Dolce Italian Miami

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Where Fellini's Rome Meets Miami Beach

Dolce Italian draws its soul from the effortless charm of 1960s Rome — the era Federico Fellini immortalized on screen. The concept translates that spirit into something tangible: approachable sophistication, a lively bar, and Italian cooking that earns its credibility through craft rather than concept. The restaurant's recognition by Gambero Rosso, Italy's most authoritative food guide, speaks to the seriousness behind the relaxed atmosphere.

The Food

The kitchen's identity is built around handcrafted Italian cooking. Signature pastas are made in-house — think Lobster Agnolotti in a lobster brodetto with tarragon butter, Ricotta Cavatelli with porcini and confit tomatoes, or a classic Spaghetti al Pomodoro that earns its place on any menu. The Neapolitan-style pizzas hold their own alongside the pasta program: the Bianca with mortadella, burrata, pistachio and basil, and the Startufata with prosciutto, gorgonzola dolce and truffle oil are among the more distinctive options.

Antipasti range from a Burrata Caprese with heirloom tomatoes and basil pesto to Grilled Octopus over farro with romesco. The Dolce Meatballs — served over creamy polenta with marinara and parmesan — are a house signature that appears across multiple menus, and for good reason.

For secondi, the kitchen moves into Veal Saltimbocca with prosciutto and lemon butter emulsion, Bistecca alla Fiorentina with bone marrow butter, and a Braised Short Rib with semolina gnocchi and gremolata. Desserts include a classic Tiramisu, Bomboloni dusted in cinnamon sugar, and a Ricotta Cheesecake with blood orange sorbet.

Beyond Dinner

Dolce Italian runs a full-day operation. Breakfast brings Amaretto French Toast, Egg Bruschetta on ciabatta with crispy prosciutto, and a Smoked Salmon Flatbread. The bar anchors the experience throughout the day with classic Italian cocktails — the kind of program that makes lingering feel natural rather than obligatory.

In 2015, Dolce Italian won Bravo TV's culinary competition series Best New Restaurant, an early signal of what the kitchen was capable of. The Gambero Rosso recognition that followed confirms it has stayed the course.