London’s Most Famous Italian Restaurant Has Landed in…. Hallandale

Signor Sassi has debuted its first US outpost in South Broward, and the result is surprisingly glamorous

Inside Signor Sassi Hallandale (Photo Courtesy of WRE)

Hallandale Beach was not the first guess for where a 40-year-old London institution Signor Sassi would plant its first U.S. flag. To be honest, my initial reaction was a bit…. skeptical. But to be honest, it sort of makes sense. I live nearby, and the area is growing fast. There's a real gap for upscale dining in the North Dade/South Broward area, and a lot of people up here are tired of making the drive to Miami Beach every time they want a proper night out. So maybe, just maybe, Signor Sassi is seeing something in this market before others are – and I’m here for it.

The original outpost of the restaurant has been next to Harrods since 1984, apparently a favorite of little known acts like Rihanna, the Rolling Stones, and the Foo Fighters, who have all dined there. I went on opening night, which came with live singing, a packed room, and the general vibe of a neighborhood that wasn't quite sure what to make of all this yet.

The Space: The room would certainly hold its own with any of the high-end restaurant build outs you’d find in places like Wynwood or South Beach. Think plenty of coral, yellow, light blue, soft pink, with glossy wood panels, marble tables, a mural along one wall by artist Jessalyn Brooks and a big bar anchoring the center of the room. The design is intended to be a mix of Venetian architecture and South Florida Art Deco, and it lands somewhere warm and a little glamorous without going overboard about it. The room seats 200 inside, and there’s a small patio out front that wasn’t open the night I went.

Servers wear teal jackets and handle almost everything tableside, which is a nice touch. Order something to share and they plate it for you right there on the spot.

What to Eat & Drink: Start with the Pizzetta Valtellina, it comes with bresaola and arugula on one of the better pizza crusts I’ve had in a long time, genuinely. Light, crispy, with real flavor in the dough itself. Then get the Arancini, which comes crispy outside, truffle and saffron rice inside, finished tableside with a truffle sauce. Not heavy at all, which is not what you’d expect.

The Prosciutto di Parma with honey melon is beautifully presented but it’s the same dish you’ve had before, and personally I would have liked a bit more melon on the plate. The Tagliolini with clams was the pasta highlight, and I’ve been on a clam pasta kick long enough to know when one is actually good. The steak comes out a perfect medium rare, topped with parmesan flakes, and thoroughly enjoyed by the table.

For dessert, the hazelnut gelato soft serve is the one to get. I had exactly one bite of it because dairy and I have an ongoing disagreement. That bite was enough to know I was missing out.

The classic martini is solid, and the Parmesan Martini is interesting enough to try….once. The Sassi Fashion, bourbon with hazelnut maple syrup and amaro, was the right call on opening night.

Perfect For: Anyone in North Dade or South Broward who wants a proper dinner without the Miami Beach circus. Good for dates, birthdays, or any night you want to go somewhere that actually feels like somewhere.

What to Order: Pizzetta Valtellina, the Arancini, Tagliolini with clams.

Expect to Pay: Around $100 to $150 per person with drinks.

How's the parking? Street parking on Hallandale Beach Boulevard isn’t usually tough. Valet is at the door if you'd rather skip it.

@signorsassiusa // 1006 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach