Miami, FL – The Gibson Room, a distinguished fixture on Coral Way known for its vibrant atmosphere and acclaimed cuisine, has temporarily suspended its dinner service. The decision, confirmed by Bruschenka Hernandez, marketing director for Ariete Hospitality Group, which oversees the establishment, is being implemented to facilitate swift, strategic renovations aimed at enhancing the dining experience.
This temporary pause comes at a time when The Gibson Room is enjoying significant recognition within the culinary landscape. It was recently lauded in New Times’ 2025 Best of Miami issue, where it was named the “Best Restaurant for a First Date.” Furthermore, the restaurant earned a coveted spot in the prestigious Michelin Guide’s Florida Guide, underscoring its reputation for quality and innovation.
Addressing the Suspension
Rumors and queries regarding the status of the restaurant’s operations on Coral Way have circulated, prompting clarification from the management. Ms. Hernandez of Ariete Hospitality Group explicitly stated that the suspension is solely for the dinner service and is temporary. The objective is not a permanent closure but rather targeted, quick renovations designed to improve the physical space and potentially streamline operations, ultimately benefiting future patrons.
The precise scope and duration of the renovations were characterized as “quick” by the marketing director, suggesting minimal disruption to the restaurant’s long-term operational schedule. However, a specific date for the full resumption of regular dinner service has not been publicly announced at this time.
Introducing ‘Summer Sessions’
Despite the temporary hiatus in standard dinner offerings, The Gibson Room is not going dark. In an exciting development for Miami’s gourmands, the restaurant is launching a special culinary initiative titled “Summer Sessions.” These events are designed to provide patrons with a unique and intimate dining experience even as renovations are underway.
The “Summer Sessions” are described as intimate, one-night dinners. Each session is curated by the acclaimed Chef Michael Beltran, known for his inventive approach to contemporary American cuisine with Latin influences. These exclusive events offer a limited opportunity to experience Chef Beltran’s culinary artistry in a more focused setting.
The first of these highly anticipated sessions is scheduled to commence on Friday, July 11. While specific themes or menus for individual nights were not detailed in the initial announcement, the curated nature by Chef Beltran suggests a departure from the regular menu, offering guests a novel taste of the restaurant’s capabilities.
Booking and Accessibility
Reservations for the “Summer Sessions” are priced at $75 per person. Given the intimate nature of these one-night events and the reputation of Chef Beltran, demand is expected to be high. Interested diners are advised to book their spots promptly.
Booking for these special dinners can be exclusively secured via the OpenTable platform. This provides a convenient and streamlined method for patrons to reserve their experience and ensure participation in this limited-run series.
The Bar Remains Open
A significant point of continuity and accessibility for The Gibson Room’s clientele is the status of its bar. Throughout the period of suspended dinner service and concurrent with the “Summer Sessions,” the bar will remain fully operational. This means patrons can still visit the establishment to enjoy its beverage program and a selection of its popular bar food items.
Among the favored offerings that will continue to be available at the bar are the widely popular “Chug Burger” and the restaurant’s crispy fried chicken. The continued availability of these signature items ensures that loyal customers can still engage with the flavors they appreciate while the restaurant prepares for its enhanced future.
Context of Recent Success
The temporary renovation and launch of a special event series follow a period of considerable positive attention for The Gibson Room. Its inclusion in the Michelin Guide’s Florida Guide placed it among an elite group of restaurants recognized for their high-quality cooking. The New Times’ “Best of Miami” award further highlights its popularity and specific appeal, particularly its ambiance suitable for personal milestones like a first date.
This strategic pause for renovation, coupled with the innovative “Summer Sessions,” suggests The Gibson Room and Ariete Hospitality Group are focused on refining the physical space while simultaneously maintaining engagement with the dining community through exclusive events, rather than simply closing doors entirely.
Looking Forward
While the full resumption of dinner service awaits the completion of the “quick renovations,” the introduction of the “Summer Sessions” provides a compelling reason for diners to continue visiting The Gibson Room on Coral Way. The opportunity to experience a curated dinner by Chef Michael Beltran, combined with the continuous operation of the bar, offers a blend of familiar comfort and novel experience during this transitional phase.
Patrons seeking the standard dinner menu will need to await further announcements regarding the reopening date. However, the continuity of the bar service and the allure of the exclusive “Summer Sessions” ensure that The Gibson Room remains a relevant and accessible destination in Miami’s dynamic culinary scene throughout the summer months, promising an improved experience upon the completion of its renovations.
