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CORAL GABLES. Romeo Majano's forte is homestyle Northern Italian cuisine, and it's a solemn truth that he never fails to impress. After being seated in the cozy dining room, patrons are greeted in Old Country style by Chef Majano. He converses with them, gets to know their tastes and needs, and then creatively fashions a three-course lunch or six-course dinner tailored to each diner's tastes. The result is terrific, personalized food and a relationship with the chef that regulars find endearing. Prix fixe menu is $30 for lunch and $75 for dinner.
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2. Casa Tua
1700 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 · 305-673-1010
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SOUTH BEACH. Located in an Italian-style villa, this restaurant's distinguishable only by an open gate and diners seated at elegant outdoor tables. Start off with bay scallops with fresh herbs and olive oil or red wine-marinated beef carpaccio before progressing to an adventurous selection of pastas such as pumpkin and hazelnut ravioli or lobster and artichoke lasagna. Tantalizing main dish offerings include veal marinated in lime juice, seared beef tenderloin with foie gras, and scaloppine with wild mushrooms. After dinner, cleanse your palate with frozen champagne soup and fresh fruit salad.
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CORAL GABLES. Be pampered at this fine Italian eatery, where the attentive staff treats each guest like family. The name of the restaurant is Italian for "hugs," and you'll feel the care that goes into each dish. High-profile locals and visiting celebrities can often be found here, and people watching is always fascinating in the colorful, upscale dining room. Start with a wine from the lengthy list, followed by antipasti of the highest quality. Then choose among simple grilled seafood dishes, creamy risotto and fresh pastas accented with Italian herbs. Fun, flavor, and friendliness combine here to great effect.
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4. Escopazzo
1311 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 · 305-674-9450
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SOUTH BEACH. This Italian restaurant, whose name translates as "a little crazy," is a popular dinner spot. They are just a little bit different in a lot of ways. The place is small, but leaves a large impression with its bold, sophisticated decor. The menu features some of the finest Italian cuisine in South Beach: homemade pastas, authentic Old World style risottos and wonderful seafood dishes. An indulgent dessert menu, great wines and plenty of authentic Italian ambience make this a romantic place for two or a fun place for a group. Reservations recommended. A parking valet is available.
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5. Grazie Cafe
701 Washington Ave, Suniland Plaza, Miami Beach, FL 33156 · 305-673-1312
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SOUTH BEACH. This intimate, elegant establishment, formerly of Pinecrest, now boasts more high-profile digs in South Beach. Unassuming in its gracious welcome and accomplished in cuisine, Grazie takes great pride in its service, ambience, and menu. Start with exquisitely prepared tuna or beef carpaccio before venturing to black fettuccine with shrimp, seafood-stuffed ravioli, sauteed chicken with porcinis, or any of the variations of veal scallopine. A full bar is available; reservations recommended.
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SOUTH BEACH. Everything is homemade at this award-winner tucked inside the stylish Art Deco District of South Beach. The tiny, intimate dining room is comfortable and elegant in a rustic sort of way, and the small size makes you feel like you have made a special secret discovery – even though there is always a wait thanks to a loyal roster of regulars. But the excellent staff will never make you feel rushed, as you enjoy succulent seafood, fresh al dente pasta, tongue-tingling sauces and hearty just-baked bread. Superb Italian wines, rich cappuccino and stellar desserts complete the picture. Reservations recommended. Business casual attire.
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SURFSIDE. Friendly confines and first-rate service are the trademarks of this unpretentious Italian eatery, located north of Miami Beach. Start off your meal with one of their irresistible appetizers: from steamed mussels to carpaccio, you can't choose unwisely. Then titillate your taste buds with the likes of breaded veal scallopine, grilled salmon with radicchio and rosemary, garlicky penne putanesca, and what many regard as the area's top osso bucco. Of course, you'd be remiss not to save room for one of their homemade desserts ... besides, is it really ever a good idea to pass on tiramisu? Since the secret is out on this family-owned restaurant, you can expect to wait for a table, especially on weekends. Reservations suggested for a party of 3 or more.
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8. La Loggia
68 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130-1804 · 305-373-4800
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DOWNTOWN. Located in the heart of downtown, this Italian gem is popular with those who do business at the main courthouse as well as those who have business there. La Loggia draws favor for its terrific, homestyle pasta dishes and its oft-packed happy hour (one of the only ones on Flagler Street). The beautiful waitstaff darts to and fro, making sure that each table is enjoying its hearty Northern Italian fare.
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9. Bella Luna
19575 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura Mall, Aventura, FL 33180 · 305-792-9330
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AVENTURA. Housed in Aventura mall, this Italian dining room provides a convenient break for shoppers, but is also worthy of an evening out. Dinner specials might include lobster Fradiavlo (mussels, clams, and shrimp) with pasta and marinara sauce, or grilled lamb chops with porcini and Barolo wine sauce. You may also choose among several pizzas, baked in a wood-burning oven, and over 15 tempting pastas. If the weather allows, enjoy your meal on the patio.
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SOUTH BEACH. You never know who you might run into at Quattro – beautiful folks like Jessica Alba and Paris Hilton have visited this stylish dining room. Artful creations, inspired by the cuisine of Northern Italy, include delish numbers like house-made Fontina ravioli drizzled with white truffle oil. Patrons may choose from 300 varieties of Italian wine to enjoy with their meal, or they may choose to indulge in conversation and cocktails at the striking marble-topped bar.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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