Cavalli, Miami Beach, FL.

It took a little white but Florentine designer Roberto Cavalli finally managed to make the fashion pack sit-up and take notice. With a global empire of stores in 33 countries around the world, it’s safe to say he is well on his way to becoming an icon in Italian fashion. Known for exotic prints and impeccable detail, his entry into the epicurean field is not a huge surprise considering Mr. Armani had already paved the way with the successful Emporio Armani Café franchise. But beyond dabbling in café food, we’ll get right to the point. Mr. Cavalli has decided to brand really excellent Italian food “Cavalli style”, a personalized rendition of many of our favorite Italian dishes. Take everything you love about Italian cuisine and imagine it amplified. That is the Cavalli touch. As Roberto says, “Fashion, food and design are the tre eccellenze of Made in Italy.” And we won’t argue with him. Cavalli Restaurants & Lounges have become a worldwide marque of luxury and distinction with locations in Milan, Dubai and Ibiza. So, it’s no surprise that the South Beach Cavalli, where food, fashion and nightlife all merge to form an exquisite hybrid, is a favorite with locals.

Outside on the covered Ocean Drive veranda, purported to be the longest of any Miami eatery, the ambience is divine but should you cower from the Miami heat the interior is super elegant. The lavish design was a collaboration of Roberto and Italy based architect, Italo Rota and it screams look at me. Signature animal patterns envelop every chair in the intimate dining room and surfaces gleam under the massive Fortuny pleated chandelier. Never-before-seen photographs of Cavalli’s celebrity encounters line the walls and a single rose on every table adds a romantic touch. This is a place to get closer to your dining partner. In the corner a saucy bright green bar turns out inventive cocktails like the “Purple Glamour”, with the elusive Flore de Violet liqueur and the “Tre Excellenze” with Cavalli’s own signature vodka and fresh ginger. Both hit the spot!

The kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Stefano Mazzi whose mastery of authentic Italian cooking speaks as if he has spent more than just a little bit of time in Italy, thanks very much. We couldn’t help but start with the Carpaccio di Fassone Cavalli style, super flavorful with black truffles and a Duck Fois Gras with fresh Cherry Preserve, again Cavalli style and light as air. Roberto seems to have put his “personal stamp” on many of the dishes as if they were part of a fashion show line-up. Since the Starters, First Courses and Salads on the menu were so appealing, many of the choices sounding light and easy on the tummy after a long day at the beach, we stayed the course with more of them. A salad of Shaved Artichoke Parmigiano Reggiano with white truffle oil was the kind of dish you could eat every single day in the Miami heat and never tire of it. But when the pasta craving hits, Chef Mazzi’s got a few home runs he’d like to hit right to your table like the Gnudi Fiorentini in Brown Butter, signature spinach and ricotta dumplings and a Spaghetti Amalfi Coast. The latter is another of Roberto’s recipes with Mediterranean Frutti di Mare, tasting like it had been caught that day off his yacht and flown in from Naples just for you. Yes, it’s that kind of place!

Don’t miss trying at least one main course. A Lamb Osso Buco with Traditional Saffron Risotto was fabulous and should your sweet tooth act up afterward, Chocolate Bombolini with Nutella Crème will satisfy it. Part and parcel of the Cavalli Miami experience is to put yourself in the hands of Sommelier and gracious host and wine expert Diego Rech, whose loving attention and masterful wines are a winning combination.

*Upstairs the sultry, sophisticated bar and ultra-lounge is a perfect refuge for after dinner hand-crafted cocktails and bottle service and is a welcomed alternative to traditional South Beach nightlife