13 Italian Restaurants In Florida You’ll Need To Book Weeks Ahead
Growing up in an Italian-American family, I was spoiled by my grandmother’s homemade pasta sauces and Sunday dinners that lasted long into the night.
To this day, the smell of simmering tomato sauce and freshly baked bread transports me back to those happy times.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the art of Italian cuisine and the way it brings people together.
That’s why I’m excited to share my list of 13 Italian restaurants in Florida that capture the essence of traditional Italian cooking with a modern twist.
From historic neighborhoods to beachside towns, these restaurants are serving up dishes that will make you feel like you’re part of the family.
But be sure to plan ahead – these popular spots book up quickly, and you’ll need to reserve your table weeks in advance to get a taste of la dolce vita.
1. Carbone
Miami Beach’s Carbone has earned legendary status for its old-school Italian-American charm and show-stopping dishes.
Located in the heart of South Beach, this steakhouse-style Italian spot serves up red-sauce classics that make guests feel like they’ve stepped into a 1950s supper club.
The spicy rigatoni vodka alone is worth the hype, and the tableside Caesar salad presentation is pure theater.
Reservations open exactly 30 days in advance, and savvy diners set alarms to snag prime-time slots the moment they drop.
Weekend evenings disappear within minutes, so if you’re hoping for a Saturday night table, you’ll need lightning-fast fingers and serious dedication.
The veal parmesan is massive enough to share, though you might not want to.
Dress sharp, arrive hungry, and prepare for an unforgettable evening of indulgence.
2. Casa Tua
Tucked behind a Mediterranean-style villa in Miami Beach, Casa Tua feels like dining in a secret garden paradise.
The lush outdoor courtyard, draped in vines and twinkling lights, creates an atmosphere so romantic you might forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city.
Reservations are released on a limited schedule, and tables fill up almost instantly because everyone wants a piece of this magic.
The Northern Italian menu changes with the seasons, highlighting fresh ingredients prepared with care and creativity.
My cousin visited last spring and still talks about the burrata appetizer like it changed her life.
Each dish arrives beautifully plated, almost too pretty to eat, though you definitely will.
Book well in advance and request garden seating for the full enchanting experience.
3. Macchialina
Macchialina brings rustic Italian charm to Miami Beach without any of the pretense you might expect from the neighborhood.
This cozy trattoria focuses on handmade pasta that tastes like nonna spent all afternoon rolling it out.
The rigatoni with Sunday gravy is a crowd favorite, loaded with tender meatballs and sausage that practically melt on your tongue.
Weekend nights are notoriously tough to book, with availability disappearing weeks in advance.
The intimate space means limited seating, which only adds to the challenge of scoring a table.
Locals guard their reservation secrets closely, but the general consensus is simple: call early and be flexible with timing.
The casual vibe makes it perfect for date night or catching up with friends over plates of perfectly al dente pasta.
4. Scarpetta
Nestled inside the iconic Fontainebleau hotel, Scarpetta delivers chef-driven Italian cuisine that elevates every bite to an art form.
The restaurant’s signature spaghetti with tomato and basil sounds simple but tastes like pure heaven on a plate.
Regional Italian flavors shine through each carefully crafted dish, from the creamy polenta to the tender short rib agnolotti.
Prime-time reservations require advance planning, especially during Miami’s busy winter season when snowbirds flock south.
The sleek, modern dining room offers a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for special occasions or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Service is polished and attentive without feeling stuffy, striking that perfect balance between friendly and professional.
Book at least two to three weeks ahead for weekend dinners, and consider weeknight visits for slightly better availability.
5. Cecconi’s Miami Beach
Part of the exclusive Soho Beach House, Cecconi’s combines stylish Italian dining with a garden-forward setting that screams Miami sophistication.
The restaurant’s outdoor terrace, surrounded by tropical greenery, makes every meal feel like a mini vacation.
Weekend brunch reservations are particularly competitive, with locals booking weeks ahead to secure their spot for eggs and fresh pastries.
The menu features modern Italian classics with a lighter touch, perfect for Florida’s warm climate.
Carpaccio arrives paper-thin and beautifully dressed, while the wood-oven pizzas emerge with perfectly blistered crusts.
Even if you’re not a Soho House member, you can still dine here, though members get priority booking.
Plan ahead for weekend evenings and special brunch events, which tend to fill up fastest and require the most advance notice.
6. Il Mulino New York
Located inside the luxurious Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles, Il Mulino New York brings Manhattan-style Italian dining to South Florida’s coastline.
This long-standing outpost attracts both hotel guests and local residents who appreciate the upscale atmosphere and generous portions.
The complimentary antipasto spread that arrives at your table sets the tone for the feast ahead.
Veal chops are cooked to perfection, and the pasta portions could easily feed two people if you’re not ravenously hungry.
I remember my first visit here, when the server brought out so much food I thought we’d accidentally ordered for six people instead of two.
Reservations are strongly advised, particularly during snowbird season when the area’s population doubles.
Call at least a week ahead for dinner, longer for weekend prime times.
7. Il Gabbiano
Downtown Miami’s Il Gabbiano offers something many Italian restaurants can’t: stunning waterfront views that make every meal feel extra special.
The dining room overlooks Biscayne Bay, where boats drift by as the sun sets in shades of orange and pink.
Classic Italian dishes get refined treatment here, with attention to detail that shows in every perfectly seasoned bite.
The branzino, prepared tableside, is a must-order for seafood lovers who appreciate a little drama with dinner.
Steady demand keeps the reservation book full, especially for window tables with the best views.
Business dinners and romantic dates both find a home here, thanks to the versatile atmosphere that works for any occasion.
Book two weeks ahead for weekend dinners, and don’t be shy about requesting a waterside table when you call.
8. Prato
Winter Park’s Prato has become the Orlando area’s go-to spot for wood-fired pizzas and housemade pastas that rival anything you’d find in Italy.
The charming neighborhood location makes it a favorite among locals who treat it like their personal Italian hideaway.
Pizzas emerge from the wood-burning oven with bubbly, charred crusts that provide the perfect foundation for fresh toppings.
The pasta is made in-house daily, and you can taste the difference in every tender, flavorful bite.
Weekend nights are nearly impossible to book without serious advance planning, as regulars snatch up tables weeks ahead.
The casual atmosphere keeps things relaxed, but the food quality matches much fancier establishments.
Locals recommend calling at least three weeks out for Saturday evening reservations, maybe longer during busy seasons or holidays when everyone’s craving comfort food.
9. Osteria Tulia
Downtown Naples’ Osteria Tulia captures the essence of a true Italian osteria, where simple ingredients transform into extraordinary meals.
The rustic setting feels warm and welcoming, like stepping into a friend’s well-loved kitchen.
Locals have embraced this spot wholeheartedly, making reservations essential especially during Naples’ packed high season.
The menu changes regularly to showcase whatever’s freshest, from seasonal vegetables to locally caught fish.
Homemade focaccia arrives warm at your table, perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
My aunt visits Naples every winter and says booking Osteria Tulia is the first thing she does after booking her flight.
The pasta dishes showcase traditional techniques, with each sauce clinging perfectly to its intended noodle shape.
Plan ahead by several weeks if you’re visiting during peak winter months when snowbirds fill every restaurant.
10. Osteria 500
Lakewood Ranch’s Osteria 500 built a devoted following surprisingly fast, thanks to its beautiful lakeside location and consistently delicious food.
The newer restaurant has quickly become a community favorite, with locals spreading the word faster than wildfire.
Sunset dinners on the patio offer gorgeous views across the water, making ordinary weeknights feel like special occasions.
The restaurant itself recommends booking in advance, which tells you everything about how busy they’ve become.
Fresh pasta and creative seasonal specials keep the menu interesting, giving regulars new reasons to return again and again.
The Sarasota area food scene is competitive, but Osteria 500 holds its own against much older establishments.
Community chatter on local social media groups consistently mentions difficulty getting last-minute tables here, so plan accordingly and reserve early for the best experience.
11. Marcello Ristorante Italiano
Sarasota’s Marcello Ristorante Italiano proves that good things really do come in small packages.
The intimate size creates a cozy atmosphere but also means limited seating, making reservations absolutely essential.
Walking in without a reservation is basically asking for disappointment, as locals know to book well ahead.
Traditional Italian dishes are prepared with obvious care and respect for authentic flavors and techniques.
The personalized service makes you feel like a valued guest rather than just another table to turn.
Portions are generous without being overwhelming, hitting that sweet spot where you finish satisfied but not stuffed.
The tight quarters mean conversations stay quieter and the atmosphere feels more romantic than bustling.
Call at least two weeks ahead for weekend reservations, and be flexible with timing if possible to increase your chances of snagging a spot.
12. St. Augustine Italian Favorites
St. Augustine’s historic charm extends to its Italian dining scene, where popular spots like Casa Benedetto’s serve up Old World flavors in America’s oldest city.
The La Strada area offers several well-reviewed Italian options that frequently recommend advance booking, especially for weekend visitors.
Walking the cobblestone streets after a satisfying Italian meal feels almost like teleporting to a European village.
These restaurants benefit from the city’s constant tourist traffic combined with loyal local followings, creating steady demand year-round.
Traditional dishes meet Florida ingredients in creative ways that honor both Italian traditions and regional flavors.
Weekend reservations disappear quickly, particularly during St. Augustine’s peak tourist seasons and special events.
The romantic historic setting makes these spots especially popular for anniversaries and date nights when couples want something memorable and delicious combined.
13. Casa D’Angelo
Casa D’Angelo has earned its reputation as a South Florida classic, with multiple locations across Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton serving loyal fans.
This longtime favorite fills up quickly for dinners and special occasions, proving that consistency and quality never go out of style.
The menu features refined Italian cuisine that balances tradition with modern touches, keeping things interesting without abandoning what works.
Prime nights require booking ahead, sometimes weeks in advance depending on the season and which location you’re targeting.
The extensive menu offers something for everyone, from delicate seafood preparations to hearty meat dishes that satisfy big appetites.
Service is professional and knowledgeable, with servers who can guide you through the menu and suggest perfect pairings.
Whether celebrating a milestone or just treating yourself to a fantastic meal, Casa D’Angelo delivers the kind of experience that keeps guests coming back for decades.