Macchialina has been one of the few independently owned, non-hotel restaurants to survive on Miami Beach…and still in its original location at 820 Alton Road. Miami Beach.

Chef Michael Pirolo has been at the helm turning out fresh pasta and creative home style Italian now for 12 years. And their award-winning wine selection is curated by his sister, Jacqueline, also offering membership in a popular and unique Wine Collective.

Both Michael and Jacqueline have garnered James Beard nominations over the years.

When Covid consumed the country shutting down restaurants and hotels throughout Miami Beach, the youth hostel next door shuttered and Macchialina leased the patio space and opened Il Giardino for outdoor dining, creating a cozy, casual and funky space.

Fortunately, Il Giardino still exists (now just called The Patio) but has been nicely renovated and has a pergola covering for all weather dining. Still casual and with its own vibe.

BUT it is the inside dining room that has the “wow” factor, featuring a vaulted and beamed wood ceiling, dark wood accents, soft lighting, an open kitchen and a very extensive bar seating area with cool backlit spirits’ display.

From Taverna Rustica to Elegant Rustica is how I can best describe it.

Open now for barely two weeks, this is a “run don’t walk” situation, as the Macchialina menu still features all of its classic and beloved dishes, with new additions and extensive wine, cocktail and beverage list.

On an early Friday evening, both the patio and restaurant were busy, and as our dinner progressed, every seat at the bar became filled as well. Yet, the noise level was not deafening, and the service remained excellent.

We began with a couple selections from the Antipasto menu, the always crusty and delicious Sullivan Street bread with a tomato olive oil for dipping. Because Italian food = bread, we also ordered Gnocco Fritto, a light pillow shaped puffed bread from Emilia-Romana. We actually ordered a second order with our entrees.

We also selected the local burrata with blistered heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil and a tomato vinaigrette. Fresh and light, it came with two slices of a buttery grilled toast.

Next visit, I will order the Creamy Polenta, with sausage, shitake mushrooms and chives as I couldn’t help noticing it at the table next to ours.

For entrees, we opted for the always popular Cavatelli Macchialina with baby meatballs, porchetta and pecorino. It was as delicious as always.

The Pollo Arrosto, an organic half chicken cooked with lots of garlic and thyme, was crispy on the outside, and perfectly cooked on the inside and the sauce was robust enough for dipping our second order of the Gnocco Fritto.

Other pastas like Cacio E Pepe, Spaghetti Pomodoro and a special dish of delicate tortellini stuffed with ricotta in a sauce of fresh peas and braised broccoli rabe were excellently seasoned and prepared. Another special included Chef Michael’s Short Rib Lasagna, which arrived with the cheese bubbling on top.

Macchialina also offers as entrees a Chicken Parm, Veal Milanese, and Branzino with sunchokes.

We did save room for dessert and indulged in a decadent Bread pudding with hazelnut crumble and new to Macchilaina an assortment of gelato. With a daily rotating menu of flavors, we opted and loved the stracciatella gelato with passion fruit and chocolate chips.

Wines are by the glass, the half bottle (2.5 glasses) and full bottle. Make sure you ask for recommendations from the very knowledgeable beverage staff. We were so happy to see Olivia!

Reservations are on Resy. And plan to Uber or look for street parking as the empty lot next door is privately owned and “you will be towed”.

Macchialina

820 Alton Rd.

Miami Beach, FL 33139

305 534 2124