Amalfi Llama has quite the pedigree – the family restaurant of Argentine soccer star Leo Messi. He even has a dish named for him, the Milamessi. My friend and I agreed we could understand why he likes it: it has an attractive, casually elegant ambiance with a California sensibility; delicious comfort food menu items paying homage to the coastal cuisines of Patagonia, Argentina and Italy; and friendly, attentive service. And just announced, they’re participating in Miami Spice for lunch and dinner.
In the Esplanade at Aventura, next to the mall, it’s a live fire steakhouse with a large selection of pastas and pizzas and an amazing salt roasted branzino we had. The restaurant is over 7000 square feet, but it’s laid out with several rooms and has a large outdoor patio so the dining areas have an intimate feel. The décor by a Patagonian designer features earth tones, greenery, natural materials, and pops of color such as in a multi colored indigenous design on the backs of velvet chairs. Everything revolves around an open parrilla grill and wood burning oven, traditional in both Argentine and Itallian cuisines.
The menu is divided into starters, over the wood fire, pizzas, pastas, sides and dessert. First, I must say my friend and I were on a low cal eating day so we chose light on the calories but tasty dishes. As you’ll read, it was easy to do. But seeing the menu, and dishes that were brought out, for sure next time I want to have one of the pastas or pizzas. With that in mind….
We started at Amalfi Llama with an arugula and artichoke salad for two, also brimming with granny smith apple slices, mushrooms, pistachio, and parmigiano Reggiano.. Everything was very fresh, and the tasty dressing lightly coated the vegetables rather than overpowering them. ($24) Accompanying that we had their Puccia bread, a puffy pita made in a pizza oven with a hefty portion of creamy hummus with olive oil.($15)
Our main dish was a salt roasted branzino for two. It came fileted and was one of the better ones I’ve had anywhere – so fresh, moist and tasty with a light sauce of butter, capers and lemon ($58 for one; $88 for two). In homage to my friend, a cheesecake lover, we ended with their burnt cheesecake made daily in house. It was super light, yet tasted creamy, and served with a thick berry compote which hit the spot. ($18)
And you probably want to know more about the Milamessi. It’s crispy panko crusted beef filet, pomodo sauce, melted brie and French fries ($48) I imagine it can really fortify him for his matches!
If you’re in North Miami and looking for a relaxed, delicious place for lunch, dinner or brunch, with family or friends, Amalfi Llama is a sure bet. And there’s Miami Spice to make dining a deal.
Cocktails are $16-$22 and wine by the glass starts at $13 (6 ounce pour) and from $18 for a 9 ounce pour.. Bottles start at $48.
Valet parking is offered for the Espanade for $10.
Amalfi Llama, 19595 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura (The Esplanade).
One Response
Karen your review is 5-star! It is a wonderful new free-standing addition next door to the Aventura Mall. The food is fabulous and oh so fresh. The service is superb. Next time I dine there I want to order their menu special, the Milamessi, featured in the first photograph of your article!! To share, of course! Bella bellissima!!!