For serious Italian dining in relaxed style, Café Avanti is in a class of its own.
Attracting a devout local following in one of Miami Beach's most charming neighborhoods, Café Avanti has used divine flavors and luxurious, attentive service to become a Miami Beach institution. Chef Constantino Cadavid has been at the helm of Café Avanti's kitchen for 15 years, leading the popular neighborhood restaurant to the very forefront of Miami fine dining. Good, honest Northern Italian specialties are served with a personal touch in an intimate atmosphere. White linen tablecloths, fresh flowers and antique finishes decorate the uncrowded, meticulously tended dining room. Rich woods and earthy tones set the backdrop for such culinary masterpieces as Café Avanti's out-of-this-world lasagna bolognese and exquisite porcini-rich risotto; choose a vintage from the englassed wine cooler to complement dinner or take a seat at the wine bar for an after-dinner libation. A newly opened addition to the restaurant is the perfect room for private parties. Step into the world of Café Avanti where the art of fine dining boils down to simply excellent fare served in understated, timeless elegance.
sample menu selections
salads:: Insalata di Arugula8 Baby arugula tossed with marinated chopped tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese
starters:: Carpaccio di Manzo11 Thin slices of raw filet mignon topped with thinly-sliced slivers of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; prepared with extra-virgin olive oil and lemon dressing Cozze Avanti9 Fresh mussels in a light marinara sauce Portobello alla Napolitana10 Whole grilled portobello mushroom topped with chopped tomatoes and mozzarella cheese
risotto:: Risotto al Funghi Porcini19 Arborio rice with imported porcini mushrooms, Spanish onions and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; served with a touch of white truffle oil
pasta:: Tortellini Capriccio16 Pasta dumplings filled with cheese in a cream sauce with mushrooms and prosciutto Lasagna Bolognese16 Homemade lasagna with ricotta cheese and meat sauce; topped with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce Canneloni della Casa16 Rolled fresh crêpe filled with veal, spinach and ricotta cheese; choice of two sauces
fish:: Il Pesce della Casa26 Freshly broiled Chilean sea bass topped with mushrooms and capers; splashed with white wine and olive oil
Sogliola alla Mugniala31 Dover sole meunière, de-boned tableside
veal and beef:: Vitello Marsala al Shiitake19 Veal medallion sautéed in Marsala wine sauce with shiitake mushrooms Vitello Saltimbocca19 Veal medallions with prosciutto, light brown gravy and sage; served over a bed of spinach
from the grill:: Pollastrello19 A baby chicken grilled whole with garlic and lemon over a bed of spinach Costolette di Vitello32 Veal chop marinated in olive oil and garlic and grilled to your taste
