Gigi Rigolatto

Gigi Rigolatto is the public-facing restaurant at the Delano, a legendary South Beach hotel that defined fashionable South Beach debauchery under Ian Schrager’s stewardship from 1995 to 2005. The Delano’s celebrity-fueled legacy remains a major draw today, even after the hotel’s prolonged closure and a recently completed renovation, including the addition of a private members club. But Gigi itself is less noteworthy than the Art Deco icon it calls home, serving predictable, Italian-leaning Mediterranean fare in a beautiful dining room and outdoor patio with pool views.

The vibe: Walking up the Delano’s grand front entry and through the dimly lit lobby still feels like a festive occasion. Guests are dressed up for a party, and the buzz from the illustrious Rose Bar follows you as you check in at Gigi, located at the end of the hallway. A large (faux) fig tree anchors the dining room, backdropped by a striking yellow Sienna marble bar. With its intricately carved wood walls and vintage decor, dining at Gigi feels like kicking back in the luxurious living room of a tasteful world traveler. Most of the seating is actually out on the terrace, which is equally as pretty, but steamy for a prolonged sit-down during Miami’s hottest months. 

The food: Your friendly server will present the day’s fresh catch on an artfully arranged wood board, though we didn’t opt for fish with our meal. The fried zucchini blossoms were a highlight from the starters, stuffed with ricotta and topped with truffle slices, as was the yellowtail carpaccio with grapefruit dressing, fresh thyme and Espelette chili. We’d skip the vitello tonnato, along with the Pomodori della Nonna our server recommended, which was a $28 bowl of overly dressed tomatoes. My main course was a linguine alle vongole that was flavorful and not lacking in clams, but sadly it was overpowered by an oily sauce.

The drink: Cocktails are beachy and refreshing, not particularly memorable, but they pair well with the coastal food and Gigi’s irresistible summer holiday ambiance. The restaurant’s main Bellini Bar is out on the terrace, serving as the launchpad to the Delano’s postcard-perfect poolscape. 

Time Out tip: The online reservation platform doesn’t allow you to select indoor or outdoor dining, so you’ll have to state your preference upon arrival and hope for the best. You can, however, use the platform to reserve experiences such as private poolside cabanas and loungers, which also enjoy full service from the restaurant.