I got an email about Restaurant.com giving 80% off its certificates through Thursday. On Restaurant.com, you can buy gift certificates to restaurants for yourself or others, usually for at least half off.
I’ve used the service before, with trepidation at first, but without any problems. I used the certificates at Maroosh (Falafel pictured above.) and Chispa in Coral Gables. There are restrictions. Often the certificates can only be used on weekdays, but each one is different. Also, check for the minimums. For example, a $50 gift certificate might require a minimum food purchase total of $100 or a $25 gift ceritificate might require a minimum of $35 total purchase.
This was several years ago, and Restaurant.com has since expanded its marketing and restaurant offerings.
I decided to post about the site when I noticed how their restaurant selection has improved. Now they offer more well-known restaurants in addition to the plethora of neighborhood spots. You still have to pick and choose, but hopefully I can help. Here are some of the restaurants on the site I would be more eager to try or revisit:
Miami Beach
Creek 28
Izzy’s Cubi Thai (I am so curious…either very bad or very good, no?)
South Beach
Escopazzo
El Sitio (Colombian food-has anyone tried this yet?)
Fratelli La Bufala
Maya Tapas and Grill (There is a 75$ gift certificate for $30.)
Miss Yip
Tap Tap
The Café at Books and Books
Coral Gables
Les Halles
Yuga (The same people own Lan, my neighborhood pan-Asian spot of choice.)
(Cacao used to be offered, but alas, it is gone!)
Coconut Grove
Le Bouchon du Grove
Brickell
Blu Pizza e Cucina
Graziano’s at Brickell
The River Oyster Bar
Downtown/Midtown
Canela Café (listed under Miami Springs?!)
VerDaddy’s Tacos (listed as Miami Shores?!)
Kendall
Bangkok Bangkok
Fort Lauderdale
Trina
Hallandale
Tatiana Restaurant and Cabaret Show (I’m curious about the over-the-top Russian cabaret, as well as the food.)
Another improvement to the site is that you can view menus online.
To get the 80% off deal, enter DISH at checkout and then click on “apply.” If you spot any other restaurants you recommend on Restaurant.com, please share.
