Palmetto Bay Welcomes Its First Upscale Restaurant

For years, Palmetto Bay residents looking for a night out have had to drive to neighborhoods like Coral Gables or Coconut Grove for more exciting dining options. While the area has its share of chains and mom-and-pop spots, like Captain's Tavern a few miles north, it hasn't seen a new high-profile, locally owned restaurant in some time. That changes this weekend with the opening of Old Cutler Inn, a new restaurant that aims to become a true neighborhood gathering place along Old Cutler Road.

The new restaurant opens on Saturday, August 23 in the former bank building across from the beautiful Deering Estate museum and venue, offering seating for 125 inside and outdoors. Owners Drew Dorsy and Benjamin Pascarella say the project was inspired by a piece of local history: Snowden's, the popular restaurant that first opened in the 1920s and closed in the early 2000s, once stood just down the street.

Inspired by a Legendary Palmetto Bay Restaurant from the 1920s

"Growing up in Miami, I've passed by this property for the past few decades, and I've always felt like something was missing—specifically a true neighborhood restaurant in this area," shared Dorsy with New Times. "When we started looking into the history, we learned about Snowden's, a beloved local spot from the 1920s that once sat right here. That really inspired us. With Old Cutler Inn, our goal was to bring back that sense of community."

That sense of community is built into both the location and design. The restaurant sits directly across from the Deering Estate, a popular destination for locals who bike, walk, or jog along Old Cutler Road on weekends. "The area has been rezoned for walkability, so we’ve added bike racks and designed it with the idea that people could walk or cycle over after a visit to the estate or park," Dorsy explains. Inside, Pascarella describes the atmosphere as "elevated but not overly formal."
The team kept original wood beams from the building’s 1980s colonial structure, softened the space with greenery, and added ambient lighting to create warmth. "It's intentionally versatile. You can host an engagement dinner here one night and come back for burgers and the game the next," he says. The menu blends seafood and wood-fired meats with lighter dishes like sourdough flatbreads and crudos. Dorsy points to the salmon crudo as a favorite starter, while the wood-fired filet and flatbreads are also central to the menu. A full bar leans on California wines, specialty cocktails, and what the owners describe as an “elevated” beer program.

Dinner service begins first, with brunch and a café to follow. The café will feature coffee from local roaster Perla and will serve sandwiches and handheld bites from a ventanita. “We see Old Cutler Inn growing into a true all-day destination,” Pascarella said.

The Palmetto Bay Renaissance Has Begun

"We're also excited about partnering with the Deering Estate for events and weddings down the line." For Palmetto Bay, the opening marks more than just another restaurant — it represents the return of a neighborhood hub.

Old Cutler Inn is open Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m. The restaurant hosts happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

"The demand is here. People are craving neighborhood-driven, independent concepts that feel personal and rooted in the community," Pascarella says. "We hope Old Cutler Inn sets the tone for what's possible here."

Old Cutler Inn. 16800 Old Cutler Rd., Palmetto Bay; 305-432-3556; oldcutlerinn.com. Opening Saturday, August 23.