When I heard that INK Entertainment, the Canadian powerhouse group behind favorites Byblos, Amal and Level 6 Rooftop were opening Sofia Miami,  an Italian restaurant in the Palm Court of the Design District, I knew it would be a winner. And indeed it is, from the chic glamorous European design in jewel tones and refined Italian fare to the excellent service and contemporary art gracing the walls. There’s a lovely outdoor area too, imagined as a secret garden, with flamingo pink lacquered pieces, teak furnishings, modernized peacock chairs and rose umbrellas. It’s a perfect place for the holidays, enjoy a wonderful meal and then enjoy all the fashion eye candy with some window shopping!

First, more about the décor, so lovely that it deserves special mention. The color scheme combines an elegant rose pink and amethyst, with white Murano glass chandeliers and round columns sheathed in chrome. Strategically placed on the curved walls framed by sleek pink leather upholstery are Warhol like portraits of Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, and Audrey Hepburn by Russell Young, part of a rotating art collection, which will freshen quarterly throughout the venue, and available for purchase. Most tables host groups of four with their plush velvet chairs that look like they’re out of Architectural Digest. A large wrap around bar entices with its glittering lights.

The menu isn’t large but well curated.It’s divided into crudo, antipasti, pasta, shellfish and fish,  meat, sides and dessert. Everything we ate was uniformly delicious. We started with the Tonno 24,  thin slices of high grade raw ahi tuna,  on top of a light and refreshing sauce with basil, bergamon aioli, gooseberry an d pickled celery. The tuna was very fresh, the preparation different from what you find.

Next up was a not to be missed rigatoni alla vodka. The pasta was perfectly al dente, expertly seasoned with Calabrian chili giving it a touch of a kick, the tomato/vodka sauce made with tomato, cream, and 36 month old parmigiano Reggiano. It had just the right amount of sauce, not overwhelming the pasta. It was fresh and flavorful ($28).

For a main course we opted for the branzino 48, a whole branzino served with roasted yellow tomato, and dill oil ($48) and the veal Milanese,a bone in veal chop with lemon caper butter, cherry tomato and arugula. It was lightly fried and hard to find better in Italy ($62).  For sides, I highly recommend the brussel sprouts with pear puree, prosciutto and parsley ($16). Even your kids who don’t like vegetables will like these.

Next time I’d like to try the Bistecca 68.

Desserts are the classic Italian favorites along with formaggio e fichi –cheese and figs with orange marmadalde and crackers ($22). The dessert to get is the torta al ciocollato. The creaminess and rich taste of the  chocolate mousse and milk ice cream with a touch of caramel sauce on the side contrasted beautifully with the crunch of the praline feuilletine, a kind of very thin chocolate stick (($15).

Sofia’s cocktail program is a medley of signature drinks with an Italian twist, names like Vita Esotica, Appasionata , and Verde Esperanza)($19 to $25). There’s a large wine list including a selection of serious champagnes. A glass of wine (5 ounce pour) starts at $14 and a bottle at $65 and goes up to five figures for the prized Petrus red wine.

Service is friendly and professional. Be sure to ask for Paul. He’s amazing.

Sofia Miami is open seven days a week for dinner service starting at 5pm, Monday – Saturday for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, and Sunday brunch 11:30a.m. to – 3:30p.m. There’s a DJ on weekends. Note the music picks up starting at 9 p.m. Sofia Miami Design District is located at 140 NE 39th street St #133 Miami FL, 33137. For more information and upcoming announcements, visit: sofiamiamidd.com. Follow Sofia on social: @sofiamiamidd.