Inspired Italian

If you need a good reason to trek to South Beach, I can give it to you in a word: Macchialina.

This lovely, rustic taverna is unlike any Italian restaurant I’ve ever experienced, and it’s an unexpectedly cozy find in Miami Beach.

Owner and Chef Michael Pirolo created Macchialina with the ambiance of New York City neighborhood restaurants in mind. Everything we tried on his exceptional menu was phenomenal, and the service was

incomparable.

Be sure to make reservations because Macchialina is wildly popular and has just 70 seats. Go early to enjoy the bustling bar and try several versions of the Negroni, which Macchialina makes its own by combining unusual ingredients with the traditional cocktail recipe.

For antipasti, the Creamy Polenta Proper Pork & Duck Sausage with Brussels Sprouts & Chestnuts is as delectable as it sounds. Cheese lovers will particularly savor the Cheese Board – a generous selection of Pecorino Toscano, Taleggio, Parmigiano and Caciocavallo with light yet flavorful puffed bread from Emilia-Romagna.        

You must have the pasta – not just because you’re at an Italian restaurant but because Macchialina’s homemade pasta is some of the best you’ll ever taste. No matter the variety, it’s full-bodied without being heavy or chewy. And it melts in your mouth. We devoured the Tagliolini Ai Funghi with Abalone Mushrooms & Parmigiano and the Cavatelli Macchialina Baby Meatballs, Porchetta & Pecorino. We accompanied these with the Beet Mezzaluna Hazelnuts, Brown Butter & Ricotta Sa

lad to balance out the unique flavors of each dish.

Every entrée is its own special treat. Have the fresh Branzino Acqua Pazza with Yukon Gold Potatoes, Gaeta Olives and Heirloom Tomatoes or the surprisingly light but rich Veal Parmigiana Mozzarella with Oven Dried Tomatoes & Parmigiano. Also consider the specials, of which Macchialina has plenty.

Dessert is pure joy. We were instantly hooked on the Zeppoli (Italian donuts), which arrive adorned with powdered sugar, chocolate sauce and hazelnuts. But the Tiramisu and the Vanilla Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries & Pistachio Crumble are excellent choices, too, and well worth the calories.

There’s no doubt I’ll be taking the drive back to South Beach for more Macchialina very soon. O

Macchialina is located at 820 Alton Road, Miami Beach. For more information, call 305-534-2124 or visit macchialina.com.