Celebrating 35 Delicious Years of Cafe Avanti in Miami Beach

In a city where dining trends change like the seasons, what keeps a restaurant alive for 35 years? At Cafe Avanti in Miami Beach, the answer lies in family, tradition, and a dish called chicken parmigiana.

Nestled on 41st Street, the Italian restaurant has defied the odds as the third-oldest restaurant in Miami Beach — trailing only Joe's Stone Crab and Toni's Sushi, which opened nearly 38 years ago.

The story begins in 1989 when Luis Fuentes, a Cuban immigrant inspired by the Italian kitchens of Boston's North End, brought his vision to Miami. "For me, Cafe Avanti represents the true American dream," Fuentes says. "Starting with a vision and a lot of hard work, we built a place that has become a home for the community. To see generations of families continue to dine with us is the greatest reward."
From its early days serving Northern Italian classics to its expanded offerings today, Cafe Avanti has built its reputation on consistency.

The golden and cheesy chicken parmigiana, a menu staple since day one, remains a crowd favorite. Other beloved staples include comfort dishes like veal meatballs served over pasta, branzino in a delicate lemon butter sauce, and a creamy linguini carbonara with pancetta.

The restaurant's appeal extends beyond the food. Its cozy bar, known locally for expertly mixed martinis and an extensive wine list, provides an ideal setting for both casual meetups and celebratory toasts. Regulars have come to cherish Cafe Avanti as the "Cheers of Miami Beach," as Jessica Fuentes, who joined her father in running the restaurant in 2010, puts it. "On any given day, you'll surely run into someone you know." Jessica, alongside her brother Nicolas, who joined the family business this year, ensures that the spirit of hospitality remains at the forefront. "One of us is always at the restaurant," she explains. "Being greeted by my dad is part of the experience. We want our guests to feel like they're visiting family when they walk through our doors."
Over the decades, Cafe Avanti has expanded to accommodate private gatherings, offering intimate spaces for groups of up to 80. The rooms, featuring exposed brick, stained glass, and chandeliers, balance elegance and warmth — a metaphor for the restaurant itself.

This December, Cafe Avanti is inviting the community to celebrate its milestone anniversary with a special three-course "Early Bird Anniversary Menu.” Available from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the menu includes a choice of soup or salad, the signature chicken parmigiana, and tiramisu for dessert, all for $35 — a nod to the restaurant’s founding year.

At a time when Miami Beach seems more focused on reinvention than preservation, Cafe Avanti's enduring success serves as a reminder: sometimes, staying the same is exactly what we need.

Cafe Avanti. 732 W. 41st St., Miami Beach; 305-538-4400; cafeavanti.com. Sunday through Thursday 5 to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 5 to 11 p.m.