Escopazzo
1311 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Since opening on Washington Avenue in 1993, the restaurants calling card has been creative Northern Italian cuisine. That hasnt changed, but nowadays the restaurants fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are organic, beef is grass-fed and hormone-antibiotic free, and a few raw food selections have been added to the menu. Healthier, yes, but those seeking classic Italian fare, albeit with contemporary touches, will still find comfort in a starter of grilled, goat-cheese stuffed eggplant rolls atop a gentle sauté of baby calamari, sweet cherry tomatoes, and mint. Or in a hearty main course of rosemary tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce. Chef Giancarla Bodonis talent at mixing and matching big flavors is evident in a signature starter of silky asparagus flan floated in a creamy fondue of fontiana and smoked provola cheeses, capped with crispy shiitake mushrooms, and misted with a whiff of white truffle oil. Escopazzo is expensive. The trio of meat entrees, for instance, range from $45 to $58. There is no questioning the quality: Barbera wine-braised beef short rib, pan seared veal chop, and espresso-dusted, Kurobuta pork tenderloin are naturally raised. The last was deliriously satisfying, juicy meat darkly crusted in coffee, tunneled with smoked scamorza cheese, and sauced with clean, glossy Madeira jus. Tiramisu might just be the Beachs best, meltingly tender and lifted by assertive coffee undertones. Like so much else here, it is more delicate and gossamery than the traditional, but just as rewarding. You will find that it feels fantastic to exit an Italian restaurant with a walk rather than a waddle.
- Cuisine(s):
Italian
- Hours: Open for dinner Mon-Fri 6:00 p.m. - midnight, Sat 6:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m., Sun 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
- Price:
$$$$
- Serving:
Dinner
- Alcohol:
Beer/Wine
- Reservations:
Recommended, Online Reservations Available
- Parking:
Street, Valet
- Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards
- Attire: Dressy
- Features:
Private Party, Catering, Wheelchair Accessible, Kid Friendly, Vegetarian Friendly