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Home / Posts Tagged "riviera focacceria"

7:16 pm
Restaurant Features
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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.

Focaccia with prosciutto - Riviera
Focaccia with prosciutto

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

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8:00 am
Restaurant Features
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1. Eating Dirt Never Tasted So Good

focaccia

2. Focaccia col Formaggio at Riviera Focacceria Italiana
Located at the Shops at Midtown Miami, Riviera Focacceria Italiana may very well be Miami’s only Italian restaurant serving up authentic cuisine from Liguria, a crescent-shaped coastal region in northwest Italy that’s known for its focaccia (hence the restaurant’s name). But you haven’t really experienced this specialty bread until you taste the restaurant’s Focaccia col Formaggio, a signature dish hailing from the Ligurian town of Recca, where thin sheets of delicate, flaky dough envelop a layer of melt-in-your-mouth Stracchino cheese, which is air-freighted in weekly from Italy and has an unmistakable velvety texture and tangy finish. When combined with the warm, crispy focaccia casing, it creates a savory flavor that can only be enjoyed at a handful of restaurants nationwide. 786.220.6251; rivierafocacceria.com 

3. Casual Italian at Salumeria 104
Chef Angelo Masarin of Salumeria 104 will be the first to tell you that his restaurant is a very small place. With 50 seats inside and about 25 outside, the restaurant is known for its casual, intimate setting. And yet, what it lacks in size it makes up for in heart. “This is a neighborhood place with a neighborly feel,” says the chef, originally from Treviso, Italy. “This is a restaurant for every day, whether you come dressed as a superstar or dressed in pajamas.” This salumi shop is both restaurant and deli, where you can find both local and imported prosciutto di Parma, mozzarella, salami, and bresaola. Fresh pasta is made in-house, and many of the fish and vegetables are local. Now in its fifth year, the restaurant serves both professionals and casual diners, with dishes like Vitello Formata, Porchetta, and Spaghetti Bottarga—Italian pasta with cured Sardinian fish eggs grated on top—that keep guests returning again and again. 305.424.9588; salumeria104.com

Mare mio

4. Mare Mio’s Seafood Trolley
Miami is unique in that our cuisine can truly be “sea to table,” meaning that seafood is freshly caught and delivered to restaurants each and every day—never frozen! No place does this approach to sourcing hold more true than at Mare Mio, the newest restaurant to grace Miami Beach’s historic Española Way. Over 20 pescadores (fishermen) work with Chef and Owner Claudio Giordano to supply their freshest catches of the day, which are delivered to the restaurant late- afternoon, then laid out on the “Seafood Trolley” for diners to hand-select their main course for the evening. 305.397.8950; maremiorestaurant.com 

NAoe

5. Shoyu at Naoe
Guests to NAOE will notice one very distinguishing factor: There is no menu. Diners must arrive with an open mind and full trust in Kevin Cory, a lauded Japanese chef who takes to the kitchen every evening to serve a menu of his choosing. Expect plenty of shoyu (soy sauce) whatever the offerings—a unique blend from Cory’s family brewery, Naogen, which has been blending since 1825 in the small town of Oono, Japan. As a region known worldwide for its soy sauce production, Oono is the perfect inspiration for Chef Cory’s Japanese creations. 305.947.6263; naoemiami.com 

Italy

Pizza

6. The Italian Market at Made in Italy Gourmet
True to its name, Made in Italy Gourmet serves up deliciously fresh Italian cuisine daily at its Wynwood location. But you don’t have to dine in to experience this cultural delight. At the restaurant’s onsite Italian market, you can find a wide selection of direct-from-Italy products, including olive oil, tomato sauce, pasta, breads, desserts, and over 20 imported meats and cheeses, so you can take the Italian culinary experience home whenever you choose. 786.360.5671; madeinitalygourmet.com

Cleo

7. Marinated Wagyu Beef Kebabs at Cleo
We love Cleo for its vibrant, contemporary Mediterranean cuisine; global influences and local ingredients elevate just about every dish on the menu. With award-winning Chef Danny Elmaleh at the helm, you can expect a memorable culinary adventure of shared plates, flatbreads, savory meats, and handcrafted cocktails in an exciting and colorful atmosphere. Here, Chef Elmaleh shares his recipe for marinated Wagyu Beef Kebabs. 305.534.2536; sbe.com/restaurants

Wagyu Beef Kebabs
makes three kebabs
Ingredients
4 oz diced onion
1 tsp peeled and diced ginger
4 oz peeled and diced Fuji apple
3-1/2 oz Coca-Cola
5-3/4 oz brown sugar
6-2/3 oz soy sauce
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp thyme
2 oz Shio Koji seasoning
1 lb Wagyu skirt steak

Method

Prepare marinade by blending first three ingredients to form a loose paste. Then, mix with all remaining marinade ingredients except steak in a large bowl. Set aside.

Slice the skirt steak against the grain, about 1/8-inch thick. Add steak to marinade and mix well. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for about an hour.

Remove meat from refrigerator. Measure about 5 ounces of thinly sliced meat and weave around a 10-inch metal or bamboo skewer. (If using bamboo skewers, make sure they have been submerged in water prior to use in order to avoid burning on the grill.)

Place skewered meat on a hot grill for 6 to 8 minutes, cooking to desired doneness.

Soho Bay Sushi

8. SOHO Ceviche at SOHO Bay
Although Miami Beach’s SOHO Bay is touted for having some of the best Japanese-inspired cuisine in town, the restaurant itself hails from Brazil, where it currently has eight locations throughout the country. It is no surprise, then, that several dishes on the menu have Brazilian influences. The SOHO Ceviche, in particular, is traditionally cut Brazilian-style and is made with biquinho (Brazilian peppers), seafood, spicy citrus cherry tomatoes, and onions. 786.618.2788; sohobayrestaurant.com  

Naiyara

9. Thai Street Food at Naiyara
Growing up on a farm in northern Thailand, Piyarat Potha Arreeratn (aka Chef Bee) learned quickly how to grow and prepare his own food. His grandmother was also a cook, who taught him how to make various Thai street foods that she sold at the local market. “In Thailand, we don’t have the luxury of fully stocked grocery stores. We live off what we find in the local markets,” Chef Bee says. This concept has translated to the menu at NaiYaRa, the chef’s Thai restaurant located in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood of Miami Beach. Front and center on the menu is the Makear Muu. “The vibrant color of the eggplant was always alluring,” Chef Bee says of his signature eggplant dish. “The way it softens while the ground pork provides nice texture, and Thai bird chiles pack the punch. This was a go-to dish for our family.” 786.275.6005; naiyara.com 

cafe des arts

10. Art + Mediterranean + Miami Beach at Café des Arts
The cool, laid-back South of Fifth vibe at Café des Arts sets the perfect tone for guests to sit back, relax, and envision they are dining at a trendy café somewhere along the Mediterranean. Not surprisingly, there is an emphasis on art, with the walls serving as a rotating modern art gallery with the featured artist changing monthly. “Miami has become an international art capital with Art Basel each year, a cosmopolitan city where the art scene is constantly evolving,” says Philippe Carteau, the restaurant’s owner. “We are continuing this synergy year-round, creating a cultural movement with our resident artists, art exhibitions, Mediterranean menu, and the Café des Arts ambience. Our art is chosen based on the incalculable quality of artists living in and around Miami Beach.” 305.534.2555; cafedesartsmiami.com 

Coya

11. COYA’s Bright and Bold Peruvian Tastes
Light, bright, and bold. That’s how COYA describes its Peruvian- inspired cuisine, which incorporates authentic flavors and creative ingredients at the intersection of food and art. COYA began its journey in London and Dubai, serving a menu of global cuisine focused on South American flavors. COYA is considered an art and music collective, wherein the dining experience is just as important as the food itself. All types of artistic and cultural expression are incorporated into COYA’s ambience and entertainment, from the art on the walls to the DJs and bands on stage. What’s more, the restaurant’s design recalls ancient Incan art and architecture, with brightly colored walls and furniture grounded by iron and wood fixtures. Hand-selected relics from South America further embellish this modern interpretation of an ancient empire.

When it comes to dining, COYA is known for its use of exotic cuts of meat, ancient grains, and authentic dishes brightened with modern innovation. Signature dishes include Ceviche de Lubina Clasico (sea bass ceviche), Chuletas de Borrego (lamb chops), and Ox Heart skewers. Furthermore, COYA’s Pisco Bar offers an opportunity for diners to share in the magic of modern mixology, watching as innovative cocktails and classic drinks come together with artisan ice forms, rare pisco varieties, and creative ingredients. COYA has big plans to expand around the U.S., and if it’s anything like what we’ve seen in Miami, we can’t wait. 305.415.9990; coyarestaurant.com/miami 

apeiro

12. Apeiro Kitchen & Bar’s Expanded Mediterranean Menu
Apeiro Kitchen & Bar has always featured the ingredients and flavors of the Mediterranean. But recently appointed Executive Chef Anthony Sitek revamped the menu to put the Mediterranean influence directly in the spotlight. The expanded menu is so new that even we haven’t tried it all yet, but we do know this: There’s a one-of-a-kind Chicken Firakh that we cannot wait to try. The boneless chicken breast and drumette served with crispy potatoes, charred onions, zucchini, and refreshing tzatziki fits seamlessly with the warm latitudes of the Mediterranean. “It’s very much a ‘hot weather’ dish,” Sitek says. We may not be in the Mediterranean, but here in Miami, it’s an ideal dish for spring. 786.800.5389; apeirorestaurants.com 

A Fish Called Avalon

13. International Sounds and Flavors at A Fish Called Avalon
A Fish Called Avalon—located in the wonderful Art Deco Avalon Hotel—is inspired by the warm ocean breezes, local seafood, and cultural melting pot that is Miami Beach. The cuisine is largely inspired by Chef Kal Abdalla’s travels around the world, with French, Mediterranean, and Asian influences. In particular, the Orzo Seafood Paella and the crabmeat-crusted Grouper are two best-selling selections. But the global flavor extends beyond the food, with live music from international talents almost every night. Enjoy Latin music Tuesday-Saturday and a trio of Spanish rhythm musicians in the late-night lounge Thursday-Saturday. And if you’re looking for something to fill your glass, A Fish Called Avalon will launch its new barrel-aged cocktail program this spring, beginning with a signature Manhattan. 305.532.1727; afishcalledavalon.com

Cafe Avanti

14. Home Away from Home at Cafe Avanti
Cafe Avanti has been operating under the same ownership for more than 26 years. It’s not often you find a restaurant with such staying power, or such an ability to make guests from anywhere feel right at home. Owner Luis Fuentes has run the restaurant since opening it in 1989. His chef has been with him most of that time, starting just six months later. And now, Fuentes’ daughter Jessica has taken on the role of general manager. Over the years, the Veal Meatballs, Chicken Parmesan, and Cannelloni have remained signature dishes for which Cafe Avanti is known. To adjust to the changing times, the current menu now offers fresh Oysters, Tuna Tartare, and Octopus, as well as Snapper and Branzino—fitting additions for a South Florida-based concept. “We focus on quality, so we are able to execute those dishes at the same level as our mainstay Veal Meatballs and Chicken Parmesan,” Jessica says. But more than that, Cafe Avanti is committed to service. “If we don’t know you, we want to get to know you,” she says, adding that guests can come from all over the world and receive the same warm, friendly treatment as a neighborhood local. “We are building relationships, one guest at a time.” 305.538.4400; cafeavanti.com 

French 27

15. Exceptional Creations at French 27
Vibrant, sophisticated, and exceptional. These are words that describe the cuisine at French 27, where influences from all 27 regions of France make their way into the classic and contemporary fine-dining menu. But more than that, French 27 is known for the quality of its cuisine. “We want patrons to know that we source only the freshest products—nothing is frozen. We make sure our produce is sourced from top-tier purveyors nationwide,” says Chef Andreas Trilk. “In Europe, we are accustomed to going to the market in search of the best of the best. It makes sense that we have searched for the best producers in the U.S. to provide us with the freshest products.” Here, all seafood is delivered fresh daily, and seasoning is added with a light hand—never overpowering the delicate flavors of shrimp, oysters, and fillets. Savor the Chilean Sea Bass made with tomato confit, cured shallots, and almonds for a delightful French seafood dish. If you’re craving something more classically French, opt for the Steak Frites prepared with any one of a variety of dry-aged meats, such as the New York or Bone-In Rib-Eye with France’s famous Café de Paris butter. At French 27, French flavors and Miami freshness come together beautifully. 305.764.3948; french27.com 

Clark Bowen

16. db bistro’s New Executive Chef
On top of all of its fabulous French fare, db Bistro Moderne has something else exciting to share: Clark Bowen has been promoted from sous chef to executive chef. Chef Bowen has been with the team for five years and knows the kitchen inside and out. db Bistro’s menu has always had a strong sense of French tradition and flavors imbued by Daniel Boulud, and we’re thrilled that Chef Bowen will be bringing his own creative touch to that menu. Look for lighter dishes, lots of seafood, and bright, vibrant Miami flavors combined with the traditional and impeccable French cuisine for which db Bistro is known. Additionally, the bar team at db Bistro is hard at work on bringing fresh, seasonally inspired cocktails to the menu. Each bartender is given the opportunity to put his or her own unique spin on a classic cocktail, and the result is always outstanding. This spring at db Bistro Moderne promises to be a very exciting one, filled with fresh new flavors and unique spins on French traditions. 305.421.8800; dbbistro.com 

17. Abundant International Flavors at R House
R House’s Chef Rocco Carulli knows a thing or two about international flavors in the kitchen. “A lot of it has to do with my upbringing,” he says. Carulli grew up the son of Italian immigrants, growing fresh vegetables in the backyard garden, canning homemade sauces, eating his mother’s braised lamb, and watching his father make his own wine. “I had a different palate than the other kids on the block,” he laughs. Later, his travels to Japan and Brazil influenced him further. Now at R House, Carulli incorporates international flavors and ingredients on the menu however possible, always adding his own spin. Take the Ceviche, traditionally prepared with hominy and sweet potatoes. While Carulli keeps the lime juice base, he replaces the hominy with an American sweet corn relish to balance the tart citrus notes. Another standout dish is the Brazilian Seafood Moqueca. Carulli uses authentic Brazilian dendê oil (red palm oil) but replaces the more traditional swordfish with fresh local mahi mahi, Florida shrimp, and sea scallops for variety and local flavor. While Carulli’s main objective is freshness, he also loves a bit of spice. “I find myself using a lot of jalapeños,” he says, and mentions his jalapeño-infused tequila—a key ingredient in the Jalapeño-Pineapple Margarita that won Best Margarita in the Miami New Times Best of Miami Awards 2015. We’ll drink to that. 305.576.0201; rhousewynwood.com 

Bazi

18. Bazi’s Kaiseki Dinners
Miami Beach’s modern Asian-inspired dining destination, Bazi, noted for its exciting takes on traditional Far East cuisine, has introduced an exclusive monthly Kaiseki dinner. Kaiseki traditionally consists of a sequence of small, artistically arranged dishes that foster a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and aesthetic. This one-of-a-kind experience will feature 10-12 courses designed and orchestrated by Michael Pirolo, a critically acclaimed chef and James Beard Award semifinalist, and will showcase seasonal ingredients from the decadent to the exotic. Dishes prepared Kaiseki-style are done so in a way that aims to enhance their flavor and energy. Every course will be paired with unique libations ranging from sake to Asian teas, courtesy of Bazi’s Beverage Director, William Rivas. Hosted monthly at the restaurant’s downstairs bar—an intimate setting limited to eight seats—means that reservations are first come, first served. Priced at $150 (including tax and tip), each Kaiseki dinner promises to be different from the one before, providing a rare curated experience. 305.695.0101; bazimiami.com 

19. Villa Azur’s New Menu
Long have we savored the Mediterranean delights of Villa Azur, Miami’s culinary pride and joy, elevated by the talents of Executive Chef Erwin Mallet. This spring, we’re particularly thrilled about some of the Provençal-style dishes Mallet and his team have created—including the Rack of Lamb with garlic and thyme, as well as the succulent Octopus. If you’re looking to explore more of the Mediterranean, consider the Italian-inspired, toothsome Risotto Carnaroli, best enjoyed in the environs of the château-style dining room. Chef Mallet’s inspiration is his own childhood and the bounty of nearby gardens and waters, so you can be sure that Villa Azur’s new menu is not only fresh, but deliciously authentic. 305.763.8688; villaazurmiami.com 

Old Lisbon

20. 25 Years of Old Lisbon
This year, Old Lisbon is celebrating its 25th anniversary. In January 1991, the restaurant opened its doors in a small space on Coral Way. Twenty-five years later, the brand includes two restaurants, catering services, and, most recently, a Portuguese market and bakery next door to the original restaurant. The secret of success has been simple: quality ingredients, homemade food, and top-notch service. So what should you try when you stop by? A world of delicious Portuguese dishes—from codfish to sardines, Portuguese cheese to Oporto wines. And keep Old Lisbon in mind for breakfast; the bakery offers a delicious medley of pastries, coffee, and simple breakfast dishes. Thank you, Old Lisbon, for reminding us of what it means to be authentically (and deliciously) Old World. oldlisbon.com

Seaspice

21. The Symbiotic Relationship of Design and Cuisine at Seaspice
There are many reasons to love the new Seaspice—not least of all the shimmering waterfront locale and seafood-driven, Old World-inspired menu. But the experience of dining at Seaspice transcends a traditional restaurant meal. Here, the décor flows from the food, and vice-versa. While it’s always best to experience this first-hand, here is a glimpse of the restaurant’s masterfully intentional design. 305.440.4200; seaspicemiami.com

22. Fresh Spring Menu at PAUL
PAUL Bakery is not exactly a new kid on the block; the bakery/restaurant dates back to 1889. That means the concept’s chefs and bakers have had more than a century to perfect their recipes—rooted in certified organic flour, hormone and antibiotic-free proteins, cage-free eggs, and seasonal ingredients. This spring, PAUL is launching a new menu with the same commitment to French tradition and unadulterated quality. From light spring salads to a variety of croque-monsieurs, crêpes to hearty cuts of beef, it will be a universal treat for devotees of French fare. And, as always, keep PAUL at the top of your list for breakfast and brunch spots; nothing beats the rich and delicate layers of their classic French pâtisserie. 305.531.1200; paul-usa.com 

GK Bistronomie

23. Chicken Lo Mein from GK Bistronomie
A delectable meeting of cuisines from all corners of the world, GK Bistronomie’s menu is a showcase of the eminently talented Chef Rafael Perez. This particular dish, a staple in Perez’s repertoire, is a paean to the spice-rich flavors of the East.

Chicken Lo Mein
serves one

4 oz julienned chicken breast
1 oz vegetable oil
1 tsp minced ginger
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 red bell pepper, julienned
1 baby head bok choy
4 oz snow peas
8 oz fresh lo mein noodles
2 Tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 oz soy sauce
sesame seeds and chopped scallions, for garnish

Method

Heat a sauté pan over high heat. Add chicken, vegetable oil, ginger, and garlic and mix. Add all of the vegetables and cover, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Uncover and add noodles, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Mix together, then cover and cook for 2 minutes more. Uncover, add soy sauce, and stir. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, and serve. 786.477.5151; gkbistronomie.com 

24. Peruvian Pisco—The Spirit of Spring
We love exploring international cuisines and ingredients, and that includes wine and spirits. As we toast to the Peruvian flavors we love, we cannot forget about the oldest spirit in the Western Hemisphere: pisco, a grape-based spirit which encompasses centuries of history and tradition.

A variation of pisccu, the word pisco comes from the ancient Quechua term for bird. Historically, the word pisco was also the name of a valley and seaport in the Ica region of southern Peru, known for its exotic bird population. Today, the spirit is concocted from Old-World grapes grown on vines that have adapted to the sunny Peruvian coast. Pisco is produced by distilling designated pisco grapes; no other additives or ingredients are permitted—not even water. Pisco is transparent, subtly fragrant, and bold in flavor, making it excellent for sipping on its own and splendid in a cocktail. This spring, savor the flavors of Peru by sipping pisco from a snifter, enjoying it in a traditional Peruvian pisco sour, or by mixing up a vibrant, aromatic “Shot of Love” (recipe at left).

A Shot of Love
In a shaker, muddle 1-1/2 ounces lychee purée with 3 mint leaves. Add 2 ounces Peruvian pisco, 3/4 ounce St-Germain, and a few drops of hibiscus syrup for a bright pink color. Add ice and shake. Strain over ice into a tall glass. Top with ginger ale. Garnish with candied hibiscus flower and lychee fruit.

Mr Chow

25. Noodle Shows at Mr Chow
Mr Chow is as international as they come. First opened in London in 1968, this restaurant has locations in Beverly Hills, New York City, and Las Vegas. It opened in South Beach in August of 2009 as the first Mr Chow to open inside a hotel, bringing its authentic Beijing cuisine and creative new recipes to the W Hotel South Beach. Mr Chow Miami offers luxurious indoor and outdoor private rooms, spacious patio, and stunning décor, like the 123-foot gold leaf Swarovski crystal chandelier in the dining room.

Of course, one of the main attractions here is the authentic Chinese cuisine, the hand-pulled noodles in particular. One of the master pasta chefs at Mr Chow, northern China native Chef Chung Yi Lau, learned the craft of hand-pulling noodles from the Chinese Culinary Art Center. He has pulled noodles every day since then, and considers it an important culinary art in an age when some Chinese restaurants are replacing noodle chefs with machinery. “I feel that the noodles taste different and are not as unique when made by a machine,” Lau says. “Therefore, I strive to keep the craft alive and hope it never fades out.”
Lau is considered an expert noodle chef, and that involves more than just mixing the flour, water, and salt. It also involves performing a “noodle show” at Mr Chow every night, in which Lau kneads the dough by physically twisting, flipping, spinning, and rolling it until it forms thin noodles. The show makes it look effortless, as entertaining as a magic act. “Whenever the clients watch the noodle-pulling performance, the natural reaction is to applaud and it is a great form of acknowledgement,” Lau says. “I hope people understand how much effort goes into a dish of hand-pulled noodles.” Although the process looks easy, years of practice have gone into perfecting the recipe, movements, and techniques needed to make them. The result? Fresh, authentic, toothsome noodles that are delightful served cold, stir-fried with sauce, or Chef Lau’s favorite: in beef soup with spiced beef and scallions. 305.695.1695; mrchow.com
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8:11 am
Restaurant Features
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riviera focacceria italiana

If you didn’t know it was there, you might miss it. Sandwiched between two other small eateries in the Shops at Midtown Miami, lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

While there are hundreds of Italian restaurants that dot the Greater Miami area, Riviera Focacceria Italiana {3252 Northeast Buena Vista Boulevard, Suite 1100, Midtown; 768.220.6251} is one of only a handful that specializes in authentic cuisine from Liguria, a crescent-shaped coastal region in northwest Italy, bordering the southeastern tip of France to the west and Tuscany to the east.

Owner Fabio Domenichini, who hails from the Ligurian capital of Genoa, greeted us warmly in his thick Italian accent and sat us on the patio out front. Unlike other restaurants in Midtown with tables spilling out onto the pedestrian-crowded sidewalks, Riviera’s patio is quaint and private.

Wine is a must at this rustic, no-frills eatery, and rows of bottles line the back wall. As we settled in with our beautifully crisp white from Sardinia, we were greeted by our friendly server who placed a tin of freshly baked focaccia bread on the table.

riviera focacceria italiana

Focaccia al Formaggi

You’ll be tempted to fill up on the delicious focaccia—it is, after all, where Riviera Focacceria gets its name. But you haven’t really experienced this Ligurian specialty until you taste the restaurant’s signature Focaccia al Formaggi: thin sheets of delicate, flaky dough blanketing a layer of melt-in-your-mouth Stracchino cheese (air-freighted in weekly from Italy), served piping hot in the pan it’s cooked in. Trust us when we say you’ve never tried anything like it.

riviera focacceria italiana

Pansoti al Pesto di Maggiorana

This could have easily been our full meal, but Fabio warned us to “not to eat it all,” so we could save room for what was to come: the creamy Pansoti al Pesto di Maggiorana, a ravioli-like pasta (handmade from scratch) with marjoram, pine cuts, Parmesan pesto, and a touch of butter; and the Tonna alla Ligure, a tuna fillet seared on one side and topped with capers, pine nuts, parsley, and Taggiasca olives gremolata spread over a chickpea purée. Both exquisite.

riviera focacceria italiana

Tonna alla Ligure

As we sipped up the last of our wine, we studied the dessert menu. We learned that the Panna Cotta al Vino Rosso is a must-try, but our server also let us know that a special chocolate mousse with strawberry sorbet was available that night. If this close-your-eyes-to-savor-each-bite dessert is any indications of the others, then it’s safe to say there’s not a bad one in the bunch. And if you’re too full for dessert, you can always wrap one up to-go. All desserts, along with olive oil, cheeses, homemade pastas, sauces, and focaccias, can be purchased at the market on premises.

riviera focacceria italiana

Specialty Chocolate Mousse Dessert

So the next time you’re at the Shops at Midtown, be on the lookout for this tiny slice of Liguria. It might not be the trendy place to see and be seen, but you may just find your new go-to Italian eatery.

—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

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9:58 am
Restaurant Features
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La Gamba {3437 Main Highway, Coconut Grove; 786.464.0908} 

At La Gamba, great food and a friendly atmosphere take precedence over the

La Gamba

La Gamba

theatrics that often run the Miami food scene. The menu at this delicious Coconut Grove grotto is chock full of tapas and entrées at such fair prices, it’s possible your meetup with friends may turn into a full Saturday affair. Traditional Spanish plates such as Piquillo Peppers stuffed with cod and squid ink sauce, and Garlic and Mixed Croquettes roll out one after the other amidst the buzz of intimate conversation and live music on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It’s small, intimate, warm, and inviting—a good addition to one of Miami’s most personable neighborhoods. lagambarestaurant.com

Riviera Focacceria {3252 Northeast Buena Vista Boulevard, Suite 110, Miami; 786.220.6251}

To dine at Riviera Focacceria is to be whisked away to a Ligurian countryside villa, and it may just be the only place in Miami, if not America, where this is

Fresh pasta at Riviera

Fresh pasta at Riviera

possible. Every Italian dish and detail inside this new Midtown favorite is made to Northern Italian perfection, from the Ravioli Genovesi al Tocco, homemade and filled with a succulently braised Angus brisket, to the Vino Pigato, a white wine made with grapes from the Genovese region, grown so close to the ocean you can almost taste the Mediterranean sea in every sip. You cannot dine at Riviera Focacceria, however, without indulging in the Focaccia di Recco—two layers of thinly sliced dough filled with stracchino cheese, of which 200 pounds are imported from Italy weekly to ensure that the dish is as close to the real Italian thing as possible. It’s this attention to detail, to the authenticity and integrity of the dishes, that makes Riviera Focacceria molto bene indeed. rivierafocacceria.com

Bistro Be {1111 Southwest First Avenue, Miami}

When searching for authentic Belgian food, Miami is probably not the first place that comes to mind. That’s why we love the new Bistro Be, an authentic

Bistro Be

Bistro Be

Belgian restaurant bringing new tastes to our vibrant dining scene. Here, you’ll find a contemporary European escape, where the sophistication of French fare combines with the boldness of German cuisine, all orchestrated by Belgian native and Owner Emmanuel Verschueren. Bistro Be Executive Chef Frederik Appelt recreates tasty homeland fare like Currywurst, Mussels, Steak Tartare, and even Noordzeepannetje—Belgian fish stew, to the lay person. And don’t worry—he’s happy to help you decipher the menu. bistrobe.com

   

SoFi Café {500 South Point Drive, Suite 180, Miami; 305.763.8692}

This new addition to Miami Beach makes healthy eating easy, affordable, and tasty. With the shores of South Beach just a block away, it’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post-beach day meal—or to pick up light and refreshing food to bring with you. The Açaí Bowls are must tries. Each comes with a base of açaí, banana, and other fortifying ingredients. Toppings like kiwi, berries, granola, chia seeds, and honey make it a meal. Come lunch, the nutritious wraps and pitas—washed down with fresh-pressed juices—nourish without weighing down your afternoon. If you’re tempted by the burgers and shakes on the menu, fret not. They’re health-ified, too, so that you literally can’t go wrong on this awesome and affordably-priced menu. sofi-café.com

Vintro Kitchen {2216 Park Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.9200}

This summer, we advise locals to check out a new boutique hotel—not for a staycation, but for the food. In the heart of the new cultural district, Vintro Hotel and Kitchen is home to many striking dining outlets to plug into: a wine lobby bar, a roof deck, and a canal-side terrace. Mediterranean-inspired and Latin-flavored, Vintro Kitchen is committed to handcrafted food and drink with dishes designed for sharing. Local and responsibly-sourced seasonal ingredients fill the blackboard, while the cocktail list features perfected classics and craft favorites. Grower wines pair perfectly with the tapas arranged upon the table. Raw bar enthusiasts will be wowed by a 26-foot signature cold bar featuring wild-caught Hamachi crudo and hand-picked salads. It’s the perfect spot to fall in love—or fall in love again—with aphrodisiac bites and artisanal cheese and charcuterie to linger over as you sip. vintrohotels.com

Sardinia {1801 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach; 305.531.2228}

Named after the Mediterranean island from where its cuisine hails, Sardinia is one of Sunset Harbour’s best kept secrets. Duff Goldman, master baker behind Ace of Cakes, raves about the eatery’s lamb shank, but that’s only one reason why you should visit. There are at least 250 others, all bottled and sealed with a cork, as the restaurant puts much emphasis on its curated wine selections. They even go so far as to use only the highest quality glassware in order to heighten the tasting experience. The restaurant boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, providing an ambiance that’s as refined as it is laid-back, as comfortable as it is enticing.

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