A new restaurant is contributing to the landscape in Upper Buena Vista, a new retail sanctuary of fashion, artisans, micro boutiques, and culinary concepts. Vista is the new culinary offering here, located at 5020 NE 2 Ave in the Buena Vista neighborhood of Miami, and the restaurant held a reception to celebrate its debut on Friday, July 27.
LEFT: Interior decor. RIGHT: Open patio. (Photos by Paul Petrella.)
A creative take on seasonal flavors and cocktails, Vista is the offspring and soul mate of downtown Miami’s regional Italian restaurant, Fratelli Milano. Husband and wife team Roberto Bearzi and Fiorella Blanco feature Italian cuisine with references to Miami’s Latin culture fusing elements of both.
LEFT: Covered outside patio. RIGHT: Rooftop terrace.
Vista’s architectural design features an industrial facade paired with a chic and relaxed décor, incorporating elements of tropical plants and bamboo finishes. An indoor dining room, outdoor patio and rooftop terrace allow for a choice of atmospheres.
Under the direction of Chilean-Italian chef Giuliano Leverone, the menu is carefully curated. Leverone, a graduate of the famous Le Cordon Bleu, worked in various Miami restaurants, including Cecconi’s, Barceloneta and Matador Room, as well as New York City’s Mandarin Oriental. The chef driven cuisine at Vista has a focus on fresh, locally sourced seasonal ingredients.Vista offers guests a wide range of options with dishes priced between $9 and $30.
Appetizers include Calamari Fritti with sesame salt, pickles and yuzu foam, and Fisherman Crudo (daily catch) with mango salad, citrus and cilantro oil.
A selection of entrees are Maltagliati Brisket constructed from homemade maltagliati pasta, slow braised brisket, tomato and Parmesan cheese and Poblano Pesto Gnocchi, mint and pistachio, and Snapper a la Plancha with grilled little gem salad, corn, shallots, and avocado.
The private, opening event, hosted an abundant crowd of food enthusiasts. Guests were welcomed with free-flowing prosecco, wine, beer, signature margaritas and rum punch.
Passed appetizers offered a glimpse into the kitchen’s proficiency and creativity. It was a visual potpourri.
LEFT: Cucumber boat with salmon paste, avocado and fennel. RIGHT: Crostini with tuna tartare and micro greens.
LEFT: Shrimp blini. RIGHT: Polenta with brisket and shaved Parmesan.
LEFT: Gnocchi. RIGHT: Crostini with whiskey bacon marmalade and brie.
LEFT: Chef presenting cheese pizza. RIGHT: Skewers with watermelon, cucumber, and feta; skewers with heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella.
Assorted desserts including profiteroles.
Upper Buena Vista is a tranquil Zen-like destination and Vista adds another bright star to this charming concept.
Vista is located at 5020 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33137
Call 786-452-7000
Reservations taken by phone or Open TableHours:
- Lunch: Tuesday - Friday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Dinner: Sunday: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Monday - Saturday: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m
- Brunch: Saturday - Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Happy Hour: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. weekdays
