Taking Italian cuisine in the Magic City back to its origin, Otto & Pepe brings traditional Italian fare with a reimagined dining experience to the North End of Miami’s Wynwood Art District. Opening its doors this summer, Otto & Pepe specializes in mean pasta and natty wine, set in a convivial atmosphere featuring an intimate wine enoteca, 28-person pasta bar, and an enchanting garden.
With a menu crafted by Italian Chef Viviana Varese, renowned for her Michelin-Starred restaurant Viva in Milan and W Villadorata Country Restaurant in Sicily, alongside Miami-local wine expert Karina Iglesias, award-winning mixologist Matias Iriarte, and co-founded by the masterminds behind South Florida institutions such as 1800-Lucky Gabriela Chiriboga and Samuel Ghouzi, Otto & Pepe is where pasta aficionados and oenophiles come together in celebration of the flavors of Italy.
Inspired by travels across Europe and centered around Miami’s vibrant energy, the restaurant offers an effortlessly cool and charming dining experience designed to immerse guests in the aperitivo culture. Showcasing the artistic, urban spirit that is quintessentially Wynwood, the outpost is brought to life by two hand-drawn characters; Otto, a playful pasta and Pepe, a mischievous wine bottle — the clever duo embodies the essence of the cheeky, unconventional concept.
“We are thrilled to introduce Otto & Pepe to Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. Born out of our passion for pasta and desire to create the ultimate gathering place for locals and tourists alike, Otto & Pepe is a refreshing addition in Miami’s robust hospitality scene, bringing authentic Italian cuisine to the heart of Wynwood“ said Gabriela and Samuel, co-founders of Otto & Pepe.
Unfolding like a three-act theatrical piece, the restaurant comprises a series of distinctive spaces. Upon entering, a vast display of worldly wines in the Otto & Pepe enoteca offers a glimpse into the experience that awaits. A cozy yet muted space, brought together by a communal table, invites guests to linger and embrace the present moment. The wine selection, available for takeout or dining in, is curated by Miami-local and wine veteran Karina Iglesias offering a comprehensive list of wines with an emphasis on Italy’s diverse regions, complemented by exceptional choices from France and Spain, ensuring a balanced relationship between wine and dish.
Sitting at the heart of the restaurant, the main dining room bridges the three spaces and offers timeless sophistication with a twist. A first for Miami, the restaurant’s 28-person pasta bar is the main focal point. Similar to culinary maestros, orchestrating a symphony of flavors, the bar presents a front row seat to the alchemy of pasta-making. The menu stays true to Otto & Pepe’s playful tone with four categories of culinary delights: Red Sauce Pasta, White Sauce Pasta, More Pasta, and Not Pasta. Fresh house-made classics such as Doppio Pomodoro, Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe, will be offered and hidden gems such as Zuppa di Patate e Basilico and Raviolo Grande Spinach e Uovo will also be available.
Bringing forth 20 years of industry experience, master mixologist Matias Iriarte has created a beverage menu that is broken down into Italian classics, house specials, and Low ABV/Low Sugar Drinks. Remaining true to its ingredients and inspired by Italian cuisine, imaginative libations such as Truffle Negroni, Strawberry-Balsamic Spritz and Orange & Macadamia Mimosa surprise the senses, while classics such as Americano, Spritz and Negroni remain timeless favorites.
Beyond the pasta bar lies the garden where lush greenery, gumbo limbo trees, and verdant foliage envelop guests in a cocoon of natural beauty, ideal for pre-dinner cocktails or a conversational night-cap. The garden will be flowing with unique cocktails focusing on hand-selected spirits from around the world crafted by mixologist Iriarte, as well as a curated wine selection by Iglesias, all selected to perfectly accompany the garden’s antipasti menu.
Chef Varese, skillfully showcases best-in-class flavor profiles, traditional techniques, and ingredient-driven dishes, utilizing fresh, in-season produce, whenever possible, and conceptualizing each piece of the pasta-puzzle with reverence, selecting ingredients with intention.
“Pasta reigns supreme on Otto & Pepe’s menu, where each dish pays homage to classic recipes and the Italian principle of respecting the raw ingredient. As Miami is home to world class gastronomy, it is an honor to introduce these culinary creations that invite guests to savor genuine taste and flavors,” said Chef Varese.
Much like its menu, Otto & Pepe’s architectural design reflects the unexpected marriage between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Conceptualized by Saladino Design Studios, Otto & Pepe exudes an essence of elevated simplicity using natural woods, warm tones, and sleek accents to highlight the beauty of the space, while animated details bring a sense of character, creating an atmosphere that is sophisticated yet approachable. Evoking a sense of intimacy, an open kitchen allows a peek inside the culinary mastery firsthand, further enhancing the immersive and interactive setting.
A place where leisure meets culinary delight, Otto & Pepe is not only a place to enjoy world-class cuisine, but is a playground for conversation and the creation of cherished memories, inspired by the genuine thirst for indulgence and the Dolce far Niente lifestyle.
Otto & Pepe will be open Monday-Sunday, 5PM-1AM, for more information please visit ottoandpepe.com and follow on Instagram @OttoandPepe
Photo credit: Saladino Design Studio