This unpretentious appearing restaurant, both inside and out, has been located on Washington Boulevard for over twenty years. Osteria del Teatro sits on the corner of Washington and Espanola Way in the former Cameo Theater (now a nightclub) building. From about midnight to four or five a.m. this is probably the busiest intersection on Miami Beach, but the Osteria waits for a quieter time. Open in the evenings and closed on Sundays and holidays, this is an authentic family run Italian experience that is one of the best on Miami Beach, and we could probably claim among the best in South Florida. We've found only one other Italian restaurant that compares locally (La Lupa Di Roma).

The menu is huge, but you'll probably never need it. The daily specials are the way to go and they're written on a chalk board and rattled off by your waiter at first sight. Ask the waiter what he likes and he'll make several recommendations and fill your ears with a delightful tale about why he likes each. The wine selection is extensive, but mostly Italian. Let the waiter pick the perfect accompaniment for your meal.

Let's talk food. You'll find a basket of bread delivered to your table almost immediately and at the same time you'll be offered bottled water. There's no shortage of pasta on this menu, and it's all freshly prepared. Most days you'll find a special that includes linguine and on my last visit that's exactly what I dined on. The sauce was a tomato based seafood extravaganza. Perfectly seasoned, the sauce complimented the seafood without overpowering it. My dining partner had a more traditional dish, spaghetti with red meat sauce. We also tried a couple of salads and the Caesar was our favorite.

The dessert cart found its way to our table and there was no way we could  resist Italian specialties like tiramisu and cannolis. We ordered espresso and spent about another half hour savoring every tasty bite. I tried the tiramisu, but there was no way I was giving away even one bight of my cannoli! 

The entire meal is not only expertly served, but orchestrated by an experienced waiter that keeps everything flowing smoothly and timed impeccably. Glasses never go empty, plates never sit on the table. All of this is accomplished without you ever even thinking the waiter has his eye on you.

Don't expect to get out of here for less than eighty to a hundred bucks a person, so don't bring the kids. With less than fifty seats and a legion of regular diners, most of whom are referred to by name, you're advised to make reservations. This is a serious date place and when you're ready to pop the question, you might consider doing it at the Osteria.

All in all, this is one fantastic, authentic Italian experience.

Osteria Del Teatro

1443 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

(305) 538-7850