Felice Brickell — Restaurant in Miami

Rating this restaurant only a 1 star! We arrived on schedule; the host was very pleasant and seated us right away. She asked us if we were celebrating a special occasion. I told her yes, our daughter's actual 14th birthday (same day) who has seen their Instagram page and I surprised her with a reservation. The manager or sommelier took our beverage order. He was very pleasant and complimented us on our wine selection. The server was late to appear and then told us we needed to place our appetizer and entrée order at the same time, giving us the feeling we were rushed. We assumed they would still time the food out adequately. Bread arrived shortly after and minutes later the two appetizers. As we were still eating, we were asked in two separate occasions; about 5 minutes apart, if we were finished so they could remove the plates and reset for dinner. It was a Tuesday and not too busy so I was unsure what the rush was. Nonetheless we finally told them just to go ahead and within’ minutes our food was served. The temperature was warm at best and it immediately became evident that our entrees were waiting on us. It is safe to assume they did not time the appetizers and entrees . The food tasted good though we would have preferred it at a higher temperature. The server checked on us and we placed an order to go. Later the server disappeared and she was never to be seen again. Someone else checked on us, we assume that perhaps that was the Manager and she asked about deserts, we ordered 2 desserts (one for the birthday girl) as soon as we ordered the desserts I went to the lady’s room. I could not have been gone for more than 5 minutes and I came back to them singing happy birthday to my daughter. I was very upset that they did not see there was a person in the party missing and waited a couple of minutes. We were only four people and clearly one was missing. This was very unprofessional and a poor judgement call. All they needed to do was verify everyone was there seated. I have attended numerous birthday celebrations at restaurant’s with far more guests and this has never happened. Before the desserts were finished, the check arrived. I excused myself, as I was a bit emotional. I tried to make this occasion special and clearly, we selected the wrong venue. I was waiting for my husband and daughters on the terrace and the host that greeted us upon our arrival ask how the celebration was. I was only able to muster “It was just OK, they sang Happy Birthday to my daughter when I was in the restroom”. At that time my family met with me and we were leaving when our daughter remember the “to go” order. My husband went back inside and they had forgotten it all together. It was on the bill but it was not ready. It seemed odd since the entire night the food was all rushed out. They adjusted the bill by removing the “to go order”. We usually give 22-25% gratuity; however since 20% was already included we left it at that. Regardless, we would never give them anything less as there are many people working the table and likely, the tips are shared. Our service was the worst we have seen in fine dining in a very long time; the service experience was subpar at best. We spent well over $400 on dinner and wine. Needless to say, we will never be back and definitely do not recommend this restaurant. In ending our original server never surfaced and it was a very unpleasant experience overall.

UPDATING REVIEW to 3 Stars because I received an email from the Manager and call with a genuine and sincere apology, which I accepted. Unfortunately their location is not conveniently located therefore we kindly declined their invitation to return. We cannot do a "do-over" birthday celebration at this time. It is nice to know that their management cares and takes this as a coaching opportunity for growth and improvement!

UPDATED Review to 4 stars - I received another call from the restaurant and was offered a full refund. This was an unexpected and not requested gesture. This was certainly very...

Felice in Brickell - A Slice of Italy in Every Bite

Nestled in the heart of Brickell, Miami, Felice offers a culinary experience that transports you straight to the picturesque streets of Florence. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in an ambiance that is both warm and elegant, perfectly mirroring the essence of Italian hospitality. Ambiance and Decor

The decor is a delightful blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication. Modern but old school elegance all over. Soft lighting create an inviting and intimate atmosphere. The gentle strains of ambient music playing in the background set the perfect tone for a relaxed and enjoyable meal.

Service

The service at Felice is impeccable. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. Congratulations to Flavio, the General Manager, who orchestrates, with Manuela and Melania, the floor with seamless efficiency and charm, ensuring every guest feels like a VIP.

Cuisine

The menu is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Italy, with a particular focus on Tuscan specialties. Each dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients, many of which are sourced directly from Italy. Special kudos to Roberto, the Executive Chef, who magically transports you to Italy with every bite.

Starters

The flavors are robust and perfectly balanced, offering a delightful prelude to the main course.

Main Courses

A standout dish is the Paccheri con Frutti di Mare, featuring large, tubular pasta cooked to al dente perfection and generously topped with an array of fresh seafood. The combination of tender shrimp, succulent clams, and perfectly cooked calamari in a delicate white wine and tomato sauce is nothing short of spectacular. Each bite is a testament to the ocean's bounty, harmoniously blending the flavors of the sea with the richness of Italian culinary tradition.

Desserts

No meal at Felice is complete without indulging in their desserts. A must-try is the Millefoglie alle Fragole, a delightful dessert featuring layers of crispy pastry, luscious cream, and fresh strawberries. This dessert offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, providing a light yet satisfying end to your meal.

Wine List

The wine list is extensive and well-curated, featuring a diverse selection of Italian wines that complement the menu beautifully. The sommelier is more than happy to guide you through the options, ensuring that each glass enhances your dining experience.

Overall Experience

Felice is more than just a restaurant; it is a celebration of Italian culture and cuisine. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or simply a place to enjoy exceptional food and wine, this gem of a restaurant promises an unforgettable experience. Every detail, from the ambiance to the service to the food, is executed with precision and passion, making Felice a must-visit for any lover of Italian cuisine.

In a city brimming with dining options, Felice stands out as a beacon of authentic Italian hospitality and culinary excellence. Make a reservation today, and prepare to...

We had lunch at Felice in Brickell today and it was AMAZING. We drove from Fort Lauderdale and its location is so easy to reach from I-95 and we loved the valet parking so prompt. The restaurant has a wonderful outside dining area, made private by luscious plants, fans, heaters, modern furniture and decor, but we opted to dine inside due to the bad weather. The dining room is quite elegant but contemporary, the tablecloths and silverware on point, which is important for us. The overall service quality was superb, from hostess Manuela's warm reception, to Flavio the manager's exquisite charm, to the skilled waiter's attentiveness, and we even got to meet Chef Luigi to compliment him on each of the dishes we enjoyed. Most importantly, everyone was really Italian and spoke Italian, which was so refreshing, since we are also Italian from the actual Country ! We loved the refined ambiance and relaxed atmosphere which made the authentic Northern Italian dishes taste even better ! Food and drink wise: the Mojito we started with was most delicious ! A Bubbly Prosecco DOC was our choice to enjoy the meal. For appetizers we had Tuna Carpaccio with capers, but it was as fancy as a Tuna Tartar, and scrumptious shrimps in pink sauce with a touch of Jalapeno. For the entrees, we went with the New York strip with Truffle and Mushroom which came inside a fancy copper pan; we were impressed by the very generous portion boasting an aroma and flavor we hardly tasted anywhere else other than Italy, and a classic Branzino al Cartoccio, which came inside the actual "cartoccio" it was baked within, and its freshness and flavor were amazing. Side dishes were delicious too: we ordered char-grilled asparagus and the best home made French Fries EVER! All the food was "clean", fresh, cooked to perfection, with no heavy sauce or seasoning covering/altering the actual flavor of the main ingredients like most "Italian" restaurants do here in Sfla. We appreciated that immensely! We "tried" to end with a nice espresso only.....but they insisted we had a bite of their Tiramisu dessert and we obliged. Obviously, it was delicious too. Hence, as far as REAL Italian restaurants in South Florida are concerned, we recommend this place wholeheartedly, and we will be back very soon to taste more of their dishes. OVERALL :...