Riviera Focacceria Italiana — recently named by Zagat as one of the 10 best restaurants in South Florida—will introduce you to authentic cuisine from Liguria, Italy. You will have the chance to taste the real Pesto Genovese, one of Italy’s greatest culinary jewels, and its perfect balance of sweet basil, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Ligurian extra virgin olive oil. Another must-try is the Focaccia di Recco—two layers of incredibly thin dough filled with stracchino cheese (shipped weekly via planes from Italy). But beware: after you try it, your world will never be the same. The menu features an array of homemade pasta and, of course, Mediterranean seafood and fine imported Italian meats and cheeses. The place is as inviting as the menu, with an open-air space filled with the aroma of freshly baked focaccia, a lovely display of homemade tarts and pies, and sidewalk alfresco dining.

Miami’s Best for Housemade Pasta—Zagat
Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Miami—TimeOut
Best Restaurant in Midtown/Design District—Miami New Times