Miami Beach’s culinary scene expands with the grand opening of Leonardo, a sophisticated restaurant and lounge set to open April 17. Spanning 4,500 square feet, Leonardo offers a refined yet vibrant experience where cuisine, music, art, and design seamlessly converge in an elegant atmosphere.
Founded by Igor Dze, Leonardo is designed to revive the romance of classic Italian dining. Inspired by Italy’s slow, social meals of the 1930s to 1950s, the restaurant emphasizes connection, celebration, and lingering conversations. Dze’s childhood memories of Italy’s hospitality culture shape the space, which features deep green walls, antique mirrors, warm wooden finishes, ornate chandeliers, and iconic Leonardo da Vinci artwork—all creating an intimate, nostalgic ambiance.
Partnering with co-owner Mehdi Vanden Broeck, a hospitality expert known for his work in New York and Miami’s nightlife, Leonardo balances a relaxed yet energized environment. The space transitions from refined dinner service to a lively late-night scene with live music and cabaret, fostering a dynamic social atmosphere.
Led by Executive Chef Andrea Albanese, whose Tuscan roots influence the menu, Leonardo’s dishes focus on seasonal ingredients and regional techniques. The menu includes starters like tuna tartare with mango and sesame oil, beef carpaccio topped with aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and burrata with tomato gazpacho. The raw bar offers oysters, caviar, and traditional garnishes. Pastas such as tagliatelle with meat ragù and linguine with Maine lobster serve as highlights, alongside tableside delicacies like Parmesan wheel-finished Fettuccine and flambéed whole branzino.
Main courses range from prime steaks to citrus-infused chicken dishes, with desserts like Tiramisu and Panna Cotta providing a sweet finale. The beverage program features inventive cocktails like Hibiscus martini, Passion Paradise, and reinterpretations of classics such as the Italian Old-Fashioned. An extensive wine list themed around Italy complements the menu.
Located at 2000 Collins Ave., Suite 2, Leonardo aims to be Miami Beach’s premier destination for timeless Italian flair and social dining. Operating from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. on most nights, the restaurant offers a sophisticated setting for both elegant dinners and animated late-night gatherings.
Leonardo captures the essence of historic Italian-American restaurants, blending artistry, tradition, and vibrant nightlife into a memorable Miami Beach experience—where every visit promises romance, connection, and celebration.
Photo Credit: Leonardo