Ferraro’s Kitchen Restaurant and Wine Bar is an upscale Italian restaurant at 1099 NE 79th Street in Miami, Florida 33138, on the Biscayne Boulevard corridor near the MiMo Historic District and the Upper East Side. Known for Venetian-focused cooking, a deep wine list and a cozy, modern dining room, it draws couples, foodies and wine drinkers looking for a polished sit-down dinner outside the South Beach crowds. Guests rate it 4.7 across more than 800 reviews, and it serves lunch on most weekdays and dinner every night.
What to Expect at Ferraro’s Kitchen Restaurant and Wine Bar
The menu leans toward the cuisine of Venice and the Veneto, a style that favors seafood, polenta, rice dishes and cured fish over the red-sauce staples common at American Italian restaurants. Expect the kind of cooking built around lagoon traditions: delicate fish preparations, risotto, house-made pasta and small plates that suit sharing. The kitchen frames itself as a refined but approachable room, so tasting a few starters before a main course is a natural way to order.
The wine bar half of the name is a real draw. The list runs deep on Italian bottles, and the interior is intimate and modern, with warm lighting that works for date nights, small celebrations and unhurried conversation. Service is attentive without being stiff, which is part of why repeat guests treat it as a neighborhood anchor rather than a special-occasion-only splurge.
- Venetian cuisine: The kitchen’s core identity, with seafood, risotto and northern Italian techniques rather than a generic Italian-American menu.
- Extensive wine list: A broad Italian-leaning selection by the glass and bottle, ideal for pairing across several courses.
- House-made pasta: Pasta courses are a staple of the dinner menu and a good way to sample the kitchen’s technique.
- Cozy modern interior: A compact, softly lit dining room that favors couples and small groups over large parties.
- Weekday lunch service: Lunch is offered Tuesday through Sunday, giving a quieter, lower-key way to try the kitchen.
Ferraro’s Kitchen Restaurant and Wine Bar at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1099 NE 79th St, Miami, FL 33138 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Upper East Side / MiMo District, along the Biscayne Boulevard corridor |
| Operating Hours | Mon 5-9:30 PM; Tue-Sat 12-3:30 PM and 5-9:30 PM; Sun 12-9:30 PM |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; dining tier $$ (mid-range) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for dinner, 1 to 1.5 hours for lunch |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Biscayne Boulevard bus routes nearby; street and nearby lot parking, with limited spaces at peak dinner hours |
| Official Website & Phone | ferraroskitchen.com / +1 786-534-2136 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Friday and Saturday dinners fill early, so reserve ahead through the restaurant’s official contact page or by phone. For a calmer room, book Monday dinner or a weekday lunch. Most guests drive or take a rideshare; the restaurant sits on the 79th Street corridor east of Biscayne Boulevard, which is served by Miami-Dade Transit bus routes, though the final stretch is easiest by car. Arrive ten minutes early to find parking, since street spaces tighten on weekend evenings. The compact dining room means guests with mobility needs or strollers should call ahead to confirm seating and entrance access.
Pair dinner with a walk along Biscayne Boulevard to see the MiMo-era motels and signage the district is known for, a short drive south. Nearby, the Little River and Design District areas offer galleries and late-evening bars, and Legion Park on the bayfront gives a waterfront stroll before or after a meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit?
Ferraro’s is open Monday 5-9:30 PM, Tuesday through Saturday 12-3:30 PM and 5-9:30 PM, and Sunday 12-9:30 PM. Weekday lunch and Monday dinner are the quietest times; Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest.
How much does a meal cost and do I need a reservation?
The restaurant sits in the $$ mid-range tier. Reservations are strongly advised for weekend dinners and can be arranged through the official website or by calling +1 786-534-2136.
How long should I plan to stay?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a full dinner with wine, or about an hour for a lighter lunch. A multi-course meal with a bottle is paced for a relaxed evening.
Is it suitable for couples, families and special dietary needs?
The cozy, modern room suits couples and small groups best, and children are generally welcome at lunch. For vegetarian or other dietary needs and step-free access, contact the restaurant before your visit so the team can prepare.
When planning your Miami travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Miami, pair this stop with standout local spots including Rubell Museum, The Hampton Social – Brickell Miami, Historic Black Police Precinct Courthouse and Museum, and Mandolin Aegean Bistro (4.0 km away).
