Here are some of the Best in the Miami area, Salut! by Steve Goodman
Italy. At the mere mention of the word you think of quaint Mediterranean Villages; strains of “O Sole Mio” begin to play in your mind as you envision Gondolas romantically gliding through the canals of Venice. You think of The Art, The Fountains, the splendor and history of Roma, and of course –The Food. People love Italian food. And Americans have a passion for pasta, and other Italian favorites that stretches back generations. Whether, 8 or 80, Italian food is as American as apple pie, and Italian restaurants continue to be one of the most popular places for family dinning or a romantic diner for two. Here are some of the Best in the Miami area, Salut!
Bugatti’s 2504 Ponce De Leon Blvd Coral Gables, FL 33134 (305) 441-2545 Open Su – Th 11:30A – 10P Fri –Sat 11:30A- 10:30P Entrees: 15.00- 20.00 For many people Italian food starts and ends with Pasta. And for the best in town, the absolutely freshest homemade pasta, there is no place other then Bugatti’s. You’ll find all the favorites from Angel Hair to Ziti, all blanketed in an elegant variety of sauces, served up in artful displays. You’ll find the classics along with some less traditional fair like a chicken ravioli in a curry sauce sprinkled with raisins and apples. While best known for the pasta’s, especially a lasagna that is available only once a month that is to die for, Buggatti’s also offers salads, a variety of Italian meat, chicken and fish dishes and a wonderful array of thin crust pizza’s.
Fulvios 1900 1900 Harrison Street Hollywood, FL 33020 (954) 927-1900 Hours Daily 9AM-11PM Entrees: 28.00-50.00 The newly upscale Downtown Hollywood and Harrison Street sports some excellent and eclectic dinning choices. Fulvio’s 1900 was one of the pioneers that lead the way. That rare combination of a family restaurant with a posh and upscale atmosphere, Fulivo’s combines impeccable service with a wonderful selection of Italian dishes and a wine list to match. All of the favorites are here. My mother a dyed in the wool “Brooklynite” says the Veal Parmigiana was the most tender and tastiest she’s ever enjoyed. Yet my wife more of a new age vegetarian was equally thrilled with the Buttermilk Squash Ravioli. Save room for dessert, if you are from up north, You’ll find some of the best Italian pastries this side of Little Italy or Federal Hill.
Randazzo’s Little Italy 5759 Bird Road Miami, FL 33155 (305) 663-1615 Open for Lunch M-F, 11:30 – 2:30 Dinner: M-Th, 6PM-10PM, 11PM weekends Entrees: 19.00 – 29.00 If you are going to put “Little Italy” in your name, for this former New Yorker you had better live up to it. Randazzo’s has certainly earned the title. And even it if it hadn’t I wouldn’t tell that to owner Mark Randazzo whose other title of former WBC Light Welterweight Champion, is proudly displayed as soon as you walk into his restaurant. This is classic Italian food served family style in a traditional atmosphere, TV screens play scenes from the “Godfather” and of course “Frankie” can always be heard in the background. Is it a little kitschy? Maybe – but the food is wonderful and abundant. If you are from Philly, New York, or Jersey – trust me you’ll be right at home at Randazzo’s and never disappointed. The portions are big so come hungry and prepared to share. A single Entrée certainly serves two. My particular fav is Chicken Milanese Soprano, thinly breaded chicken breast, fried to a delightful gold, with just the right amount of sauce, served with fresh Parmesan and Arugula.
Café Ragazzi 9500 Harding Ave, Surfside, FL 33154 (305)-866-4495 Open Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30AM-3:30PM Dinner: 5PM-11PM daily No lunch Sat. or Sun. Entrees: 9 -19.00 Miami is known for its fine dinning and upscale restaurants. But its really impossible to put together a “bests of list” featuring Italian food without including at least one very good local neighborhood favorite. That’s Café Ragazzi, locals and visitors alike come here for down-to-earth Italian fare served up in a bright and friendly atmosphere. As unassuming as its Surfside neighborhood, the pasta-bilities are endless at Ragazzi. Family friendly and reasonably priced, for a luscious linguine or tempting tortellini, Ragazzi has what you are looking for. For those watching the carbs, fresh seafood and fish are also prepared expertly using the freshest of ingredients; the Salmon Radicchio is a consistent favorite. Ragazzi offers a great lunch “Pasta of the Day” special that includes soup and salad for under 10.00
Café Prima Pasta 414 71st St Miami Beach, FL 33141 (305) 867-0761 Open Mon.-Thu. Noon-midnight Fri.-Sat. noon-1AM Sun. 5:30PM-midnight The Italians may not have invented street side dining but they certainly have raised dining “Al Fresco” to an art. Despite the busy 71st traffic Café Prima Pasta takes you to any square in Rome or Florence, and the nice thing about Miami is of course you can enjoy outdoor dinning just about any day of the year. Inside the atmosphere is all traditional Italian; warm woods and candles. I often will judge an Italian restaurant by its bread and olive oils. Here the fresh bread and dipping oil served prior to your first course and a glass of Chianti is enough to make me go home happy, but save room for award winning specialties like Squid Ink Pasta with fresh seafood in a creamy lobster sauce.
Many styles of Italian Restaurants are labeled “traditional”. Speaking as someone who has been to Italy several times, I can honesty tell you that Romeo’s is the closet thing to a dinning experince here in the States to anything I’ve experienced “over there”. Small and intimate; Romeo’s only has 9 tables – expect to go and feel more like you are at an intimate dinner party then a world-class restaurant. I’d tell you about the menu items, only there isn’t one. A menu. Rather Chief Romeo Majano will prepare for you and your party a “traditional” six course Italian meal, by coming to your table and asking you what you like. A parade of wonderful dishes cooked to order will then come to you that are sure to delight. Prix-fixe for lunch at 30.00, Dinner at 75.00 this unique dinning experince would be a bargain at twice the price. Of course reservations are required.
Escopazzo 1311 Washington Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-674-9450 Open: Mon-Fri 6pm-midnight; Sat 6pm-1am; Sun 6-11pm Entrees: 19.00 – 35.00 As one would expect on Washington Ave, Escopazzo is Northern Italian cuisine meets upscale trendy, but it is still excellent fare prepared in the family tradition by a real Italian family – in this case the Bodini’s. Open for almost 15 years, which is saying something on oh so hip South Beach, Mama Bodini still assembles the restaurants signature Tiramisu everyday by hand. Along with the usual Italian gastronomic delights you will find such appealing appetizers as almond-crusted Hudson Valley Foie Gras finished with lavender and port sauce, and delectable beyond the ordinary carpacci; such as seared lamb balanced with crispy goat cheese rolls. Pasta and Risottos are divine, but the Bodini’s particularly shine with meats, try the pork tenderloin filled with smoked mozzarella in a Madeira, sage and amarene cherry sauce.
Duo 1421 S. Miami Ave. Miami, FL 33130 (786) 497-4386 Open 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 6:30-11 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Entrées: 13.00 –19.00 Duo means two and two of the best things about this duo, are excellent upscale type food and atmosphere at a decidedly reasonable price. However, the Duo here really refers to husband and wife Chef Pair Maria and Charlie Frumkin. Classic gnocchi and risottos are equally at home with Duck Crepes prepared with Grand Marnier. Other great “parings” here are an endive, pear and gorgonzola with pecan combo salad in a citrus vinaigrette, and surprisingly delightful side dishes like a creamed spinach or extraordinarily thin sliced French fries, sinful yes, but oh so delicious. And owing to Maria’s background as a pastry chef, the desserts are delectably decadent like her signature bittersweet espresso truffle torte and creamy chocolate mousse with pear chips.
Café Abbracci 318 Aragon Ave. Coral Gables, FL 33134 (305) 441-0700 Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-3 pm., 6-11 p.m.; Fri-Sun, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 6 p.m.-midnight Entrees: 20.00 –25.00 “Abbracci” means hugs in Italian and you will certainly embrace Café Abbracci. Many Restaurants or chefs are called “colorful”. I can think of no better adjective to describe the food at Abbracci. Colors, scents and flavors are cleverly combined at Abbracci, as in the Tri-color Veal, pounded thin with the rib bone sill attached, made succulent and juicy with fresh tomato, basil and radicchio. A somewhat different starter is an Italian spin on the Monte Cristo sandwich – here the Bocconcino Abbracci; bread dipped in egg, fried topped with mozzarella and again for that touch of taste and color the drab ensemble is dressed up with porcini mushrooms, capers and anchovies.
Osteria Del Teatro 1443 Washington Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 538-7850 Open M-Th 6PM-11PM, Fr – Sat –Midnight Entrees: 20-25.00 While the menu is varied and wonderful, most flock to Osteria for the daily blackboard specials. Located beneath the hubbub of the Crobar, Osteria is an Epicurean Oasis away from the noise. Small and intimate, not for families, but a nice beginning or end to any date on South Beach. Service is excellent with no attitude, a definite welcome site on SoBe. Why Osteria bothers to still print a menu is beyond me, as the specials here besides the floor to ceiling windows made for people watching - are really what makes the place well - so special. Osteria has that exceedingly rare combination in a restaurant today a constantly fresh, an innovative menu combined with service that really makes you feel they want your busi
The Top List of Best Italian - Miami, FL