Irresistibly Italian

Fiola Miami Takes Traditional Dishes To A New Level

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On a quiet corner of Coral Gables, magic awaits.

Couples, friends, families and individuals seeking solitude and respite from a hectic day stream into Fiola, South Florida’s upscale restaurant featuring exceptional Italian cuisine.

Helmed by the dynamic duo Fabio and Maria Travocchi, Fiola brings with it the same serious dedication that garnered it a Michelin star at its original Washington D.C. location. Engaging in a delicate and carefully orchestrated dance between flawlessly executed dishes, attentive yet not overbearing service and an ample selection of cocktails and wines, it’s a restaurant you’ll find yourself planning a return to just minutes after you’ve walked out.

The space has a modern, minimalist feel heightened by dark wood accents. One of the highlights is the expansive glass wall filled with a sampling of the restaurant’s 8,000 bottle selection (with a heavy focus on Italian wines). The rest can be found in the impressive wine cellar that doubles as a private dining room. Outside, a welcoming patio awaits those wanting an al fresco dine.

Start out with a cocktail. My guest and I ordered the Leonardo Smiling (tequila, spiced guava, Sfumato, lemon and smoked salt) and Always Sunny In Miami — bourbon, vin brulé (mulled wine), lemon and Tiki bitters — and couldn’t make up our mind which we liked best.

Dishes are inspired from classic Italian favorites served with a contemporary spin. Take the Porcini Mushroom Cappuccino Soup, for example — a rich collaboration of umami and earthy flavors capped by bites of creamy tortellini floating inside. The restaurant prides itself on using local produce, notable in dishes like the Colors of the Garden salad, a delicate plate of farmer’s field lettuces, avocado, goat cheese, fine herbs and edible flowers. Bison Steak Tartare, accompanied by a Parmigiano crema and sunny side up egg and Burrata with sundried tomato pesto, basil and tomato powder crisp highlight the restaurant’s innovative approach to time-honored favorites.

Try not to fill up on starters, though — the pasta awaits. If you are watching what you eat, you’ll be happy to know half portions are available (as is gluten-free pasta).

Let’s cut to the chase and talk about the Truffle Spaghetti Alla Chitarra since it easily stands on a supreme category of its own. I’ve always believed it’s in the simplest dishes where one can truly test excellence and with this one, melding the unbeatable trifecta of truffles, butter and Parmegiano Reggiano, excellence reigns.  Fiola Ravioli with ginger, chives and lobster roe is a close second. Plump packets of lobster meat sit in a delicate lobster crema with espelette oil and red wine reduction. Order a hearty Italian red wine to go with the Wagyu Short Rib Lasagna, a stunning rendition incorporating unagi, marrow, béchamel sauce and truffles.

With octopus being the hot item in many South Florida restaurants, you may tire of it like me and find yourself yearning for something different. Luckily, our server gently pressed we try Fiola’s, assuring us we wouldn’t be disappointed. He was right. The expression of the dish, served with cannellini beans, chorizo, Castelvetrano olives and a Bagna Cauda sauce has notes of spice, smoke and creaminess that paired perfectly with the tender octopus. Lightly Grilled Dover Sole with White Soy Emulsion, Basil Leaves and Olio Verde will have you fall in love with this classic dish all over again. Meat lovers will be torn between Rack of Lamb with Tuscan Kale, Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Juniper Berries and Mint Orange Gremolata and the Wagyu Filet Mignon with Parmigiano Kataifi, Pears, Caramelized Pearl Onions and Truffle Osso Bucco Sauce. Wood-oven prepared (or grilled) items include a Salt-Crusted Branzino and Cowboy Ribeye.

While Fiola’s soft lighting, relaxing music and elegant surroundings are befitting of a date night, you’ll be better served going with a group of your 10 best friends so you can order a wide variety of the items, each spectacular in their own right. Plus, imagine the glee when it comes to dessert time? You and your posse can sample the generous array that includes Chocolate Terrine, Fiola Tiramisu, Key Lime Cheesecake and Champagne Zabaglione. 

Fiola is located at 1500 San Ignacio Ave., Coral Gables. For more information, call 305-912-2639 or visit fiolamiami.com.