Who needs Piazza San Marco when you have San Marco Miami?
Yes, South of Fifth has a hidden gem. And, it's not 'just another' Italian spot!
My girlfriend Gingi Beltran has stellar taste. She’s an expert in luxury and real estate. While my other girlfriend Lauren Foster is a food snob like me. Let me just tell you that both Gingi and Lauren have not STFU about San Marco for a few weeks. They go multiple times per week, and Lauren swears “I could eat this chicken every day of my life and be happy.” Well - they were correct.
Last Friday, the three of us headed to San Marco which is located South of Fifth. No PR. No advertising. And it was SLAMMED.
Thank god we had a reservation - but if we didn’t, it would have been worth the wait. This perfectly-lit hidden gem is out of this world and warm in all the right ways. And every dish was divine. I do have to say, I generally prefer appetizers at restaurants to entrees. But here - it was the San Marco table side pasta that had me at hello. As did their chicken. I’ve never tasted a juicer piece - so good that my lawyer Alexis Read thought it was turkey!
Anyhow, in honor of supporting small business’ - hit San Marco up. It’s the Loro Piana of Italian food. You are welcome.
The scene: With perfectly dimmed lighting you enter. There is a bar on the right where guests can sit for a cocktail, enjoy dinner or it’s perfect for a solo dine. The space is around 3500 sq ft off the top of my head but well appointed with booths. And it’s very international - meaning the crowd. The staff are impeccably dressed, too
What to eat and drink: The sourdough bread was WOW. And the whipped butter was the size of my face. And they serve it straight from their vast collection of silver. It’s worth the calories. Honestly, my friends swear by the apps. I thought they were fine. And lord knows I love a grilled romaine caesar. But DO NOT MISS the San Marco Pasta. And the chicken. I hear the risotto is outstanding. But I didn’t try it.
Pro tip: Order a nice red. The space is so cozy that any red will warm your soul - even in the summer.
Perfect for: Relatively affordable outstanding food in South Beach. Or anywhere else for that matter. I would rather spend my money here than elsewhere which speaks volumes. Go on a date, with friends, with couples or solo.
Expect to pay: Around $80 per person. Plus, plus if you order libations.
How’s the parking: They have valet. There is also street parking which is limited - but it’s worth a spin around the block to check!
@sanmarco.miami // 840 First St., Miami Beach