In Milan, Italy, the restaurant Le Specialità has spent decades striving to perfect the ultimate Italian dining experience: a seasonal menu served in an atmosphere of sophistication.
Now, Le Specialità from Spicy Hospitality Group, the force behind The Joyce on Española Way in Miami Beach, is opening its first U.S. location in Miami’s glam Design District.
Bringing the restaurant, which opened in Milan in 1977, to the United States is a “major milestone” for the hospitality group, founder Andre Sakhai said.
“The restaurant has long been a cornerstone of Milan’s dining culture, and the Miami Design District is the ideal setting for its American debut, reflecting our vision to build a collection of restaurants that embody the creativity, ambition and energy of this city,” he said.
The bar at Le Specialità in Miami’s Design District.
(Jason Varney)
Taking a cue from its predecessor, the Miami restaurant will serve pasta, of course, and dishes like Sicilian-style branzino, dover sole meuniere and veal milanese. There’s also a pizza menu that includes specialties like the margherita, truffle and piccantissimi with chili pepper pesto and pine nuts, all baked in a gorgeous, black and white mosaic pizza oven.
Rockwell Group designed the restaurant, which seats 100 and is open daily. There’s a green lavastone bar with red stools with terrazo floors below and wood beams above.
The dining room at Le Specialità in Miami with some of its eclectic art.
(Jason Varney)
Highlighted is Sakhai’s art collection, which includes vintage Italian photography and other eclectic pieces, incorporating works by Rashid Johnson, Peter Saul, Joel Mesler, John Wesley, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince.
“The art sets the tone for the whole space,” he said. “It’s what brings personality and depth to the design. We wanted pieces that felt authentic to Milan but still made sense in Miami — something timeless, bold and unexpected.”
The pizza oven at Le Specialità, opening in the Design District.
(Jason Varney)Le Specialità
Where: 40 NE 41st St., Miami
Opening: Nov. 10
Hours: 5:30-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday
More information and reservations: www.lespecialitamia.com
Dining and Cooking