La Specialita, a dining destination in Milan since 1977, just made its American debut in the Design District. The original trattoria in Italy built its reputation on honest cooking, a lively dining room and perfect pizza, and this new location—a project of Spicy Hospitality Group—recreates that vibe with Miami's stylish, art-driven attitude.
The space has a retro-chic sensibility with a green lava stone bar, red leather stools and a mirrored wine wall. Terrazzo floors run under diagonal wood beams and a black and white oven is as visually stunning as the pizza pies that come out of it. Even the powder rooms go bold with pink terrazzo and candy-colored chandeliers.
This is the Design District, of course, and the art on display pushes the vibe further. Curated by Andre Sakhai, the collection mixes vintage Italian photography with works by Basquiat, KAWS, Rashid Johnson, Murakami and more.
The food is Italian through and through. The kitchen recreates the Milanese philosophy of its original, with simple dishes prepared with ultimate care. The menu features house made pastas, fresh seafood and bright flavors. But the pizza is what earned the original restaurant's loyal following. The dough is airy and crisp, with just the right amount of toppings. You can stick to the classics with a margherita or add some Miami flare with a truffle option or the piccantissimi, which brings chili pepper pesto and toasted pine nuts into the mix. Desserts include house-made gelatos and luscious tiramisu.
The wine list is stacked with Italian heavyweights and a few rare Bordeaux and Burgundy bottles. Cocktails are fruity, herbal and fun, with the Milano Mai Tai and Fragola Basilico standing out.
If you're looking for a slice of the Italian lifestyle without getting on a plane, La Specialita is here to serve.