaxed Grove energy, AVA is made for lingering with tables meant for sharing plates and stories alike. Guided by Frédéric Aumeunier, whose Michelin-starred path spans Paris, New York, and well beyond, the menu blends tradition with modern flair in a way that feels thoughtful.
Food starts strong. Mediterranean Seabass Carpaccio arrives silky and bright with Meyer lemon, pickled ginger shoot, and chives. Crispy Zucchini followed, golden and light, paired with cool tzatziki that begs for repeat dipping. The grilled Halloumi Saganaki is the closer for the first act, layered with pears, sesame, and jasmine honey for that sweet-savory balance.
A classic Eggs Benedict hits all the right notes with velvety hollandaise, spinach, and thick-cut crispy bacon. The AVA Gourmet Burger goes big, a half-pound beef patty on brioche with harissa aïoli and Greek fries that disappear fast. And the Shakshuka is a vibrant showstopper, rich with red bell pepper, tomato, chickpea, cumin, paprika, and feta.
AVA leans hard into the Greek concept of parea, a gathering of friends sharing moments, values, and conversation. It’s a philosophy that carries straight into the bar. And it shows as the drinks here feel intentional, layered, and playful.
“We serve guests, not cocktails,” says Head of Mixology Manuel Zuluaga
Eros’ Whim is tailor-made for brunch, a crisp, carbonated highball built with Maestro Dobel Crystalino Tequila, mezcal, chinotto liqueur, snow peas, lemon, green cardamom, and a whisper of sesame oil. EVOOOwl’s Vigil takes the espresso martini into unexpected territory with Santa Teresa 1796 rum, dark mastiha, coffee, cardamom, almond mountain tea, oat milk and a cherry foam. Nectar of Hebe weaves Grey Goose vodka, white crème de cacao, pistachio, filo dough, rum, chocolate, and pollen into a martini-like sip.
Save room for something sweet as Greek Yogurt Ice Cream stacks into a leaning tower drizzled with Papa Grove EVOO and heather honey. Melópita is a Giaourti-style cheesecake, comes dressed with berries, raspberry, and rosewater coulis that feels light and fragrant.
By the time brunch wrapped up, the outside world felt a little farther away. Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, built around a $45 prix fixe that makes it dangerously easy to say yes.