Yet another major star in the culinary world has come to the Miami Design District and, based on a recent dining experience we had, his restaurant, Torno Subito, should be on your “must” list. The concept is the creation of Massimo Bottura, chef patron of Osteria Francescana, a three Michelin starred and Michelin Green starred restaurant in Modena, Italy and two time winner of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. The restaurant is in one of the district’s most iconic buildings, the Moore, which has become a new destination for more reasons than one. The menu and Italian cuisine are different from that of any other Italian restaurant in Miami – an exciting and imaginative take, and everything is delicious. And then there’s the Italian couple Bottura brought from Italy to make his tortelloni which will be one of my best dishes of the year. After dinner you may want to go upstairs and check out the new rooftop bar at The Moore building (look for the link at the end).
The décor of Torno Subito is creative, with its bright pastels, bold design contrasts and whimsical details which delight the child in all of us. It’s on the first of four floors of The Moore building which are now home to a private members club, private offices including that of Swiss diamond atelier Lugano, and the 15 suite Moore Hotel.
The menu at Torno Subito, guided by Italian Chef Bernardo Paladini,is divided into tasting menus $125 (4 course) and (8 course)$165 with optional wine pairings along with antipasti,primi (first), secondi (second), and dolci (sweets). There’s also a business lunch menu (3 courses) for $42 per person plus tax and tip.
I started with the divine Crab in Saor. It’s a very tasty Florida stone crab salad made with sweet and sour onions and parsley with a colorful crispy polenta top lightly covered with lemon gel. It was so good I could have repeated the dish ($34). My friend had the light and flavorful modern salad, crispy red lettuces from Italy with a dressing made from 14 different dressings ($20).
We shared the house specialty I mentioned, the Tortellini, handmade tortellini filled with cured pork in creamy parmigiano Reggiano ($48). It was creamy, rich and yet delicate. Next up was dessert. Our choice was the “Oops, I Burned the Key Lime Pie” ($20). A riff on the traditional pie, it’s a key lime semifreddo, citric crumble and lightly smoked lime ice cream. Note that portions are for one that you’d find in fine dining, not really shareable. Besides, they’re so good you’ll want to eat the whole thing.
What to order at Torno Subito next time? Very tough choice. Definitely I’ll have the tortellini again and the crab but also the seabass porketta ($56) – wild seabass stuffed with bacon, rosemary dill, lemon emulsion and grilled baby lettuce and Ciao Modena ($56) – Villa Manodori balsamic vinegar, glazed American Wagyu short ribs, pineapple gel, and carrots three ways.
Cocktails are $18 to $22, A glass of wine (5 ounce pour) starts at $16 and bottles at $62.
Next time I’d like to have the lobster puttanesca and repeat all the dishes I had before!
Service is friendly and professional. Noise level was moderate the night we went and there was an attractive crowd.
Torno Subito,191 NE 40th Street, is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, Brunch on Sunday, and dinner Tuesday rhough Saturday. There’s valet parking for $5 and nearby garages.
After dinner you may want to check out the new rooftop bar at the Moore Building, just go upstairs. For more information, click here to see my post on the best rooftop bars.
While you’re in the Design District, take the short walk to Istituto Marangoni fashion school and library. It’s a gem. For more information, click here.
