Mano Libera - Marco Giugliano — Restaurant in South Miami

Mano Libera by Marco Giugliano isn’t just a dinner spot it’s an elevated culinary experience that stays with you long after the last bite.

From the moment you walk in, the ambiance sets the tone. The space is modern yet warm, with a minimalist European touch that feels intimate but not intimidating. The lighting is soft and elegant, creating the perfect backdrop for a long, relaxed meal. You can feel the passion in every detail from the carefully curated music to the open kitchen that gives you a glimpse into the artistry happening behind the scenes.

Now, let’s talk food the heart of Mano Libera. We went for their curated tasting menu, which is the ideal way to explore what the kitchen does best. Every dish was plated with precision and told its own story.

We started with a welcome croqueta de papa crispy outside, creamy and comforting inside. Then came the fior di zucca (zucchini flower), light and delicate, followed by a fluffy shrimp bao bursting with flavor. The milefollio di mare, a layered seafood dish, was as refined as it was delicious, and the tuna tartare was fresh, clean, and perfectly seasoned.

One of the showstoppers was the Soft Egg poached egg over creamy eggplant, zucchini, and potato, with parmesan foam, petit pois cream, and zucchini chips. It was luxurious, earthy, and harmonious in texture and flavor. A dish you don’t forget.

The pasta course was another highlight. The Linguini alla Nerano was a love letter to zucchini creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly deep in flavor. The Gnocchi alla Genovese had that melt-in-your-mouth quality, with a rich, slow-cooked sauce that made every bite feel like comfort food elevated to fine dining.

And then came the moment I’ve been dreaming about since: the pistachio gelato. As someone who is obsessed with pistachio gelato, I can honestly say this is the best one I’ve ever had in Miami. It’s the perfect balance of nuttiness and creaminess, with a depth of flavor that proves they use real, high-quality pistachios. I’d come back just for this dessert.

Lastly, the staff deserves a shout-out. Warm, knowledgeable, and incredibly attentive, they guided us through each course with genuine care and enthusiasm. You can tell they take pride in the food and the experience they’re creating.

In a city full of good restaurants, Mano Libera stands out by offering something more heart, vision, and a deep respect for Italian tradition with a modern, creative twist. Whether you’re a local foodie or visiting Miami, this is one of those places you...

I was really looking forward to trying this new spot in South Miami, but my experience was disappointing from start to finish.

First, we weren’t given actual menus or any explanation of how the food would be served, leaving us confused and unsure about what to expect. I think someone in our party unknowingly agreed to having the pre-set, multiple course experience which may have added to the confusion. When I sent a drink back because it wasn’t right, it came back even worse. Instead of apologizing or fixing the issue, the waiter, Enzo, defended it and made me feel like I wasn’t appreciating their “mixologist” and their choice of ingredients, which was incredibly unprofessional.

I also have a food allergy, which I made clear to the Enzo, but no one made any effort to ensure the dishes were allergen-free or to alert me if something I was served contained allergens. This lack of care was not only disappointing but also potentially dangerous.

Adding to the frustration, we were seated at the so-called “chef’s table,” which we assumed would mean some level of engagement or acknowledgment from the chef or manager. However, neither of them ever came over to check on us or enhance the experience in any way.

The food itself was just average—not bad, but definitely not worth the high price tag. It felt like we paid a premium for an underwhelming experience. That said, I don’t speak for my whole party, as some of them did enjoy the meal, but the overall experience left a lot to be desired for me personally.

On top of that, even though most of our group spoke Spanish, my partner does not, and we had to repeatedly remind Enzo to speak in English. He continued reverting to Spanish, which made my partner feel excluded and added unnecessary frustration. Additionally, Enzo was wearing a political bracelet that felt completely out of place and unprofessional in a restaurant setting.

This place might have potential, but the poor service, lack of attention to dietary restrictions, and failure to elevate the experience at a “chef’s table” make it hard...

Even though I made my reservation through OpenTable, I received a call the day before from a kind lady who explained the dining experience in detail—a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the evening.

Upon arrival, Carlo warmly welcomed us and guided us to our table. The ambiance immediately caught our attention—it strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort, creating an inviting atmosphere.

After a brief introduction, Carlo explained the restaurant’s concept and allowed us just the right amount of time to browse the well-structured wine menu. While the service is undoubtedly among the best in Miami—not just in terms of quality but also in timing—the highlight of the evening was the food.

Chef Marco Giugliano personally assembled each dish right in front of us, adding to the experience. We started with the grilled octopus served with a slightly spicy gazpacho—it was truly out of this world.

When the time came to choose our main courses, Carlo guided us through the tempting options. My wife appreciated his recommendations and chose the gnocchetti, which turned out to be an excellent decision. I opted for the homemade spaghetti with clams and calamari, and I can confidently give it a perfect score.

To end the evening, Carlo suggested the pistachio gelato, and once again, he was absolutely right—it’s a must-try, I have to said that we get impressed with the incredible consistency that is hard to put in words.

It’s wonderful to have a top-class restaurant so close to home. We truly appreciate their dedication to bringing a piece of Italy to South Miami and wish them all the success...