What: Cafe Prima Pasta, 414 71st Street, Miami Florida 33141
Why: If someone were making a movie about my life, Cafe Prima Pasta would definitely be the backdrop for the opening scene. In the dim, warm amber lighting, the camera would snake its way around the dark wood tables until it found me. I’d be sitting with a lively bunch of people drinking, eating and laughing the night away. It’s just that kind of place.
The Italian restaurant isn’t just one of my favorite places on earth, it’s been a Miami Beach staple for over twenty years. The atmosphere is what I love most. The family-owned eatery makes everyone feel special. When you walk through the door, a good energy immediately engulfs you: they remember your name, quickly serve up your favorite drink and do everything humanly possible to make sure your dining experience is delicious.
Good, heartfelt, unpretentious service is hard to come by these days, but there is no shortage of it at Prima Pasta. I love everything on the menu, but am most partial to their Chicken Parmesan, Bronzino and Lobster Risotto (pictured in the blog.) If I were a dead man walking, though, I would want their Cozze Marinara (sautéed mussels in a light tomato sauce) to be my last meal. If you’re looking for fine dining with a comfortable, elegant feel, this is the place.
Where: It’s right by my house, but more importantly, it’s conveniently located on Miami Beach, just a few short blocks from Collins Avenue on 71st and Harding. They have two parking lots and when those fill up (because they do,) there’s a bank behind the restaurant; they use that lot for parking overflow.
When:
Monday – Saturday/5pm-12am Sunday/4pm-11pm
Discount Menu – Monday – Saturday/5pm-6pm Sunday/4pm-6pm
Reservations: 305-867-0106
www.cafeprimapasta.com
IG: @CafePrimaPasta
Twitter: @CafePrimaPasta
FB: Cafe Prima Pasta
“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.”
-Ruth Reichl