Carbone
Since opening in January, Major Food Group’s red sauce revival juggernaut, Carbone, has been making major waves across South Beach. The unapologetically Italian-American restaurant is a New York City transplant where presentations wow, dapper wait staff charm, and the opulent, old-school setting calls for designer threads (plus full hair and make-up). Start with a Manhattan or a glass of fine Italian wine to enhance pre-meal indulgences of fresh bread, salami, and pickled cauliflower. Inquire about the daily-changing seafood cocktail selection or go for a standout starter like the octopus pizzaiolo or the Caesar alla ZZ, theatrically prepared and presented tableside. Loosen your belt in anticipation of the legendary spicy rigatoni vodka and the family-style lasagna bianco followed by protein-based mains like lobster fra diavolo, chicken scarpariello, and veal parmesan. At this point, why forgo a dessert of dense carrot cake and coconut-lime chiffon cake? Ride the impending carb coma, embrace the flashy scene, post all about it on social media, and worry about the prospect of having to fit into a swimsuit later.
Osteria Morini
It’s been 10 years in the making, but northern Italian dining concept Osteria Morini has finally arrived in Miami—and, boy, was it worth the wait. Building on the winning recipe of great food, ambience, and approachability that made the original SoHo location in New York a hit, Osteria Morini Miami Beach celebrates the robust fare of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region through delectable cuisine and promises a welcoming, neighborhood haunt you’ll want to visit time and time again. Located in a quieter section of South Beach along Collins Canal, it’s an idyllic spot for date night, brunch with your besties, or bonding with the fam through feasting. Keep things simple with Morini’s signature negronis and battilardo (cured sliced meats, cheeses, and spreads) on the waterfront at sunset or catch up on life during Sunday brunch over Aperol mimosas and bomboloni ricotta doughnuts. Alternatively, go big on a memorable meal in the farmhouse-chic dining room, one underscored by housemade pasta (hello, tagliatelle bolognese and pici alle vongole) and mouth-watering grilled meats and seafood (don’t miss the spiedini, a colossal, grilled scallop and prawn skewer, brushed with a savory green chili romesco). Overall, consider it a NYC-spiked taste of la dolce vita—in the tropics.
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