January 23, 2018 | Food & Drink
With red sauce meatball joints, old country Tuscan eateries, and luxe spaces with palm fringed décor, the Magic City is brimming with decadent Italian restaurants every Miamian needs to try. And we have the scoop on their secret recipes hailing from grandma’s kitchen. Read on to learn more about our favorites:
With a space inspired by northern Tuscany’s Lucca province, Forte Dei Marmi offers diners an atmosphere of sophistication and simplicity with their fragrant gardens and Mediterranean-revival building. Created by two Michelin Star Chef Antonio Mellino, the menu boasts a selection of local organic produce, farm-raised prime meats, and wild-caught seafood including dishes such as the Mediterranean branzino filet, grilled chicken ‘poulet rouge’, and spaghetti alla chitarra with fresh basil, octopus, lemon, and raw pistachios. 150 Ocean Dr., 786-276-3095
Between waiters in sports jackets, striking views of Biscayne Bay, and over-sized wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano, there’s no question that this cozy Italian eatery is the most romantic—and not to mention most delicious. We recommend trying the capellini all'arrabbiata and zucchine fritte. And if you’re in the mood to spend your riches, order the filetto farcito filet of beef with sautéed foie gras. 335 S. Biscayne Blvd., 305-373-0063
Located in historic Sunny Isles Beach, this sophisticated and elegant outpost has been serving locals exquisite dishes and wine pairings for almost 13 years. You’ll be transported to Italy with their rigatoni alla Bolognese and pollo alla parmigiana. 17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach, 305-466-9191
With meatballs the size of Florida oranges topped with a dollop of silky but fluffy ricotta cheese, this south of 5th staple is a must. Between chicken parmesan sliders, baked rigatoni, and brick oven kobe meatball pizza, Prime Italian’s sizzling dishes are endless. You’ll be so satisfied; you’ll book your next reservation before dinner’s end. 101 Ocean Dr., 305-695-8484
Looking for a red sauce meatball joint that reminds you of your grandma’s Sicilian style cooking? Then Macaluso’s on Alton Road is for you. Chef Michael D’Andrea, hailing from Staten Island, prepares home style Italian food taken from family recipes that are 75 years old. And if you try to look up the menu beforehand, you won’t find it, because at this Italian house, they keep it traditional—verbal only. But we heard their meatballs, sausage and peppers, and Sinatra shrimps are the plates to order and never disappoint. 1747 Alton Rd., 305-604-1811
A neighborhood Italian hot spot located in the heart of South Beach, Macchialina is a bold and rustic eatery for locals, tourists, and even food critics. We recommend you head over Thursday for pasta night where Macchialina’s rising culinary stars are serving up handmade pasta dishes. Swirl your spoon on cavatelli macchialina with baby meatballs, porchetta and pecorino, or tagliolini ai funghi with abalone mushrooms, parmigiano, and parsley. 820 Alton Rd., 305-534-2124
With ingredients hand selected and pastas made from scratch, expect fresh dishes with old country flair to arrive on your plate. Feast your eyes on the gamberoni vino bianco and olive with sautéed jumbo prawns, garlic and white wine, black olives, broccoli rabe, and potato medley or the linguine positano with tiger prawns, garlic white wine, fresh tomato, and arugula. 1201 N. Federal Hwy, Ft. Lauderdale, 954-564-1234
Hailing from the shores of the Almafi Coast, this chic new eatery with palm-fringed décor is a stomping ground for those looking to wine and dine. Chef de Cuisine Antonio Mermolia combines the essence of classic Italian cuisine with unique flavors to present Miami locals with an experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. Dip into one of their signature dishes like the ravioli caprese made with buffalo ricotto ravioli, grape tomato sauce, Grana Padano reduction, and basil or the battuto di scampi with langoustine tartare, fennel, orange zest, and peranzano olives. Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, 9011 Collins Ave., 786-482-2280
Eat and shop your way through this 18,000 square foot gourmet Italian Mediterranean restaurant and marketplace, Casa Tua Cucina, located in Saks Brickell City Centre. Featuring 10 dining stations including a coffee, pastry, gastronomy, pasta, and cocktail bar, this luxury hot spot will be your new hideaway for afternoon treats. Brickell City Centre, 305-755-0320
The sounds, sights, and tastes of Italy are coming to Miami—and their posting up right in your backyard. La Centrale Italian Food Hall, a massive 40,000 square foot gastronomic emporium, is serving up Miami locals all things Italian. Between 14 eateries, cafes, and shopping options including an expansive wine selection, gelato shop, cooking event space, and dynamic cocktail bars, you’ll be eating, drinking, dreaming, and thinking Italy all day long. Brickell City Centre
Test your taste buds on Chef Michael Schwartz’s exclusive pizza innovations such as the prawn pizza with braised leeks, roasted tomato, calabrian chile, and aged provolone or the pistachio pesto with house made ricotta, charred onion, and pecorino. 1300 S. Miami Ave., 305-239-1330
Photography by: Photography courtesy of ALCHEMY (Fi’lia); via ilgabbianomia.com; facebook.com/ilmulinony; facebook.com/primeitalianmiami; facebook.com/macalusosmiami; macchialina.com; facebook.com/casadangelo; lesirenuse.com; instagram.com/casatuacucina; facebook.com/lacentralemiami; facebook.com/fdmmiami
