Italian
Acquo 124 — 124 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, 954.454.2410; italianrestaurantweston.com. Authentic Italian food in an
elegant dining setting. Lunch, dinner and kids’ menu seven days a week. Full bar, featuring housemade pasta specialties, high quality steaks and chops a wide selection of main plate salads, and homemade desserts.
ANTHONY’S COAL-FIRED PIZZA — 17901 Biscayne Blvd., 305.830.2625; anthonyscoalfiredpizza.com. Sandwiches, salads, chicken wings and burgers are available, but pizza is the star for lunch and dinner. Specialty pies include the Philly Cheesesteak and the Eggplant Marino.
BELLA LUNA — In the Aventura Mall, 19575 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura; 305.792.9330. Salads, pastas, beef, chicken and fish dishes have been the staple for the past 10 years; there’s also a bar where you can enjoy drinks and appetizers.
Brio Tuscan Grille — In the Village at Gulfstream Park, 600 Silks Run, Suite 1205, Hallandale Beach, 954.362.1600; brioitalian.com. Popular spot for lunch and dinner serving up Tuscan-inspired pastas, seafood risotto, chops, beef, salmon and yummy Chicken Under the Brick. For $2.95, enjoy The Tuscan Taster Bar Menu (check the website for dates and times available) in the bar.
Caffe da Vinci — 1009 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor Island, 305.861.8166; caffedavinci.com. One of those longstanding neighborhood favorite spots that’s worth a special trip, Caffe da Vinci is part lounge, part dining room, and both sides offer sublime experiences.
CARPACCIO — In the Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave.; 305.867.7777, carpacciobalharbour.com. A longtime favorite of the well-heeled crowd, with consistent favorites such as angel hair pomodoro and Caesar salad.
Luca Bella — 19088 NE 29th Ave., Aventura; 305.792.2222. Luca Bella brings New York Family Style to Aventura. On the menu are authentically prepared Italian classics like Chicken Scarparello, Clams Casino or Veal Chop Valdostana. Open for Dinner in September and for Lunch and Dinner in October. Reservations accepted.
MATTEO’S — 1825 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach, 954.455.4050; matteosrestaurants.com. Fresh fish such as Fried Pemaquid Oysters, Maine lobsters, red snapper livornese and New York-style baked clams. If veal is your thing, try a Veal Chop Valdostana or veal francese.
Pizza Roma — 19090 NE 29th Ave., Aventura, 305.937.4884; PizzaRomaAventura.net. This casual neighborhood favorite is known for its huge selection of delicious pizzas, but there’s plenty more to choose from as well including wings, salads, hot and cold “bullet” sandwiches, pastas, chicken dishes and seafood. For a sweet Italian finish, try a Zeppole, fried dough that’s light as a feather.
RACKS ITALIAN BISTRO & MARKET — In the Intracoastal Mall, 3933 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach, 305.917.7225; grrestaurant.com. Restaurateur Gary Rack’s second eatery (he owns Coal Mine Pizza in Boca, too), serving up authentic Italian specialties in a cozy, atmosphere.
SICILIAN OVEN — In the Promenade Shops on Biscayne and Ives Dairy Road; 305.682.1890; Thesicilianoven.com. An extensive menu of Sicilian specialties includes wood fire and gourmet pizzas, pastas, pannettas, wood oven roasted chicken wings, and authentic specials such as Eggplant Reggiano and Fire Roasted Shrimp Palermo. Full wine list and beer selection available. Open Mon.-Sat. 11:30 am-10 pm; Sun. 4 pm-10 pm.
Solita — 1032 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954.357.2616; solitalasolas.com. Traditional Italian specialties such as antipasti, salads, pizzas, pastas, chops, beef and seafood are served in a romantic, modehere in the heart of Downtown Las Olas.
TRATTORIA IL MIGLIORE — 2576 Miami Gardens Drive, Aventura; 305.792.2902. Handpainted murals on the walls, cozy ambiance and delicious Tuscan-style bread start you out; finish with entrées such as snapper francese and fresh fettuccine with mushrooms and white truffle oil followed by authentic Italian zuccotto for dessert.
Vic & Angelos — 150 Ocean Drive, Miami, 305.531.0911; vicandangelos.com. The restaurant’s signature coal oven pizza, formulated from ancient starter dough that includes natural Maldon salt, natural cane sugar and Grana Padano cheese imported from Italy that is added before the sauce, has won awards.
Vita Restaurant & Lounge — 1906 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305.674.8822; vita-miami.com. Surrounded by trees strung with garden lanterns, it’s isolated from the hubbub of the busy streets that surround it and is as ideal a choice for dinner a deux as it is for a group night out.
Yes, Pasta! Trattoria Italiana — 14871 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305.944.1006; yes-pasta.com. Casual, lively spot offering made-to-order, healthful but delicious pasta dishes. Choose from 15 sauces, chicken, seafood or veggie add-ons and even whole wheat or gluten-free pastas.
ZUCKERELLO’S — 18831 N. Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 305.682.9990; zuckerellos.com. Serving lunch and dinner, including salads, flat breads, pizzas, burgers and Panini, fish and seafood, pastas, and specialties such as chicken, veal chops, osso bucco and steak. Desserts include baked crispy tart, banana cheesecake and crème brulée.