Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante is the sleeper staple for rustic Italian in South Beach. Since 2006, the place has served up some of the best bowls of pasta in Miami at reasonable prices. The restaurant, consistently lively, was put into the forefront when the sleepy little Sunset Harbour neighborhood where it had settled in suddenly became a boomtown and a mecca for "foodies" with the installation of neighbors like Pubbelly, Pubbelly Sushi, and Lucali.
See also: Italian Mojito at Sardinia: A Cocktail You Can't Refuse
Now, Sardinia partners Tony Gallo and Pietro Vardeu are banking on two more food-centric neighborhoods to be good to them with the announcement of the opening of two more establishments -- each focusing on a different region of Italy.
Moye, located at 80 SW Eighth St., will focus on the Puglia region, known for its wine, olive oils, and burrata. The restaurant is already a successful brand in Italy with two locations in Milan and Florence.
Campania, which is set to take over the former Egg & Dart space at 4029 N. Miami Ave., is a brand new concept. It will feature the Mediterranean-inspired food of Naples and the Amalfi Coast, known for both its spicy, rustic red sauces and light seafood-centric dishes.
Sardinia's Gallo says the two restaurants were birthed from Sardinia's regional dinners series, with cuisine from the Puglia and Campania regions the most popular. Gallo also said the timing for both restaurants was right. "Sardinia's success has convinced us that Miamians love authentic, rustic Italian and we think the timing is right - and both Brickell and the Design District presented great opportunities."
Chef Pietro Vardeu will helm both kitchens, which will feature mozzarella and breads freshly made in-house daily. Moye will feature an open kitchen, while Campania boasts a custom-made pizza oven, which will be shipped to Miami from Italy -- all the better to make what we hope will be truly authentic Neapolitan pizzas.
Opening dates for Moye and Campania are not yet set, but expect both to debut early fall 2014.
Follow Short Order on Facebook, Twitter @Short_Order, and Instagram @ShortOrder.
