Cafe Avanti — Restaurant in Miami Beach

After craving pasta all day, I popped into Café Avanti for a post-work dinner and glass of wine. I arrived a little after 6:00 p.m. on a Monday and cozied up at the bar. I was warmly greeted by the bartender, Ana, who immediately felt like a friend. I ordered the Pollo Fiorentina, which is sauteed with lemon and white wine served over spinach. The chicken was PERFECTLY cooked – it was tasty, delicate, and a large portion (definitely took half home for leftovers). With that said, I did not get my pasta fix, so I ordered off-menu, taking a cue from my bar-mate who is a regular. He ordered a penne vodka to-go for his kids, so I ordered the same. I have very high standards for penne vodka and this is one of the best I’ve ever had – layers of flavor!

I dined alone, but the general ambiance and family-like atmosphere make this a kid-friendly restaurant – there were kids of all ages having dinner with their families throughout the restaurant.

The food is moderately priced and worth every penny.

I definitely plan on returning to Café Avanti for its spectacular food (so many things on the menu that I want to try), amazing service, and great vibes. You will feel right at home at this local neighborhood spot where you are greeted with...

My recent visit to Cafe Avanti was nothing short of delightful. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly by the staff, setting the tone for a wonderful evening. The ambiance of the restaurant was charming and inviting, creating the perfect atmosphere for a memorable dining experience.Now, onto the food – absolutely outstanding! Each dish was expertly crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, bursting with authentic Italian flavors. I particularly enjoyed the [mention standout dishes or specialties], which were exquisite. The presentation of the dishes was also impeccable, adding to the overall dining experience.Furthermore, the service was impeccable throughout the evening. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to ensure that every aspect of our meal was enjoyable.Overall, I can't recommend Cafe Avanti highly enough. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner for two or a gathering with friends and family, this restaurant exceeds expectations on every level. I'll definitely be...

Wine: Astorra Notte Super Tuscan -- fabulous Italian red!

Appetizers: Favorite Item -- mussels marinara -- we finished off the accompanying delectable sauce with lots of Italian bread to dip. Caesar salad -- we rated it average

Main Courses: eggplant rollatine -- average for eggplant parmesan; pollastrello -- tender, well-seasoned, generous portion, served on a bed of spinach

Side Dish: asparagus parmigiana -- delicious large serving -- my 2nd favorite item at Café Avanti, after the mussels marinara.

Dessert: tiramisu -- ample for two persons. cappuccino -- excellent, as you would expect.

Atmosphere: welcoming, with climate-controlled, socially distanced seating at a booth.

Service: very attentive by our main waiter and other wait staff.

Price: reasonable, by Miami Beach standards, considering the meal, as well as...