Zitz Sum
Coral Gables, United States · Coral Gables Section
Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
RECOGNITIONS
About Zitz Sum
Zitz Sum is Chef Pablo Zitzmann's ambitious Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant tucked inside an historic Coral Gables building, earning James Beard Foundation recognition as a 2022 Best New Restaurant semifinalist. The concept is boldly original: Japanese cuisine viewed through an Italian lens, creating an Asian-inspired menu with contemporary flair that defies easy categorization. The space itself carries a punk rock edgy vibe that contrasts sharply with its upscale Coral Gables surroundings, making it feel like a hidden gem for curious eaters.
The restaurant offers both à la carte and a well-executed tasting menu that showcases Zitzmann's technique across multiple courses, with standouts including seductive beef tartare on mozzarella bread and Japanese scallops with Thai sauce. Service is consistently praised as attentive and knowledgeable, with servers like Gabriel earning specific accolades for guiding diners through the unconventional menu. The intimate, quiet atmosphere with soft lighting creates a romantic setting, though some find the music a bit loud. The curated wine selection reflects personal touches, including Chilean wines influenced by the chef's wife, Natalia Restrepo.
Good to know
Book the tasting menu for the full experience—it's well-paced, filling enough, and showcases the kitchen's range better than à la carte ordering.
The chef
Pablo Zitzmann
Chef Pablo Zitzmann expanded his culinary education living in Hong Kong, Hawaii, and Japan, developing a unique perspective that views Japanese cuisine through an Italian lens. His distinctive cross-cultural approach earned him James Beard Foundation recognition.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
Chef Zitzmann's Japanese-Italian fusion achieves genuine creativity rather than gimmickry, with the beef tartare on mozzarella bread repeatedly cited as a highlight that exemplifies the cross-cultural approach. The tasting menu delivers well-balanced, seasonal flavors with each course offering something distinct, and critics describe the food as both creative and sumptuous. The Japanese scallops with Thai sauce demonstrate technical competence with Asian preparations.
However, the cuisine shows minor inconsistencies that prevent it from reaching elite levels. Multiple reviewers note that dishes skewed too salty, which is surprising for a Michelin-recognized kitchen. Some diners report food was "good" but didn't quite meet expectations, and at least one reviewer would skip the potato dumplings. The cooking is clearly accomplished—earning Bib Gourmand recognition and James Beard attention—but occasional execution issues and the fact that some dishes underwhelm suggest a kitchen still refining its vision. The score reflects strong Bib Gourmand-level cooking with room for greater consistency.
Vibe
IntimateThe atmosphere is decidedly intimate and quiet, with soft lighting that creates a romantic, whisper-level environment perfect for date nights. Reviews consistently mention the generous spacing and privacy, with diners describing it as a place for conversation and connection. The punk rock edgy vibe adds personality without overwhelming the space, creating an unexpectedly cool aesthetic in traditionally conservative Coral Gables.
The music can be a bit loud according to some guests, which slightly undermines the otherwise serene setting. The restaurant's hidden location inside an historic building adds to its appeal as an insider discovery, contributing to the sense that you've found something special off the beaten path.
Service
Service is a clear strength, with consistently excellent and attentive hospitality praised across reviews. Specific servers like Gabriel earn personal accolades for being fantastic, knowledgeable about each course, and skilled at guiding guests through the unconventional menu. The hostess is described as super friendly and helpful, setting a warm tone from arrival. Critics specifically highlight impeccable service and warm hospitality as defining characteristics.
The only negative note comes from one reviewer who found a waiter rude upon arrival, asking about Michelin recognition before being seated. This appears to be an isolated incident rather than a pattern, but it's worth noting. The 20% automatic service charge is clearly communicated. Overall, the service operates at a level befitting the restaurant's Michelin recognition, with professionalism, knowledge, and genuine warmth.
Setting
The historic building location in Coral Gables provides architectural character, though the restaurant doesn't appear to occupy a recognized landmark. The intimate, small space feels almost hidden, contributing to its appeal as a discovery rather than a destination that announces itself. The interior achieves a punk rock edgy aesthetic that's unusual for the upscale neighborhood, creating distinction without relying on views or dramatic architecture.
The setting is more about atmosphere than spectacle—no terrace, no dramatic views, no grand architectural gestures. Instead, it's a cozy, well-designed space with thoughtful lighting and spacing that prioritizes the dining experience. The location in Coral Gables provides a solid backdrop, and the fact that it's somewhat hard to find adds to its hidden gem appeal.
These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.
Go for
- Experiencing creative Japanese-Italian fusion that actually works from a James Beard-recognized chef
- An intimate, romantic date night with generous table spacing and soft lighting
- The acclaimed tasting menu showcasing seasonal, well-paced courses with standout beef tartare
Don't go for
- A quiet, conversation-friendly meal if you're sensitive to music volume
- Ultra-consistent Michelin-starred precision—there are minor execution variations
Details
396 Alhambra Cir Suite 155, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA
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