If you want to kick off the new year dining in style, might I suggest Miami newcomer Sparrow Italia? After all, celebrities spotted in its original London location include Alicia Keys, Serena Williams and Cameron Diaz. Named after Italy’s national bird — symbolizing joy, simplicity and freedom of the soul — Sparrow Italia achieves this with a comfortable dose of elegance and class.
Flashy Ways
Photos By James Livingston
For starters, the restaurant is stunning. Designed by award-winning firm Kobi Karp Architecture (known for sustainable designs), the ample space, seating 232 diners, includes plush blue velvet booths, Venetian plaster, brass accents and warm wood throughout, including suspended wood arches and a breathtaking barrel vault ceiling. Tiered drum chandeliers with a modern, cascading design radiate a soft glow, creating a luxurious, dramatic effect. There is a stage for live performances.
You’ll spot a beautiful bar upon entry. Be sure to stop for a drink. Sparrow Italia’s beverage program spotlights Italian wines, spirits and a mix of modern and classic cocktails. Highlights include the Noble Margarita with Gran Centenario Plata and lime agave, Spritz Your Game with Aperol and coconut and Flashy Ways, blending Grey Goose with prosecco. Non-alcoholic options like Feels So Good, made with Seedlip Garden 108, cucumber, lime, mint and albumen and Three Spirit Spark (a sparkling rosé alternative) are worthy options for those practicing Dry January. There is also a wine list featuring sustainable Italian-American selections, alongside American wines and champagne.
Corporate Chef Martin Heierling does a fine job of representing the sparrow’s joy come mealtime. With starters like Crispy Arancini (wild mushroom risotto, fontina, parmesan and black truffle); Grilled Octopus with baby potatoes, garlic and red pepper crema and caper and taggiasca olive sofrito and Wagyu Carpaccio with pickled mushrooms, parmigiano, pine nuts, umami aioli and shaved black truffles, the tone for a good time is easily set. Sharing is encouraged, and for good reason — mains are varied and you’ll want to be sure to sample as many as you possibly can. Classic pasta preparations like Spaghetti Pomodoro (chili, burro di Parma and basil) and Truffle Cacio E Pepe (tagliatelle, toasted cracked pepper, black truffle and pecorino) illustrate how, when using the proper ingredients and a skilled hand, simplicity is often the best route. That being said, the Pistachio Pesto (fettuccine, grana Padano and basil), Lobster Linguini (Maine lobster, acqua pazza, lemon, parsley, toasted bread crumb and Calabrian chili) and Bone Marrow Cappelletti with braised beef cheeks, roasted bone marrow, horseradish and Barolo reduction also shine bright.
Pistachio Pesto
I am a die-hard pasta lover, so I was happy ending things there. Thankfully, my tablemates wanted to go on, so we indulged in the extensive meat options (the “Butcher’s Reserve” on the menu) and ordered a 10-oz. Calabrian Chili-Rubbed NY Strip and a 12-oz. Tuscan Veal Chop, both of which were exceptional. Those wishing for a lighter main course can opt for the Salt Baked Red Snapper (For 2) or the timeless American favorite: Chicken Parmesan (pomodoro, buffalo mozzarella and basil). There’s a selection of sides as well and a special “Members Only” menu for loyalists who join that includes Spaghetti & Clams and Pizza Wagyu Alla Vodka.
Save space for desserts: between the perennial favorite Tiramisu (cinque stelle mascarpone, toasted hazelnut and Nutella cream), Citrus Olive Oil Cake (polenta, lemon, orange and passion fruit sorbet) and Sparrow Affogato — vanilla gelato, espresso, amaretto cookie and caramelized raisins — you’ll soar out of Sparrow Italia with a new Italian spot to rave about.
Sparrow Italia is located at 255 N.W. 25th St., Miami. For more information, call 786-322-5998 or visit sparrowitalia.com.
