Miami’s Italian joints don’t mess around—pasta that wows, wood-fired pizzas with personality, and cocktails that actually deserve a sip. From hidden gems to riverfront spots, these restaurants serve bold flavors, messy indulgence, and vibes that keep you coming back.
Boia De
Boia De, proudly bearing a Michelin star, is hidden in plain sight in an Upper East Side strip mall, marked by its neon-pink exclamation point. The cozy, quirky space fills quickly, with both indoor charm and mismatched outdoor tables pulling in diners who’ve been stalking the reservation calendar for months. The one-page menu rotates often, but certain dishes have become staples: buttermilk crudo, lamb ribs fra diavolo with urfa yoghurt, and baked clams with nduja. Pasta is the real star—don’t miss the pappardelle alla lepre made with tender Florida rabbit. Reservations are essential, and vibing over some house-made ice cream is encouraged.
Boia De is located at 5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
Carpaccio
ucked inside the elegant Bal Harbour Shops, Carpaccio is a beacon of old-school Italian glamour with a side of people-watching that’s as satisfying as the food. Since 1994, this iconic restaurant has remained a mainstay among locals and visitors alike, delivering timeless Italian fare in a chic, sun-drenched setting that buzzes with the hum of Miami’s stylish elite.
The menu is a celebration of Italian simplicity and flavor. Think paper-thin slices of filet mignon drizzled in lemon and olive oil, or the classic tuna carpaccio topped with capers and arugula—fresh, bright, and deeply satisfying. But Carpaccio isn’t just about its namesake dish. Expect comforting plates of penne alla vodka, veal Milanese the size of the plate, and a creamy burrata that melts on the tongue. Portions are generous, the service is efficient yet warm, and the ambiance is always lively—especially if you snag a table on the shaded outdoor terrace.
Set against the backdrop of luxury boutiques and swaying palms, Carpaccio blends cosmopolitan energy with rustic Italian charm. It’s the kind of place where models in designer sunglasses sip Bellinis at noon, and seasoned locals linger over espresso and cannoli well past lunch. If you’re looking for one of the best Italian restaurants in Miami, Carpaccio delivers with consistency, flair, and just the right touch of glamour.
Casa Tua
Casa Tua is far more than dinner—it’s an immersion into Italian elegance within a mansion that feels equal parts intimate home and curated gallery. Wander from the lantern-lit Garden to the book-lined Library that feels like a dear friend’s living room, or linger at the open-kitchen Chef’s Table, tucked-away patios, and exclusive club terraces that keep guests returning again and again. Each space tells its own story, yet all share the warmth of Italian hospitality. The menu is equally captivating: creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes, incomparable cacio e pepe, and prime beef tenderloin with roasted leeks and foie gras. End the night with a timeless Casa Tua cocktail, and let the spell of this one-of-a-kind sanctuary carry you away.
Casa Tua is located at 1700 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
dōma
In the heart of Wynwood, dōma brings a polished spin to Italian dining with Chef Marco Giugliano leading the charge. The menu leans into tradition while highlighting the city’s fresh seafood options—think yellowfin tuna tartare with yuzu caviar lemon espuma, branzino baked in sea salt and carved tableside, and spaghetti alla chittara vongole with raw langoustine tartare. And honestly, what else do you need? The space itself mirrors Wynwood’s creative pulse with sleek, artsy vibes, equally suited to date nights or celebratory dinners. A 10-page wine list highlights Italian and international bottles (and showcases a stellar private collection), while cocktails like the blue cheese-infused dōmatini seal the deal.
dōma is located at 35 NE 26th St, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
Elia on the River
Elia on the River pairs Southern Italian flavors with Miami’s waterfront charm, offering terrazzo floors, hand-painted murals, and sunset views over the river. The menu celebrates coastal influences and fresh ingredients, with highlights like charred octopus with salmoriglio, indulgent seafood capellini in a bright lemon butter cream sauce, and perfectly grilled lamb chops. Cocktails shine just as brightly—the limoncello spritz is a crisp classic, while the Elia Bellini pairs vanilla-infused vodka with passionfruit for an utterly delightful evening. Guests can even dock and dine, arriving by boat to enjoy the breezy atmosphere. Elia on the River keeps the week packed with happy hour specials, live music, and unforgettable bottomless brunches that will keep you coming back on the regular.
Ironside Pizza
For a true taste of Naples, Ironside Pizza in Miami’s Upper East Side delivers wood-fired pies with perfectly puffed crusts kissed by Florida pine smoke. The pizzeria channels dedication to quality ingredients—sourced from local farms and its own garden—within a laid-back, family-friendly setting. While antipasti, panini, and pasta tempt, the pizzas steal the show. The customizable menu even offers gluten-free and vegan options, though the margherita remains the standout: mozzarella fior di latte, San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. End the night at Verde Lounge with dessert, coffee, and live jazz.
Luca Osteria
Luca Osteria is Coral Gables’ go-to spot when comfort food calls, serving up rich, house-made pastas like cacio e pepe, bucatini all’amatriciana with prosciutto and a must-add of local stracciatella, and a decadent short rib bolognese served with mortadella butter. The famed patate fritte—crispy potatoes topped with parmigiano, black truffle, and a silky egg yolk—are worth the trip alone. Set along lively Giralda Avenue, the restaurant hums with energy, from families out for dinner to locals treating it as their neighborhood hangout. Settle in with a Negroni, dally over pistachio semifreddo, and soak in the pedestrian-friendly buzz.
Luca Osteria is located at 116 Giralda Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134. For more information, visit their official website.
Macchialina
Macchialina has been a Miami treasure for over a decade, winning over locals with its elevated Italian fare served in a warm, unfussy setting. Helmed by chef Michael Pirolo, sommelier Jacqueline Pirolo, and Jennifer Chaefsky, the restaurant blends Michelin-worthy finesse with a laid-back charm perfect for gatherings or solo meals. The chef’s $75 four-course tasting menu serves up variety without skimping on portions. Must-orders include the creamy polenta with sausage and the signature cavatelli with baby meatballs and porchetta. Add the $55 wine pairing, save room for dessert, and savor it all on the restaurant’s expansive new patio.
Macchialina is located at 820 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
Mother Wolf
Mother Wolf is a fairly new addition to Miami’s Italian scene, bringing the flavors of Rome to South Florida under the vision of chef Evan Funke. Known for honoring Italian traditions, Funke presents hand-made pastas like the bright and sunny linguine al limone, artisanal pizzas like the salsiccia with fennel sausage, and Roman classics such as fiori di zucca—ricotta-stuffed squash blossoms. Interiors by Martin Brudnizki paint the backdrop with Murano chandeliers, marble-topped tables, and art deco accents that merge Roman elegance with Miami panache. A 400-label wine list, spotlighting Italian producers and sustainable practices, completes the experience.
Mother Wolf is located at 3841 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
‘O Munaciello
‘O Munaciello brings authentic Neapolitan finesse to Miami with a brick oven imported from Naples and roots tracing back to Florence. Recognized by Gambero Rosso International for five consecutive years and rated the top pizzeria in Florida, it’s clear the pies here are something special. Beyond pizza, the menu offers classic Neapolitan dishes worth savoring. Curb your hunger with the polpo alla griglia, succulent grilled octopus with mashed potatoes, before diving into a menu of 20+ pies crafted by World Champion Carmine Candito. Crowd favorites include the Maradona (San Marzano DOP tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, ‘nduja, burrata) and the cuore di pastacchio (fior di latte, mortadella, pistachio cream, burrata, and more fresh pistachios). Finish with a sip of limoncello, Naples-style.
‘O Munaciello is located at 6425 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138. For more information, visit their official website.
Soya e Pomodoro
Soya e Pomodoro is a local-favorite trattoria that simply makes you forget time exists. Planted inside the historic Shoreland Arcade—arches, sky-high ceilings, and splashes of local art—it’s got that perfectly scrappy-meets-soulful ambiance. Live jazz is a nightly affair, and the food matches the mood: warm, sometimes messy, and completely irresistible. Don’t miss the fazzoletti di formaggio e pera—silky pasta squares stuffed with cheese and pear, swimming in ricotta sauce with baby shrimp. Pair that with white-wine bathed Manila clams, a mountain of imported cheese, or wild-mushroom-dressed filet mignon. It’s funky, boisterous, and oh-so-delicious.
Soya e Pomodoro is located at 120 NE 1st St #2502, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website.
ViceVersa
ViceVersa, slipped into the Elser Hotel lobby, blurs the line between an aperitivo bar and a pizza haven. The scene is sleek and social, perfect for a quick cocktail or a lingering night out. Neo-Neapolitan-style pies steal the show with crisp-yet-chewy crusts and brazen toppings—don’t skip the indulgent mortadella pizza with pistachio pesto. Crudos and shareable bites round out the menu, while the Negroni Family cocktails are reason enough to make this Downtown stop a regular.
ViceVersa is located at 398 NE 5th St, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website.
