Beloved Italian Spot in Sunset Harbour Closes After 20 Years

After two decades of wood-fired pizzas, salt-baked branzino, and pours from one of the most impressive wine lists on the Beach, Sardinia has closed its doors. The Sunset Harbour staple served its final meal on Father's Day after 20 years in Miami Beach, bowing out with a heartfelt but cryptic farewell on social media: "It's the end of an era."

"It's the end of an era. Dear friends, as we draw the curtain on an incredible 20-year journey, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude. Your support has been the foundation of our success, and every meal shared, every story exchanged, and every smile has made our restaurant a home," the post continued. "We are deeply thankful for the memories we've created together and the friendships we've forged. It has been an honor to serve you, and we will cherish these moments forever. Thank you for being part of our family. Though we may be closing this chapter, the love and laughter shared will always remain in our hearts."

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A Local Italian Favorite For Nearly Two Decades

Located at 1801 Purdy Ave., Sardinia opened in 2006 and quickly became a neighborhood fixture thanks to its rustic Sardinian menu, authentic vibe, and sheer endurance in a town where restaurants often last about as long as your last parking meter. Co-owned by chef Pietro Vardeu and restaurateur Antonio "Tony" Gallo, the restaurant was a go-to for Miami Beach locals who preferred a low-key quartino of wine and a hunk of porchetta to the velvet-rope chaos a few blocks east.

Vardeu, who hails from Sardinia himself, built the menu around the island's traditional flavors, like charred vegetables, grilled meats, bottarga-laced pasta, and whole fish baked in salt. The antipasti platter alone was an edible vacation: imported meats, cheeses, and vegetables, all laid out on a board big enough to require a second bottle.

Beyond the food, Sardinia's wine list, dubbed "Enoteca," was a thing of legend. It boasted around 300 bottles with a heavy lean toward Italian varietals and bubbles. The vibe was cozy, the lighting dim, and the crowd always a mix of in-the-know locals and visiting Europeans looking for a taste of home.

Multiple Closures This Summer, But There's Hope for Sardinia

The reason for the closure wasn't disclosed, but if you've been following the local food scene, Sardinia joins a growing list of recent goodbyes: Red South Beach closed in May after 17 years, and Malanga Cuban Café in Pinecrest shuttered after 13 years; Le Zoo in Bal Harbour closed in April; and Michelin-recognized spots like Sereia and EntreNos have also tapped out.

There might be some good news for longtime customers, though. According to an Instagram Story posted on Tuesday, June 17, it appears Sardinia operates an outpost inside the Blue and Green Diamond Residences in Miami Beach. So for now, die-hard fans may still have a way to get their Sardinia fix.