50 Best Italian Restaurants near University Park

“Went to dinner with family at the Carrabba’s on University. Teddy was our server and we was phenomenal. Service was prompt, he was attentive without hovering, and when we had a little mishap by way of a spilled glass of Sangria he took care of us immediately. Alex was our bartender and he’s got mad skills with a dirty martini. If you’re at this restaurant ask for these young men… You will not be disappointed!“

“If you’re in Lakewood Ranch and craving New York–New Jersey style pizza, you have to try Valentino Pizzeria Trattoria. 🍕 I’m from Long Island, so trust me when I say I know good pizza — and theirs is!. I just realized they were originally established in New Jersey, and honestly it all makes sense zzzThe red sauce, the crust… it tastes like home. Their whole menu is amazing, — the chicken piccata, the chicken parm, literally every entrée is done right. You can tell they put pride and professionalism into everything they make. If you haven’t been, go support this awesome local spot. You won’t regret it! 🙌🇮🇹🍝“

“Excelente servicio por partes de nuestros amigos Franceska y Diego ! The best restaurant for some Italian food with the best service in Miami Doral …“

“If you love thin crust pizza, this is your place! They bring creativity to pizza which I love. Can’t wait to taste each and every one! Would love to see cannoli’s offered with dessert coffees.“

“Great food, recommend trying Patates frittas, which is mushed potatoes in panco crust and fried, it comes with very rich truffle sause , probably a million calories but it's worth it. Lamb shanks and Cacio E Pepe were great too, also recommended. Ambiance is simple but cozy, with indoor and outdoor options.“

“Recomiendo al 100% este lugar. La atención siempre es excelente, rápida y atenta. La comida es riquísima, nada te decepcionará! Las sopa de langosta, la pizza di parma, los ñoquis tartufo y la tarta de ricotta y Pera son mis favoritos.“

“Had a great experience at Tullio last night. The food was excellent, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared and the service was attentive and welcoming throughout the evening. The atmosphere is elegant yet comfortable, making it a perfect spot for a special night out. Highly recommend.“

“Everything was great the pizza salad wine“

“This place has a great atmosphere! Staff is on point and the service is too! And the food? It doesn’t get any better than this😊 Do yourself a favor and stop in!“

“Awsome service food quality. Great pizza & Veronica #1 server. God Bless you“

“I visited this beautiful trattoria about a month ago with my aunt, and we both left absolutely delighted.
The place is elegant, but what makes it truly special is its authenticity. Nothing feels forced or exaggerated. The atmosphere is refined yet natural and everything about the experience feels genuine.
You can feel the care and passion behind what the owners, Massimo and Elisabetta, have created. A truly beautiful and memorable trattoria.“

“amazing food, loved it! Truly delicious. reservation is needed, is always packed“

“We had lunch at this Italian restaurant in Miami, and it was truly an authentic experience.

From the first course to the main dishes, every plate brought the flavors and aromas of Italy: the pasta with clams was full of taste and the scent of the sea, the tartare was fresh and perfectly balanced, and the fried dishes were crispy and light—simply perfect.

Everything was prepared with great attention to detail, and you can really taste the quality of the ingredients and the passion in the kitchen.

A big compliment to the environment as well—elegant and welcoming—and to the atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Special thanks to the owner’s wife for her friendliness and warm welcome, and to the entire staff for their professionalism and kindness.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for true Italian flavors in Miami!“

“Lunch at Bellini’s at Mr. C’s: An Italian Escape in Coconut Grove. Friday afternoon lunch for girlfriends to catch up. From the moment we arrived at Bellini’s, with a warm welcome from Beni and his staff, the restaurant’s elegant ambiance and breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay set the stage for an enjoyable afternoon. Service was impeccable—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm. We were quickly seated and offered a selection of fine Italian wines. Choosing a crisp Gavi de Gavi to compliment, the Tagliolini with white Alba truffles was truly the highlight of our meal. This dish was a true celebration of Italian culinary artistry: the pasta was perfectly al dente, and the generous shavings of white truffle added an earthy, aromatic richness that elevated every bite. The chef’s restraint allowed the delicate flavors to shine, making each mouthful both decadent and refined. Thank you Bellini, we will be back.“

“Excellent Italian like I haven't had in years. Not casual mass market Italian. Not some type of fusion. Excellently prepared and seasoned. The stuffed snapper is highly recommended. Unassuming store front, but beautiful two rooms with quiet, low light ambiance. Service was attentive and excellent.“

“Delicious pizza! Loved the pear and fig. Yummy. Thank you for coming out to Calusa and treating us to such a delicious lunch. Will definitely go with my family soon.“

“Very good food, and they were all very attentive, I will recommend dining there 100%.“

“Verace is simply fantastic. Very affordable. Whether you are eating with friends, family, spouse, or by yourself. It is fantastic. They are accommodating, the food is great, pizza is perfect every time. I love the bolognese and they will substitute the rigatoni for fettuccine. A fav. The atmosphere is cute and quaint, but I would suggest to dim the lights during the dinner hour. The patio is lovely, I need to take advantage of it. Service is perfect. Highly recommend it! Run! Don’t walk to Verace.“

“Everyone in my family order different dishes, everything was amazing!! Great ambiance.“

“The best Italian food in town. The authentic version of Italian dishes and the best quality of food. All the staff are amazing and very welcoming. Congratulations“

“Everything about this restaurant is fantastic if you like authentic Italian food made with the best ingredients topped with fabulous service and great wine!“

“Wonderful food, incredible service.“

“We had a great dinner here! The grilled octopus was perfect and the spaghetti vongole tasted straight out of Italy — homemade, fresh, and delicious. Also, our waiter Enzo was incredible, guiding us to the perfect food selections and wine and dessert pairings. Can’t wait to come back!“

“Pizza tasted very organic with home made taste ingredients, tasted like the italian pizza from Venezuela, they have classics, but offered corn and bacon pizza (Venezuelan combination), and new ingredients like with truffle oil, burrata, arugula, etc. Place was clean, they have other vendors around with different type of food like hot dogs and grilled steak but tab will be separate.“

“Siempre trato de participar en RSVP to wine dinner y la experiencia cada día es mejor . El staff es súper amable y profesional, muy elegante en el momento de servir, la comida exquisita al igual que los vinos que se degustan. Es una magnífica opción y recomiendo a todos que lo disfruten“

“This place truly has something for everybody. Their extensive and incredibly yummy menu offerings will have you coming back again and again. High quality products all across the board. Impeccable presentation and service. Highly recommended.“

“exellent service and food. the food is incredible with oitstanding service. A place for those who enjoy gourmet food.“

“Beautiful place, romantic atmosphere delicious food, incredible service. Just perfect“

“The pizza was decent, but we ordered the 18-inch pizza, which was way too much for three people. The highlight of the meal was their Asiana salad; it was incredibly tasty. The service was okay, but we were disappointed that they told us to wait outside while they prepared our table, even though we were already inside. The restaurant was also too cramped for a large group of people.“

“Las ensaladas deliciosas y aliñadas a la perfección“

“From the moment I walked into GiorgioMare Miami on NW 12th St. in Doral, I knew I was in for something special. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between upscale and inviting—elegant yet relaxed, with friendly staff who make you feel genuinely welcomed.

🍕 The Pizza

One of the highlights of the evening was the pizza. I opted for the Margherita fresh mozzarella version, and the thin crust was just spot-on—crispy at the edges, soft and chewy inside, topped with bright tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and just a whisper of olive oil. The balance of flavors was impressive.
They also offer creative “pizza bread” styles like the “Italian Big Pizza Bread” with prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, black olives, fresh mozzarella and a balsamic vinegar glaze—a unique twist and one I’ll definitely return for. 
🎯 What Makes It Special
• Authentic Italian with a twist: They import certain ingredients, and the dishes showcase Italian traditions while offering creative flair. 
• Great value: You get high-quality dishes without exorbitant prices.
• Friendly, attentive service: The staff made sure we were comfortable, offered suggestions, and the pacing was perfect.
• Flexible for different moods: Whether you’re grabbing a casual lunch or marking a date night, it fits beautifully.

👍 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a place in the Doral/Miami area with excellent pizza and standout seafood, GiorgioMare Miami is a gem. The pizza hits the basics beautifully, and the seafood entrées elevate the experience. I’ll absolutely be returning—and you should too.“

“J C gives personal service and the food was exquisite!“

“Food great...beer cold....prices great....staff awesome. ....5 stars for good local Italian meal....If you want Olive Garden....then go there that means i will have a table to sit at at Enzos!“

“We were stuck in traffic on 25th,and decided to stop and have a late lunch at one of our favorite places in Doral.... Sat outside in the terrace and Luis and Ana took care of us. The service was superb, and everything that was recommended was amazingly good.

Glad traffic was bad...“

“Lovely place great food and better service“

“Amazing food and great staff ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Sapore Di Mare in Coconut Grove offers an enchanting dining experience that harmonizes exquisite cuisine with impeccable service and a warm, inviting ambiance. The evening began with a bottle of Montepulciano D'Abruzzo, Gran Sasso. This wine, with its rich, full-bodied flavor and subtle hints of dark fruit, set a perfect tone for the meal. For the main course, the Lasagna al Brasato di Short Ribs e Tartufo was an absolute delight. The layers of tender short ribs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a generous amount of truffle made every bite an orgasmic experience. This dish is a true testament to the chef's skill and creativity. The Ravioli di Ossobuco was another highlight. The ravioli, filled with succulent ossobuco, was served in a delicate sauce that complemented the richness of the filling. The balance of flavors and textures in this dish was impeccable. To conclude the meal, we indulged in the Pastiera Napoletana for dessert. This traditional Neapolitan cake, with its sweet and creamy ricotta filling, was the perfect ending to an exceptional dining experience. The service at Sapore Di Mare was outstanding. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about ensuring a memorable dining experience. The ambiance of the restaurant, with its elegant decor and cozy atmosphere, further enhanced the overall enjoyment of the evening. In summary, Sapore Di Mare in Coconut Grove is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier Italian dining experience. From the exquisite food to the exceptional service and delightful ambiance, every aspect of the restaurant exceeds expectations.“

“A Warm Refuge at Capriccio Blue Lagoon
In late January 2026, while a severe winter storm swept much of the U.S., my wife and I traveled to Miami due to medical concerns, grateful simply to escape the cold. Still shaken and exhausted, we wandered into a nearby food court near our airport hotel and happened upon Capriccio Blue Lagoon, an unassuming Italian restaurant.
Inside, the atmosphere was cozy, casual, and quietly refined. Before the food even arrived, our spirits were lifted by something simple but meaningful: two glasses of hot water and the warm smile of our waitress, Marla Josue, whose kindness and attentiveness made us feel genuinely cared for.
My wife ordered the Tuna Tataki, beautifully presented and thoroughly enjoyed. I chose my favorite Cioppino, which was excellent, rich broth, fresh seafood, and a generous piece of octopus that was a pleasant surprise. Though a bit pricey and without the usual toasted bread, it was deeply satisfying.
We enjoyed the experience so much that we returned two days after. To our delight, Marla remembered us. This time, we shared Cheese Tequeños with aioli, my wife had the vibrant Volcano Salad, and I ordered the slow-cooked short ribs. Once again, everything was beautifully presented and delicious.
I rarely use the term “hidden gem,” in my reviews but in this case, it fits. More than the food, it was the warmth and kindness, especially from Marla who helped lift our spirits during a difficult time. Highly recommended.“

“Food here was amazing we have smoke Salmon for appetizer was really good then we have a short rib and corvina with risotto I have to said is one on the best rissotto in town I would recommend the chorizo risotto is out of the world, We came back to
FUGATO. today we went to special
Presentation from Teofilo Reyes winery it was amazing beef carpaccio flavory and delicacy, piquillos rellenos with meat espectacular and finally chorizo risotto again with churrasco the best risotto you can have in Miami area, you cannot miss that presentation of Spanish wines“

“Had an amazing meal here last night. Everything tasted so fresh, but Mauro really made the experience. He was one step ahead of us the whole time—our drinks were never empty and he just had this awesome energy. Huge shoutout to him for making us feel so welcome“

“I just moved back into Coconut Grove and this is going to be my daily stop. Not only is the place cozy and beautiful,
filled with fantastic wines, gourmet foods, original local artwork and even cute clothes, but the food was delicious. I had a melted mozzarella and tomato sandwich on ciabatta bread and it was divine. I also had a homemade flan that would make my Cuban grandmother, proud.

I’ll be back soon!“

“Best Italian I’ve ever had! I love this place and the clams oregenado bring tears to my eyes each and every time 💞“

“Always wonderful place to go for great service and cuisine. Carlos and the entire staff is awesome. We’ve been coming for over 20 years. Never disappoints.“

“I ordered the pumpkin ravioli with butter sage sauce. It was delicious!!! Wine is impressive also.“

“Came here with the entire family to celebrate my son’s 14th birthday and as always Rubino’s didn’t disappoint! This place has one of the best pizza’s in town! Their appetizers are amazing, if you haven’t had their whipped ricotta you are missing out! Great atmosphere, great food!“

“Súper rico y muy amables excelentes Uno de mis lugares favoritos“

“Amazing food by a profession and friendly staff! Tonight’s entree is Linguine Al Gamberi! It was amazing! Thanks Piccola Team! Another great dinner!“

“I do not know if it a trend or not. But I read another comment regarding a to go pizza. Just ordered a Hawaina to go and it barely has pineapple. The pictures on google maps of how the pizza actually is, compared to the one I got, is deceiving. Flavor is good 👍🏻“

“All good ,had a variety of dishes that had very original presentation 👍🏽“

“This is such a delightful place. The food is superb. For starters we have carpacho arugula salad, stuffed braised beef mushroom, pear raviolis, (because we needed to try as much as we could) lol. The service resembled a white glove affair. The salmon was smothered in a dark sugar sauce. The sangria was sooooo refreshing. Our waiter Gussepi was so eager to please that how can we not write a review, and order almost everything from the specials for this night, (because it just sounded so delicious). I recommend this place with closed eyes. Your experience will be a memorable one, and your pallet will be filled with delightful taste resembling a food Ecstasy. The crowd was a reasonably middle to upper class crowd. They open at 6pm for dinner on weekdays and a reservation is advised, but they do not look as if they turn anyone away. The entire staff is so happy and pleasant as well as equally eager to please. Enrique is so attentive to details. The entire staff serves everyone. You are not isolated to one server, they all pitch in to make the customers experience a uniquely enjoyable one. The restrooms are immaculate. I also noticed the LACK of mold, mildew, and cobwebs in the dining area. This restaurant is as clean and neat as the food is superb. Hats off to you all. We appreciate you.“