Lucali — Restaurant in Miami Beach

I ordered a single pizza pie here at the end of my trip to Miami after sampling many restaurants for a week. Earlier in the week I had tried the amazing La Leggenda pizzeria in South Beach so I had perhaps been spoiled by amazing pizza. Lucali did not live up to the hype that I read about at all.

The service was decent from my waiter, but many of the workers in the back were engaged in excessive merriment which led to a very casual atmosphere. Compare this to the atmosphere at Una Pizza in NYC or in La Leggenda where the pizza makers are hyper-focused on their craft and churn out pizzas with little to no discussion, or if needed, quiet talking amongst themselves.

When I received my pizza, I was shocked by how thin and cracker-like the crust was. Pizza crust should be the highlight of a great pizza, and this was bland, thin, and unremarkable. It hardened and cracked in my hands as I ate it. The toppings were rather average in quality, despite being priced high for each additional topping.

And the value is not there at all - for a single pizza with ONE topping (pepperoni), I had to pay $40. Yes, $40. Yes, I know about inflation and this is Miami, after all, but this is truly excessive bordering on a slap in the face. If you are charging more for your pizza than anyone else I've ever encountered in the US, you should be producing something absolutely unique and iconic. Otherwise you are just price gouging tourists.

But if you compare this to other pizzerias, it falls far short for numerous reasons:

A.) The location is far north on South Beach away from most of the hotels and the action, which might be good if you are a local living there but not ideal for visitors.

B.) The quality of the pizza is subpar compared to La Leggenda (in Miami) and other Neapolitan pizzerias elsewhere in nearly every way, from the toppings to the crust and the preparation.

C.) The value is inferior. How can Lucali charge $5-$10 more for their pizza when it is not as good? And essentially charging more money for their pizza than nearly any other pizza in the USA that I've encountered? I'd rather pay $20-$30 for a fully loaded Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza (which is a chain) than this. And if you go to Una Pizza Napoletana in NYC or Leggenda in Miami you will pay less for some of the best pizza in the US. So how am I being charged $40 for a one topping pizza here at a pizzeria that's not even anywhere close to the main strip in South Beach? What am I missing?

They came recommended by the Michelin guide and other reviews online, but I fail to see any redeeming qualities in this pizzeria based on all of these points. If you are in Miami just go to La Leggenda or probably any...

06/01/24... must do a re-review of Lucali... Wife and I arrived for dinner and the wait was not long (which was surprising). We later found out why it was not long... Lucali has changed something in the way they make their pies and it was NOT a good change... The pie is still good, BUT it was not the pie Lucali was known for. Maybe it was the flour, the cheese (maybe cutting costs and they are using a less expensive cheese), maybe it was the pizza maker, but the pie we ate was not a Lucali pie. Soggy, chewy, and not as thin... we were very disappointed as one of the best places to eat pizza is no longer...

We drive about 30 mins to eat at Lucali, but this pie is definately not worth that drive... we might give it another chance, but with so many new pizza joints popping up in Miami we might just go find a new one.

REVIEW CHANGE.........

Place is fantastic... probably the best pizza in Miami. Dont know what they do (maybe bring in NYC water!) but their pies are amazing... Its like a thin crust pizza pie and a Neapolitan pizza pie had a baby. Thin crispy crust with excellent cheese and toppings. Their bar options are good and the wine (pizza MUST be eaten with wine) is great. I will not get into the artichokes as they are so good that they deserves another and separate review. Recommendation... order the pizza "short crust"... got this trick from someone else reviewing Lucali and made a difference as the crust is "shortened" and there is more eatable surface... Truly amazing pie. Dont think about the wait, just go and make the best of it... You can order drinks at the bar next door (which is theirs too) and do some people watching while...

Charming Spot with Authentic Flavors - Don’t Miss the Meatballs!

Review: As a local food enthusiast, I ventured into Lucali in the heart of Sunset Harbor, excited to sample their much-talked-about pizza offerings. This chic, neighborhood gem exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere that pairs perfectly with their thin-crust pizzas. While I admire the craft of a good pizza, I found Lucali’s version a tad overcooked for my taste, with a crunch that overshadowed the otherwise robust flavors.

But the true stars of the evening were the meatballs - an absolute triumph of taste that left an indelible mark on my palate. Lucali’s meatballs encapsulate the essence of Italian comfort food, with each bite harmonizing rich, savory flavors that are both rustic and refined. These are also all beef meatballs which was pleasantly surprising.

A word to the wise - do not overlook the kale Caesar salad. It’s a refreshing and delectable take on the classic, making it a standout side that’s not to be missed. The generous sprinkling of cheese and the perfect hint of garlic in the dressing elevate this dish to a whole new level.

In all, Lucali is a solid choice for anyone seeking a slice of authenticity in Sunset Harbor. It’s a place that combines passion for food with a casual, yet elegant dining experience. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or just in search of a delightful meal, Lucali is a must-visit. And while you’re there, let the meatballs and kale Caesar surprise you - they might just...