Via Verdi 6900 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33138
I immediately fell in love with this rustically romantic new hot spot, with it’s sprawling outdoor patio, ivy covered trellises and charming indoor seating. Not only does Via Verdi have a really great vibe, it has amazing food, too. Which has everything to do with its owners; twin chef brothers, Nicola and Fabrizio Carro and mixologist extraordinaire, Cristiano Vezzoli.
The three Italian-born, fun-loving guys have years of restaurant experience between them and you can totally tell. Upon my arrival, my wish was their command. They want everyone to be happy and enjoy their dining experience. First, I was served a drink called “Caipiwi 69” and yes, it blew my mind. With fresh kiwi, lime, sugar and champagne, I couldn’t stop sipping. Thankfully, there was an “I wanna taste it, too” intervention. Next, a martini called “Bitter,” but how could you be mad at something with aperol, campari, bitters, orange juice and a splash of gin?
While the drinks were tasty, the food was nothing short of mesmerizing. I started with a yummy assaggi platter with fresh cheese, smoked prosciutto, salami and mascarpone/gorgonzola mousse. I really hit my stride, though, with the “Brazino Al Forno” (roasted sea bass with clams, olives, cherry tomatoes and capers.) It was so succulent, clean and fresh, I became an official Via Verdi convert. As if that didn’t do the trick, they served me up some of their amazing Strozzapreti. The lamb ragu, with fresh peas and pecorino flakes is to DIE FOR (all pictured in the blog.) If it was a boy, I would have asked him to marry me.
If you long for romance, go to Via Verdi at night; the twinkling lights surrounding the restaurant give it a Nancy Myers movie set-like atmosphere. If you wanna dine during the day, the patio (draped with fresh greenery) will give you just the right amount of shade to make your day. Monday is a great night to go; they offer 50% off selected plates from their “All Day Menu.”
Via Verdi is in what’s considered Miami’s Upper East Side off of Biscayne Boulevard and 69th street (east of Little Haiti.) My crew and I giggled with glee when we saw the restaurant’s free parking sign. There’s a parking lot in the back of the building with plenty of spaces to spare (and I went on a Friday night.)
Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-12pm
www.viaverdimiami.com
Twitter: @ViaVerdiMiami
IG: @ViaVerdiMiami
FB: Via Verdi Italian Restaurant
Reservations: 786-615-2870 or online
Vintage Dress: Hollen & Jen Vintage Showroom
Shoes: Miu Miu
Jewelry: Jill Zaleski – One of a Kind Jewelry
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
Photographer: James Woodley
Producer: Jessie Rosario
Writer: Shireen Sandoval