Miami Beach is far more than just sun-drenched Art Deco facades and turquoise waves. From South Beach to Mid-Beach and North Beach, the island’s vibrant neighborhoods simmer with authentic Italian flavors. Think wood-fired pizzas shared over laughter, handmade pasta twirled on date nights, and espresso sipped after sunset strolls. These are our 18 favorite spots for Italian cuisine in Miami Beach.
Taverna
$$ | (305) 497-4449 | WEBSITE
Taverna, an Italian spot just a five-minute walk from the middle beach, has a varied menu with options for all tastes. Your best bet, though, is the $28 pasta combination, which includes three of their most popular dishes—like handmade tagliatelle with wild mushrooms and slow-cooked beef ragu—served with freshly baked focaccia.
You can probably split one plate between two people because the servings are generous, or just get one for yourself and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere with a well-made cocktail from the skilled bartender.
Cafe Avanti
$$ | (305) 538-4400 | WEBSITE
Arrive at Cafe Avanti on a Friday evening and you may discover that the regulars have already claimed most of the private dining room for their celebrations. Don’t let this discourage you. If it happens, take heart—the main dining area also offers wonderful, perfectly executed Chicken Parmesan as well as sumptuous pastries from the dessert cart. Visit when you crave authentic old world Italian flavors, or on a weeknight for the highly recommended daily specials with cocktails from the full bar.
Starlite Cafe
$$$ | (305) 534-2161 | WEBSITE
Starlite Cafe makes incredible New York Steak cooked to perfection, paella that’s steaming and packed with flavor, and pastor tacos that are fresh, zesty, and satisfying. The South Miami Beach restaurant strip location doesn’t look like much—it’s possible you’ll be the only person inside who isn’t enjoying one of their refreshing frozen cocktails—but it’s easily the best place to eat affordable Italian-inspired food in Miami Beach.
Mercato Di Mare – Ocean Drive
We’re basically in a committed relationship with Mercato Di Mare on Ocean Drive. The gentle sound of waves crashing has become our daily soundtrack, the stunning sea view from our window table is now our phone wallpaper, and we’re considering marriage proposals to waiters Camilo and Denis Maltez after finishing a plate of their excellent Italian food.
This beautiful Italian restaurant has attentive and friendly service, a smooth reservation process, and helpful menu recommendations that make every visit memorable. It’s our new favorite for a special dinner or weekend meal when all we want is great food with exceptional service overlooking the ocean.
Fratelli La Bufala – Miami Beach
$$ | (305) 532-0700 | WEBSITE
You probably remember the old-school Italian spots that used to dot Miami Beach. But Fratelli La Bufala has taken over the scene, and we’re thrilled to report that the pizzas and pastas are now worth planning a trip for. We love the spaghetti carbonara, which combines perfectly al dente pasta, rich pancetta, pecorino, and a silky egg sauce. The Neapolitan pizza is a standout, but all of these beauties are thin, slightly charred on the edges, and have a notably airy crust.
You’ll be happy whether you have the bruschetta as a starter or the cannoli for dessert, and it’ll taste just as good on the patio as it does inside the cozy dining room.
Rao’s Miami Beach
$$$$ | (305) 404-7267 | WEBSITE
If you’ve been to the original Rao’s in New York, then you already know it has consistently good dishes like meatballs, veal parmigiana, and penne ala vodka. Plus, the old-school cocktails are way stronger than they taste. Rao’s Miami Beach has pretty much the same food and drink situation as the New York spot, but it’s way bigger and there’s usually a table open—even if you show up with your entire family.
Ocean Bistro
$$$ | (305) 673-1199 | WEBSITE
Ocean Bistro is part-Italian dining destination, part-romantic getaway, and a perfect option whether you want to celebrate a special occasion over pear ravioli or enjoy a lively dinner with friends. The seafood dishes are ideal for sharing and feature everything from grilled octopus and lobster paella to perfectly cooked red snapper. No matter what you do, don’t leave without checking out the vegan menu.
You can pretend the mushroom tacos and Impossible burger are just for variety, even though there’s a 0% chance you won’t end up ordering them again.
Mercato della Pescheria Miami Beach
$$$ | (305) 534-5822 | WEBSITE
Mercato della Pescheria Miami Beach is an Italian spot on Miami Beach serving things like fresh pasta made on the spot, grilled octopus, lasagna, and some of the best branzino in town. And with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere throughout, you can have a front-row seat to attentive staff creating something as beautiful as another perfect seafood risotto.
Corallo Miami
$$$ | (305) 534-0079 | WEBSITE
Italian restaurants are not one-pasta-wine-fits-all. There are some where culinary purists come for authentic regional dishes, and some where couples rely on romantic lighting and a perfect tiramisu to celebrate a special evening. In Miami Beach is both, and a lot more.
The elegantly designed restaurant comes from a team passionate about Italian cuisine, and the kitchen serves satisfying classics with finesse: think tender Beef Carpaccio to start, and homemade Pappardelle Bolognese or Grilled Branzino for the main course. Grab a table, the Koral Mule (our favorite), and soak in the cozy atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a journey to Italy.
Dolce Italian Miami
$$$ | (786) 975-2550 | WEBSITE
We often find ourselves craving a plate of pasta with as much flavor as a sunset over the Mediterranean. If you relate, head to Dolce Italian Miami. They serve classics like caprese, bolognese, and tagliatelle de mar filled with seafood that you can pair with Gavi or other wine recommendations. But it’s their signature rigatoni that really shows off Dolce’s tendency to go all traditional Italian (in the best way). The rigatoni is our favorite of the dishes.
It layers amazing sauce with a touch of chili flake, creating a perfect balance. Each bite is slightly rich, savory, and has everything that makes a homemade Italian meal so great—but more refined. The attentive staff and beautiful al fresco seating on Collins Avenue make it a memorable spot, even if some tables can be a bit noisy. For dessert, try the white cake with toasted meringue and raspberry sorbet to complete the experience.
La Trattoria Ocean Drive
$$ | (305) 992-0885 | WEBSITE
There are a few reasons why this spot is a must-try, and it’s not just the grill salmon and spaghetti alla vongole. It’s the only place in Miami Beach that blends Italian classics and coastal seafood together in one welcoming trattoria. In fact, it’s a combination that works so well that people linger for hours just to soak in the vibe. When you’re off the clock, stop by for the strawberry margaritas and shrimp pasta we’ve dreamed of since our first visit.
Osteria da Fortunata – Miami
$$$ | (786) 809-3950 | WEBSITE
Osteria da Fortunata – Miami is a comfortable spot for dinner that always feels like a quiet escape. Open for evening service, it’s an easy place to end your day with handmade pasta dishes, fresh salads, or a glass from their perfect wine selection. But the scratch-made pasta is really the headliner. Get it tossed with rich sauces, fresh vegetables, or savory meats.
The fast and pleasant service, with attentive staff who quickly answer questions, makes the experience smooth, and the 20% service charge included on the bill ensures no fuss. With plenty of outside seating for people watching, it’s a relaxed, unhurried spot where you can savor a meal without distraction.
Il Bolognese🍝🇮🇹 Italian Restaurant Miami Beach
$$ | (786) 443-3165 | WEBSITE
When you step into Il Bolognese, you’ll notice a few things: the warm terracotta walls, classic Italian ballads playing, and people enjoying authentic dishes at every table. It’s a vibrant place where everything is perfectly prepared—but we love their ravioli, pizza, and fettuccine bolognese. Come for a summer evening (like most locals do) or bring your visiting friends who need to be saved from eating mediocre pasta elsewhere.
Lucali
$$ | (305) 695-4441 | WEBSITE
With exceptional pizza and ravioli on the menu, your meal at Lucali can be filled with everything from crispy-crusted pies to delicate pasta pockets. Like most Italian restaurants in Miami Beach, there’s a focus on high-quality ingredients that make each dish worth the price. The bustling atmosphere and warm lighting make us feel like we’re at the best-tasting lunch spot in the city, especially on weekdays when you can avoid the wait.
The cocktails and sangria are tasty, though the latter comes with a premium price tag, but the overall experience makes it worthwhile. Just remember—this food is meant to be enjoyed fresh at the restaurant, as it doesn’t travel or reheat well.
Forte dei Marmi
$$$$ | (786) 276-3095 | WEBSITE
Head to this Italian spot for homemade gluten-free pasta, branzino, and pistachio gelato that’s creamy and rich. It’s a perfect place to bring a date for a special occasion—that way you can share things like the branzino that’s perfectly cooked and the pistachio gelato that’s drizzled with a sweet sauce for dessert.
🍋Il Pastaiolo 🍋🇮🇹 Italian Restaurant Miami Beach
$$ | (786) 362-0152 | WEBSITE
You just made a vague promise to visit your cousin who’s in town for the weekend, and now they’re expecting you to show them a good time. Instead of dragging them to some overpriced tourist trap, take them to Il Pastaiolo. When it comes to Italian food in Miami Beach, you can’t do much better, and the service is attentive. Grab a plate of the penne a la vodka that’s swimming in creamy tomato sauce and get out of there before they ask to see your vacation photos.
Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante
$$$ | (305) 531-2228 | WEBSITE
After we dined at Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante for the first time, we had a dream about a swimming pool filled with fresh pasta. We can’t promise you’re fated for the same vision. But we can confirm the vibrant Italian pastas and plates of beautifully presented seafood and meats at this elegant Miami Beach spot are consistently excellent. Entrees don’t exceed $25, unless it’s a happy hour special like their generous seafood linguine, and portions are noticeably larger than similar restaurants.
Since you’ll definitely have extra food, you can just enjoy more crusty bread and flavorful antipasti again for lunch—after you have your own vivid dreams.
Gino’s Bottega Italiana
$$ | (305) 397-8296 | WEBSITE
If you attempted to sample every worthwhile Italian spot in Miami Beach, you’d need weeks of back-to-back meals just to cover the highlights. But the first and most essential stop on that culinary tour should be Gino’s Bottega Italiana. It’s a cozy Italian restaurant that’s perfect for a relaxed date or gathering with friends, serving hearty portions of pasta and pizza dishes. Focus on the house specialties, like the mushroom ravioli and the mini pizza fritta.
Just be aware that it’s intimate and can get crowded during peak hours, so consider calling ahead for a table and arriving with a bit of patience.