Kojin 2.0: Coral Gables’ Best-Kept Secret Now a Hidden Gem of Gastronomy
Ramen has evolved into something extraordinary in Coral Gables with the debut of Kojin 2.0, now the neighborhood’s best-kept culinary secret. This intimate restaurant, with its 30-seat layout, is the latest creation from husband-and-wife team Pedro and Katherine Mederos. Following the success of the original Kojin—a pop-up that defied expectations and earned a Michelin recommendation and New Times' Best-Kept Secret (Dining Division) in 2022—Kojin 2.0 offers a fresh space in the former Lion and the Rambler location.
Kojin 2.0 delivers the same high standards with a new twist. While Japanese influences are evident, don’t expect traditional ramen or sushi. Instead, the menu reflects a unique blend of Japanese and American flavors, honoring seasonality and ingredient quality. Mederos, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America and worked at Michelin three-starred SingleThread, describes the experience as “a punk rock vibe in a jazz bar,” with dishes like his inventive “Flanigan’s Caesar” salad, a nod to his Miami roots with a Japanese flair.
The menu is ever-changing, with seasonal dishes that might swap from slow-braised short rib to Neiman Ranch strip loin, but always with a bright, lemongrass-infused demi-glace. The minimalist decor, lively atmosphere, and bright floral prints create a relaxed yet vibrant setting. Kojin 2.0 offers a casual Izakaya-style lunch and an engaging dining experience with views of the open kitchen and exclusive chef's counter seats for an up-close culinary show.
