Editor's Rating
Italian cuisine served in the romantic garden of a Mediterranean villa in Miami's South Beach
Surrounded by lush green plants and hanging lanterns in the romantic garden, I nearly forgot I was dining in Miami Beach. In this city known for its beaches and lively nightlife, Casa Tua Restaurant diners sip Italian wine in a quiet oasis.
Stepping out of the taxi we had taken from our luxury hotel just north of Miami Beach in Surfside, I was immediately awed to find this white Mediterranean villa protected by a black iron gate and vibrantly green hedges.
Earlier that day, my dad and I had taken a walking tour of South Beach’s Art Deco architecture, so I was pleasantly surprised to find another hotel with such unique style. The boutique inn’s suites look cozy and beautifully decorated in white furniture and bedding. Based on the high quality of service we experienced at the restaurant, I imagine staying at the Casa Tua Hotel would be the epitome of luxury.
Walking into the restaurant’s lush garden, my family was led to a white-cloth-covered table under a tree with lanterns hanging from its branches.
In this charming alfresco setting, we settled in for a delicious and filling three-course meal to celebrate my 29th birthday.
Casa Tua Restaurant: The Italian Wine
My family loves our bold red wines, so we were pleased to find an extensive wine list. But since we are still learning what we like about Italian wines, we relied upon our knowledgeable waiter for a suggestion.
Our server recommended the 2010 Tenuta di Trinoro Le Cupole, a Bordeaux blend from the Toscana IGT region. This Tuscan red was a big hit with my sister and dad, who tracked down a bottle on his visit to Italy that summer. I found the medium-bodied Le Cupole to be a bit acidic for my taste, but I still enjoyed its unique flavor, which didn’t overpower my seafood-centric meal.
After researching this wine, I found wine critics scored this blend from an eccentric winemaker an average of 90/100 points. If the 2010 vintage is still on the Casa Tua wine list, I would recommend pairing it with your meal.
Casa Tua Restaurant: Seafood And Italian Cuisine
After a round of pre-dinner cocktails and putting in our wine order, we began our multi-course dinner with fresh oysters on the half shell. One of my favorite things to do when visiting Florida is to take advantage of the seafood, and we certainly ordered quite a bit of it during this meal.
The oysters were served garnished and easily slid down with a pleasant kick of spice and flavor. We also shared a creamy truffle ravioli, fresh bread, and a lobster and artichoke salad. All of which was absolutely delicious.
For my entree, I selected the creamy seafood risotto. I was in heaven eating this dish.
For my birthday, our waiter delivered a little surprise to our table. It was a sweet little ending to an incredibly delicious dinner.
Casa Tua Restaruant: Classy Service And Romantic Ambiance
Dining at Casa Tua was such a special experience for celebrating my birthday in Miami Beach. Besides the fine Italian wine and delicious seafood, this meal was a highlight of my vacation because of the charming garden setting. I love alfresco dining, especially when I’m visiting Florida, and Casa Tua’s garden it truly one of a kind. The lush vegetation and hanging lanterns transported me from vibrant South Beach to a quaint village in Italy.
Given the wonderful service and romantic ambiance of the garden, I would recommend Casa Tua for couples celebrating an anniversary or on a honeymoon. The garden was quiet enough to carry on a conversation, which I really enjoyed for quality family time.
I briefly went inside the villa to use the restroom, and the noise level is louder there. Reviewers on TripAdvisor describe dining at the 20-seat communal chef’s table with views into the kitchen as a busy and bustling setting with waiters and staff whizzing by. I’m sure that would be an exciting dining experience, but vastly different from the serenity of Casa Tua’s garden. Keep the two dynamics in mind when you call to make a reservation, and I do recommend calling ahead for dining at Casa Tua.
What To Know Before Dining At Casa Tua Restaurant
Location: 1700 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305-673-1010
Menu: Northern Italian cuisine with heavy seafood focus. Changes seasonally.
Atmosphere: Romantic and quiet garden oasis that is perfect for couples, adult families, and small groups of friends
Price: $$$$
More On Casa Tua: Website | Instagram | Facebook | OpenTable | Yelp
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Where have you had amazing seafood and/or Italian cuisine? Have you dined anywhere so romantic it transported your mind to another destination?
Casa Tua is a very cute restaurant. Loved the dishes all the way around but the truffle ravioli would have been my favorite. I want you to teach me how to properly eat oysters. 😉
Growing up in northwest Miami, I knew that there were pockets of great Italian food but I did not know of any in Miami Beach. Wonderful find. That setting looks relaxing and fun. The food looks amazing.
You got me with the oysters. Miami has such great seafood, and these oysters look particularly good. The same goes for the lobster and artichoke salad. What a wonderful meal!
Glad you had a fantastic birthday meal there! The garden setting is lovely. You’re right, when you’re in Florida, you gotta take advantage of its fresh seafood. The oysters and lobster salad were good choices!
What a great place for your birthday when the food and ambience both ate this good it offers s memory you won’t long forget.