This beloved Italian restaurant on Miami Beach is closed. Here’s what’s replacing it

Connie Ogle

At last, Scarpetta at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach has a successor — and it’s another Italian restaurant.

The Italian spot Mirabella from Chef Michael White, whose restaurant Ai Fiori earned a Michelin star in New York, is taking over the Scarpetta space at the luxury hotel. Scarpetta, from Chef and Food Network star Scott Conant, which closed quietly April 17, 2023.

Mirabella, which is located in the base of the Fontainebleau’s Sorrento Tower and opens Oct. 24, will focus on coastal Italian specialties and traditional cuisine. It will join fine dining spots Hakkasan, which serves modern Cantonese fare, and the steakhouse Prime 54.

White, the former head chef and owner of the Altamarea Group, said in a statement said he hopes to transport diners to the coast of Italy at the new addition. The Altamarea Group also owned the Miami Beach location of Osteria Morini, which closed after two and a half years in July.

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The rear terrace of Mirabella on Miami Beach features ocean views.
The rear terrace of Mirabella on Miami Beach features ocean views.

“Mirabella is both a celebration of Italian cuisine and a reflection of my own culinary journey, which began 25 years ago during a transformative period for Italian cooking in the United States,” White said.

Under the eye of executive chef Paul Keyser, Mirabella will serve big, family-style portions, including bone-in veal parmigiana, risotto di mare and grilled octopus. There’s an upscale cocktail program that features a gin experience and Spritzes galore.

The restaurant’s design from David Collins Studio highlights dramatic floor-to-ceiling columns, embossed leather upholstery, brass and red and blue lacquer. There’s also a rear terrace with oceanfront views.

A rendering of the bar at Mirabella Italian restaurant at the Fontainebleau.
A rendering of the bar at Mirabella Italian restaurant at the Fontainebleau.

Bryan O’Shields, executive vice president of food and beverage for Fontainebleau Development, said that he has worked with White in the past and expects “an unwavering commitment to quality.”

“Michael has an old-school approach to being a chef and restaurateur,” he said. “He likes to visit with tables and focus on his craft. It is not about fame or notoriety for him, even though he has certainly earned both.”

Rendering shows the entrance to Mirabella at the Fontainebleau.
Rendering shows the entrance to Mirabella at the Fontainebleau.

Mirabella

Where: Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach

Opening: Oct. 24

Hours: 6-10 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday; 6-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed Monday

Reservations and more information: fontainebleau.com or 877-512-8002

A hidden nook at the Italian restaurant Mirabella at the Fontainebleau.
A hidden nook at the Italian restaurant Mirabella at the Fontainebleau.

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