Massimo Bottura, one of the world’s most celebrated chefs, is set to open Torno Subito Miami on Wednesday, August 21, in Downtown Miami at the top of the food and entertainment spot, Julia & Henry’s. The new venture, in partnership with King Goose Hospitality, promises to bring a modern, playful twist to Italian cuisine.
“The last time I was there, I found an amazing energy. I feel it’s the place to be right now!” said Bottura.
Torno Subito Miami is helmed by chef Bernardo Paladini, who previously earned Torno Subito Dubai its first Michelin star after seven years at Osteria Francescana.
Bottura stated, “Bernardo has been in Miami for a year and a half, and in that time, he has deepened his knowledge of the cheesemakers, farmers, ranchers, and fishermen of the South Florida area.”
“We all share a passion for the Italian Riviera’s retro Dolce Vita mood with Fellini’s dreamlike qualities, but each project is also the mirror of the chefs,” he added.
The restaurant offers handmade pasta dishes, seafood options, and interpretations of classic Italian fare. Pasta dishes include I Tortellini, tortellini that is handmade in a creamy Parmigiano Reggiano sauce, and Tagliatelle al Ragù, which is a traditional egg pasta with Massimo’s favorite hand-chopped ragù. Its seafood options are also well represented, with dishes such as Seabass Puttanesca, which combines paccheri pasta with tomato, olives, capers, and seabass ragù, and Acquapazza, an oven-baked wild toothfish with clam juice and squid ink.
Interpretations of classic Italian fare include dishes such as the Modern Salad, which incorporates 14 dressings that combine ingredients from Modena, Dubai, and Miami, I Love Tartar, which allows their diners to create their own dish, Pappa al Pomodoro, made with day-old bread, tomato, and Parmigiano Reggiano foam, and Colpa d’Alfredo, which is a creative take on fettuccine Alfredo featuring wild mushrooms, Parmigiano Reggiano sauce, and black truffle.
The menu also includes Miami-specific dishes like “Oops, I burned the key lime pie,” which is inspired by Osteria Fransescana’s famous “Oops, I dropped the lemon tart.”
Paladini stated, “We want to bring our guests on an imaginary trip all over Italy while also honoring and taking inspiration from the rich history, culture, and landscape of Miami.”
Those wanting to try a variety of plates in a single visit can try Torno Subito’s “La Dolce Vita,” which is an eight-course tasting menu featuring the chef’s selection of best dishes and new additions, with an optional wine and cocktail pairing.
Their bar is just as impressive. The restaurant partnered with 2019’s World Best Bar, Dante, to create an Itlaian-inspired drink menu, which focuses on four sections: Negroni Sessions, Spritz Selection, Martini Tour, and Beach. Highlights include their White Chocolate Negroni, which blends Ford’s gin with white chocolate flavors, and the Piña Colada Spritz, which reimagines the tropical staple with prosecco. The Martini Tour offers unique variations such as the Angelo Azzuro with blue curaçao and the Nuovo, which adds parmesan. Beach-inspired cocktails also feature on the menu including Bellini Mojito and the spicy Diavolo Diaquiri with Calabrian chili.
Torno Subito in Miami draws inspiration from Bottura’s childhood memories of the Italian Riviera. With an interior that mixes bold colors and playful elements such as a red U-shaped bar and a yellow-tiled pizza oven, the interior creates what Bottura describes as an “urban circus” atmosphere.
Situated atop Julia & Henry’s Downtown Miami building, the restaurant offers city-centric vibes reminiscent of Rome, the chefs say, and contrasts with the beach-inspired aesthetic of its Dubai location. With an outdoor terrace that has colorful furniture and umbrellas, everything is brought together with touches meant to evoke Rimini, where many of Bottura’s memorable childhood trips took place.
Torno Subito opens on Wednesday, August 21, on the top floor of Julia & Henry’s, located at 200 E Flagler Street in Downtown Miami. Reservations can be made by visiting here.
