Il Gabbiano

Stashed on the ground floor of One Miami lurks one of the city’s most iconic Italian restaurants. This is the kind of place that spoils you with bites of fried zucchini, aged Parm, bread baskets, and more before you even gander at the menu. Listen carefully to the specials of the day—a list often longer than the actual menu itself—because that’s where you’ll find your best options. Between the old-school career servers, the extensive wine list, and the views of Biscayne Bay, this is a surefire hit.

This might be the best damn restaurant experience you can have in Miami without ever ordering a thing. Not that the folks who run this high-end Downtown eatery would condone that, but combine the front-row seat to Biscayne Bay and the Miami River with a selection of fresh cheeses, charcuterie, and focaccia served gratis before you even look at the menu, and you're already looking at a better time than a lot of places around town could even hope to offer. But don't quit while you're ahead—the Filetto Farcito (AKA choice filet with foie gras) and Risotto ai Frutti di Mare will make you forget all about that refill of focaccia you asked for.
How to book: Call 305-373-0063 to reserve or order take-out via Wine N Dine.