It takes a certain kind of confidence to open a fine-dining Italian restaurant in Wynwood—Miami’s bold, art-forward enclave better known for street murals and DJs than Michelin-level pasta. But confidence, it turns out, is something the team behind Novatore Cucina has in abundance.
Located at 2700 N Miami Ave, the restaurant is the newest concept from the GUSTATIO Group and quietly opened its doors in March 2025. The restaurant is led by Michelin-recognized chefs Andrea Bernardi and Fernanda Fuentes-Cárdenas, with Executive Chef Marco Rama—formerly of Italy’s Michelin-starred Andreina—overseeing the kitchen. Their vision? To bring Italian culinary heritage into harmony with modern technique, all in a space inspired by the architectural grandeur of Ancient Rome.
While Miami’s dining scene has no shortage of flash, few new spots feel as intentional and refined as this one. It’s one of the hottest restaurants Miami has seen debut this year—and after experiencing their omakase (done for you) tasting menu firsthand, I can confidently say it earns the buzz.
Novatore Cucina: First Impressions & Soul
The space is pure ambiance: soft olive tones, natural walnut wood furnishings, and columns that nod to classical Roman architecture without veering into kitsch. A central wine room glows like a museum display, while a large exhibition window invites passersby to watch pasta being rolled and desserts being plated with surgical precision. Even before the food arrives, the message is clear: this is a restaurant that takes craft seriously.
As General Manager John Luca explained, “It’s about theater—controlled and considered. We want every guest to feel they’re part of something special, without losing the warmth of traditional Italian hospitality.”
Omotenashi, the Italian Way
Dinner begins with a whimsical amuse bouche: a mini sesame cone filled with mascarpone mousse and fresh tuna. It’s a one-bite wonder—delicate, savory, and playful. A little wink from the kitchen, if you will. It’s a tone-setter for what’s to come: thoughtful compositions where texture, temperature, and technique are just as important as flavor.
Next, Il Carciofo, a multi-stage artichoke dish, is presented like a sculpture. Brined, slow-cooked, grilled, and then paired with a Taleggio fonduta, it’s a technical showcase that aims for elegance over punch. Though visually stunning, the flavor felt muted. For those with a palate attuned to more delicate nuance, it may be a hit. But I found myself wishing for a touch more acidity or seasoning to cut through the richness.
Similarly, the Vitello Tonnato Novatore, while beautifully plated, didn’t quite achieve the layered complexity I hoped for. The tonnato mousse had a velvety mouthfeel, and the crumble of yolk was a clever touch—but the veal lacked depth.
A Pasta Worth Traveling For
Then came the dish that reframed the entire evening: Cacio e Pepe, reimagined as a multi-sensory experience. According to our server Marta, the pasta is:
-
Boiled to al dente.
-
Shocked in cold water to preserve its bite.
-
Smoked gently, infusing it with a whisper of wood.
-
Grilled for subtle char.
-
Finished in a peppery, velvety sauce.
The result is nothing short of transformative. What’s typically a simple Roman staple becomes something layered, smoky, and textural. Chef Bernardi doesn’t just cook pasta—he puts it through a full-blown transformation. Easily one of the best pasta dishes I’ve had in Miami, and arguably the signature of Novatore Cucina.
One of the Hottest Restaurants in Miami for a Reason
There’s a sense that every dish at Novatore is a tribute—not just to technique, but to heritage. Bernardi’s late grandfather, for whom the restaurant is named, believed that good food, good company, and good conversation were life’s true luxuries. That spirit is alive here, even as the dishes push boundaries.
The menu shifts often, with future enhancements including a whimsical ice cream cart, house-made cotton candy, and tableside cocktail carts rolling out in the coming months. As one of the hottest restaurants Miami has to offer, these additions promise to elevate an already stellar experience. According to the staff, chefs will eventually harvest fresh herbs from an on-site patio garden—a nod to sustainability and theater alike.
And while the food is the heart of the experience, the wine and cocktail programs promise to be the soul. A 130-label wine list curated by Sommelier Leonardo Asensos showcases Italy’s finest alongside global stars. Beverage Director Cristian Novelli will soon debut a cocktail menu rooted in Italian classics like Negronis and Sbagliatos, served via immersive tableside carts. For now, wine and beer are the stars—but the stage is clearly set for more.
Subtlety, Fire, and Vision: Why Stands Out
At a time when many new restaurants chase attention through maximalism and Instagram bait, this spot—now among Miami’s hottest restaurants —stands out for its restraint. It’s about balance. About craft. About honoring tradition while making room for the avant-garde.
Not every dish hits the same high note, but when it does—like with the cacio e pepe or the stunning 100×100 Pistacchio dessert (a pistachio lover’s dream, with mousse, biscuit, cream, and ice cream all built from the nut)—the result is unforgettable.
The dining room currently seats 45, with a 50-seat outdoor patio on the way. It’s intimate without being exclusive, luxurious without being pretentious. And it’s quickly becoming a destination locals and visitors alike should experience.
Hottest Restaurants Miami Heritage Fire
Novatore Cucina is a bold entry into Miami’s fine dining scene, and it’s clearly here to stay. With a dream team of Michelin-starred chefs, a beautifully designed space, and a menu that respects both tradition and innovation, this restaurant has all the right ingredients.
For anyone wondering whether Miami is ready for a Roman revival of this caliber, the answer lies in the smoke-kissed twirl of pasta and the quiet confidence of every plate. Novatore Cucina is more than a meal—it’s a movement.
Whether you’re a local craving something truly refined or a visitor mapping out the hottest restaurants Miami has to offer, this is a reservation worth making.
