Cibo South Beach {200 South Pointe Drive, Miami Beach; 305.987.6060} is the largest and newest Italian restaurant in South Beach, and we have sung its praises before. The beautiful 12,000-square-foot space is a blend of Old World rustic and modern industrial chic, complemented by original artwork. It also boasts the largest roof terrace on South Beach.

Cibo has been officially certified with the globally recognized “Marchio Ospitalita Italiana,” awarded by the Italian government to restaurants outside of Italy who meet the highest standards of Italian authenticity across a number of categories, including menu options, food quality, restaurant design, and traditional Italian characteristics.

Under the guidance of Executive Chef Massimo Giannattasio, Cibo offers an authentic taste of southern Italian cooking at the 60-foot open kitchen counter. The wine cellar isn’t in fact a cellar but rather a soaring, two-story open plan room, accessed by an acrobatic wine angel who literally swoops in to retrieve the bottle you’ve ordered. Fortunately, she’s wearing a harness! The extensive wine list comprising 3,500 bottles has been recognized by Wine Spectator with the Award of Excellence.

The menu features both traditional and modern classics and has been praised for its fresh, handmade pasta and signature pizzas. Here are three dishes you need to try:

1. Gnocchi

Made fresh in-house, these gorgeous dumplings come in a Gorgonzola cream sauce with a sprinkling of Parmigiano Reggiano and basil.

2. Di Nicolino Pizza

This simple pie is topped with tomato, fior di latte, arugula, and prosciutto di Parma.

3. Chocolate Baci Bombe

Served with strawberries, hazelnut praline, and mint.

By Richard Temple | Contributor