Rao’s Miami Beach offers a fabulous atmosphere, complemented by a knowledgeable waiter and good service. The dining experience started strong with terrific appetizers, including their signature meatballs and a refreshing seafood salad packed with lobster, calamari, shrimp, crabmeat, and red bell peppers, all dressed in a zesty citronette.

The main courses were a bit of a mixed experience. While the veal parmesan and lobster Fra Diavolo were fair, the peas with prosciutto stood out as excellent. The Fiocchetti—beggar’s purse ravioli filled with Bartlett pears, ricotta, brown butter, sage, and dried cranberries—offered an interesting balance of flavors but didn’t quite elevate the meal.

Desserts closed things on a high note, with the tiramisu and affogato both being very good. Overall, despite some inconsistencies in the main dishes, the welcoming atmosphere and strong highlights make Rao’s worth a return visit to explore more of the menu.

Rating 7/10

Bellagamba Italian Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale is a charming, family-owned gem that brings warmth, authenticity, and a laid-back Italian dining experience to the area. Operated by two families, the restaurant radiates a welcoming, homey vibe from the moment you walk in. You’re likely to be greeted with a genuine smile by the wife of one of the owners, making you feel instantly at home.

The hospitality continues throughout the meal—our waiter was actually one of the owners himself. He was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, eager to share details about the menu and ensure we had a great experience.

What We Ordered:

• Bruschetta Gorgonzola: Grilled artisan Italian bread with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Topped with creamy sheep’s milk Gorgonzola, sweet fig marmalade, and crunchy walnuts—this dish was a standout.
• Duo di Polpette (Meatballs): Angus beef meatballs bathed in a rich, homemade tomato sauce and finished with Parmesan cheese. Comforting and flavorful.
• Spaghetti Carbonara: Made the traditional way with a blend of egg yolk, Pecorino Romano, Guanciale, and a healthy hit of black pepper. Rich and indulgent.
• Spaghetti Pomodoro & Basil: A simple, classic dish done with San Marzano tomatoes, offering that pure, tangy-sweet tomato flavor.

The atmosphere is cozy and casual, perfect for a relaxed meal with family or friends. The restaurant features a solid bar selection and was bustling during our visit, a good sign of its popularity. We chose to sit outside with a view of the street, which added to the laid-back charm.

While the appetizers were excellent and clearly crafted with care, the main courses leaned more toward average. Still, the overall experience—from the genuine hospitality to the cozy ambiance—makes Bellagamba a spot worth revisiting, especially when you’re craving a no-frills, comforting Italian meal.

Rating 7/10

The Green Pointe is a contemporary Italian restaurant located at 3585 Mystic Pointe Drive in Aventura, Florida. Overlooking a marina, it offers a chic and stylish ambiance, making it an ideal setting for romantic dates, family gatherings, and private events.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring a menu that blends traditional Italian flavors with modern culinary innovation. Popular dishes include salmon and beef carpaccio, fresh salads, exquisite pastas, and Napoli-style pizzas. The generous portions, fresh ingredients, and friendly service, creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

I ate at this restaurant with three other people. We ordered appetizers, soups, and a main meals.  Each of the appetizers brought a unique flavor profile; The Margherita Pizza – A balance of simplicity and freshness, with a slightly sweet and tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil on a thin, crisp yet chewy crust. The slight charring from the oven added a touch of smokiness.

The Shishito Peppers with Sweet Aioli – Mild and slightly smoky with the occasional spicy bite, the shishito peppers were blistered for a deep, roasted flavor. The sweet aioli added a creamy, slightly tangy contrast, complementing the peppers’ earthiness.

The Shrimp Skewers with Sweet Chili Sauce – Juicy, tender shrimp with a subtle briny sweetness, grilled to develop a light smokiness. The sweet chili sauce provided a balance of sweetness and gentle heat, added a slight sticky glaze that enhanced the shrimp’s natural flavor.

Overall, the appetizers had a mix of fresh, smoky, and sweet flavors with a variety of textures.

Each soup that we ordered had a rich and indulgent flavor: The Lobster Bisque – Velvety and deeply savory, with the natural sweetness of lobster infused into a creamy, buttery broth. Hints of sherry brandy added warmth and depth, while a touch of herbs enhanced the overall richness. The finish was smooth, slightly briny, and luxuriously comforting.

The Truffle Mushroom Cream Soup – Earthy and aromatic, with deep flavors of mushrooms intensified by the luxurious essence of truffle. The creamy texture enhanced the richness, while subtle garlic and herbs provided complexity. A hint of nuttiness and a slightly woodsy aroma made each spoonful indulgent and satisfying.

Both soups offered a warm, silky, and deeply flavorful experience, perfect for savoring.

The entrees ordered were  Seafood Risotto – Rich and creamy with a deep flavor from the seafood broth. The rice absorbed the briny sweetness of shrimp, scallops, and salmon, while butter and Parmesan added a luxurious texture. Fresh herbs and a touch of lemon brought brightness, balancing the richness.

Spaghetti with Octopus – A unique combination of tender, slow-cooked octopus with al dente pasta, in a tomato-based sauce. The octopus imparted a mild, slightly sweet oceanic flavor, while garlic, chili, and fresh herbs added depth and a subtle heat.

Spaghetti with Meatball – A comforting classic with juicy, well-seasoned meatballs in a rich tomato sauce. The sauce is slightly tangy and sweet, with garlic, basil, and oregano enhanced its depth. The pasta soaked up the flavors, creating a satisfying, hearty bite.

Spaghetti Carbonara – Indulgently creamy without the use of cream, featuring a silky sauce made from eggs, Pecorino Romano, and rendered bacon. The bacon a smoky, salty contrast, while freshly cracked black pepper enhanced the dish with a subtle spiciness. The result is a perfectly balanced mix of richness and saltiness.

Each entre dish offered a different take on classic Italian flavors, from seafood elegance to hearty, comforting pasta.

The service at the restaurant was excellent and highly attentive, creating a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience. From the moment we arrived, the staff was warm, professional, and genuinely engaged, ensuring each one of us felt well cared for. The waitress was knowledgeable about the menu, offering thoughtful recommendations and accommodating special requests with ease. She checked in at just the right moments—refilling drinks promptly, adjusting service pace based on our needs, and ensuring every dish arrived at the perfect temperature. The attention to detail was evident, whether it’s remembering a request, swiftly clearing plates between courses, or offering a personalized touch, like a warm farewell. The team’s efficiency and friendliness created a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, making us feel valued and enhanced the overall dining experience. All of us would definitely comeback to this restaurant again.

Rating 8/10