Bar Monte raises the bar on Italian cuisine.
Bar Monte raises the bar on Italian cuisine.
Over the past few years, Miami has transformed from a small industrial suburb nestled beside bold and bustling Burleigh, into its own thriving cultural hub buzzing with culinary gems and creativity. Now, its food scene has hit a new high with the arrival of an exceptional Italian dining spot. It’s called Bar Monte, and it’s already making its mark in Miami.
Bar Monte is the brainchild of hospitality legends Lorenzo Toscani, Kim Stephen and James Sutherland. Kim and James, are the dynamic duo behind popular ventures such as Light Years, The Smoking Camel, Pixie Food & Wine and Moonlight Hibachi & Wine Bar, bringing a wealth of business savvy to the table.
Lorenzo, with over a decade of experience managing top-tier spots like Caffe’ e Cucina in Melbourne and Pixie Italian in Byron Bay, is no stranger to creating memorable dining experiences. Together, they’ve created a space that strikes a perfect balance between high-end sophistication and relaxed coastal charm.
The design of Bar Monte, led by Will Rathgeber of Studio Plenty, mirrors the restaurant’s thoughtful approach to dining. The space is stylish yet inviting, with wine bottles surrounding the dining space, transporting you to a trattoria in Italy, with a modern twist.
Head chef Nicolo’ Meani is the culinary force behind Bar Monte, and his impressive resume speaks for itself. From his early days training at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Monza to his time with the iconic Nobu in Ibiza, Meani’s journey has taken him across the globe. Now, with his focus on Italian cuisine at Bar Monte, he’s blending international influences with fresh, local ingredients, delivering a menu that’s as bold as it is delizioso.
Speaking of the menu, Bar Monte isn’t your average Italian eatery. While many Italian restaurants lean towards expansive menus, Bar Monte keeps things sleek and sophisticated.
Start your culinary journey with a fresh and oozy Burrata complemented with Spicy Nduja And Cashew Pesto, Basil Oil and Grilled Bread. Or indulge your taste buds in a decadent Eclair filled with Chicken Liver Parfait And Cherry.
Pasta lovers will swoon over Rigatoni, Vodka Sauce, Nduja and Stracciatella, while seafood aficionados can dive into Linguine di Mare al Cartoccio brimming with Clams, Mussels, King Prawn and Calamari.
Expertly crafted dishes like Bistecca steak lovingly coated in Porcini Rub, Onion and Marrow Butter will have the whole table giving it a chef’s kiss.
Pair your meal with one of the signature cocktails – perhaps a vodka concoction with salted passionfruit, peach and fresh lemon juice – and you’ve got a match made in culinary heaven. Salute to that!
With the wine list curated by world-renowned sommelier Andrea Martinisi, it’s no surprise that Bar Monte is quickly becoming a go-to for wine lovers. No need to wine about your options here – it’s all vino perfection!
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this is one spot you’ll want to pasta by and stay awhile.
Where: No.3 Mountain View Ave, Miami
When: Wednesday – Thursday 4:30pm–10pm. Friday, Saturday 12pm–10pm, Sunday 12pm–9pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby