Sometimes in our frenzy to visit the newest and most buzzed about restaurant in Miami, we forget about the places that have stood the test of time and still offer good food, good service, a reasonably priced wine list and a civilized evening out.

A recent visit to MC Kitchen in the Design District reminded me that after all these years, a relaxing dinner with friends can still be had without the Instagram chef flicking salt on every dish.

MC Kitchen has been one of the two anchor restaurants (the other being Michael’s Genuine) in the Design District now for over 8 years.  It has seen the Design District morph from interior decorator design showrooms to luxury designer apparel and accessory retailers and through all the changes the clean, crisp décor and modern Italian food has stayed the course.

The menu, created by co-owner Dena Marino and executed superbly each night by sous chef, Victor, who has been with Dena for over four years, offers a variety of traditional and not so traditional dishes. Each dish is well thought out, with creative accompaniments and a pleasure to enjoy.

The Antipasti includes a Stone Oven Roasted Octopus with sherry pancetta vinaigrette, Crispy Rhode Island Calamari and our choice, the Black Mission Fig Pizzette, which is a bubbly crust rectangular shaped pizza topped with a generous portion of figs, prosciutto, arugula, fontina cheese and cipolini marmalade. It was more than enough for four of us to share.

Our pasta choice, Garganelli Bolognese was rich with plenty of ground veal, venison, pork ragu, porcini mushrooms, and topped with ribbons of parmigiano reggiano.

Our winning entrée choices included the Heritage Breed Poulet, which is stone oven roasted chicken with marble potatoes, pearl onions, and pepperoncini pan jus,

and the Tennessee Honey Glazed Eden Farm Pork Chop, with ceci puree, caramelized brussels sprouts and a bacon apple hash, was thick, juicy and perfectly pink.

The Pan Roasted Red Snapper (pictured at top) with heirloom cauliflower, grilled asparagus, wild mushroom farrotto, and meyer lemon oil was light with a crispy skin and a nice fish choice as not to heavily sauced.

Dessert options are many, ranging from a not so classic Tiramisu under a chocolate dome, a decadent warm Chocolate Budino with vanilla gelato, a selection of cheeses and gelatos and a panna cotta with wild berries.

MC Kitchen is open from 11 am to 11 pm for lunch, dinner or brunch and offers an understandable and straightforward menu that is sure to please anyone in your party. 

It is a “go to” spot when you tire of the noisy, crowded and trendy spots here in Miami.  Actually, the perfect spot for out of town friends, date night or a romantic dinner for upcoming Valentine’s Day. 

MC Kitchen 

4141 NE 2nd Ave

Miami, FL

305 456 9948