Fradiavolo — Restaurant in Miami

I had been waiting for so long to visit Fradiavolo in Wynwood, as the buzz comes all the way from Torino, its home base. The frenzy had already been whispered to my ears by mio amico italiano and legitimized by the rave reviews that rank it as one of the top 50 pizza spots to eat at. I saved the opportunity to celebrate el compleanno of mia mamma leonessa, and I couldn't have picked a better occasion, we were all transported to our Italian roots.

The place couldn't be cooler, from floor to ceiling, with retro flashbacks on full display thanks to the vintage TVs decorating the walls, as well as the Smeg Coca-Cola fridge storing all the refreshing sodas and cheerful spirits. The Italian writing on the walls adds a romantic flair, capturing quotes from various Italian tragic-comedy novels. Meanwhile, their signature “Rolling Stone” mouth seems as if it’s pouring them all out, and the final twist comes just before entering the restroom, where you’re prompted to “push or not” to the swing of the classic Italian Cuore Matto by Little Tony...

Now let’s mangiare into their specialties.

We started with the trio of bruschettas spread with creamy, milky stracciatella, chunks of tomato, and mortadella with pistachio. What an opening to what came next: the vero Neapolitan pizzas, where the crust, the aroma, the balance of every ingredient all blended together to spark il momento:

MORTAZZA TUA Burrata, mortadella, pistachio pesto. I have Italian roots and this was fresh, silky burrata that melted in your mouth. The spike was added by the legit pistachio mortadella, and the crunchiness was topped off with pistachio crumbles.

BRITNEY PEARS This one stole the show, like the singer herself. sweet ,salty, creamy and crunchy. The Gorgonzola and pear are meant for each other, literally let us singing “hit me one more time.”

CHEEK TO CHICKEN Deep, rich, layered. Finally, I was able to dig into chicken on pizza, giving a protein punch to a carb base food. Maybe thanks to the pulled fire-braised chicken, or its elevated taste from the black garlic topping and basil.

BLACKOUT OXTAIL With its creamy, fresh fior di latte mozzarella, one-of-a-kind slow-braised oxtail, caramelized onions, and black garlic oil. Another experience you need to taste to understand why it’s so gourmet. (Make sure to order it, it’s a limited edition.)

The pizzas can be ordered with regular dough, multigrain (to keep it healthier), black (made with charcoal, which makes the pizza much lighter), or gluten-free (made from rice and some traces of flour). We opted for black dough for the Blackout Oxtail and the Cheek to Chicken — and maybe that’s what made them so special.

I wish I hadn’t pre-ordered a birthday cake, because their tiramisu, panna cotta, or Nutella pizza might have taken us straight to il paradiso. If they’re as good as the rest of their menu, then that’s the perfect excuse to return and try their Devil Truffle or Quattro Formaggi — their aroma filled the whole space. Or one of their signature salads, which I heard are as edgy as their pizzas, like the tataki with tuna or salmon, soaked in the lemon-based house dressing that’s already famous around town.

They already knew it was my mama’s birthday, but the way they welcomed her — and all of us — felt more like family: full of warmth, joy, and that sincere Italian hospitality that’s hard to come by. My mom kept saying it felt like being back in Italy, and honestly, we all felt the same. Grazie di cuore, da tutti noi to Milagros and her all-hands culinary assistant, who meticulously kept up with all the orders. Their love for food is reflected in each unique recipe, and the on-the-spot service from Nico ensured we always ate everything warm, straight from the oven. And of course, the masters behind it all, Gaia and Dan, for piloting us into a magical volare state of mind.

As a fun fact, the name “Fra Diavolo” might have been inspired by the Neapolitan bandit nicknamed "Fra Diavolo" — and they honor that name in full, because they truly...

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect pizza in Miami, look no further than Fradiavolo. This hidden gem has earned its place as a local favorite, blending authentic Italian flavors with a modern Miami twist. The name, inspired by the famous spicy sauce, sets the tone for the bold and flavorful experience that awaits.

Fradiavolo’s wood-fired pizzas are nothing short of spectacular. Their signature Fradiavolo pie is a standout, combining spicy Calabrian chilies, tangy tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella atop a perfectly charred crust. The balance of heat and flavor is pure perfection. For those who prefer a classic approach, their Margherita pizza is a testament to the power of fresh, simple ingredients. The crust, airy yet crisp, is the foundation of every pie, delivering that unmistakable Neapolitan-style excellence.

Fradiavolo offers a cozy and stylish atmosphere with a touch of rustic charm. The wood-fired oven is the centerpiece of the open kitchen, allowing diners to watch their pizzas come to life. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, the ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for any occasion.

While the pizza steals the show, the rest of the menu is just as impressive. Start with their house-made focaccia or a plate of creamy burrata with roasted cherry tomatoes. Their pasta dishes, particularly the spicy arrabbiata, are just as bold and flavorful as their pizzas. For dessert, the Nutella calzone is an indulgent treat you’ll be dreaming about for days.

The team at Fradiavolo is as passionate about their food as they are about making you feel at home. Service is attentive and friendly, with staff eager to recommend menu favorites or wine pairings to complement your meal.

Fradiavolo is a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts and foodies alike. Its commitment to authentic ingredients, creative recipes, and a welcoming vibe make it a standout in Miami’s vibrant food scene. Whether you’re craving something spicy or just a great slice, Fradiavolo delivers every time. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to pizza spot...

This small, mom-and-pop pizza joint in one of Wynwood’s new apartment buildings is a hidden gem that feels like stepping into an Italian movie scene. The cozy vibe and attention to quality make it a standout spot in the area.

One unique touch is that they give you a pizza slicer, so you cut your own slices—something I found fun and different. Another interesting detail is the stamped edible disc added to each pizza. It didn’t have much flavor, but the staff explained it’s meant to help relax the stomach before a meal, which is an interesting concept.

We started with the pepperoni pizza, which was an incredible balance of salty, spicy, and sweet, thanks to a drizzle of honey that elevated the flavor without being overpowering. We opted for the carbon crust, and while I’m not sure if it has any health benefits, it was hands down the best crust I’ve ever had. Soft, neutral in flavor, and perfectly paired with the thin slices and slightly thicker crust edge.

Next, we tried the Diva pizza with multigrain crust, and it was a showstopper. The multigrain dough had a distinct taste that I found pleasant, and I also noticed my blood sugar didn’t spike as it usually does with pizza—a big plus for me. The combination of ham and cheese on the Diva was amazing, and I’d highly recommend trying it with the multigrain crust.

Their coffee was just okay—nothing to write home about—but the Lipton tea they offer is the Italian version, which adds a unique, authentic touch.

Curious about what made their pizzas so special, I asked the chef. The secret? They import their dough and cheese directly from Italy. According to him, Italian dough is just different, and they bring it to life in their restaurant, preserving that authentic taste.

Overall, this is now my top pizza spot in Wynwood. If you’re looking for non-traditional pizzas with a fun, Wynwood-style twist, this place is worth checking out. The Diva pizza with multigrain crust...