Miami Beach Institution for Italian Cuisine Closes After 37 Years

Update published noon 10/22/24: Owing to overwhelming support from longtime customers who came forward after this story was published, Osteria del Teatro's owners have reversed course and vow to remain open. Read the latest on the developing story here.

A Miami Beach mainstay for Italian staples served on classic white tablecloth-adorned tables has seen its last day.

On Sunday, October 20, longtime Italian restaurant Osteria del Teatro closed its doors after nearly 40 years in South Beach along the corner of Washington Avenue and Espanõla Way. In the summer of 2023, the restaurant relocated to North Bay Village along the 79th Street Causeway.

Founded in 1987 by Dino Pirola, a restaurateur of Italian descent, he opened the restaurant in South Beach with dreams of bringing the fare of his northern Italian hometown to Miami, which included plenty of seafood dishes. Years later, in 2001, Pirola asked longtime employee and maitre d' Gilbert Gonzalez and executive chef Martin Perez if they'd like to be  partners at the restaurant, and the rest was history.

Unfortunately, 22 years later, Gonzalez took to Instagram on Saturday, October 19, to share the heartbreaking news.

"To all my longtime family, customers, and loyal fans, it deeply saddens me to say that after 39 years of being open in Miami, Osteria Del Teatro will be closing its doors tomorrow night. Our last night will be Sunday, October 20," begins the statement.

"I can sit here and blame many factors but the facts are the facts. It's very difficult to run a business in this economy. Especially when you try to make your employees happy with fair wages. Also, food costs are out of control while trying to keep our prices low. At the same time, keeping the quality we've always have strived for."
Gonzalez states that it was financially impossible to continue to run the restaurant due to the high cost of food in today's economy. The only way to survive would be to increase the price of each dish, or worse — take paycheck cuts — which is something he'd never do.

The statement ends, "Again, we at Osteria del Teatro say, 'Thank you!' for all the years that you have patronized us. For that, we are truly grateful and honored. Know that you were supporting a family and locally owned business. With love, Gilbert, family, and staff."

Longtime patrons immediately took the comments on Instagram to express their shock and sadness over the news. One customer wrote, "I’m so sorry to hear this! I have been going to your restaurant every time I visit Miami since the first time 12 years ago. Always great food and service. This is a loss!" while another commented, "Oh, this hurts my heart, Gilbert. You’re amazing, and you did what you could. Big hugs, on to the next adventure."

A Legendary Spot for Old-School Italian Staples

The restaurant was known for its wonderful hospitality, which created a warm and inviting atmosphere that drew in generations of families over the years. It was the kind of spot where patrons were always served by experienced, professional waitstaff — and there was a good chance they'd know each regular by name.

But the restaurant wasn't just popular among locals.

Since the '90s, the restaurant welcomed big-time names like Billy Joel, Jamie Foxx, and Emilio Estefan. Furthermore, the restaurant witnessed the evolution of South Beach firsthand and was able to thrive throughout the years despite all of the changes in the competitive restaurant industry.

Farewell to another Miami institution.