About This Spot

Stepping into Café PANISSE in South Miami feels like slipping into a quietly cherished neighborhood treasure—a place where the gentle hum of conversation blends effortlessly with the inviting aromas of French bistro cooking. The atmosphere is relaxed yet warm, marked by cozy wooden accents and an unhurried rhythm that encourages lingering over each course and moment.

Here, the pace is thoughtful; the staff’s attentive presence is never intrusive but always welcoming, fostering an environment where guests quickly feel part of a small, welcoming community. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, there's a sense of familiarity and quiet joy that comes with being in a space where French culinary traditions are served with heart and respect.

The menu reads like a love letter to classic French flavors—rich escargots bathed in aromatic garlic butter, mussels steamed in white wine, and tender lamb shanks that coax you into slow, appreciative bites. Each dish is crafted with a subtle complexity, pairing familiar comforts with hints of local freshness. This is a place where everyday ingredients are elevated, where a simple bowl of French onion soup or a perfectly grilled entrecôte carries the weight of tradition and care.

Wine glasses clink gently as friends and families come together, sharing not just meals but quiet, meaningful moments. The modest space, filled with the soft murmur of delighted diners, creates an intimate backdrop that feels less like dining out and more like returning home. In its enduring charm and unpretentious approach, Café PANISSE quietly invites you to slow down, savor seasonally inspired plates, and find joy in the small, beautiful detail of an honest French meal.

What’s Available Here

  • IconOutdoor seating
  • IconTakeaway
  • IconDine-in
  • IconDelivery
  • IconFast service
  • IconGreat coffee
  • IconGreat dessert
  • IconGreat tea selection
  • IconGreat wine list
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconSolo dining
  • IconWheelchair-accessible car park
  • IconWheelchair-accessible entrance
  • IconWheelchair-accessible seating
  • IconWheelchair-accessible toilet
  • IconAlcohol
  • IconBeer
  • IconCoffee
  • IconComfort food
  • IconHealthy options
  • IconSmall plates
  • IconVegetarian options
  • IconWine
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconDessert
  • IconSeating
  • IconTable service
  • IconToilet
  • IconWi-Fi
  • IconWi-Fi
  • IconCasual
  • IconCosy
  • IconRomantic
  • IconTrendy
  • IconFamily friendly
  • IconLGBTQ+ friendly
  • IconLocals
  • IconTourists
  • IconTransgender safe space
  • IconReservations required
  • IconDinner reservations recommended
  • IconAccepts reservations
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconDebit cards
  • IconNFC mobile payments
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconGood for kids
  • IconHigh chairs
  • IconKids' menu
  • IconFree of charge street parking
  • IconFree parking lot
  • IconPaid street parking
  • IconParking

Location & Hours

Monday 11:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Tuesday 11:30 AM - 02:30 PM , 06:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Wednesday 11:30 AM - 02:30 PM , 06:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM - 02:30 PM , 06:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Friday 11:30 AM - 02:30 PM , 06:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 02:30 PM , 06:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Sunday Closed

Guest Reviews

Laurence Yasner 22 Dec 2025

After watching 2 weeks of the Olympics from France I was yearning some French food. So, I trucked on down from Miami Lakes to this cute bistrot. I made a 6pm reservation! Good move! Nice, short menu with some typical dishes! Good service! I ordered the onion soup, escargot, mussels & lamb shanks with a glass of house pinot nor. The total was $106 including tax & 18% tip. I found the food to be nourishing!

Mia Luna 27 Nov 2025

Eating here is an experience, we have been coming for many years and they are consistent, totally an explosion of unique flavors, eating here is being with family because that is how they treat you. Thanks for your service for so many years

Christina Chong 16 Nov 2025

The lamb shank was phenomenaaaal; absolutely delicious and the meat was so tender it was falling off the bone. The lentils that came with it were amazing. The mussels and French onion soup were so good. I’d def come back for these. Service was good. The steak frites were just alright. Wine was fine.

T. S. 05 Nov 2025

My second time here. The food and service were wonderful. We had the broccoli soup, duck pate, Roquefort salad, and a curry grouper special with mussels and shrimp. All delicious. Cozy spot, very attentive staff, generous portions and overall a great value.

Clément Barillet 29 Oct 2025

I’ve been going there for the past 20 years, always a great fix for jarret d’agneau, their famous couscous merguez, or the classic mussels. Big shoutout to the owner for keeping this place thriving for so long, and especially to Lalo, who does an excellent job. I still can’t pronounce the new restaurant name, it will always be Pastis for us. My condolences to Valérie, who left a real void in the South Miami restaurant scene.

Andrew G 25 Oct 2025

This is one of the best French restaurants in Miami. They have been around for a long time and are small and family owned. There are many French classics and probably one of the best mussels I've ever tried. The prices are fair and the portions are huge. As a major fan of French food I will definitely be back again to try out the rest of the menu. I highly recommend it if you're in the mood for a good home style French meal.

R J 24 Oct 2025

Cozy little French restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Both the inside and outside are very small spaces so it gets very loud in the restaurant. The kitchen is tiny and located right behind the counter. My friends enjoyed watching the cooking in the tiny kitchen. I had the Bouillabaisse which had wonderful flavor but the seafood was overcooked. One of my friends had the salmon and said she enjoyed it. My other friend had the grouper in leek sauce and she thought it was amazing. Service is very good.

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