Photo by Kristi Kinard
Audio By Carbonatix
The following is sponsored content by Peroni.
This year, summer is all about soccer. If you weren’t already a fútbol fan, prepare to see the black-and-white ball pop up all over the city — and the world. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking over the airwaves and U.S. stadiums.
Miami is hosting seven World Cup games throughout June and July at the Hard Rock Stadium. If you weren’t fortunate enough to snag a once-in-a-lifetime ticket, there are plenty of bars and restaurants around town that will be screening the matches, like Cafe Prima Pasta in North Beach (414 71st St., Miami Beach).
The Italian spot, owned and operated by Argentine-Italian Gerry Cea and his family, is a world-renowned dining spot with a deep-rooted love of soccer. Locals may remember that when Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi (also known as the Greatest Of All Time) made the move to Miami to play for Inter Miami CF, Cea commissioned a giant mural of the forward player outside his restaurant.
“This soccer craziness at Cafe Prima Pasta really started in 1994, with the first World Cup in the United States,” Cea says. “We had so many different players come through our restaurant, like Carlos ‘El Pibe’ Valderrama and some others from Argentina. It was a lot of fun.”
While Cea and the staff at Cafe Prima Pasta are all fans of Messi, the feeling goes both ways. Cea recalls that the day Messi flew into Miami and the announcement was made about his imminent trade, he received a phone call from a rep requesting a reservation for Messi and his family to dine at the restaurant.
The restaurateur has been developing a relationship with the soccer star since his first visit back in 2011. “Every time Messi or his family visit, we always make sure nobody bothers them, and we walk them back to their cars. We take care of them,” Cea tells New Times.
Although Cafe Prima Pasta won’t be hosting any large-scale viewing parties — the intimate restaurant is, after all, ideal for romantic dinners — it will be screening World Cup games on the TVs behind the bar. As for what Cea recommends that guests order to watch a game? A Peroni. It’s also the only beer on the restaurant’s daily happy hour menu, which runs weekdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Peroni remains one of Cea’s favorite beers, and for a time, it was the only beer served at Cafe Prima Pasta. As he was testing a few different beers to add to the menu, his mother took a sip of a crisp Peroni and fell in love.
“That was the only beer we had, the only option, for years!” exclaims Cea jovially. “Only Peroni for everybody.” Eventually, the North Miami restaurant expanded its beer offerings, but to this day, Cea still recommends Peroni to patrons.
In addition to the North Beach institution, locals can enjoy Peroni specials all over town, including at Monty’s Raw Bar in Coconut Grove (2550 S. Bayshore Dr., Miami).
Another locally loved and known institution, Monty’s is no stranger to hosting parties and screening football and soccer matches. The outdoor bar has 30 giant TVs, all of which will be showing World Cup games this summer.
General Manager Robert Webb notes that the restaurant will offer food and drink specials based on the countries that are playing on a given day. Additionally, ambassadors from brands like Peroni will be on site throughout June and July to give away samples and swag. The details will be shared via Monty’s Instagram page, @montysrawbarcg. Peroni will be on site on June 27 with a table and lots of cool giveaways. Guests can also enjoy Peroni beer bucket specials at five for $25.
“It’ll be a fun atmosphere,” says Webb. “People showing up in their team colors and jerseys. My staff is also going to be wearing their country jerseys, so they’ll be getting in on the fun.”
Since it’s a predominantly outdoor bar, Webb says guests can truly be a part of the festivities. “They can jump around and cheer, and it really can feel like an outdoor beer hall sometimes. The fans can get really into it.”
Monty’s has World Cup decorations up around the bar, the audio system is all set up, and there are even portable bars and backup TVs in case an overflow area is needed. “We’re ready to go,” Webb confirms.
The World Cup celebrates soccer as it’s played around the globe. It’s an international affair, so it’s only fitting to enjoy the most beautiful game with an international beer: Peroni.
Check out these other local favorites for Peroni specials or activations during June and July:
- George’s Restaurant Miami Beach (300 72nd St., Miami Beach)
- Piola Brickell (1250 S. Miami Ave., Miami)
- Piola Miami Beach (4000 Collins Ave., Ste. B, Miami Beach)
- Piola Hallandale (1703 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach)
- Piola Doral (1950 NW 87th Ave., Doral)
- Allegro Ma Non Troppo (1000 S. Miami Ave., Miami)
- One K Social (1000 S. Miami Ave., Miami)
- 305 Sports Bar (919 Brickell Ave., Miami)
- Lucali (1930 Bay Road, Miami Beach)
- DC Pie / DOM’s (1010 Brickell Ave., Miami)
- The Brightside (1721 SW 22nd St., Miami)
- Terrazas (4111 S. Ocean Drive, 9th floor, Hollywood)
