Contessa Miami

Contessa brings elegant Italian dining to the heart of the Miami Design District, pairing a plush, art-filled dining room with an alfresco terrace made for watching the neighborhood go by. The kitchen turns out coastal Italian classics like spicy lobster capellini, whipped ricotta, beef carpaccio, and branzino, alongside wood-fired pizzas and housemade pastas that regularly earn mentions from guests.

Expect a bustling, upscale atmosphere with a full bar pouring handcrafted cocktails and a well-regarded wine list, all set against a backdrop of stylish decor that makes the space popular for both lunch meetings and date nights. Prices run high (entrees and shared plates push a bill north of $100 per person for many guests), so this is a spot for a special meal rather than a quick bite.

Whether you're shopping the Design District or visiting nearby galleries, Contessa works for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch, though reservations are strongly recommended given how busy the terrace gets on weekend evenings.