Located behind a wrought-iron gate and tall hedge of manicured fichus, this Spanish-style mansion is home to an exotic Italian eatery and five-room boutique hotel opened in 2004. Owned by Miami's Grenedene family, the property echoes London's Soho House and LA's Ivy restaurant while also offering an upstairs member's lounge that exudes an overall lifestyle statement of sophistication and opulence. The main dining room is an eclectic mix of painted-white furnishings and oversize black-and white photographs by Helmut Newton with outdoor terrace area touted as one of Miami's hottest lunch scenes. Tables feature hand-sewn napkins with eclectic porcelain and are attended chiseled-staff that might as well be carrying their portfolios with the heavy-bound menus. During Miami's December Art-Basel it's one of the toughest reservations in town and favored home of South American art buyers and Europe's top collectors.
The Food
A creation of Venetian mastermind Micky Grendene, this Mediterranean style property feels more like a private home than hotspot eatery. Visitors choose between an interior dining room, patio seating or huge chef's table overlooking an open kitchen. Unlike most chefs’ tables, the space is limited to single diners and not large, private parties. An Italian menu draws from Naples and Piedmont for inspiration, starting with free-range proscuitto crudo pio tosini or signature Caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes. Pasta course includes signature raviolis and homemade pastas with straightforward cream or tomato sauces. Main course includes a substantive selection of veal liver alla Veneziana, boneless breast of quail or slow-roasted short ribs.
Last Word
Miami’s hottest dining room features a five-room boutique hotel, be-seen restaurant and upstairs member’s lounge favored by Andre Balazs, Shakira and Gloria Estefan.
