At Donna Mare Italian Chophouse, Nonna’s in the Kitchen and You Can Taste It
There’s something comforting – almost disarming – about stepping into Donna Mare, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club’s signature restaurant on Collins Avenue. Maybe it’s the golden glow of the Art Deco bar, the terrace views of swaying palms and sea foam, or the scent of garlic, lemon, and wood smoke that greets you before you even sit down. But if you ask the regulars, the real secret’s in the kitchen – where Chef Luigi Iannuario has channeled his Milanese upbringing (and his Nonna’s recipes) into what may be Miami Beach’s most honest expression of Italian dining.
And no, that’s not a figure of speech – there really is a grandmother making pasta in the back. At Donna Mare, where the name itself nods to both “the sea” and “the lady of the house,” you’ll find tradition folded, twisted, and hand-cut daily into the menu’s fresh pastas, each made with reverence for simplicity and Mediterranean flavor.
Start your meal with the Carpaccio di Manzo – paper-thin slices of beef tenderloin laid over peppery arugula, seasonal truffle, pine nuts, and shaved Parmigiano. A shimmering balance of rich and bright, earthy and elegant. Or opt for the Burrata Italiana: creamy Pugliese cheese paired with roasted tomato, olive tapenade, herb oil, and served with warm focaccia.
From the wood-oven, the pizzas offer fragrant, fire-kissed charm. Try the Mortadella pizza, featuring pistachio pesto, fresh burrata, and basil – or the classic Margherita with San Marzano tomato, fior di latte, parmigiano, and basil. For something richer, the Wild Mushroom pizza with truffle béchamel, fontina, chives, wild arugula, and parmigiano is elevated heaven in each bite.
Nonna’s pastas shine as stars. The Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka comes bathed in a creamy tomato-vodka sauce, spiked with Calabrian chili and finished with Parmigiano Reggiano. There’s also the nostalgic Lasagna Emiliana – green pasta layers of meat‑rich ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
You also can’t go wrong with the Center-Cut Filet or the classic KC Strip – all prime steaks worthy of attention. Seafood lovers will find the Salmon Puttanesca – tangy, briny, and bold, with tomato, olives, Ortiz tuna, capers, and Calabrian chili – as vivid a taste of Italy’s coast as the ocean just beyond the terrace. And for a comforting yet indulgent classic, the Donna Mare Chicken Parm – melty mozzarella, parmesan, basil, and savory marinara – sings with familiar, nostalgic warmth.
Sides and sweets round out the experience: potato purée infused with thyme and olive oil; broccolini brightened with Calabrian chili and lemon; or truffle fries dusted with parmesan and parsley. In the end, cap your meal with a Key Lime Pie or the indulgent Tiramisu – each a sweet punctuation to a soulful Italian feast.
To toast? Start with a coastal‑cool Aperol Spritz or a customized Negroni, or wander the wine list – heady selections ranging from accessible house pours to rare vintage Italian bottles, a love letter in liquor from Piemonte to Puglia
Of course, it wouldn’t be Miami Beach without design worth lingering over. The dining room’s art deco curves and muted green tones create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and distinctly South Florida. It’s upscale without being uptight, elegant yet approachable – just like the food.
Donna Mare Italian Chophouse
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
3925 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
donnamare.com
