Italian food is timeless. It can be an elevated, gourmet indulgence or as casual as pizza. Two new Italian restaurants have joined the mix in Miami, while one South Beach legend has closed its doors.
RETRO ITALIAN
Leonardo, 305-814-1114, 21st and Collins Ave., Miami Beach, South Beach’s new Italian dining destination, celebrates the golden era of the early 20th century, inspired by the elegance of classic Italian-American restaurants from the 1930s through the 1950s, bringing a timeless Italian dining experience to Miami Beach.
Founded and co-owned by Igor Dze, who grew up in Italy and France, the concept blends authentic Italian cuisine and Old World design with warm lighting and rich textures to create a dynamic evening atmosphere where art, food, and music come together in a delightful way, gradually evolving into an alluring late-night dinner party.
At the Sunday prix-fixe brunch ($55) enjoy an indulgent afternoon with servers bringing an array of sharable plates to the table, such as smoked-salmon bagels, steak and eggs, and lobster salad rolls. On offer is a live omelet station and a signature cheese wheel presentation, alongside a champagne cart and specialty margaritas.
Dinner centers around handmade pasta, with as culinary theatrics like truffle pasta prepared in a Parmesan wheel. Or enjoy fresh seafood dishes such as tableside flambéed Branzino; an 8 oz. prime filet mignon; and Faroe Islands Salmon, paired with Italian wines.
Leonardo is also rolling out a lineup of new weekly programming:
The Prohibition Club: Every Monday, travel back in time to a Gatsby affair with a prohibition-inspired evening featuring crime-scene decor, staff decked out in 1920s attire and VIP tables referencing classic Italian mobs.
Aperó Hour: serving $10 signature cocktails and chic bar bites including Tuna Tartare Cones and Oysters.
Thursday Ladies Night: Ladies can enjoy special $10 cocktails at the bar.
A FUN ITALIAN SUMMER POP-UP
(Noble 33)
Sparrow Chili Crab Linguine
Sparrow Italia by Noble 33 Management, has transformed for the summer into Sparrow Amalfi, 786-322-5998, 255 NW 25th St., Miami. A tribute to Italy's national bird, this summer pop-up is inspired by the Italy’s sun-drenched Amalfi Coast, a love letter to Positano, Ravello, and the cliffside towns sprinkled within.
The dinner menu features Chili Crab Linguine, Truffle Cacio e Pepe, Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Seafood Risotto, Linguine & Clams, Gnocchi Pesto, and Lemon & Garlic Spaghetti.
The Sparrow Amalfi pop-up also has cascading citrus design by Floratoriam, and a live nightly set of reimagined Italian classics by the Sparrow House Band, culminating in a full-sensory Euro summer evening, without the need for a flight. A DJ, coastal cocktails, and nightly live performances create this exciting Amalfi Coast atmosphere.
GOODBYE, SEGAFREDO
Created by the Graspa Group in 2000 as one of Miami Beach’s first Italian-style bars, Miami Beach Segafredo, 305-673-0047,1040 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach, became a staple of Lincoln Road, known for its daily DJ, iconic sidewalk scene and classic Italian fare.
Last month, longtime regulars and the Miami community gathered for one last toast to the restaurant that helped define Miami Beach dining and nightlife for more than two decades. They celebrated Segafredo’s final chapter with a glass of bubbly, signature menu favorites and live DJ sets from many of the artists who helped shape the venue over the years. The farewell celebration served as a final toast to the restaurant’s lasting impact on the neighborhood and Miami Beach dining culture. In the meantime, try the pizza at another Graspa Group South Beach favorite: Spris Pizza, 305-673-2020, 731 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach.