Ruggero Vittorini (front) and the Macchialina team
Ask anyone in Miami, and they’ll tell you—when you want a good Italian meal in South Florida, you head straight to Macchialina {820 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305.534.2124}. Helmed by Executive Chef, Owner and James Beard Award Semifinalist, Michael Pirolo, Macchialina is known for its rustic, pub-style atmosphere, hearty inventive-Italian cuisine, and every once in awhile, its limited-edition grass-fed The Big Macch Burger with all the mouthwatering fixings. And now, the popular Miami Beach restaurant has something new for diners to get excited about: the addition of Rome-born Ruggero Vittorini, a chef with 10+ years experience in acclaimed kitchens all over the United States, who will join the team as Chef de Cuisine.
Always interested in doing something creative, Vittorini, who was born to an American mother and Italian father—and a family of poets, writers, film directors and musicians—migrated to the United States at the age of 13 with dreams of pursuing a future in music. At 23, he moved to New York City to give it a real shot, started working in the food industry, and discovered a whole world of creativity in the kitchen. Vittorini fell in love with the culinary arts and quickly began to climb the ranks as a line cook for famed NYC restaurateur Michele Iuliano, and later became Sous Chef at Ovest in Manhattan. Two years following, he spearheaded the opening of Luzzo’s Brooklyn as Head Chef, where he developed a menu of Neapolitan-style pizzas and soulful, southern Italian cuisine. A few years later, he took on the role of Executive Sous Chef at Babbalucci, a relaxed Italian restaurant in Harlem, before making his way down to Miami to help Stephen Starr and Justin Smillie with the opening of their popular New York City brasserie, Upland, on Miami Beach.
Still here, now fans of Macchialina will get to experience Ruggero Vittorini’s Italian cooking seven days a week, right on Alton Road.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor