Experienced restaurateur Pablo Sartori and Latino Hospitality Group, the minds behind the global Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar concepts, are proud to announce the official opening of Italica Midtown. The 3,500-square-foot restaurant is adding a modern and colorful twist to traditional Italian cuisine with a customized spritz bar, Mediterranean-inspired pizzas, a special Golden Hour experience and more.
“The Italica concept started in 2019 in Buenos Aires with a goal of giving a modern spin to Italian cuisine,” said owner Pablo Sartori in a statement. “Since then, we have launched Italica in several locations, and we are so excited to bring the concept to the heart of Miami. The community has been very welcoming to our growing team, and we look forward to creating memorable experiences for every guest.”
Italica Midtown features a 40-seat pet-friendly patio and views of the Aperol Spritz bar where dozens of colorful bottles of Aperol line the interior walls. The 165-seat dining room is anchored by a mosaic-tiled bar surrounding large pizza ovens so guests have a front-row seat as their pizzas are prepared. Italica’s interior is filled with wooden accent benches and tables, round edges and greenery.
Helmed by Chef Pablo Latif, Italica Midtown invites guests to enjoy its menus for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Appetizers include Cavolfiore ($15), roasted cauliflower with bagna cauda sauce, pepper threads and pistachios; and Fritto de Marre ($18), drizzled with a bright saffron aioli accompanied by freshly torched lemons; among many others. Signature pastas include Conchiglie au Gratin ($20), jumbo shell pasta stuffed with spinach, ricotta cheese and artichokes in San Marzano sauce au gratin; Gnocchi Ragu ($26), served with braised boneless beef short ribs; and Lasagna Bolognese ($23), with fresh bechamel sauce and Parmigiano cheese. Among the main courses, the Risotto e Seppie ($32), squid ink risotto with seared cuttlefish and saffron aioli, is a chef favorite, while the pizza menu includes staples such as the Mortadella e Carciofi ($25), topped with roasted artichokes, mortadella, pistachios and pesto; Cipolla ($16), with marinated onions, mozzarella and Kalamata olives; and Prosciutto & Stracciatella ($26), topped with fresh prosciutto di Parma, marinated cherry tomatoes and arugula.
Over at the Aperol Spritz bar, guests can choose from a curated selection of spritzes such as the Giovanni Meet Oaxaca ($16), with Montelobos mezcal topped with a torched orange; Better than Sweet ($16), with Luxardo Bitter Bianco, Italicus, grapefruit and S.Pellegrino; Fruttato ($16), Santa Teresa 1976 rum, passion fruit, pineapple and pinot grigio; and Il Floreale ($16), sake with St-Germain, prosecco and natural flavors; among others. A full vermouth bar is also available with over half a dozen pours to choose from, including Cinzano 1757 ($12), Carpano Punt e Mes ($11), Carpano Antica Formula ($13) and more.
Italica Midtown’s lunch specials are available Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. with a selection of one-, two-, and three-course options ranging from $15-28. Happy hour is available daily from 4-7 p.m., and guests can indulge in their Golden Hour experience which includes an array of complimentary passed bites and select shots from 6-7 p.m.
On Saturdays and Sundays, Italica Midtown’s brunch offerings include two-for-one Aperol Spritz and Tutto il Giorno cocktails along with $25 bottomless Gambino Prosecco and a rotating schedule of live entertainment.
Italica Midtown is located at 3201 NE First Avenue in Miami. It is open Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to midnight and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to midnight.
