By Richard Temple | Contributing Writer

One indicator of AltaMare’s {1233 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.532.3061} quality is the fact that it’s not on the main tourist stretch of Lincoln Road, which ends at the cinema. This means it has to rely principally on regulars rather than tourists–always a good sign in our experience. AltaMare specializes in Mediterranean-accented seafood with a few interesting meat dishes for the dedicated carnivore.

We all like going to restaurants where we’re known and greeted personally by the owner or manager. It makes us feel wanted and even a little bit important particularly if we’re entertaining guests. Owner Claudio Giordano is always there to welcome guests and ensure that everything’s running smoothly. Claudio, who trained in hotels in Italy, Germany, Venezuela, and England before opening his own restaurants in Miami, is a consummate professional.

But however effusive the greeting and however welcome we’re made to feel, the main reason we return to a restaurant again and again is because we like it and because the food’s good. And at AltaMare, we do and it is.

Wahoo Crudo: a loin of wahoo seared rare, sliced thinly, and served with the best extra virgin olive oil, avocado, fleur de sel, and bottarga (salted cured fish roe)

Homemade Pappardelle with fresh tomato sauce, chunks of braised short rib, and mozzarella di bufala

Two of our favorites are the Canaveral Shrimp Linguini and the Risotto Frutti Di Mare. The Octopus Carpaccio starter with lemon, olive oil, and potato salad is always excellent. There are daily specials on the menu depending on what’s fresh that day. As one would expect from a restaurant of this standard, there’s an extensive wine list that includes Planeta, one of our favorite Italian Chardonnays, as well as a delicious Brunello di Montalcino if you’re in the mood for red wine.

AltaMare recently started an increasingly popular happy hour between 5pm and 7pm with deals on oysters, crudos, and other tasty dishes washed down by $6 drinks.