In the heart of Midtown Miami, Riviera Focacceria Italiana transports guests to rustic Northern Italy with authentic décor and the captivating aroma of Mediterranean fare. One step in, and you won’t be able to resist sitting down.

The friendly staff will help you settle in at your table, extending warm hospitality that sees you through until the end—no matter how crowded it gets. Don’t forget to ask your wait staff about the risotto of the day.

First thing’s first, start with the focaccia—that’s a must. There’s a reason it’s called a focacceria. With the stracchino cheese imported all the way from Italy, the focaccia that ends up on your table is a mouthwatering appetizer you cannot miss. There’s even a disclaimer on the menu: a nibble of this might cause addiction. As good as it is by itself, or in pizzata form with homemade tomato sauce, there are eight toppings to choose from to truly enhance your focaccia experience. Whichever you pick, ask your waiter for that homemade pesto—just to have a little extra flair.

Next on the menu: a plethora of pasta options. Riccardo Vincis, the talented young chef of the Riviera, offers a vast selection varying from gnocchi to fettuccine. But truly, you simply cannot go wrong with any of them since most of the pasta is either housemade or imported from Italy.

If you’re not in the mood for indulging in carbs, the secondi section offers something for everyone with fresh seafood, pork chops, and beef cuts. The fresh seafood is especially enticing with diverse options to choose from, including tuna and Mediterranean seabass. But we suggest giving Riviera’s Snapper a go as it comes dressed with lemon, capers, and white wine sauce, served with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach.

But the flavors don’t end with the food menu—the wine menu boasts beautiful picks from all over Italy to pair with your dishes. Not a wine fanatic? Along with domestic and popular imported beers, Riviera offers imported Italian beer such as a numerotre pale ale Viola.

Your dining experience, of course, wouldn’t be complete without the sweet Italian classics: tiramisù or panna cotta. Beautifully presented plates show up on your table to satisfy your sugar pangs.

All in all, Riviera Focacceria Italiana is an authentic edition to Miami’s Italian dining scene with a rich menu and housemade specialties that will leave you buying a ticket for the next flight out.

By Caner Kocamaz, contributing writer