Il Mulino New York located at Acqualina Resort, the Five Star beachfront property which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, has always been one of my favorite traditional Italian restaurants in Miami. It’s authentic, gives good quality/value, the food is reliably very good, the service is friendly and professional, and it has a spacious outdoor terrace with a pool and beach view. And on a recent visit, checking out a major refresh of everything from the table settings and décor to a handsome private dining room, the menu offerings and menu specials like a Sunday supper special, the bottom line, it’s even better.
The new design at Il Mulino New York keeps some of its vintage feel but with some welcome punch as in my favorite, pumpkin velvet (they call it pumpkin but I think it’s more tangerine) quilted booths and matching Murano-like pumpkin water glasses. Colorful murals celebrate Italian culture, enriching the space alongside rich wood tones and neutral textures, creating an environment that feels warm and inviting.The bar at Il Mulino is completely re-envisioned with luxurious tilework and rich wood detailing, now a focal point. Wait staff wear freshly starched white jackets,t he kind you see in Italy but here with a difference – pumpkin ties!
The dinner menu at Il Mulino New York is divided into crudo, antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni (sides) and then there’s a full page devoted to their classics in antipasti, paste, and secondi. Lunch adds insalate and sandwiches plus a special, appealing three course lunch menu for $49 per person plus tax and tip seven days a week that features traditional Italian favorites.
My friend started with the arugula salad with shaved parmigiano followed by an English Dover sole. It was a whole filet that was swimmingly fresh with a delicate lemon butter sauce and garnished with steamed spinach. We both gave it high marks. I opted for two signature dishes, first the filet mignon carpaccio with capers and Parmigiano gelato. I’ve had beef carpaccio before but the filet was a first, and won’t be the last. It was melt in your mouth tender and flavorful.
I followed it with the capellini il Mulino. Unusual for a pasta, the ingredients were in small chunks so you could fully experience all of the flavors from the guanciale and mushrooms to the black truffle and all with a vodka cream. For dessert there’s a wide selection including original ones prepared tableside. After my rich pasta, we opted for a vanilla gelato with chocolate.
Next time at Il Mulino I’d like to try the lobster ravioli with butter, sage and fresh lobster; the half rack of lamb with Barolo sauce; and the carpaccio di gamberi with mango and citron dressing.
A glass of wine (5 ounce pour) starts at $18 and bottles at $85. Cocktails range from $18 to $24.
Dinner for two including a cocktail or glass of wine each, one starter, one entrée each and one dessert will run you $225 plus tax and tip. A special offering is Sunday supper, four courses for $56 per person plus tax and tip.I love the fact that it’s offered from 4pm to closing so can be a late lunch or dinner.
Il Mulino New York is open for lunch daily from 11:30 to 3:30pm and dinner daily from 4 pm. to 11 pm.; happy hour is daily from 4 pm. to 6 pm
Valet parking is offered for $10 at lunch and $20 at dinner when validated.
Il Mulino New York , 17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles, Miami.For reservations call:305.466.9191
How about combining dinner with a Staycation at the Acqualina Resort? Click here to read about my experience there.
