The steakhouse that shook Fort Lauderdale is coming to Coral Gables

A New Chapter for a Beloved Restaurant

When the owner of Fiola in Coral Gables announced in May that the restaurant was closing, longtime customers were taken aback. Fiola had long been considered one of the top Italian dining spots in the area, known for its exceptional service, consistently high-quality menu, and an award-winning wine list. However, the closure marked the end of an era, and many wondered what would come next.

Now, diners have a new option to explore: Daniel's steakhouse, the latest creation from Gioia Hospitality, which has already made a name for itself in Fort Lauderdale. The restaurant is set to open this week in the former Fiola location, bringing with it a brand-new menu and some aesthetic updates. Despite these changes, the core of the restaurant remains largely unchanged, according to Tom Angelo, the owner and founder of Gioia Hospitality.

“The team is completely intact, both front and back of house,” Angelo said. “Danny Ganem, our culinary director, and Daniel Bishop, our beverage director, are along for the ride, as are my daughter and partner, Kassidy. We’re ready. We’re very excited.”

Daniel’s, which first opened in Fort Lauderdale in October 2024, has already made a strong impression. In just one year, it earned a spot in the 2025 Michelin Guide and opened the popular D’s Sports Bar next door. The restaurant has become a favorite among locals, especially on game nights, when reservations are essential.

The menu at Daniel’s focuses on steak, offering a variety of premium cuts, including Australian wagyu and a wagyu prime rib that is prepared tableside, paying homage to traditional hospitality. While the focus is on steak, regulars of Fiola will find familiar favorites on the menu, such as the rigatoni vodka and the basil Caesar salad, a signature dish from Fiola.

In addition to these classics, the menu features creative twists on steakhouse staples. There’s a rich lobster mac and cheese, oysters Rockefeller that use the delicate flavors of watercress instead of spinach, and an artful crab cake that is far from the typical filler-filled version. Another standout is the corn pudding side dish, which is surprisingly delicious despite its unassuming name.

The interior has also seen some changes. The color scheme has shifted to a rich, dark green that reinforces the steakhouse theme. The most noticeable change is the transformation of the bar into a more casual space, complete with two TVs. This update came after frequent feedback from guests who wanted a place to watch the Dolphins games.

Bar patrons can choose from the regular Daniel’s menu or a more affordable bar menu, which includes Chef Ganem’s double patty smashburger, wagyu beef empanadas, cacio y pepe, and the French dip sandwich from D’s, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the area.

To make the experience even more accessible, Daniel’s will be part of Miami Spice, the annual promotion that offers fixed-price three-course menus at restaurants from August through September. The restaurant will offer lunch, dinner, and brunch menus, as well as a special five-course wagyu tasting experience. If it lives up to the success of last summer’s pasta omakase special, it could quickly become a hit.

Angelo is confident that the concept will resonate with Fiola’s loyal customers. Many of them have already visited Daniel’s in Fort Lauderdale, and he believes the same appeal will translate to Coral Gables.

“There are a lot of great Italian restaurants in Coral Gables,” he said. “But a world-class steakhouse is missing, and I think we’re going to provide that.”

He also believes that the same level of hospitality that defined Fiola will continue at Daniel’s. “I think people will continue to come to the restaurant because they’ll see the same level of hospitality as they did before,” he said. “I think we’ll resonate with them.”

Daniel’s Miami Details

Where: 1500 San Ignacio Ave., Coral Gables
Opening: July 23
Reservations: Resy

As Coral Gables continues to attract diners with summer deals, Daniel’s is set to become a new favorite in the area. With its mix of tradition, innovation, and affordability, the restaurant is poised to make a lasting impression on local food lovers.