Villa Castelli Miami – Surfside Fine Dining Alla Southern Italy

Villa Castelli Miami proudly, and rightly so, serves simple yet exceptional Southern Italian cuisine customarily enjoyed by the citizens of Puglia, and now Miami’s Surfside residents and visitors.

Puglia, also known as Apulia, is in the south of Italy; the heel of Italy’s boot. While it may not be one of Italy’s traditional tourist destinations, curious travelers are discovering the Apulian region’s charms, -baroque towns, olive groves, beaches, and excellent gastronomy.

The interior of Villa Castelli Miami, with its peach jacquard linen tablecloths, ornate red glass chandeliers and a live performer crooning classic Italian songs, seems very formal. However, Villa Castelli’s general manager, Ciro Costanzo, is attentively present to ensure you feel at home with family.

Ciro’s personal photography of his beloved Puglia has been transferred onto canvas, and his framed artworks adorn the walls of the restaurant. This is more eloquent than a hanging Home, Sweet, Home plaque.

We were invented to try their new Prix Fixe Menus, – a complete meal menu set at a fixed price. In our case, four courses for $65. Most ingredients are imported directly from Italy to ensure an authentic dining experience.

As an aperitif, Ciro welcomed us with Italy’s most popular cocktail, Aperol Spritz, made with Prosecco and Aperol. Followed by the house’s specialty starter, the teeth breaker, -a house made Italian roll is toasted, then, ran under hot water to harden the bread’s texture. Next, it is topped with fresh diced Tomatoes and virgin Olive Oil. No teeth were actually broken, but the satisfying crunch whetted our appetites.

Our warm reception was as unanticipated as was the delicious simplicity of Chef Gioacchino Sofia’s cuisine.

Our first course, Carpaccio, was prepared by slicing Swordfish –yes, swordfish, while flash frozen. Next, it is marinated in Olive Oil and dressed with fresh parsley and capers. The enormous razor-thin savory appetizer melted in our mouth and aroused our taste buds.

Housemade Pappardelle with sautéed imported Porcini was served as our Secondi, or pasta course. The wide pasta noodles and earthy mushrooms were uncomplicatedly embellished in virgin olive oil and parsley.

Our main entree, a truly succulent Red Snapper prepared with Cherry Tomatoes, roasted Fingerling Potatoes in Lemon Butter Sauce. This fish course is another testament to how flavorful and delicious meals can be achieved simply by using clean ingredients. Chef Sofia gets his fish and seafood directly from local fishermen or it is flown in daily.

For the final course, dessert, we were indulged with two treats made on the premises. Ricotta Napoleon with Bergamoto Orange Sauce –flaky pastry layered with sweet Ricotta Cheese and covered in a fragrant Orange Sauce, and, the Gelato of the Day, Espresso Bean.

To top off the meal, Ciro offered a traditional Italian after-dinner drink, Grappa. I was somewhat reluctant as I’m not a fan of this grape-based brandy.

However, Ciro served Bonollo’s Of Amarone Barrique, which had been aged in small French oak casks. This process produced a smooth and elegant, tawny-colored grappa with delicate spicy tones. I have been happily converted to a grappa enthusiast. Thank you, Ciro, you are a fantastic host.

Villa Castelli is located at 9472 Harding Avenue, Surfside, FL  33154. For reservations, call: (305) 763-8595, or email: [email protected]

Valet parking available from 6PM. For more information, visit:  villacastellirestaurant.com

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