Whether adorned with white tablecloths or featuring quaint rustic tables, boasting breathtaking waterfront views, or offering a romantic candle-lit patio, each of these five Downtown restaurants exudes charm while delivering the epitome of Italian culinary excellence in the bustling Miami neighborhood:
Fratelli Milano
A dinner at Fratelli Milano transports you straight to the streets of Milan, where high-end cuisine is effortlessly served in unpretentious atmospheres. Inspired by the hearty Sunday feasts cooked by their grandmother in Northern Italy, twin Chefs Roberto and Emanuele Bearzi, alongside Roberto’s wife Fiorella, have been helming the Fratelli kitchen for nearly 20 years.
With a menu that speaks straight to the soul, crowd favorites include a wide array of fresh daily-made pastas like the penne tre funghi in a creamy truffle sauce and pappardelle Milano made with filet mignon and Chianti wine. Other must-haves include the crispy fried calamari, the scaloppine al limone made with succulent veal medallions, and, of course, the classic Vitello Milanese. Dolci should under no circumstance be skipped, and the tortino al cioccolato, a soft chocolate souffle with luscious creme anglaise, proves our point well.
Fratelli Milano is located at 213 SE 1st St, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.
Il Gabbiano
Oh Il Gabbiano, a love letter to the cuisine of Abruzzo. With its epic waterfront views, white tablecloths, and made-to-order pasta, it’s definitely a special occasion kind of place but well worth every penny. Each evening, the creme de la creme gathers in the posh dining room to try delicacies of the land and sea prepared to the highest standards.
Veal enthusiasts will be delighted to find a special veal menu of a dozen offerings. The most raved about being the costoletta alla valdostana — succulent veal chops stuffed with pate foie gras, fontina, and prosciutto, then sauteed with wild mushrooms. Other customer favorites include the crispy zucchine frite, a wide variety of daily hand-made ravioli, fresh baked fish, and an array of scampi. Cheers to the good life!
Il Gabbiano is located at 335 S Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.
Primo’s
Primo’s, nestled within the stylish Doubletree Grand Hotel in Downtown Miami, is a culinary gem that has been captivating palates for nearly two decades. This cozy haven keeps its doors open until 1 a.m., allowing diners to indulge in delectable Italian-American fare well into the night.
Start off with Primo’s all-beef meatballs that come served in a San Marzano tomato sauce with creamy whipped ricotta on top, and then move on to something even heartier. Aside from pizzas and pasta, the restaurant serves those Italian-American classics we all know and love, like chicken parmigiana topped with Primo’s special marinara sauce, plenty of mozz, and another side of pasta marinara. Come with a robust appetite for this one. The homemade pasta is also incredible, with the creamy, cheesy fettuccine Alfredo and extra shrimp being one of our favorites. Hopefully, we don’t need to convince you to save room for dessert. The classic Italian tiramisu is a heavenly finale, with its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream providing the perfect conclusion to the meal. Primo’s is also open for brunch service on the daily with some tried and true brunch classics like skirt steak and eggs and eggs Benedict, to name a few.
Soya e Pomodoro
Soya e Pomodoro is an utterly charming Italian eatery where live jazz is as commonplace as freshly made pasta. Tucked away in the historical Shoreland Arcade that is now a century old, filled with beautiful archways, grandiose ceilings, and local art, the restaurant is uniquely unpretentious yet brims with charm.
The Italian cuisine here is warm and fuzzy comfort food that blends just beautifully with the soulful jazz tunes playing daily. Fresh pastas are the specialty, and Soya e Pomodoro offers a few varieties that you’d be hard pressed to come by at any other Italian restaurant. Case in point: the fazzoletti di formaggio e pera, fresh cheese, and pear-stuffed pasta sheets served with sauteed baby shrimp in a heavenly ricotta sauce. Other delectable provisions include cheese and cold cuts imported from the motherland, delicate beef carpaccio, and white wine-braised lamb shanks. With the ravishing atmosphere and boisterous entertainment, you’ll want to make reservations here day after day.
Soya e Pomodoro is located at 120 NE 1st St #2502, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website.
