Authentic Neapolitan cuisine is heading to South Miami with the opening of Centolire. The restaurant, named for the Italian coin, will open in the former Emilio's Toscana space at 1569 Sunset Dr. and will feature homemade pastas and specialty dishes, including many from the island of Sicily.
The trattoria is helmed by restaurateur and chef Roberto Patriarca, who hails from Naples. Chef Roberto began cooking at an early age at his parents' restaurant in Italy while learning classic techniques at a local cooking school. The young chef then moved to the United States to forward his career, working at New York restaurants such as Felidia and I Trulli.
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Shortly thereafter, Patriarca helped launch Spina in the East Village, followed by Brooklyn Central, a Park Slope restaurant known for its Neapolitan pizzas. The chef has since moved to Miami, leading to the opening of Centolire.
"My focus is on the simplicity, authenticity, and flavors of Italian regional cuisine," says the chef, who will use both local produce and ingredients imported from Italy. Menu items include cotoletta (breaded veal cutlets), slow-roasted lamb shank, arancini, whole roasted Mediterranean branzino, and pasta con sarde -- a pasta dish comprising sardines, saffron, and toasted bread crumbs.
Centolire is slated for a summer opening, with each table receiving a complimentary antipasto and a glass of house Prosecco per person to celebrate the first month in business. Stay tuned for the opening date announcement.
Centolire will be open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Lunch will be served from noon to 3:30 p.m., and dinner hours will be 5:30 to 11 p.m. and until midnight Friday and Saturday.
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