Fratelli La Bufala - Miami Beach — Restaurant in Miami Beach

The servers are not welcoming at all. My server was attentive, but only because I kept him on his toes. I am Italian and as a fellow Italian, he felt compelled to provide a decent service. Still, he made a couple of mistakes.

The other servers never once smiled. They looked tired and bothered. One of the busboys was socially awkward and clumsy. The other, the older one, was more jovial but also awkward. I saw him outside touching the grass and returning to work without washing his hands. A kitchen guy was also outside vaping. After our server took our orders, it took him a while to input them in the computer. Apparently because our pizzas, relative to this restaurant’s standards, were unusual for the reason that they were pizzas with tomato and vegetables but no cheese. As the pizza man got our orders, he, too, was taken aback. And he seemed bothered by our orders.

However, we ordered one salad, three pizzas, and some fries. The salad consisted in some run-of-the-mill lettuce, some arugula, and cherry tomatoes. They call this a Caesar salad, no idea why. The salad was not dressed and came with a small portion of vinaigrette. Such a salad has a price tag of $15.95! I know that the owner is going to reply that that’s a normal price for South Beach. I find it deplorable.

Also, along with the salad, they brought to the table 4 slices of bread and some cheap blend of olive and vegetable oil, the kind that’s used for sautéing not for the table. It is obvious that this restaurant charges high prices for low quality products. The steak fries, too, were mediocre, scarce, and greasy.

The pizzas. Based on the starters, I didn’t expect the pizza to be so good. I am not a professional baker, but I dabble in pizza making at home and I know that to make such a quality pizza it takes lots of skill. And they use the right type of flour by Caputo. My compliment to the pizzaman for such an excellent product. Too bad that a wonderful crust, nicely charred the way it’s supposed to be, was ruined by mediocre toppings. When I pointed that out to the manager, he gave me some excuse that they must cater to “American people” who don’t like certain ingredients. At least, he admitted that some of the ingredients they use, such as olives, artichokes, and mushrooms, are low quality. I get it, as a business you’re trying to maximize profits. But please don’t insult my intelligence and my palate. No one—not even a country bumpkin—would refuse quality ingredients. At any rate, my pizza cost $34! Again, I know that the owner is going to say that this I South Beach, that they’ve been around since 2005, and some other BS. The fact is that when you charge 34 bucks for a pizza without cheese and a few vegetables on top, you have low respect for your clients, and you are greedy. In Italy this would never fly—not even in touristy places like Rome city center across from the Colosseum they would have the nerve to charge that much.

To end such a disappointing dinner, I thought I would find solace in a nice espresso. It’s very hard to make a horrible espresso when you have a professional espresso machine and good quality coffee. Well, they managed to screw that up, as well. I couldn’t even finish my espresso. I complained and asked what kind of disgusting potion I was served. The waiter and manager ensured me that they served me an Italian coffee. But when I insisted, they told me that what they gave me (a native Italian) was Maxwell House coffee!

Oh, I forgot, before coffee was served, a roach came to say hello to me on the wall next to me. Yet again, I know that the owner is going to say that I am mistaken or a liar because his restaurant is clean and they don’t have roaches. Well, sorry, I didn’t think about taking a pic and posting it on Instagram like kids nowadays do. I just hit it with my napkin and tried to forget about it. All of this, roach included, cost me $201, $104.85 of which, hard to believe, was the cost of 3 pizzas with a few veggies on top...

So we (3) stumbled into this place for dinner. For roughly 15 minutes (in a completely empty restaurant) it was as if we didn't exist, no menus or water placed on the table. Our server walked past several times, making eye contact with us however no explanation or engagement made. Upon taking our orders her attitude was testing, short and this was an indicator to leave which we missed.

The food, all things aside it being Miami beach, is criminally overpriced. The portion size to price ratio is not good.

onto the food itself-

Spaghetti and meatballs - mediocre at best 2/10. Why? Pasta severely under-cooked (we all know what al dente is) Meatballs dense, hard and devoid of seasoning, salt, pepper, herbs, cheese, horrifically bland. Gravy tasted of tin and had 4-5 mushy cherry tomatoes (raw) thrown atop it, lukewarm. Served in a bizarre aluminum tray, almost like a BBQ roasting pan for vegetables. Very bizarre.

Bufala's interpretation of mozzarella sticks, interesting but just essentially burned and flash fried base moz cheese- ironically cold in the middle even after a fryer bath zero melt. Bland. For some reason the sauce that came with this dish was exceedingly better than whatever they put on the spaghetti.... $18

My friend ordered pizza and a piece of chicken cutlet. He was literally charged $30 for a single piece of chicken. There are only but a handful of dishes on the entire menu approaching or exceeding $30 and to be charged $30 for an overcooked piece of breaded chicken is criminal.

Bufala's Caesar salad- of everything brought to our table this was by far the worst. The dressing was repulsive, the salad was warm, dense soggy lettuce at the bottom - all in all a simple 4 ingredient dish turned complete failure. Definitively embarrassing.

This place was/is vastly empty and now we know why. We drove by 3-4 more times that weak at peak lunch and dinner hours and it never had more than 1-2 tables and its clear why. The sushi and burger spots next store are swamped. How Bufala remains open is a mystery.

Service- The younger waitress who repeatedly filled our waters was polite and attentive. Our Main waitress is Rude, ignorant and has no business tending orders, short fused

Needless to say, I'll never step foot in this place again

Was not happy spending $65 for this food, I would have liked to sent it back however between our servers attitude and waiting nearly 45 minutes for this -we ate the food.

This review may seem harsh but to put into perspective- if your going to charge customers 5 star premium food prices with tiny portions the food should be the finest you've had and Fratelli la bufala didn't deliver that in anyway shape or form.

(A note regarding their discount for local residents, my friend lives on a boat, and because his boat carried no mailing address- the manager essentially called him a liar and wouldn't apply the local discount) After confronting the mgr sternly he yielded an apology and brought us a small tiramisu

in response to the response.

My reviews are honest- real, I value my hard earned money and im not kissing anyone's keister for a lousy overpriced meal topped off with a free tiramisu after being insulted. If an experience is bad, its bad- if its good its good.

The key bullet points of my review are in alignment with other reviewers mentioning the same...

Fratelli La Bufala, located in the vibrant Miami Beach, is truly a gem when it comes to dining experiences. This Italian restaurant offers an incredible combination of delectable food, warm ambiance, and impeccable service, making it a definite go-to spot.

One of the standout aspects of Fratelli La Bufala is their authentic Italian cuisine. From their flavorful Neapolitan-style pizzas to their mouthwatering pasta dishes, each bite is a tantalizing journey through the flavors of Italy. The quality of ingredients is evident in every dish, with fresh mozzarella, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta being just a few examples. Whether you're a pizza lover or a pasta aficionado, you'll find endless options to satisfy your cravings.

Aside from their incredible food, the ambiance at Fratelli La Bufala is charming and inviting. The restaurant is tastefully decorated, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at ease. Whether you're enjoying a romantic evening or celebrating a special occasion with friends and family, the restaurant provides the perfect setting to unwind and indulge in a delightful culinary experience.

What truly sets Fratelli La Bufala apart is their exceptional service. The knowledgeable and attentive staff are always ready to guide you through the menu, offering recommendations and ensuring that every detail of your dining experience is taken care of. Their genuine hospitality adds an extra touch of warmth, making you feel like a valued guest from the moment you step through the door.

In addition to their dine-in service, Fratelli La Bufala also offers efficient take-out and delivery options, ensuring that you can enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your own home.

Overall, Fratelli La Bufala is a restaurant that excels in every aspect. From the delectable food to the welcoming ambiance and exceptional service, it is undoubtedly a culinary destination worth visiting in Miami Beach. So, whether you're a local or a visitor, don't miss out on the opportunity to treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience at...