Italian in South Florida

Marcella's Restaurant and Italian Cuisine

12305 Pembroke Rd. Miramar

954-433-1522

Italian, Pizza, Music Venues, Sponsor

13 American Table

451 E. Palmetto Park Rd. Boca Raton

561-409-2061

American, International, Italian, Mediterranean, Recommended

A newcomer in the Boca food scene in summer 2013, this place has brought a piece of South Florida's burgeoning foodie ethos to town. Owners Albert and Melanie Aletto opened the spot earlier this summer, and they brought in some heavy hitters from Delray Beach. Both chef Anthony Fiorini and general manager Oliver Tito have worked at highly respected Atlantic Boulevard hot-spot 32 East. Here you'll find a somewhat similar approach to cuisine with simple food prepared with the finest-quality ingredients that can be found. The new American-style fare incorporates international influence with dishes ranging from Josper-grilled octopus and family eggplant with burrata, crostini, and basil to Florida grouper ceviche and BBQ pork belly. When you look at it, what could be more American than that?

5 articles

Amore's Gourmet Pizza

8906 W State Rd 84 Davie

954-475-8877

Pizza, Italian, Menu, Takeout-Home, Takeout-Cuisine, Takeout-Neighborhood

The selection of steaming hot pies made to order is just one of the pluses at this pizza joint. You have many gourmet pizzas to choose from; sizes start at a filling medium and get up to an uneatably big extra-large. Try the Greek pizza, made with feta cheese, spinach, olives, and red onions. And like any proper pizza place, Amore's serves pasta dishes, deli sandwiches, and a variety of salads.

Angelo Elia Pizza Bar Tapas

16950 Jog Rd. Delray Beach

561-381-0037

Pizza, Tapas, Italian, Restaurants, Recommended, Menu

This restaurant in a former home is cozy and warm, and you can't go wrong with pretty much any order. Expect richness and decadence from menu items including veal bone marrow served with pane casareccio, homemade bucatini with wild boar ragout or carbonara.

1 article

Angelo Elia Pizza Bar Tapas

4215 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale

954-561-7300

Pizza, Tapas, Italian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu

The menu here is full of tapas, pizzas, salads, calzones, and other traditional Italian eats. More than a dozen varieties of pizza with red or white sauce dominate the menu and arrive perfectly crisp from a wood-fired oven that anchors an open kitchen.

10 articles

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza

512 N. Pine Island Rd., Plantation Davie/West Hollywood

954-474-3311

Pizza, Italian, Best Of, Menu, Readers' Choice

3 articles

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza

2203 S. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale

954-462-5555

Pizza, Italian, Recommended, Best Of, Readers' Choice, Takeout-Home, Takeout-Cuisine, Takeout-Neighborhood

Anthony's has the best pizza this side of Italy - the blackened, bubbly crust is so authentic, you can taste ancient culinary history in it. That's thanks to a coal-fired brick oven that not only cooks outstanding pies topped with everything from cauliflower and arugula salad to breaded eggplant but also roasts chicken wings, beef for focaccia sandwiches, and calzones.

8 articles

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza

1203 S. Federal Highway Pompano Beach

954-942-5550

Pizza, Italian, Best Of, Readers' Choice

5 articles

Anthony's Runway 84

330 State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale

954-467-8484

Italian, Pasta, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Takeout-Home, Takeout-Cuisine, Takeout-Neighborhood

Anthony's has only been around since 1981, but its feel is decidedly old Fort Lauderdale, as in, the retirement community for New York wanna-be wiseguys in need of a decent meatball. The "Italian Sunday feast" is a house special of meatballs, sausage, and pork rib with rigatoni.

3 articles

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza

1580 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale

954-563-2625

Italian, Pizza

1 event

Antonette's Italian

116 Weston Rd. Weston

954-217-1910

Italian

The name speaks for itself - the place is indeed a deli that makes wonderful hot and cold subs - but it does neglect to inform you that this takeoutery is also a fabulous gourmet market. Imported goods from the well-heeled boot range from truffles in oil to stoned olives to marinated white anchovies. Fresh ricotta salata and other cheeses await at the deli counter, while homemade dinners include veal francese, chicken Sorrentino, and sausage and peppers, as well as a host of fresh soups, pastas, and sauces. Takeout only.

2 articles

Basil Bar & Grill

244 E. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan Lake Worth

561-588-2405

Italian, Menu

Big Tomato Market Grill

8300 Pines Blvd. Hollywood

954-704-0100

Italian, Recommended, Menu

It looks and smells like an Italian market and eats like one too. Snack on irresistible garlic rolls as you stare at the produce, canned products, cheeses, and meats decorating the dining room. Then segue into veal Parmesan, chicken Marsala, baked ziti, or linguine with clam sauce. Skip the fish dishes, which can be plain and unreliable, in favor of a different kind of risk - mashed potato pizza, anyone? Takeout and delivery.

Bistro Mezzaluna

1821 SE 10th Ave. Fort Lauderdale

954-522-9191

Italian, Seafood, Best Of

There's something inherently elegant about white tablecloths. At the Zagat-rated Bistro Mezzaluna located in Lauderdale's yachting district, it's not unusual to find yacht crew and boat captains dining in a pair of shorts alongside an affluent regular crowd. Executive Chef Brian Rutherford has prepared an eclectic menu with an Italian touch of simple, comfort foods focusing on using local, seasonal ingredients. Try the yellowtail snapper with lump crabmeat sprinkled with capers and tomatoes in a white wine sauce. What is not simple is the wine selection: There are more than 350 bottles to choose from, but the knowledgeable staff can steer you through the list. Some of the wait staff has worked here since Bistro Mezzaluna's opening in 1993. Be sure to peruse the daily specials in addition to classic pasta options, chops and steaks, seafood, and made-on-the-premises desserts.

3 articles

Bruno's

2100 N. University Dr. Hollywood

954-602-5201

Italian, Best Of

When these folks boast that the dishes here are stewed up from Italian family recipes unlike any other, they're not kidding - these concoctions practically have a signature on them. From Buffalo-wing pizza, which is much more delicious than the novelty it sounds like, to veal medallions sautéed with tomatoes and mushrooms and topped with jumbo shrimp and Marsala-cream sauce, the items at this homey spot are uniformly excellent. Three things you need to know, however: Portions are enormous, the garlic rolls require a goodly dose of Tagamet beforehand, and the fare is so filling that you won't have room afterward even for a mint.

2 articles

Café Primavera

2500 E Commercial Blvd A Fort Lauderdale

954-333-8763

Italian, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

Owners Giacomo and Melody have been pleasing patrons of upscale Italian cuisine since opening this romantic spot in 1985. Innovative culinary combinations like gorgonzola-crusted rack of lamb with Marsala date sauce or grilled salmon with pink grapefruit and Merlot sauce are exceptional, and so are all the homemade pastas. Great food and service, romantic ambiance, extensive wine list -- what more can you ask for from your neighborhood Italian restaurant?

1 article

Cafe La Buca

451 S. Cypress Rd. Pompano Beach

954-786-0673

Italian, Best Of, Slideshow

To many Americans, Italian food is Southern Italian: period. While we tend to favor eating our way through the entire spectrum of the peninsula, we wouldn't have a problem with the red-sauce-only notion if we could keep coming back to Cafe La Buca in Delray Beach. Not the most elegant and not the most expensive, this spot offers vibrant, classic Neapolitan cuisine in a casual and friendly setting. The menu changes on a near daily basis with dishes ranging from wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta to fresh seafood, grilled steak, and lamb. Beer and wine are not sold on the premises, but for those looking to engage in some pairings, there are no fees for corkage. If you're looking for homemade fare in a warm environment, this would be your place.

5 articles

Cafe Martorano

3343 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Fort Lauderdale

954-561-2554

Italian, Critics' Pick, Best Of

Café Martorano attracts names like Ludacris, Shaq, and the cast of the Sopranos to chow down on baseball-sized meatballs, grilled octopus, veal Sinatra loaded with fresh lobster meat, gourmet Philly cheese steaks, and other high-profile South Philadelphia Italian-American classics.

22 articles

Cafe Vico

1125 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale

954-565-9681

Italian, Recommended

The most romantic spot in Fort Lauderdale if you happen to be craving homemade pasta -- Vico's does it best. Standout dishes include family-sized lasagna, chicken-filled raviolis, and their famous osso buco.

5 articles

Capone's Flicker Lite Pizza and Raw Bar

1014 N. Ocean Dr. Hollywood

954-922-4232

Italian, Pizza, Seafood, Best Of, Menu

This funky hole-in-the-wall on the Intracoastal Waterway plays second fiddle to its funkier next door neighbor, world-famous hamburger joint Le Tub. Flicker Lite survives on an old neon sign, word-of-mouth, an emphasis on sports, and proximity to its famous friend. Flicker Lite's ATM has saved many Le Tub newbies from washing dishes since it's cash-only over there.(Added bonus: Le Tub serves its delicious food until 4 a.m.) Le Tub may be weirdly rustic, but Flicker Lite is old and wise, with no-frills outdoor seating on the docks, mostly for smokers' benefit. Fans -- especially longtime local families, or the late-late-night In-the-Biz crowd -- swear by the chewy, delicious Chicago-style pizza, but they make a great NYC thin-crust here, too. The rest is typical Florida fare, fried grouper sandwiches and the like, plus subs. The tap and bottled beer selection is more than respectable. A hidden gem. The bar space morphs into a series of odd juxtapositions combining old-timey knickknacks: a fire alarm, a police call box, Chicago street signs, newspaper bins. There are also basketball video games and, at every table, miniature flat-screen TVs. Yes, sports lover, there are flat screens at every table, just in case you don't feel like watching the game on the bigger screens around the top perimeter of the room.

1 article

Carmela's

1910 Harrison St Hollywood

954-988-0464

Italian

This intimate Italian restaurant in downtown Hollywood has a simple menu of modernized classics, including fresh pasta dishes, meat, fish, and craft cocktails.

Ciao Cucina & Bar

4443 Lyons Rd. Coconut Creek

954-601-1234

Italian, Pizza, Menu, Slideshow

1 article

CIBO Wine Bar

4100 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale Oakland Park

754-900-2426

Brunch, Community Venues, Italian

There's something about Italian Brunch & Bubbles that you just can't resist! Join CIBO Wine Bar Ft. Lauderdale for your new favorite brunch buffet, now on Sundays 11 AM – 4 PM. For just $35pp enjoy a vast selection of brunch items fit for any foodie and half-off of bottles of champagne. - Made To Order Eggs (Omelets, Traditional Breakfast Items: Bacon, Potatoes, Sausage) - Waffle Station - Made To Order Pizzas - Fresh Handmade Pastas - Seafood Station (Shrimp Diavola, Shrimp Cocktail, Pesce Salad, Cured Salmon) - Antipasti - Salumeria Station (Cured Meats) - Cheese Station (Italian Cheeses) - Artisan Breads & Pastries made fresh in our Coral Gables Country Club (Croissants, Brioche, Nutella & Jams, Fresh Canolis, Miniatures Cakes) - Fresh Fruits, Yogurt & Honey - Freshly Squeezed Juices

1 article

Conca D'Oro Pizza & Pasta

370 E. Dania Beach Blvd. Dania Beach

954-920-3388

Pizza, Italian, Menu

Enjoy pastas, seafood, meat & pizza at this family-owned Italian spot.

Da Big Kahuna Restaurant & Tiki Lounge

17 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. Fort Lauderdale

954-530-4867

Italian, Pasta, Seafood, Bars and Clubs

Located amid the Hooters, Fat Tuesdays, and various other tourist fare in Beach Place, Da Big Kahuna Restaurant and Tiki Bar brings a little bit of the West Pacific to the A1A plaza. The ocean air runs through the third-story spot as ocean-themed murals cover the walls and ocean views surround the patio. Tikis stand throughout, and the aloha-rific tablecloths conjure up those tropical T-shirts worn at vacation spots in paradise. Oh, there are also those tropical ladies with flowing black hair and beautiful skin, some of whom came straight from Hawaii just to work at Da Big Kahuna. The island-size drinks continue the theme as they come in coconuts and giant conch shells, and have names like Hawaiian Punch and Jungle Juice - Jungle Juice serves up to four and runs $25. Da Big Kahuna also boasts the Li Hing Mui margarita, which contains a powdery substance found in Hawaii and, now, in Beach Place.

8 articles

Da Campo Osteria

3333 NE 32nd St., Fort Lauderdale Beaches

954-226-5002

Italian, Recommended, Menu

Todd English: He's the sort of celebrity chef who makes women swoon and men curl their upper lip in jealousy. It's not enough that he's dashing, sophisticated, and has his face plastered literally everywhere, from glossy mag covers to Bravo's Top Chef; he's also built an empire out of an absurd number of restaurants in locales such as New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and now… Fort Lauderdale? A rustic, Northern-Italian entry into that fleet, da Campo simplifies the offerings of his flagship Figs and turns them into something more ingredient-centric. That means fresh mozzarella pulled tableside; platters of salumi; a host of pasta dishes ranging from comforting spaghetti and meatball to linguine vongole; and some pricey second is like a Tuscan rib eye that cracks $45. Though it sits on the Intracoastal in the il Lugano Hotel, there's no outdoor seating, and the dining room feels cramped.

6 articles

Doris Italian Market & Bakery

2077 University Dr. Coral Springs

954-346-7774

Bakery, Italian, Seafood, Retail, Best Of, Menu

Grocery stores around South Florida are pretty boring. You have your Winn-Dixie, your Publix, the occasional Albertson's, and a handful of independents. And that's about it. Seems as if there should be more competition in a region with five million hungry souls. Thank God for Doris's places. These stores, which are located in Hollywood, Sunrise, Plantation, Coral Springs, and Boca Raton, pack a lot of great food into little spaces. Each deli is a delight to behold; it features trays of lasagna, sausages, subs, calzones, and other Mediterranean dishes. A seafood counter offers fresh fish daily (we can personally recommend the tuna steaks), and a bakery turns out huge, soft loaves of bread for less than a buck each, not to mention a cornucopia of desserts. If you're looking for hot dogs, potato chips, and beer, hit the mainstream stores. If it's a touch of ethnicity and epicurean style you seek, visit Doris.

2 articles

Escopazzo

1311 Washington Ave., Miami Beach South Beach

305-674-9450

Italian, Music Venues

Since opening on Washington Avenue in 1993, the restaurant's calling card has been creative Northern Italian cuisine. That hasn't changed, but nowadays, the restaurants' fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are organic, beef is grass-fed and hormone-antibiotic free, and a few raw food selections have been added to the menu. Healthier, yes, but those seeking classic Italian fare will still find comfort in a starter of grilled, goat-cheese-stuffed eggplant rolls atop a gentle sauté of baby calamari, sweet cherry tomatoes, and mint. Or in a hearty main course of rosemary tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce. Escopazzo's kitchen's at mixing and matching big flavors is evident in a signature starter of silky asparagus flan floated in a creamy fondue of fontiana and smoked provola cheeses, capped with crispy shiitake mushrooms and misted with a whiff of white truffle oil. Escopazzo is expensive. The trio of meat entrées, for instance, cost $45 to $58. There is no questioning the quality: Barbera wine-braised beef short rib, pan-seared veal chop, and espresso-dusted, Kurobuta pork tenderloin are naturally raised. Tiramisu might just be South Beach's best, meltingly tender and lifted by assertive coffee undertones.

Esposito's Pizza Restaurant

2221 S. University Dr. Davie/West Hollywood

954-916-5667

Pizza, Italian, Recommended

Proprietor Lynne Esposito, a veteran pizzeria owner from Long Island, bakes a "diet pizza," at this Davie spot, which is made with low-fat cheeses and a whole-wheat crust (for the natural-foods sticklers among us). Of course, purists can feast on regular ol' New York-style pizza, not to mention calzones and other Italian entrées. They just won't look as good in their bathing suits.

3 articles

Fabio the Venetian Wine Bar & Restaurant

3471 N. Federal Highway Oakland Park

954-990-5435

Italian, Restaurants, Critics' Pick, Slideshow

La Cucina Veneziana is owner Fabio Cracco's small piece of Venice in South Florida. The nondescript 35-seat cafe looks like a place to grab a quick salad or sandwich, but inside, Cracco is turning out bold Northern Italian cuisine, inspired by his family and the food he grew up eating. The 40-ish chef, who originally came to Florida to cook on private yachts, not only coaxes basic ingredients into a variety of bold, satisfying plates but does so with a gusto that's uncommon in South Florida. He's the chef but also the lead server, and he explains the menu and the day's specials to each table. He'll cook basic pasta carbonara or more complicated duck ragout, perfectly bronzed in its own fat. A refrigerated case displays an assortment of fine Italian salumis and berry-covered tarts dusted with powdered sugar. The lunch crowd, mostly men from nearby offices in button-up shirts and slacks, call him by name. At night, Fabio doles out kisses to old ladies as they leave the restaurant. He says he enjoys a small space where he can develop a reliable clientele for whom he will cook anything, so long as he has the ingredients. Read our full review.

2 articles

Fernanda's International Market & Cafe

3045 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale

954-563-2500

Italian

1 article

Fork & Balls

1301 E Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale

954-771-2257

Italian, New American, Recommended, Menu, Readers' Choice

Another concept by the Restaurant People (the folks behind YOLO, Vibe, Tarpon Bend, and S3), Las Olasâ?? Fork & Balls focuses on -- you guessed it -- balls. It was inspired by the Meatball Shop in New York. The vintage-looking bar is usually packed, with a wide mix of people sucking down drinks and slurping up meatballs. Like its muse, the eatery offers customizable and composed dishes at reasonable price points. â??Just Ballsâ?� ($8) come with three meatballs (with options ranging from classic beef or spicy pork to veggie and the special of the day), sauce of your choice, and a side of focaccia. Composed dishes are slightly more expensive at around 14 bucks. Try the Spicy Italian, a combination of pork balls with creamy polenta, roasted tomato sauce, peppers, and dollop of ricotta on top.

25 articles

Fra Diavolo

5444 N. University Dr., Sunrise Plantation

954-746-3132

Italian

Appealing, homey, and comfortable surroundings belie the sophistication of the Italian cuisine. Nothing is elaborate, nor is it innovative, but it's all beautifully prepared. And if you haven't had veal done properly since the guilt-inducing 1980s, feel free to revel in it here, where you can order it eight different ways; the bocconcini Piemontese, with prosciutto, peas, and brandy-cream sauce, is excellent. Fish and shellfish are also wonderfully fresh, and chicken scarpariello carries a zing along with its homemade sausage. Liqueur-heavy desserts like Italian cheesecake flavored with triple sec and tiramisu come soaked in amaretto.

1 article

Italian in South Florida

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