No Plane, No Problem

DINING

No Plane,
NO PROBLEM

By Terry Zarikian

THESE MIAMI RESTAURANTS WHISK YOU AWAY TO ITALY, TURKEY, FRANCE AND BEYOND— NO PASSPORT REQUIRED.

A TASTE OF ITALY—With a Secret

3190, a hidden Italian speakeasy tucked inside Lokal in Coconut Grove, is the latest venture from 84 Magic Hospitality—the team behind Cotoletta and San Lorenzo. This charming, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot serves just one main dish: lasagna. And not just any lasagna—the signature “Si Papa” version is a rich, creamy Bolognese inspired by Chef Giulio Rossi’s daughter, who grew up at his side in the kitchen. Each time he asked if she wanted more, she would chirp, “Si Papa!”

The cozy, no-frills interior seats just 24 guests and evokes a rustic Italian countryside village. With no reservations, no menu, and no delivery options, diners happily wait in line. Red and white wines from small Italian vineyards round out the experience, and a vegetarian pesto lasagna is already developing a loyal following. Both versions are priced at $15, with wines by the glass ranging from $9 to $21 and Birra (beer) at $9. Don’t skip the made-from-scratch tiramisu—creamy, fluffy, and a very shareable $9 indulgence.

@sipapa.3190

THE AEGEAN Comes to Midtown

Brand-new AMAVI, located at The Shops at Midtown Miami, transports diners to the sun-soaked coasts of Greece and North Africa with its lush greenery, rustic elegance, and a dramatic 33-foot natural brown stone bar. Executive Chef Tolga Mutlu brings a Levantine sensibility to the menu, crafting dishes that celebrate the romance of the region.

Start with standout mezze like hummus topped with caramelized onions and pine nuts, tzatziki brightened with mint and walnuts, whipped roasted eggplant, and a tangy artichoke tapenade. Warm dishes shine as well—try the lamb-stuffed cabbage dolma, char-grilled octopus with citrus fennel salad, or a variety of skewers like kofta with tzatziki and garlic shrimp. One of the most Instagrammable finales? The Dubai Cheesecake, made with roasted pistachio kunefe crunch resting in a pool of chocolate coulis.

@amavimiami

WHERE FRANCE Meets Brickell

Formerly known as La Petite Maison, LPM in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood channels the effortless glamour of the South of France. Whether you’re a longtime regular or a first-timer, the welcome is warm, and the cocktails—like the house-favorite Tomatini or the French Paloma with mezcal and brioche—are essential preludes.

The $39 business lunch includes a salad, choice of starter (hello, oysters and crispy squid), and mains like mussels in chili-tomato broth or duck confit with orange. But to truly savor the experience, build your own tasting from the à la carte menu: Escargots de Bourgogne, tuna carpaccio with hazelnuts, warm prawns in olive oil, grilled Chilean bass with lemon confit, and filet mignon with harissa. Save room for dessert: tarte fine aux pommes, pain perdue with spiced ice cream, and a decadent warm chocolate mousse with malt ice cream.

@lpmrestaurants_us

TURKISH SOUL, Michelin Spirit

DOYA has fast become a local treasure and Michelin Guide darling thanks to Executive Chef Erhan Kostepen, who previously co-founded Mandolin Aegean Bistro. At Doya, he digs deep into his Turkish roots, presenting dishes shaped by generations of family tradition.

The interiors are simple yet refined, with seating options that include a lush patio or a perch at the open kitchen. One night, I spotted Shakira dining there; I’m told the Estefans are regulars, too. Cold meze highlights include roasted eggplant with peppers and lemon, whipped taramasalata, and a glazed eggplant dish reminiscent of the one my father used to make. (Legend has it the imam fainted from pleasure upon tasting the original.) Don’t miss the warm octopus tentacle, roasted cauliflower with tahini and pomegranate, or the unforgettable short rib baklava layered with pistachios and kasseri cheese. A cheesy truffle pide seals the deal.

@doyarestaurant

A BELOVED BRAND, Reborn

Chef Michelle Bernstein and partner David Martinez have resurrected Sra. Martinez in a chic new Coral Gables location—and it’s better than ever. (Bonus: Wednesdays feature Fried Chicken, Champagne, and Hip-Hop.)

Among the standouts: Carbonara croquetas with cured egg yolk centers; chicken liver pâté with sweet beignets and frisée; and a whipped feta salad Michy cheekily calls “Greek-ish,” dressed with tomatoes, cucumbers, pita, and pomegranate molasses. The arroz negro with cuttlefish ink, garlic mojo, and aioli is as bold as it is beautiful.

Main dishes like oxtail paella with bone marrow and seafood fideuà with saffron and prawns round out the savory side. Cap things off with the quintessential Spanish dessert: torrejas bread pudding with dark chocolate and rum-soaked raisins.

@sramartinezmiami

DINING