If there's one thing athletes know, it's how to refuel. That's why it should come as no surprise that tennis superstar Reilly Opelka has made it his mission to discover the world's dining gems.
On the tennis circuit since he was 17, Opelka initially viewed meals as a means to refuel ahead of training or matches, however, it was only when he spent time in France that the six-foot-eleven-inch superstar discovered his passion for dining out.
Since then, the art-collecting food lover has become a go-to person amongst tennis players like Venus Williams and other athletes for recommendations when they are competing in cities around the world.
One of his favorites is Cote, with locations in both New York and Miami. First visiting Cote while playing at the US Open in 2018, Opelka later befriended owner Simon Kim and Chef David Shim through a love for food and tennis, partnering with them to open Coqodaq.
Impressed by the rapidly growing food scene of his hometown of Miami, Opelka shared his favorite South Florida spots with us below.
What's your favorite restaurant in Miami?
Cote will always be at the top of my list when it comes to restaurants. When I am in town, I'm usually there once a week for dinner and once a week for lunch. Cote for lunch is my favorite, especially after training. My favorite is the wedge salad, the flat iron steak, and the galbi steak.
Where do you go off-duty?
My favorite shopping in Miami is in the Design District. On my day off I will go to Prada and Margiela, as they are both right near one another. After that, one of my favorite spots in Miami is actually in the Design District food court. It's an incredible sushi bar, called Yasu Tanaka. It's one of those things that is too good to be true, tucked away in the back corner of the food court where I wouldn't expect to find such incredible sushi.
Speaking of sushi, another one of my favorite restaurants for upscale dining is Shingo in Coral Gables. It's an absolute must. It's one of those restaurants that really makes you realize how impressive Miami’s food scene has become. Sushi like that usually only exists in New York and Japan.
Where are your hidden gems?
I have a few spots that are a bit off the beaten path, that I love so much. One of the best parts about living in South Florida is being able to experience foods from so many different cuisines that the rest of the country doesn’t. Latin food has become my soul food. My favorite ceviche is Marcelo's Ceviche. He operates out of his food truck, usually around Key Biscayne, and I love Fritanga Cana Brava for amazing Nicaraguan food.
I also love BBQ, and completely off the beaten path but worth every bit of going 30 minutes south and completely out of my way is Hate Mondays BBQ!
Any other favorites?
Sweat Records is where I pass by on my way back home. They have a pretty amazing inventory of records.
Piononos in Key Biscayne for my sweet tooth craving.
Hero image: Renell Medrano / Reilly Opelka
Thumb image: Renell Medrano / Reilly Opelka
Address Book
Cote Miami (One MICHELIN Star)
3900 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Prada Miami Design District
152 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137
Maison Margiela Miami Design District
142 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137
Sushi Yasu Tanaka
140 NE 39th St #241, Miami, FL 33137
Shingo (One MICHELIN Star)
112 Alhambra Cir, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Marcelo's Ceviches
Key Biscayne, FL
Fritanga Cana Brava
2795 NW 7th St, Miami, FL 33125
Hate Mondays Tavern
12461 SW 130th St A2 A3, Miami, FL 33186
Sweat Records
5505 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Piononos
328 Crandon Blvd # 217, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
