7 Little-Known Italian Restaurants In Florida That Locals Love
Florida might be famous for seafood and Cuban cuisine, but hidden throughout the Sunshine State are amazing Italian eateries that locals keep to themselves. These family-owned treasures serve authentic dishes that transport you straight to Italy without the plane ticket. Ready to discover where Floridians go when they crave real Italian flavors?
1. Il Pizzaiolo – Miami Beach
Wood-fired ovens crackle with activity as expert pizzaiolos craft Neapolitan masterpieces using flour and tomatoes imported directly from Italy.
The thin, perfectly charred crust supports just the right amount of toppings – never overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors. Locals whisper about this spot, hoping tourists never discover their weekend ritual.
2. Osteria Positano – Miami Beach
Family recipes passed down through generations come alive in this intimate dining space where servers remember your name and favorite wine.
Their seafood linguine bursts with the morning’s catch, while the house-made tiramisu strikes perfect balance between coffee intensity and creamy sweetness. When locals celebrate special occasions, they book here weeks in advance.
3. Corallo Miami – Miami Beach
Tucked away from tourist hotspots, this stylish steakhouse blends Italian tradition with Florida’s seafood bounty.
Handmade pasta gets paired with prime cuts that would make any Italian nonna approve. Regulars claim the secret isn’t just in the food but in how the owner visits every table, sharing stories of his childhood in Sicily.
4. La Fuga – Fort Lauderdale
Romance fills the air at this charming hideaway where bruschetta arrives with tomatoes so fresh they still taste of sunshine.
The seafood risotto, creamy yet with each grain distinct, showcases Gulf shrimp and local catch. Couples celebrating anniversaries often find themselves seated in the garden patio, under twinkling lights and Florida stars.
5. Romina’s Ristorante Italiano – Miami Beach
“Just like my mother made it” isn’t just a saying at Romina’s; it’s their business model.
The pillowy gnocchi, hand-rolled each morning, swim in a sauce that simmers for hours before service begins. Neighborhood residents crowd the small dining room on Sundays, creating a weekly ritual that feels more like a family gathering than a restaurant experience.
6. Di Mauro’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge – Miami Beach
Laughter erupts from the bar where Gianluca, the charismatic owner, pours generous Aperol Spritzes while sharing tales of his hometown near Naples.
The menu changes seasonally, but locals know to ask for off-menu specialties that showcase whatever ingredients arrived that morning. First-timers become regulars after experiencing the infectious joy that permeates every corner.
7. Il Pastaiolo – Miami Beach
Morning passersby peek through windows to watch pasta masters transform simple flour and eggs into silky ribbons of fettuccine and plump ravioli.
The staff; many related by blood or marriage, treat everyone like long-lost relatives returning home. Regulars swear the carbonara here is better than anything they’ve tasted in Rome, a bold claim the owners modestly accept.
