I was invited to try a brand, new, Colombian restaurant nestled in the heart of Coral Gables. The restaurant features elegant decor with golden accents and serves traditional Colombian dishes: bandeja paisa, sancocho, ajiaco, empanadas, pargo frito, and tons of other yummies. The service is super friendly and makes you feel right at home.
We kicked off the experience with a limonada de coco (coconut lemonade). It was sweet and sour with hints of coconut. This is one of my favorite refreshing drinks and OCIO doesn’t disappoint. We had beef empanadas with aji. Followed by a cheese empanada. Colombian empanadas are deep fried not baked. So their outside is crunchy adding a nice texture to the soft and savory cheese inside.
As our main dish we ordered the bandeja Paisa. A typical dish from a Colombian region known as Antioquia composed of different comfort foods: pork rinds, red beans, rice, fried egg, and steak. You can add morcilla (blood sausage) or sausage for an extra fee.
If you are looking for a solid Colombian meal with great service, I recommend you stop by OCIO. Tell them Coral Gables Love sent you. OCIO is located at 2626 Ponce de Leon Blvd #2, Coral Gables.
