his restaurant’s original moniker bore an ‘S’ instead of a ‘Z’ until owner and founder Jorge Sanchez discovered another restaurant already bore claims to the name. Changing to a ‘Z’ seemed like the next logical step and made the Zorro motif even more fitting.

Zuperpollo premiered in August, 1986 after Sanchez fell in love with Miami and moved here from California, wanting to spread his knowledge of and appreciation for Uruguayan food. As a solo chef in the kitchen, he kept the ingredients simple and the dishes authentic and true to his roots. The atmosphere, like the food and the man behind it, is unpretentious, warm and friendly. It’s a family restaurant that wants you to feel like part of the family.

The specialty here is pollo (chicken) which you might have guessed by the mascot – a flying chicken wearing a Zorro costume. Lemon and mushrooms, oregano sauce, wine and garlic, fresh tomatoes and onions are just some of the simple dressings that adorn the meat. Fish is brought in daily and served in a special batter or stuffed with onions, tomatoes or white wine. The menu is long so give yourself plenty of time to read through its many offerings.

Zuperpollo has been a mainstay for residents of Coral Gables for over twenty years and hosts live tango, folk and international bands on weekends.