Macchialina

The move here is the house-made pasta from James Beard-nominated chef Michael Pirolo, especially the cacio e pepe and the ricotta tortellini in peas and broccoli rabe, plus a legendary $10 pasta night on Thursdays. Honest caveat: it's a small, buzzy room on residential Alton Road, dinner-only, and you'll want a Resy reservation well ahead, especially in season.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What should I order at Macchialina?

Lead with the house-made pasta, which is the whole point of this kitchen. The cacio e pepe and the ricotta tortellini with peas and braised broccoli rabe are perennial favorites, and the ever-changing creamy polenta (often with chicken sausage, pickled cherry peppers and chile oil) is a great starter to share. The menu is intentionally concise so the pasta stays the star.

Is Macchialina in the Michelin Guide?

Yes, it is listed in the MICHELIN Guide for Miami as a recommended restaurant, and chef Michael Pirolo has been a James Beard Award semifinalist. It also earned early acclaim, including Best Restaurant honors from Miami New Times and strong reviews from the Miami Herald in its first year. It is a genuine critical favorite, not just a hype spot.

Is Macchialina good for vegetarians?

Reasonably, yes. Several pastas and vegetable-forward plates lend themselves to meat-free ordering, and the kitchen changes offerings seasonally so there's usually a good vegetarian pasta or two. That said, the menu is short and rooted in traditional Italian cooking, so vegans and strict dietary needs should call ahead to confirm what's available that night.

Is the Thursday $10 pasta night real, and how does it work?

Yes. On Thursdays Macchialina runs a long-standing $10 pasta special that regulars consider one of the best food values in Miami. It applies to select pastas, not the whole menu, and it draws crowds, so reserve on Resy well ahead rather than walking in. Drinks and other courses are priced as usual.

Do I need a reservation?

Strongly recommended. The dining room is small and gets busy, especially Thursday through Saturday and throughout the winter high season. Reservations for parties of one to nine go through Resy, and larger groups use an online inquiry form. Walk-ins are possible on a quiet weeknight or at the bar, but don't count on it.

Where exactly is it and is parking easy?

It sits at 820 Alton Road on South Beach's quieter residential west side, away from the Ocean Drive crush. Street parking on and around Alton can be tight at dinnertime; metered spots and nearby garages are your best bet, and rideshare is often the simpler move. It's a walkable distance from Lincoln Road.

What is Fluke, and is it part of Macchialina?

Fluke is a small martini-and-crudo bar that Pirolo tucked inside the Macchialina space, launched in spring 2025. It focuses on seasonal crudos, ice-cold martinis and small plates, offering a more cocktail-forward experience alongside the main pasta-driven menu. It's a nice option if you want drinks and raw seafood rather than a full pasta dinner.

What's the vibe and dress code?

The mood is unfussy but refined: a rustic taverna feel with a warm, regulars-treated-like-family service style, indoor tables and sidewalk cafe seating. There's no strict dress code, so smart-casual is perfectly fine. It's more neighborhood trattoria than glossy South Beach scene, which is a big part of the charm.

Nearby in Ask Miami

• Stubborn SeedRestaurant1.16 km · 14 min walk
• Joe's Stone CrabRestaurant1.17 km · 15 min walk
• South Beach & Ocean DriveBeach1.23 km · 15 min walk
• Time Out Market MiamiMarket1.52 km · 19 min walk
• Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co.Bar2.42 km · 30 min walk