Il Mulino New York
A taste of Southern Italy in Sunny Isles Beach
Gourmands looking for quintessential fine Italian dining in upscale Sunny Isles Beach know to book a reservation at Il Mulino New York. Located at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Acqualina Resort and Residences on the Beach, this outpost of the famed Big Apple-based eatery — renowned for its extravagant portions, bustling atmosphere and solid service — delivers a royal feast in an opulent resort.
If you’ve been to the original in Manhattan, you can expect the same luxurious dining experience here, from the attentive tuxedo-wearing waiters to the expertly crafted signature dishes to production-worthy tableside preparations.
While it’s a favorite hangout for A-list celebrities and well-heeled locals, every diner here gets the same VIP treatment. Set aside a few hours to savor your gastronomic journey. You’ll be transported to the Mediterranean with fresh pastas and exquisite wines, though those sun-drenched beach views will remind you that you’re still in Miami.Our Inspector's Highlights
- Your trip to Italy begins even before you set foot into the elegant, mahogany-clad room as you pull up the driveway of the Mediterranean-inspired Acqualina. Smartly dressed valet attendants await to escort you to your dining destination.
- Unlike the Manhattan original, which has a more rustic feel, the Miami flagship glistens with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.
- As you enter Il Mulino New York, a maître d' welcomes you, and your server guides you on your culinary journey. The staff works hard to ensure your experience is a memorable one, from photo-worthy food to attentive service.
- Menu inspiration comes from the south of Italy, specifically the Amalfi Coast and Naples (which happens to be executive chef Michele Mazza’s birthplace). The food is as authentic as it gets: 90 percent of ingredients are imported from Italy, and soup stocks and fresh pasta are made every morning.
- The wine list is extensive, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Your well-informed table captain will make suggestions for a pairing with every course.
Things to Know
- Securing a reservation is highly four-star, particularly
around holidays and peak travel seasons when the posh beach resort is booked
solid. It’s easy to do online, by calling or, if you’re a hotel guest, asking
the concierge to handle it for you.
- Ask for a table overlooking the Mediterranean-style terrace or, better yet, on a balmy evening, request to sit outdoors to take in the breathtaking views and refreshing ocean breeze.
- Come hungry and plan to stay for at least a couple of hours. Dining here is a multi-course production with tableside-prepped dishes, and you’ll want to savor every scrumptious morsel.
- Il Mulino New York serves a special brunch experience on Saturdays and Sundays with a three-course prix fixe menu.
The Food
- The Miami restaurant is known for its smorgasbord of complimentary pre-appetizer items — baskets of freshly baked bread, crisp-fried zucchini slivers, platters of pepperoni, bruschetta with mussels and hunks of aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. You’ll also receive gratis grappa post-meal.
- For your main, try the veal osso bucco with porcini mushrooms served over saffron risotto or the ever-popular housemade ravioli with black truffles and creamy champagne sauce. To enjoy a show-stopping presentation, order one of the flavorful pasta dishes, which are prepped and sautéed tableside.
- Those with dietary restrictions have options. The menu also includes gluten-free and vegetarian fare, such as a classic caprese salad and hearty lentil soup.
- For dessert, you’ll have your choice of housemade delights like tiramisu, flourless chocolate cake and cheesecake.
The Chef
- Executive chef Michele Mazza has overseen the menu for the Il Mulino New York culinary empire for the past two decades and is behind the menu at the Sunny Isles Beach restaurant as well.
- Mazza prides himself on being a “strict recipe constructionist” and makes it a point to keep the Il Mulino tradition across all locations. Regulars to the New York original can expect the same exquisite cuisine and courteous staff at this Miami location.
- He got his start in his hometown of Torre del Greco (just outside of Naples) exploring the kitchens of his family’s bakeries and restaurants from an early age. After culinary school, the toque began working on an Italian coastal liner, cooking and sailing around the world for 10 years.
- The chef moved stateside in the early 1980s and was tapped to helm the Il Mulino empire after management got a taste of his food at his Long Island restaurant.
- What does the chef recommend? According to Mazza, fish dishes like dentice ai frutti di mare (red snapper in a spicy tomato sauce) come closest to capturing the Il Mulino spirit of simple and flavorful ingredients.
Getting There
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