The traditionally somber Italian restaurant at the luxurious Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach has unveiled a new look for its 20th anniversary.
And it’s safe to say that dinner has brightened up.
Il Mulino New York, which opened at Acqualina in 2006, has undergone a startling renovation, trading dark wood and dark chairs for bold orange velvet quilted banquettes and a lighter, brighter feel.
The design reinforces what the brand calls a “coastal sensibility” — which makes sense, as Acqualina is located on the beach — and leaning into sand-colored walls with green accents. There are also colorful murals that celebrate Italian culture.
The new bar at Il Mulino New York in Sunny Isles Beach.
(Il Mulino New York)
Outside, the signature red chairs have vanished, making way for an outdoor, beachy vibe. (Don’t worry — the famous red beach umbrellas remain.)
Brian Galligan, president of Il Mulino New York, said the new design is a sign of the brand’s evolution. The first Il Mulino was opened in 1981 in Greenwich Village by brothers Fernando and Gino Masci, and there are also locations in Boca Raton and Orlando, among other spots.
“As we celebrate two decades at Acqualina, this renovation reflects where Il Mulino is today — and where we’re headed next,” he said. “From the redesigned space to the evolution of our menu, every detail was thoughtfully considered to enhance the guest experience while remaining true to the heritage that defines Il Mulino.”
The new outdoor patio at the renovated Il Mulino New York in Sunny Isles Beach.
(Il Mulino New York)
The menu has also been changed to highlight seasonal offerings that will change quarterly as well as some of the classic dishes that kept Il Mulino New York as one of the top Italian restaurants in the Zagat Guide.
At the moment, the seasonal menu highlights crudos like tuna tartare with apple, celery puree and black truffle; red shrimp with mango and citron dressing; tuna and salmon with avocado mousse and lemon vinaigrette. There’s also filet mignon carpaccio with Parmigiano gelato and mustard sauce.
The new look of Il Mulino New York in Sunny Isles Beach.
(Il Mulino New York)
For entrees, you’ll find Chilean sea bass; filet of Dover sole Francese; duck with wild berry sauce and farro; lobster bisque and Paccheri allo Scoglio (pasta with mixed seafood).
But the Il Mulino classics remain, too: capellini with mushrooms, guanciale, peas, vodka cream and black truffle; linguine alla vongole; mushroom ravioli with champagne truggle cream. There’s also ossobuco, a half rack of lamb and traditional English Dover sole, which is served tableside.
The former look of Il Mulino New York restaurant at Acqualina Resort & Residences.
(Troy Campbell Photography)Il Mulino New York
Where: Acqualina Resort & Residences, 17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach
Reservations: OpenTable
More information: www.imny.com or 305-466-9191
Dining and Cooking