Miami is certainly known for great weather, the Miami Beach party scene, and great Cuban and Latin food. But when I went to find the best Italian restaurants in Miami, I was surprised by how many great ones there are. And more seem to be opening up all the time.
Their atmosphere varies, as one mimics the decor of Capri, another is tucked away in a shopping plaza, and one is a food hall stand. But of course, plenty are quite trendy and upscale.
For some reason, Coral Gables is a hotbed for some of Miami’s best Italian restaurants. I suspect the amount of disposable income in the area has much to do with it. But my top pick has garnered a lot of attention lately up in Little Haiti.ย
Here is my list of the best Italian restaurants in Miami.
Table of Contents
The 4 Best Italian Restaurants in Miami
#1. Boia De
Boia De is a cozy Italian restaurant located in a shopping plaza in Little Haiti.
With very little signage other than the name printed on the window, this highly acclaimed restaurant is easy to miss. But the fact that it sits under a neon pink exclamation point next to a Coin Laundromat, adds to its unique charm.
Chef partners Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer helm this vibrant dining spot, offering a menu designed for sharing in a cozy, eclectic space. Their approach to sourcing is community-oriented, with everything from freshly baked bread to custom plates obtained from local friends and colleagues.ย
Boia De has earned a stellar reputation, including a Michelin star for its high-quality cooking, according to This recognition points to the exceptional culinary experience guests can expect, featuring a modern take on Italian cuisine
#2. Doma
Doma brings Italian cuisine with a stylish and sophisticated ambiance to Wynwood. The Mediterranean inspired, southern Italian menu has a blend of classic dishes and more modern selections.
Expect to find starters like Zucchini Flowers Tempura and a Black Truffle Beef Tartare. But if you are adventurous or want to try something a bit more innovative, I suggest ordering the Soft Egg, served with broccoli rabe, parmesan cheese espuma, carasau bread, and black truffle.
For entrees, it’s hard to beat the New Zealand Lamb Chops confit, the whole Maine Lobster Risotto, or the Veal Ossobuco. Or on the simpler side, the Bucatini Cacio e Pepe won’t disappoint.
#3. Portosole
Coral Gables is home to several of the best Italian restaurants in Miami. And Portosole is one of the best of the best. The restaurant, named after a small marina in Italy, is known for its coastal Italian menu featuring fresh seafood flown in from across the Atlantic.
Lucio Zanon, the owner of Portosole, grew up in Venice, and worked at the famed Harry’s Bar for decades before joining the large Cipriani Group and moving to the U.S. And now he has set out to ensure an authentic Italian dining experience here in Miami.
The menu at Portosole is diverse and Italian-forward, including a range of dishes from salads, crudi, and antipasti to freshly made pasta and seafood. Specialties of the house include dishes like Ravioli ai Funghi Porcini and the Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, as well as a variety of seafood options like Grilled Branzino and Dover Sole. But the perfect meal for me is the pulpo (octopus) appetizer followed by the spaghetti with zuchinni.
#4. Luca Osteria
Luca Osteria is helmed by Chopped champion Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli who reinvents Italian classics through lighter and more tropical fare while still paying homage to tradition. The restaurant’s cozy and rustic atmosphere creates an inviting setting for enjoying a delightful Italian meal.
The Next Best Italian Restaurants
Macchialina
Macchialina is a true family-owned Italian restaurant, that offers some of the best pasta dishes in Miami. Executive Chef Michael Pirolo was raised and attended culinary school in Italy. And together with his wife and sister, they have created a rustic and acclaimed spot away from the lively strip along South Beach.
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but if you can, the chef’s tasting menu with optional wine pairing is the way to go.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening, group dining, or simply craving an incredible meal, Macchialina is a top Italian restaurant in Miami Beach.
Zucca
Zucca is yet another Italian restaurant in Coral Gables that is among the best in Miami. I’m not really sure what made this area such a hotbed for great Italian.
This restaurant is situated in the iconic Hotel St. Michel, a landmark known for its vintage European design and 100-year old history. It comes across as perhaps the most formal of all restaurants on this list, probably because of the white linen tablecloths, formal place setting with wine glasses, and dim lighting. But don’t let this dissuade you if you aren’t dressed for a formal dinner – its ok.
From homemade pastas and risottos to fresh seafood and indulgent desserts, the meal will be excellent the entire way through. And if the bill is on someone else’s sales budget,ย Zucca boasts an award-winning wine cellar, ensuring that you can pair your meals with the perfect wine from an impressive selection that caters to the most discerning collectors.
Borti Pasta Bar
Borti Pasta Bar is a vendor inside the Citadel food hall up in the Little River neighborhood. Maybe it’s crazy to list it this high on a list of best Italian restaurants in Miami, especially since it’s a food stand, not an actual restaurant. But I stand by my choice.
Others seem to agree, as it has become a local favorite for its classic and innovative pasta dishes. And it has earned acclaim as one of the best pasta options in Miami for under $20.
The pasta is served fresh and prepared on the spot in front of customers. The Rigatoni Alla Carbonara is a great option, but the Tagliatelle Bolognese is one of my favorite dishes in the city, especially when you factor in that the price is just $16.
You can order a drink at the bar beside it and grab a seat inside the food hall. Or if you are there in the evening you can go to the rooftop and have the meals delivered to you.
Sapore di Mare
What do you get when you combine an Interior decorator from Naples with an ex-bartender from Florence? Apparently, you get one of Miami’s best Italian restaurants. At least that’s what happened when the husband-and-wife duo of Giorgia Calabrese and Matteo Paderni opened up Sapore di mare in Coconut Grove.
This small Italian restaurant specializes in seafood, and is furnished like a boat, with the typical colors of Capri and the Amalfi Coast. You can start with branzino carpaccio or share the fried seafood platter with the table (generally includes mussels, clams, calamari, shrimp, baby octopus). Then the spaghetti with clams, seafood risotto, or lobster ravioli are great main courses.
But there are plenty of non-seafood options as well. In fact, their signature dish, the cacio e pepe, is made tableside by tossing the pasta in a massive parmesan wheel. You can even add truffles to it… at an extra cost of course. This might be the most popular dish in Coconut Grove, and at least one person at your table should probably order it.
Fiola Miami
Chef Fabio Trabocchi opened his flagship restaurant Fiola in Washington DC back in 2011. And it has earned a Michelin star each year since 2018, the same year that this second location opened in Miami.
Indulge in an upscale Italian dining experience where you’ll find pristine seafood, house-made gluten-free pastas, and heartier dishes like prosciutto-wrapped veal chops and wagyu beef. The extensive wine selection perfectly complements the exquisite menu.
The Fabio Trabocchi Restaurants have also expanded with other Italian and Spanish concepts in Washington DC and most recently Boca Raton.
Casa Isola Osteria
Casa Isola Osteria is a distinguished Italian restaurant started by five-time James Beard Award nominee Jose Mendin. It opened in 2021 in Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbor around the corner from Lucali, which has some of Miami’s best pizza.ย
Known for its charming ambiance and a slightly romantic setting, the restaurant offers a menu centered around Italian classics, but also dishes inspired by his prior restaurant, Pubbelly Noodle Bar. This was an innovative restaurant that combined Asian cuisine with a Latin influence. So, Casa Isola has someย things on the menu that are unique and won’t be found at any other restaurant on this list.ย
The Arancini in pomodoro and the house made focaccia should be automatic orders if you’re with a group, while the Meatball Dumplings and Sweetbreads offer something unique.
Then for the main dishes, the Spicy Rigatoni is a favorite, and the Ravioli Bianconeri made with short rib and truffles are a sure winner. But if you want to try the Asian inspired dishes, go for the Corn Gyoza Agnolotti, Italian Ramen, or Udon Carbonara.
And they have an excellent happy hour where you can try smaller portions of several items for cheaper. But if you happen to be there when they have the Sunday Sauce, this traditional 8-hour cooked rib and sausage red sauce over pasta is reminiscent of an Italian grandmother’s kitchen.
Other Great Italian Spots
Caffe Abbraci
Caffe Abbracci is an Italian restaurant that has been a staple of Coral Gables since 1989. I honestly can’t tell if there have been any updates to the interior since opening, but when you walk through the door you are transported into a different world. And that’s exactly what makes it special.
The entire restaurant is a mix of elegance and simplicity. Two ornate chandeliers provide sophistication as well as much of the light to the windowless dining room. It’s an intimate setting that creates a secluded and quiet environment while dining.
And then the bar room features and absolutely amazing stained-glass ceiling above what feels like a smoking lounge from the 1970’s. It oozes character.
The northern Italian menu has a selection of meat and fish, with veal featured heavily on it (Piccata, Porcini, Chop, Milanese, and supposedly an off-menu Veal Parm). While the pasta section has classics like Fettuccini Bolognese, lasagna, and the house favorite Canelloni.ย
When in Coral Gables, if you want trendy, go to Portosole. If you want upscale, go to Zucca. But if you want classic old school Italian, go to Caffe Abbracci.
Casa Tua Cucina
Located inside Saks Fifth Avenue in Brickell City Centre, Casa Tua Cucina is a stylish Italian food hall featuring a variety of culinary stations. It is a casual open kitchen concept that is sort of like a mini-Eataly. You can explore different Italian specialties, including handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts. And then you can also buy fresh pastas, sauces, desserts, and other Italian goods to take home from their market.
The concept for this restaurant began in 2001 with Casa Tua Miami Beach, which evolved into a members’ club, boutique hotel, and restaurant. They have since opened locations in Aspen and NYC, as well as this restaurant concept in Brickell.
Soya e Pomodoro
If I lived or worked downtown, I could probably just eat the pasta dishes at Jaguar Sun over cocktails every night and be happy. But sometimes it’s best to go to an actual Italian restaurant. And Soya e Pomodoro is probably the best Italian restaurant in downtown Miami. Or at least it’s the one I would go to the most often.
Soya e Pomodoro is a unique restaurant with a personality-filled atmosphere, featuring dim lighting, books, mismatched furniture, and antiques. But it also has jazz and great pasta. It’s a legitimate reason to come downtown.
Ristorante Fratelli Milano
Ristorante Fratelli Milano, run by brothers Chef Roberto and Chef Emanuele Bearzi, is an award-winning Italian restaurant located in downtown Miami. With an elegant candlelit dining room, you can savor their incredibly crafted menu, featuring their mother’s authentic Northern Italy recipes such as Bruschette Prosciutto e Capra and Pasta Agnolotti di Pollo. From fresh seafood to delectable pasta dishes, this is a solid choice.
Salumeria 104
Salumeria 104 is an Italian restaurant and deli with locations in Midtown and Coral Gables. It is a great place to for groups to share cured meats and artisanal cheeses over wine. But in addition to their selection of charcuterie, they serve a variety of homemade pastas, sandwiches, and other Italian specialties.
While there are some fantastic Italian restaurants in Coral Gables, this is a great choice for something more casual with friends. The one in Midtown is a great choice for a meal before walking over to indulge in more wine at Lagniappe.
They're Fine, But Don't Go Out of Your Way
Pane & Vino
If you are in Miami Beach and want to escape the party scene without walking too far, head over to Pane & Vino. It’s located in a touristy area near Espaรฑola Way, but feels homier and more welcoming. It’s a small spot that gets pretty packed though, so consider making a reservation.
Cecconi's Miami Beach
Situated within the Soho Beach House, Cecconi’s Miami Beach is open to both members and non-members. It has an elegant and relaxed atmosphere, with a beautiful courtyard setting. But let’s face it, it’s more a “see-and-be-seen” spot more than a culinary destination. But hey, it’s Miami Beach so it’s a fun spot that can be hard to get a table.
Il Gabbiano
Il Gabbiano is a long-standing Italian restaurant in Miami known for its elegant ambiance and stunning waterfront views. The restaurant offers an extensive menu that includes fresh seafood, homemade pastas, and succulent meat dishes. Their attentive service and authentic flavors of dishes such as Filetto Farcito and Scaloppine alla Pizzaiola make Il Gabbiano a top choice for a refined Italian dining experience. But you are paying for the atmosphere and view, perhaps more than for the actual meal. It’s a convenient and good option if you are staying in downtown Miami and don’t want to eat at Bayside Marketplace.
Petralunga
I’m actually proud of myself that I even know Petralunga exists. Because unless you live in North Bay Village or across the causeway in Normandy Shores, you probably aren’t stumbling upon it. It’s an inconvenient place to go. But if you want to “find” a place with a choice of very thin Roman style or a thicker gourmet pizza along with outdoor seating that has a great view, then this is a place to stop.
La Locanda is an Italian restaurant located in the heart of Miami Beach, owned by former professional boxer Francesco Cavalletti and New York restaurateur Massimo Fortunato. This cozy eatery offers a menu of authentic Italian flavors such as Ravioli Spinaci e Ricotta and Salmone al Vino. From homemade pastas to fresh seafood and mouthwatering meat options.
