Coconut Grove, Miami – A significant new player has entered Miami’s dynamic culinary landscape with the much-anticipated opening of Da Angelino Cucina Italiana. This ambitious venture marks a historic collaboration between two of South Florida’s most respected hospitality groups: Graspa Group, known for its decades of expertise in authentic Italian dining, and Ariete Hospitality Group, celebrated for its innovative and critically acclaimed concepts, including the Michelin-starred Ariete.
Located at 3015 Grand Avenue, the new restaurant occupies the former space of Ariete Hospitality’s Mediterranean concept, Eva. Da Angelino Cucina Italiana promises to deliver a refined yet approachable Italian dining experience, blending timeless family traditions with contemporary culinary artistry. The opening signifies a major milestone for both entities – it is Graspa Group’s long-awaited debut in the vibrant Coconut Grove neighborhood and Ariete Hospitality’s inaugural foray into Italian cuisine.
A Fusion of Expertise: The Ariete and Graspa Partnership
The convergence of Graspa Group and Ariete Hospitality Group is a partnership forged from a shared passion for Italian culture and a deep understanding of Miami’s evolving palate. Graspa Group brings a wealth of experience, having operated beloved Italian establishments such as Osteria and Salumeria 104, cementing their reputation for delivering genuine Italian flavors and warm hospitality. On the other hand, Ariete Hospitality Group, led by CEO Andrew Falsetto and celebrated Chef Michael Beltran, is renowned for its creative, quality-driven approach, earning accolades including Michelin stars.
Andrew Falsetto, whose own Italian heritage and childhood memories of dining at Graspa Group restaurants influenced the project, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “We’ve dreamed of opening an Italian restaurant in the Grove for years,” Falsetto stated. “But we knew we had to do it with the right partners. Graspa Group brings decades of award-winning flavor, service, and soul.” This synergy between Graspa’s established legacy and Ariete’s modern culinary vision is central to Da Angelino’s identity, aiming to create a dining destination that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly new.
Culinary Soul with an Approachable Touch
At the heart of Da Angelino Cucina Italiana is a culinary philosophy guided by Chef Michael Beltran, whose innovative spirit has consistently pushed Miami’s gastronomic boundaries. The restaurant’s vision is to offer a dining experience that is “elegant but never stiff,” evoking the feeling of authentic Italian family gatherings where guests are welcomed and cherished. This sentiment is embodied by Florence-born hospitality veteran Angelin Kometa, the restaurant’s namesake and guiding force in the front of house, who will infuse the dining room with magnetic energy and signature warmth.
“It’s not fine dining in the traditional sense,” Kometa explained. “It’s how we grew up eating in Italy – elegant but never stiff, where guests are welcomed like family.” This ethos translates into a menu that is a “love letter to Italy’s many regions,” promising a flavorful journey from the north to the south of the country. The approach aims to be more accessible than a Michelin-starred establishment, focusing on soulful cuisine that encourages guests to linger and savor the moment.
A Menu Rooted in Tradition and Innovation
The culinary offerings at Da Angelino Cucina Italiana are designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of Italian cooking. House-made pastas form the cornerstone of the menu, featuring standout dishes such as the Cacio e Pepe alla Ruota, prepared tableside in a cheese wheel, Rigatoni al Ragù di Agnello, and the comforting Gnocchi alla Vodka. Linguine ai Frutti di Mare, packed with fresh seafood, also promises to be a highlight.
Beyond pasta, the menu extends to a robust selection of Antipasti and Crudo, including Tuna Tartare, Polpo alla Griglia, and Frittura Mista, perfect for starting the dining experience. Entrees showcase a commitment to quality ingredients and traditional preparations, with options like Brasato al Barolo (slow-cooked beef in red wine), Branzino, and the signature Veal Milanese. The restaurant also offers a thoughtfully curated cocktail program that blends classic handcrafted drinks with house signatures, designed to complement the modern Italian fare and elevate the overall dining experience.
An Ambiance of Warm Sophistication
Da Angelino Cucina Italiana is housed in a 4,441-square-foot space designed to exude warmth and understated elegance. The interiors feature a palette of inviting terra-cotta and soft sage tones, complemented by crisp white linen tablecloths, creating an atmosphere that is both refined and inviting. The restaurant offers seating for 150 diners, accommodating guests in its stylish indoor dining room and a charming garden-style patio, perfect for alfresco dining. Personal touches, such as a vintage Polaroid photo station, further enhance the restaurant’s family-first feel, adding a playful, nostalgic element to the contemporary setting.
Contributing to Coconut Grove’s Culinary Scene
The arrival of Da Angelino Cucina Italiana is poised to make a significant impact on the Coconut Grove dining scene, a neighborhood known for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic culinary offerings. By offering a unique blend of authentic Italian roots and contemporary flair, the restaurant aims to become a go-to spot for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable meal. The venture is also set to bring approximately 30 new jobs to the area, reinforcing its commitment to the local community.
As Miami continues to solidify its position as a global culinary capital, Da Angelino Cucina Italiana stands ready to contribute to this narrative. With the backing of two powerhouse hospitality groups and a clear vision for soulful, approachable Italian dining, the restaurant is set to become a cherished new destination, offering a taste of Italy infused with the distinctive energy of Miami. The restaurant is now open, serving dinner Monday through Thursday from 4 PM to 10 PM, Fridays from 4 PM to 11 PM, Saturdays from noon to 11 PM, and Sundays from noon to 10 PM.
