Luca the draw

Luca Osteria (Coral Gables)

RESTAURANTS • FOUND Table 

There are only a few dishes I’d describe as life-changing, among which is the brown butter gnocchi at Luca Osteria in Coral Gables. Although I’m a regular at the restaurant, I hadn’t tried it until recently, when our server made the recommendation (it’s only available on Fridays and Saturdays). One bite, and I remembered why I’m here so often: the ricotta gnocchi is smothered in cream and topped with caramelized brown butter. It was like tasting pasta for the first time. 

Situated on pedestrian-friendly Giralda Avenue, Luca’s aesthetic is minimalistic and clean, with dark wood floors, chairs and tables offset by white lacquered walls, exposed wood beam ceilings, and soft pendant lighting. The dining room is usually full and buzzing, with chef Giorgio Rapicavoli holding court amongst diners. 

Elsewhere on the menu, the patate fritte — a crispy little potato ball covered in parmigiano fonduta and egg yolk, topped with black truffle — is the most decadent and indulgent morsel I’ve eaten all year. The local stracciatella, served with filone bread from Sullivan Street Bakery, olive oil, and black truffle honey is a perfect symphony of flavors and textures.

There’s more pasta to recommend, too. The al limone with mafaldine is prepared with parmigiano reggiano and a whole lemon — light, fresh, and a welcome contrast to some of the menu’s richer offerings. As for secondi, the lamb shank, served over a butternut squash puree and topped with pumpkin seeds, is worth the 45-minute prep time.

The cocktail program is flush with spritzes and Negronis, and the bar team will gladly recommend an off menu concoction.The Negroni Chiaro, made with Cinzano 1757 and Italicus Bergamot, is my go-to. It’s a great aperitif to tee up a meal of indulgent, even life-changing dishes. –Katelin Stecz

→ Luca Osteria (Coral Gables) • 116 Giralda Ave • Tues-Thurs & Sun 530-10p, Fri-Sat 530-11p • Reserve.