Café Prima Pasta Celebrates 19 Years with a Revived Menu

Nineteen years is a remarkable milestone in the restaurant business, and Café Prima Pasta has thrived through nearly two decades serving authentic Italian cuisine to the Miami community.

This small neighborhood gem has undergone several changes over the years — from a 28-seat eatery to an expansion that now accommodates over 120 diners. In celebration of their 19th anniversary, Café Prima Pasta has revived a classic menu with a modern and creative twist on traditional favorites, while still maintaining an authentic Italian character.

Gary and I were invited to sample the new additions. After settling in, we were offered complimentary Bellini cocktails, which are served throughout dinner to every diner.

Chef Carlos Belon, the newest member of the team, briefed us on the evening's offerings. We began with a teaser of prosciutto, cheeses, and a basket of fried zucchini strips, then moved through melanzane parmigiana, crab raviolotti in a creamy lobster sauce, risotto with mushrooms, veal piccata sautéed with white wine, and branzino livornese — fresh Mediterranean fish baked with tomatoes, capers, onions, and Kalamata olives.

The portions were very filling, but we left room for dessert — the perfect ending to a lovely evening. The sweet finale was a combination of tiramisu, profiteroles, and cheesecake in mango sauce.

The restaurant is said to be frequented by celebrities including Matt Damon, Shakira, and Dwyane Wade. On this particular evening, Michael Jordan's girlfriend was seated just a few tables away.

Café Prima Pasta needs little promotion — most diners arrive by word of mouth, with a long waiting list of guests sipping Bellinis at the bar.

The restaurant also caters to younger diners with a kids' menu that includes mac and cheese, chicken milanese, grilled veal paillard, and penne alfredo.

Café Prima Pasta is refreshingly detached from the South Beach scene and an ideal place to enjoy authentic Italian fare. Diners can indulge in homemade pastas, cheeses, freshly squeezed juice, $2 ice-cold Peroni on tap, the restaurant's privately labeled olive oil, and their own red and white wines — all at affordable prices in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Visit primapasta.com to explore the new menu and make a reservation.

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