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! 🙌🇮🇹🍝“

“Great food, and the service was exceptional, best lasagna I’ve had in a long time“

“Luca offered an explosion of flavors. The restaurant is small with outside seating. During the afternoon, the weather is enjoyable. They have outdoor fans. Located in the beautiful Giralda Ave. Coral Gables. The menu is varied and exquisite. For antipasti, we had pattate fritte, tuna caprese, and Stracciatella with black truffle honey. For our main course we had cacio e Pepe and short rib bolognese. Our desert was panna cotta. They also offer a wonderful menu of cocktails. We had 3 different Italian spritzes. My favorite was the Hugo. Everything was 5/5. Worthy trying, make reservations ahead of time!“

“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.“

“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.“

“Everything was great the pizza salad wine“

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

“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!“

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

“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!“

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

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

“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!“

“I was helped by Australia and Gabi, They were super professional and friendly and were able to get my meal out quick and offered amazing recommendations. The meal came out quick but it definitely didn’t lack in quality. One of the best Italian meals i’ve had in a while here in Miami. 10/10 would come again. Great atmosphere, AMAZING staff and delicious food.“

“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“

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

“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.“

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

“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.“

“Las ensaladas deliciosas y aliñadas a la perfección“

“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 happened to stumble across this restaurant, and what a fantastic surprise it turned out to be! From the moment we walked in, the experience was exceptional.

Carlos provided absolutely outstanding service—he was attentive, friendly, and made sure every detail was perfect without ever being intrusive. Ana was equally wonderful and helped create such a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The food was incredible from start to finish. Every dish was flavorful, fresh, and clearly made with care. It’s not often that both the service and the food exceed expectations, but this place absolutely delivered on both.

We left already talking about when we’d come back. I would recommend this restaurant 100 times over to anyone looking for amazing Italian food and top-notch hospitality. Thank you, Carlos and Ana, for making our evening so memorable!“

“An outstanding Italian restaurant with exquisite service and attention to detail. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is elegant and inviting, and the décor is absolutely spectacular. The staff goes above and beyond to make every guest feel welcome. Highly recommended for an unforgettable dining experience!....“

“Second visit to FUGATO. And for a second time we were overwhelmed by the quality of the food offered by this restaurant.
Service is second to none and all that comets together in a quiet friendly atmosphere for the site.
Great all around“

“Lovely place great food and better service“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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!“

“Came here with my friend to pick up a half cheese half pepperoni pizza after we made a call and ordered. I will say right now, this is one of the best pizzas i've ever had. it's definitely up there, specially considerin the quality and its price. the service was super good, they make the dough themselves, and they really seemed like they care about the customers and serving them. i 100% would come here again“

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

“Had an amazing experience at Spizzigo in Doral! The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, perfect for a nice Italian dinner with family and friends. The pizza was absolutely delicious with fresh ingredients and authentic wood-oven flavor, and the pasta dishes were equally impressive. The service was attentive, friendly, and made us feel right at home.

Ask for Gabriela she made us feel like home !!!“

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

“The best pizza I have ever had in my life. Authentic and Our new favorite restaurant. This us all imported from Italy not the the temu version of Italian. Thank You“

“Everything is delicious The Pasta, Pizza garlic rolls. Sangria is amazing!!!“

“Exquisite atmosphere, food, service.“