Amare Ristorante - A Taste of La Dolce Vita

Amare Ristorante – A Taste of La Dolce Vita

Amare Ristorante, helmed by Michelin Starred Chef Cosimo Cassano offers artfully crafted Southern Italian fare. Though located in SoBe, the ambiance transports you to Italy’s famed Almafi Coast. The main dining room boasts intricate, hand-painted ceramic tiles flown in from Naples. While the terrace reminisces an impressive grove, with lemons reaching the size of grapefruits. The menu includes classic dishes made in-house with seasonal ingredients flown directly from Italy. Authentic, delicious and elegant are just some of the words I’d use to describe it.

Amare Ristorante main dining — Amare Ristorante Main dining

The Love Affair Begins

Embark on your culinary expedition through the Italian coastline with appetizers worth drooling over. Their Polipo ( grilled octopus, chickpea pureé, fennel, grape tomatoes, white balsamic vinegar) is exquisite, cooked to the perfect texture. The Melanzane E Zucchini ( baked eggplant, zucchini, mozzarella di bufala, tomato crema, basil leaf pesto, parmigiano ), an absolute must. But save some room for the Carpaccio, made from thinly-sliced filet mignon or fresh seafood, and the Tartare! Allowing you to cvhoose from Tuna, Salmon, Branzino or a combination of all three. And if you’re looking for a light start, the Insalata Tropicale ( mesclun mix, green apple, grapefruit, mango, avocado, hearts of palm, raspberry vinaigrette ) tastes as good as it sounds.

For Love of the Sea, Meat & Pasta

With entrees from both land and sea, and artisanal pasta dishes made in-house, the extensive menu gives plenty of options. But some of our most remarkable include Gnocchi Con Burrata ( creamy mozzarella pugliese, heirloom cherry tomato, basil leaf ). I made sure to douse each delicate dumpling with the creamy sauce. Dig into the cherry tomatoes for extra juicy and refreshing bites. The Spaghettini Neri (squid-ink spaghetti, king crab, artichoke, chardonnay, bottarga di muggine) is also a great (and very picturesque) choice! And the best part, gluten-free pastas are also available so no one has to miss out.

Meat lovers will also be pleased with dishes like the Agnello Al Moscato Di Trani ( grilled lamb chops from Cedar Springs, Colorado, moscato wine, potatoes, fresh herbs). Or the Costata Di Manzo, a grilled 21-oz prime ribeye ( from Creekstone Farms, smoked potato crema, fava beans, white balsamic reduction ). But if you prefer seafood, I’d highly recommend the Branzino Al Sale, this salt-baked Mediterranean Sea Bass is a fantastic meal and show. Presented to your table whole, covered in a tough layer of salt that they break off. Then fillet and debone for your convenience.

La Dolce Vita

To end it on a sweet note, you have choices like cakes, creme puffs, gelato, etc. Amare Ristorante wants you to “live the sweet life” and boy, did I when I devoured their Tiramisu with mascarpone, lady fingers, espresso and chocolate shavings. Rather drink it? Try the Double Espresso Chocolate Martini ( Van Gogh espresso vodka, Kahlua, Godiva chocolate, espresso ). Though, the Pomegranate and Magra Maritini also make excellent options during the earlier courses.

Hungry for more international flavors? Check out our review of Pubbelly Sushi’s Sun’s Out Buns Out Menu launched last month by clicking here.

Dinner & Lunch Specials

Fine dining (or lunching) doesn’t have to come at a great cost. Enjoy quality and affordability with Amare’s three-course pre-fixed menus. Dinner is available from 5-7PM for $39 per person, and lunch from 12-3PM for $26 per person, plus tax and gratuity.