Scarpetta Miami Beach: Come Hungry, Leave Happy

July 27, 2009 4:06 pm

Scarpetta Miami Beach: Come Hungry, Leave Happy

Scarpetta at Fontainebleau, Miami Beach is a first class Italian hot spot not to be missed. Scott Conant is at the helm of this culinary sensation. If Scarpetta sounds familiar, it's likely because Conant also has a restaurant of the same name in New York City's Meatpacking District. The restaurant features ocean and poolside views (along with bountiful, beautiful palm trees and seaside breezes), a wrap around veranda, casual dining areas (even kid-friendly) and a cocktail lounge. Scarpetta is a favorite among A-list celebs visiting Miami—on my night out, Matt Damon decided to dine as well.

The modern interior design of the restaurant immediately invokes a strong nautical vibe, with discreet boat ropes adorning the walls and ceilings. From the moment I first stepped foot into Scarpetta, I was warmly greeted by a professional, friendly and very attentive staff (honestly...this unfortunately isn't always the norm on Miami Beach).

I highly recommend going to Scarpetta hungry so that you can comfortably try as many of the delectable menu offerings as possible. Starting with four flavorful choices of homemade bread! My favorite: the ciabatta topped with a deliciously creamy eggplant puree. To maximize my tasting adventure, I ordered all four courses, including the Primi Piatti and Le Paste. Do not worry about your waistline at Scarpetta, enjoy the experience and hit the treadmill domani!

Where the Primi Piatti are concerned, my favorite dishes include: Mozzarella In Carozza with Stewed Baby Tomatoes, Braised Short Ribs of Beef with Vegetable and Farro Risotto, the Crispy Fritto Misto of Seafood, Vegetables, Artichokes, Herbs and Lemon and the la piéce de resistance: the Creamy Polenta with a Fricassee of Truffled Mushrooms. For the pasta course, I strongly recommend the Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil. Even though it may sound simple and unadventurous, trust me, this dish will not disappoint. With fresh, flavorful ingredients you'll feel like you could be eating from your Nonna's farm in Sicily. For a more intrepid palate, I recommend the Agnolotti Dal Plin filled with Mixed Meat and Fonduta, Mushrooms and Parmigiano. I tasted traces of truffle oil (yum!) in this unusual pasta dish.

The Mediterranean Branzino with Saffron Ricotta Gnocchi, Cauliflower and Lobster Fricassee and the Bistecca Di Manzo with Roasted Vegetables, Preserved Truffles and Parmigiano stood out as main courses. If you find the plethora of mouth watering choices on the menu overwhelming, you may consider loading up on the Primi Piatti and Le Pasta (skipping the main course) so that you can save room for la dolce.

For dessert, you must ask your server about the Chocolate Cipolle with Warm Nutella. This is not listed on the menu and is out of this world! Other winners (on the menu) include the Coconut Panna Cotta with Caramelized Pineapple and Guava "Soup" and Cheesecake with Mango Granita and Pistachio Brittle.

I visited Scarpetta in mid-July (which is off-season in Miami)—and yet the restaurant was hopping. Not an empty table in sight, a great a sign that the recession hasn't hit every restaurant and that people "in the know" put Scarpetta at the top of their Miami dining choices. Due to Scarpetta's popularity, I recommend making a reservation in advance and request a table near the window or even on the outdoor deck if you can handle the Miami humidity.

—Alexandra Wilkis Wilson

Scarpetta
4441 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33140
(located on the lobby level of Sorrento)
877.326.7412