Nineteen years is a remarkable milestone in the restaurant business, and Cafe Prima Pasta has thrived through almost two decades with an authentic Italian cuisine serving the Miami community.
This small neighborhood gem has undergone several changes over the years from a small 28 seat eatery to an expansion which now serves over 120 diners. In celebration of their 19th anniversary, Cafe Prima Pasta has revived a classic menu with a modern and creative twist to traditional favorites while still maintaining an authentic Italian flavor.
Gary and I were invited to sample their new additions. After settling in, we were offered complimentary bellini cocktails which is served throughout dinner to each diner.
Chef Carlos Belon, the newest member to the team, briefed us on the offerings for the night. We were offered samples from the new menu. We began with a teaser of prosciutto, cheeses and a basket of fried zucchini strips. Malanzana Parmigiana, crab raviolotti in creamy lobster sauce, risotto with mushrooms, veal piccata sauteed with white wine and branzino livornese which is fresh Mediterranean fish baked with tomatoes, capers, onions and Kalamata olives in between.
The portions are very filling, but we left space for dessert which was the perfect ending to a lovely evening. Dessert was a sweet combination of tiramisu, profiteroles and cheese cake in mango sauce.
The restaurant is said to be frequented by celebrities like Matt Damon, Shakira, Dwayne Wade. On this evening Michael Jordan’s girlfriend was seated only a few tables away from us.
Cafe Prima Pasta needs no promotion as most of the diners were through word of mouth, with a long waiting list of diners sipping on bellinis at the bar.
The restaurant also caters to the young ones with a kids friendly menu which include mac and cheese, chicken milanese, veal grilled paillard and penne alfredo.
Cafe Prima Pasta is detached from the South Beach scene and an ideal place to enjoy authentic Italian fares. Diners can digest homemade pastas, cheeses, freshly squeezed juice and $2 ice cold Peroni on tap, Café Prima Pasta’s privately labeled olive oil and red and white wine, and of course their affordable prices in this casual atmosphere.
For more information and to check out the new menu, visit Café Prima Pasta, http://www.primapasta.com to make your reservation.