Funky Italian Spot Opens in South Miami With Unique Dishes

Tucked in the heart of South Miami, where residential vibes tend to overshadow its dining scene, a new restaurant is shaking things up.

Mano Libera, led by Chef Marco Giugliano (formerly of Doma), isn't your typical Italian spot. It's more like an "Italian omakase" that lets diners kick back, relax, and trust the chef to do his thing. The name, which means "free hand," says it all — Giugliano wants the freedom to cook without limits, designing each dish to fit his guests' unique tastes.

"I wanted to do something different, something Miami hasn't seen yet," says Giugliano. Originally from Naples, Italy, he sharpened his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens across Italy before moving to Miami, where he made waves at Doma. While his past gigs highlighted his knack for traditional Italian dishes, Mano Libera is his dream realized: his own place to get creative and connect directly with diners.

"No more cacio e pepe, no more spaghetti and meatballs," he declares with a grin. "This is about freedom — my freedom to create and my guests' freedom to try something new."

Shaking Up South Miami One Exciting Dish at a Time

Open since December 21, Mano Libera feels like a pivot from Giugliano's Wynwood days. South Miami, quieter and more residential, might seem like an unexpected choice, but for co-owner Roberto Maiorano, it's full of potential.

"Wynwood is packed," Maiorano explains. "South Miami has this strong, year-round community. People here were waiting for something fresh — a spot that combines Italian tradition with a little twist."

The restaurant's look is just as fun as its menu. Designed in collaboration with Neapolitan artist Gianpiero AKA the "Italian Romero Britto," Mano Libera pops with bold red tiles, colorful art, and an open kitchen. Diners can admire steaks aging in a glass display or browse a wine list that spans the globe.

"In South Miami, everything feels the same — white tablecloths, neutral colors," says Giugliano. "We wanted something loud, fun, and unapologetically Italian."

What's on the Table? A Curated Chef's-Table Experience with Funky Tableware

At Mano Libera, "free hand" is more than a name — it's the whole vibe.

Alongside the à la carte list, the restaurant offers a tasting menu that's all about going with the flow. The centerpiece? A chef's table experience for four to eight guests, where Giugliano takes the reins for a two-hour feast: shared appetizers, two pasta courses, a main dish, and a family-style dessert. For $120 per person, everything is tailored to what diners want (and don't want).

Giugliano's attention to detail shows even in the quirky tableware. Custom-made in Italy, they solve a pet peeve of his: sharing multiple pasta dishes on one plate, which inevitably turns into a pasta pileup. His divided plates keep two kinds of pasta separate, ensuring each dish — from the zucchini-studded linguine Nerano to the slow-cooked gnocchi alla Genovese — shines on its own.

Other menu highlights include a vegetarian bao stuffed with eggplant, fior di latte mozzarella mousse, and walnut crumble served on a small plate shaped like a hand. Red shrimp carpaccio is paired with buffalo stracciatella and crisp potato chips, and a housemade pistachio gelato served in a playful plate shaped like bright red lips.

"The idea is to make people feel like they're in my kitchen," says Giugliano. "I want to see their reactions, hear what they think. It's all about the connection." And that connection comes naturally to Giugliano, whose lively personality fills the room. Switching effortlessly between Italian and Spanish, he chats with guests, introduces dishes, and ensures everyone feels like part of the action. As Miami's love for tasting menus grows, Mano Libera offers something truly unique: Italian tradition served with a side of unpredictability. "It's not just about the food," says Maiorano. "It's about creating an experience — something personal, something that sticks with you."

For now, the team is focused on getting it right in South Miami, but Maiorano hints at bigger dreams: "If this works, who knows? Maybe Mano Libera will become a household name."

With its inventive dishes, intimate atmosphere, and a chef who's as hands-on as it gets, Mano Libera is giving South Miami a much-needed dose of culinary excitement — one dish, one story at a time.

Mano Libera - Marco Giugliano. 7201 SW 59th Ave., Miami; manoliberamiami.com.