The iconic Delano Miami Beach closed its doors for six years to undergo a reported $100 million renovation, although some say the final cost was considerably higher. When the legendary hotel finally reopened, it introduced two new restaurants: a private, members-only sushi restaurant and Gigi Rigolatto, an Italian concept that has quickly become one of Miami’s most fashionable dining destinations.
Originally launched in Paris, Gigi Rigolatto became an instant success for its combination of stylish surroundings, lively atmosphere and refined Italian cuisine. The brand later expanded to Saint Tropez, Dubai, Rome and Bodrum, with Miami selected as its first American location.
The restaurant brings the glamour and carefree spirit of the Italian Riviera to South Beach. The soaring ceilings and abundant natural light create an airy atmosphere during the day, while dim lighting transforms the room into a more dramatic and seductive setting at night. A magnificent olive tree serves as the focal point of the dining room, surrounded by woven rattan panels, stone floors and a soothing palette of creams and earthy tones. Curved banquettes upholstered in rusty burnt orange velvet add warmth and color, while tablecloths embroidered with delicate flowers provide a charming finishing touch. There is also a beautiful backlit bar that glows dramatically in the evening.
The overall design is refined yet unfussy, glamorous without feeling overly formal. A large outdoor terrace can nearly double the restaurant’s capacity, although Miami’s summer heat made dining outside far less appealing during our visit.
As the evening progresses, the room becomes increasingly busy and noisy, fueled by upbeat music and the energy of its well dressed guests. This is unquestionably a place to see and be seen.
The menu celebrates classic Italian cuisine prepared with premium ingredients and a contemporary touch. Breadsticks and warm, fluffy focaccia arrived at the table, setting the stage for what followed.
Not every dish was a winner. The yellowtail crudo had an unpleasant fishy taste, but the stuffed zucchini flowers were delicate and enjoyable. The burrata pizza, a wood fired Neapolitan rendition with a blistered crust, was tasty, and the kitchen did an admirable job with the spaghetti alla Nerano. It certainly helps when the chef hails from Nerano, the coastal Italian village where this celebrated zucchini pasta originated.
Fresh fish are displayed on a platter and presented tableside so guests can select their preferred catch. A word of caution: these fish are enormous. Our grilled branzino could easily have fed six people. It would have been helpful for the server to explain its approximate size and how many guests it would serve before we ordered it. When it comes to whole fish sold by weight, it is always better to discuss both the portion and the price rather than leave the decision entirely in the server’s hands.
The extensive menu offers an enticing assortment of pastas, fresh fish, crudo, burrata and antipasti, along with veal Milanese and a selection of aged steaks. The contorni were also quite good and complemented the larger dishes nicely.
I had a few relatively small complaints. Some of the food could have arrived at the table hotter, and serving spoons and forks should have been provided for dishes designed to be shared. These may seem like minor details, but they are personal pet peeves of mine, especially at a restaurant operating at this level.
Desserts continued with the Italian theme, including familiar favorites such as tiramisu, panna cotta and the now almost requisite pistachio soft serve gelato. Unfortunately, the gelato was not the best execution I have tasted. It was icy rather than smooth and lacked the rich creaminess I was expecting.
The bar offers an appealing cocktail program. We enjoyed both the Negroni and Bellini, and the restaurant also has a well curated selection of wines.
Since opening in May 2026, Gigi Rigolatto has already become one of Miami’s most talked about restaurants, attracting locals, celebrities and visitors alike. It is undoubtedly one of the city’s premier destinations for seeing and being seen.
If you are looking for a glamorous restaurant that combines exceptional design, a vibrant social scene and decent Italian cooking, Gigi Rigolatto may be for you. The food was somewhat inconsistent, but the restaurant succeeds in creating a memorable experience. It captures the joie de vivre of the Mediterranean while feeling perfectly at home in Miami.
Happy dining,
Shanea
08/08/2026
