Miami’s vibrant food scene is a melting pot of flavors and cuisines from around the world. When it comes to Italian cuisine, the city boasts an impressive array of restaurants that cater to even the most discerning of palates. From classic pasta dishes to authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, Miami’s Italian restaurants deliver a true taste of Italy. Join us as we explore the top Italian culinary destinations in the Magic City, where you can savor the flavors of Italy while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Miami.
The 20 Best Italian Restaurants In Miami
Call Me Gaby
Call Me Gaby is a neighborhood hotspot for casual Italian dining in Miami Beach. The restaurant offers a cozy interior with pillow-lined booths and a lush garden setting with outdoor seating. The menu features a variety of Italian dishes, including pizzas, pastas, salads, and seafood. The pizzas are made with fresh ingredients and cooked in a wood-fired oven. The pastas are also made fresh daily and the seafood is sourced from local fishermen. The wine list features a selection of Italian wines to complement the food. Call Me Gaby is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or a night out with friends. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Reservations are recommended, especially for outdoor seating.
Macchialina
Macchialina stands as the premier Italian restaurant in Miami, surpassing not only South Beach but the entirety of the city. Its approachable yet exquisite dishes reflect a thoughtful consideration evident in every morsel on the plate. The restaurant’s rendition of lasagna and veal parmigiana stands unrivaled in the city, striking a delicate balance between sophistication and informality. Whether you seek to commemorate a special occasion, crave a dining experience worth battling South Beach parking for, or simply yearn for unparalleled pasta, Macchialina is the ultimate destination. Moreover, on pleasant days, indulge yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Macchialina’s outdoor patio—a captivating transformation of a former hostel—truly one of Miami’s finest al fresco dining spots.
Carbone
One of the hottest spots in Miami is the Michelin-starred Carbone restaurant. The restaurant is beautiful with a retro-style French décor, the plates are hand-painted in Italy, and its location is iconic; Carbone has become a staple in the South Beach neighborhood in such a short time. Founded by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick, Carbone is one of the most celebrated Italian restaurants of the last decade. The South Beach location of the incredibly popular red-sauce-focused restaurant serves up the same high-end takes on classic Italian-American dishes that its New York City counterpart has since 2012 like its famous spicy rigatoni in a vodka sauce, the Caesar salad “alla ZZ” that is prepared table-side; veal chop parmesan; and more — alongside some serious old school vibes, potent cocktails, and plenty of people watching.
D’Ivo 79 Cucina
D’Ivo 79 Cucina is a new restaurant in the Little River neighborhood serving interpretations of Italian dishes. Chef Ivo Mazzon was born and raised in Treviso, Italy. After graduating from culinary school in the late 90s, he moved to the US and worked his way up to becoming an executive member at Graspa Group in January 2017.
Toscana Divino
Toscana Divino is an award-winning Italian restaurant in Brickell led by executive chef Andrea Marchesin and chef de cuisine Christopher Tanfi. With sustainability and his hometown of Treviso, Italy in mind, Marchesin and his team source seasonal produce from local, family-owned farms to provide freshly harvested ingredients in each dish, taking guests on a journey through Italy.
Casa Tua Cucina
Located in the bustling heart of Brickell, Casa Tua Cucina is a culinary paradise that brings the essence of Italy to Miami. This upscale Italian food hall offers a unique dining experience with various food stations showcasing a wide selection of Italian delicacies. From freshly made pastas to delectable risottos, guests can explore a variety of flavors under one roof. The elegant and stylish ambiance, combined with the mouthwatering dishes, makes Casa Tua Cucina a must-visit for Italian food enthusiasts.
Boia De
MICHELIN star Boia De specializes in modern American cooking with a strong Italian influence and a strong focus on natural wine. A neon-pink exclamation mark that glows above the front door is impossible to miss. Surprising is certainly an apt descriptor for chefs Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer’s distinctive and impressive menu. Dynamic duo bring on the culinary love in this tidy dazzler that leans heavily on the Italian side in part thanks to Giangrande’s family roots. Sample the crispy polenta with marinated eggplant and baked calms with nduja and lemon. Order the pappardelle alla lepre (rabbit, rosemary, and tomato), tortellini in brodo with foie gras, duck confit, duck prosciutto and duck brodo, or the saffron tagliatelle and be instantly transported to Italy.
Zucca
Owned and operated by the Da Silva Hospitality Group, Zucca has been serving authentic Italian fare in the heart of Coral Gables since 2017. From authentic Sardinian renditions to Tuscan delights, Zucca’s Executive Chef Manuel Garcia combines traditional techniques with high-quality ingredients to offer diners a culinary journey of fine dining through Italy. A winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for five consecutive years, Zucca boasts a wine cellar of more than 2,000 Italian labels, complemented by other European vintages and American selections. Zucca is situated at St. Michel Hotel at 162 Alcazar Ave., Coral Gables; 786-580-3731. Lunch is served daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner service is from Tuesday through Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays and Mondays, from 5 p.m. t0 10 p.m. Happy hour is offered daily, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Cibo Wine Bar
For a true Italian trattoria experience, head to Cibo Wine Bar in South Beach. This lively and authentic restaurant offers a vast selection of traditional Italian dishes made with the finest ingredients. Indulge in wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and mouthwatering meat and seafood dishes. Cibo Wine Bar also boasts an extensive wine list, featuring an impressive collection of Italian wines to complement your meal. With its rustic charm and bustling atmosphere, Cibo Wine Bar captures the essence of Italy in the heart of Miami.
Il Gabbiano
Nestled on the waterfront in Downtown Miami, Il Gabbiano has been a go-to destination for Italian cuisine since 1994. This upscale restaurant offers breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and an extensive menu of classic Italian dishes. From their renowned homemade pasta dishes to succulent seafood creations, every bite at Il Gabbiano is a taste of Italy’s culinary heritage. Impeccable service, elegant decor, and an extensive wine list make this restaurant a perfect choice for a memorable dining experience.
Fratelli Milano
A hidden gem in the heart of Miami’s Financial District, Fratelli Milano is a family-owned Italian trattoria that has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for over 30 years. With its cozy atmosphere and warm hospitality, this restaurant offers a menu that highlights the simplicity and flavors of Italian cooking. From traditional antipasti to handmade pastas and flavorful main courses, Fratelli Milano delivers a genuine Italian dining experience that will transport you to the streets of Italy.
Casa Bufala
From the Culinary Masterminds Behind Fratelli La Bufala, Casa Bufala Brings Authentic Italian Recipes from Naples to Miami. Located in the heart of the Sunset Harbor neighborhood in Miami Beach, Casa Bufala is a modern, first-class trattoria and pizzeria where guests are invited to feel at home with a menu showcasing Italian comfort.
Contessa Miami
The famed northern Italian-inspired concept, Contessa Miami, is a classic yet thoroughly contemporary dining destination by Major Food Group. Serving as Miami Design District’s newest neighborhood cornerstone, Contessa presents an elegantly lush outdoor ambience and offers the finest meats, antipasti, signature pizzas, and an extensive in-house gelato program. Both the first and second floor outdoor terraces encourage guests to stay beyond the confines of its lunch, Aperitivo and dinner as each table is situated at the intersection of all the art, culture and fashion that Miami Design District has to offer. If you’re looking for the best spot for people watching over an aperol spritz and spicy lobster capellini, look no further! Contessa Miami is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
Sofia Design District
Sofia Design District offers a fresh perspective and honest, refined approach to both new and nostalgic Italian dishes. With a commitment to sourcing only the finest quality ingredients that pay homage to authentic Italian flavors, Sofia’s seasonal offerings highlight the quintessential flavors of Italian fine dining. The menu leads with a selection of antipasti including, Prosciutto, Carpaccio, Grilled Octopus, Citrus Salads, Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini, and a robust collection of Crudo. Fresh, handmade pasta dishes headline the menu’s main section, with dishes like Cacio e Pepe al Tartufo, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, and Ravioli di Ricotta e Noci. ‘Pesce’ mains feature Branzino, Aragosta (butter-poached lobster), and Gamberetti (wild king prawn), while ‘Carne’ mains highlight Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, Wagyu Filets, Breaded Veal, Ribeye, Prime Striploin, among others.
Issabela’s
This upscale Italian restaurant is a must-visit for lovers of classic Italian cuisine. From fresh pasta dishes like pappardelle with wild boar ragu to grilled octopus with potatoes, the menu is full of flavorful and expertly prepared dishes. The romantic ambiance and attentive service make Issabella’s a great spot for a special occasion or a date night.
Versace mansion
Experience an Italian-Mediterranean themed dinner at Gianni’s at the Villa. The Villa Casa Casuarina is the former Versace mansion, and offers the best service, oversized Italian marble bathrooms, a gold-clad pool, a lavish rooftop lounge and private bars. Gianni’s at The Villa offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience in an iconic setting. One of the most famous parts of the house is the pool made of Italian mosaic tiles. The pool was reportedly made in Italy, then broken down into sections and shipped to Miami where it was then rebuilt at Versace’s house. The pool is filled with colorful tiles, including thousands of 24-karat gold tiles.
Via Emilia Garden
Via Emilia Garden is an Italian restaurant of authentic Emilia Romagna tradition in Midtown Miami. This Northern Italian restaurant offers an extensive menu in a charming setting. Appetizers include funghi in pastella di birra (beer-battered mushrooms), prosciutto di parma with fried gnocchi, while main course winners include the tagliatelle with sausage, mushrooms, and cream sauce; and the pumpkin cappellacci in Bolognese sauce.
Italica Midtown
Italica Midtown located in Midtown. From the team behind Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar in Midtown Miami and Italica Pizza in Aventura comes Italica Midtown, a Italian-inspired pizzeria with live entertainment and a spritz bar where guests can personalize their own drink with a variety of garnishes, mixers, and more.
Mi’Talia Kitchen & Bar
Inspired entirely by Chef Jannine Booth & Jeff McInnis travels throughout Europe, Mi’Talia is a neighborhood locale where the husband and wife duo share their passion for cooking Italian flavors. Highlights from the menu include Whipped Ricotta Toast, Mama’s Meatballs, Sunflower Pizza, Spicy Rigatoni Vodka and Veal Chop Milanese.
Dōma
In the heart of Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, Dōma serves contemporary Mediterranean-inspired, Southern Italian cuisine that incorporates local products and seasonal ingredients into a mix of classic dishes and modern selections. Owned and operated by Italian restaurateur Luca Lomonaco, the artsy indoor/outdoor eatery boasts a 800-bottle built-in wine cellar, a private dining room, and an intimate bar area. Standout offerings include housemade pasta, seafood entrees and specialty desserts artfully crafted and plated by Executive Chef Marco Giuliano. Dōma is situated at 35 NE 26th St., Miami, FL, 331317; 786-953-6946.
When it comes to Italian cuisine, Miami offers a diverse range of restaurants that capture the essence of Italy’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re seeking an upscale dining experience or a casual trattoria, the city has something to satisfy every Italian food lover. From the culinary paradise of Casa Tua Cucina to the authentic charm of Cibo Wine Bar, the waterfront elegance of Il Gabbiano, and the family-owned gem Fratelli Milano, these Italian restaurants in Miami are sure to impress. Embark on a gastronomic journey and indulge in the flavors of Italy while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Magic City.
