Housed on the ground floor of the landmark Hotel St. Michel in Coral Gables, Zucca serves authentic Italian fare and an award-winning wine list in a modern, comfortable setting. The restaurant is known as a spot for family gatherings and elegant romantic dining, as well as a destination for business meals and happy hour. 

The restaurant is the work of Venezuelan-born entrepreneur Erasmo Da Silva. His father, Jose da Silva, founded the family’s namesake company, Da Silva Hospitality Group, in 1950. A year later, the group opened their first business, followed by restaurants, night clubs, and hotels. In 2014, they debuted “The Fifth Season,” a restaurant in the island of Madeira in Portugal. Erasmo Da Silva continued the international expansion with Zucca, which opened its doors in Coral Gables in 2017. In Miami’s ever-changing culinary scene, the restaurant has remained firmly rooted in its original commitment. 

“Zucca was designed to make diners feel at home, a place where one can always trust to find true hospitality and a relaxed ambiance combined with Italian food that’s hearty, authentic, and deeply flavorful,” says Da Silva. “We rely on craft, simplicity, and superior ingredients to bring it all together and create a hub for the community. The restaurant’s established clientele is the result of our dedication and I consider Zucca the highest achievement in my 39-year hospitality career.” 

 

Open for lunch and dinner, Zucca is sprawled across 4,000 square feet and features two handsome dining rooms, each anchored by an intimate bar. Together, they can accommodate a total of 140 guests. The pleasant ambience is complemented by fine-dining service, a soothing playlist and two private dining rooms, the Negroni Lounge and the Sienna Room. 

 

From authentic Sardinian renditions to Tuscan delights, Zucca’s Executive Chef Manuel Garcia offers diners a culinary journey through Italy. The menu opens up with salumeria choices such as Porchetta Alla Romana, Mortadella al Pistacchio, and Parmigiano Reggiano 30 Month, followed by a list of appetizers that includes Fried Zucchini Flowers filled with goat cheese and sprinkled with truffle honey and Lamb Meatballs, bathed in long-simmering San Marzano tomato sauce with ricotta cheese. 

 

Executed with classic techniques and a unique flair Chef Garcia’s lineup of pasta options includes a comforting iteration of Tagliatelle with Mixed Wild Mushroom tossed with “parmigiano fonduta” and black truffle caviar and a delightful dish of Gragnano’s Paccheri, tubular pasta overlaid with lobster, cherry tomatoes and basil. His kitchen also turns out prime seafood and meat entrees such as of Grilled Angus Filet Mignon with seared foie gras, accompanied by truffle braised potatoes and leeks, and a satisfying entree of Black Cod with Mussel Stew, served with Sardinian fregola, spinach and cherry tomatoes.

 

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. Pairings are curated by Zucca’s own World Class sommelier team. The restaurant’s beverage program includes a variety of signature cocktails like Piccante di Zucca, Smoked Old Fashion, and Nonna’s Mule. The daily weekday happy hour takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. with discounted beverages and a special “Get on Board” option, which allows guests to create their own Antipasto All’Italiana option. 

For its ongoing “Taste the Kindness” campaign, Zucca partners with non-profit organizations to create initiatives that embrace the Da Silva Hospitality Group’s commitment to create connections and strengthen the local community by bringing people together through unique culinary experiences. 

 

Zuccaly, an Italian food hall by the Da Silva Hospitality Group, is slated to open in the Spring 2024 in the Plaza Coral Gables. 

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.  For more information, please visit https://zuccamiami.com, @zuccamiami, facebook.com/zuccamiami.