The owners of Tutto Pizza and Pasta have been busy this summer.
Chef Joao “Juca” Oliveira and his wife Louissell Brito who operate the popular Tutto Pizza and Pasta on Key Biscayne, as well as Tutto Pasta and Tutto Pizza in downtown Miami, like it that way.
So far this summer the duo have offered half-off on pastas and pizzas, a 50% wine discount on Wednesdays and 2-for-1 on prosecco, sangria or Tutto Spritz. There’s also a great burger deal on the Island to celebrate Friday. They’ve even launched a new website that also makes it easier to track customer loyalty rewards and points.
The totally redesigned website is a compilation of things Brito heard customers did not like about the old website.
“We made it super user-friendly and made sure customers are ordering from the right Tutto location,” Brito told Islander News, while seated outside Tutto Pasta on NE 3rd Avenue with a packed lunch-time dining room.
The scrumptious Tuna Tartare at Tutto Pizza & Pasta.
JR
Brito took note of what his customers liked and incorporated many features to add to the improved site, while eliminating things that made the old site difficult to navigate.
For example, Brito said knowing how many points a customer has racked up in the Tutto Rewards VIP program will be much clearer.
“Now, when you log in, the app automatically tells you how many points you have accumulated,” Brito said.
To the Brazilian-born Oliveira, who was raised in central Brazil and grew up in a family with seven siblings and an Italian grandfather who was a chef, and Miami-raised Brito, the daughter of Cuban immigrant parents, consistency in operations and rewarding loyalty are two pillars of their successful restaurant.
This extends to the employees.
“We have been fortunate to have little turnover in our operations,” said Brito, highlighting some of their long-term team members. “German has been with us since we opened Key Biscayne 12-13 years ago and Valeria had been waiting on Key Biscayne customers for 10-plus years, as well as Maria who has been with us for 8-9 years.”
A change to their popular lunch special promotion has made it easier for customers.
“We used to have one special each day but customers kept getting confused on what day was what dish, so we made it one lunch special, available every day,” said Brito.
Now, the special is available Tuesday to Friday. The special, which starts at $13 for a Panini and soda, and includes a Chicken Caesar Salad ($15), 8” pizza of your choice and soda ($13) and Cavatelli pasta dish ($15).
On Fridays, in addition to these specials, there is “the” burger special, two mouthwatering burgers, two orders of Tutto fries and two draft beers or soda, for only $28.
Tutto Pizza & Pasta’s pear ravioli dish.
“This has been wildly popular, a great way to head into the weekend,” said Brito, smiling.
If you are a late lunch eater, Tutto Pizza and Pasta is the place to dine for a bargain lunch. Between 3-6 p.m., most of the pasta dishes and 8” pizzas are all 50% off. This includes most of Tutto Pizza & Pasta’s popular dishes like Pasta Pear Gorgonzola Ravioli and Shrimp Scampi.
“If you are going to eat lunch late, might as well enjoy a great lunch and save,” Brito said.
Brito emphasized these lunch specials and food happy hour entries are the regular size portions and they are strictly dine-in only. No Delivery and no takeout.
When asked what their most popular items were, Brito said the Pollo Al Horno (oven roasted organic boneless chicken, baked with garlic, mustard, fresh herbs, rosemary roasted potatoes and vegetables.)
“Crispy outside, moist inside,” she described it.
She also mentioned that the Pear Gorgonzola Ravioli is a steady favorite, as well as a recent addition to the appetizer menu, tuna tartare.
“When you come to Tutto Pizza & Pasta it’s like eating at home,” Oliveira said, adding that everything is fresh. “I make everything from scratch … even the croutons.”
And that is what Oliveira and Brito hope help make the summer more enjoyable.
Tutto Pizza & Pasta is in the Galleria Shopping Center at 328 Crandon Blvd. You may reach them at (305) 361-2224. To order online, visit tuttopizzapasta.com.
Other locations include Tutto Pasta at 1751 SW 3rd Ave, in Miami – (305) 857-0709 and Tutto Pizza at 1763 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, (305) 858-0909.
For the last #tasteofkb feature, click here.