Dinner and Design: Macchialina Stands Out in Miami’s Food Scene
Macchialina interior during dinner service
McKenzie recently completed a full renovation of the beloved Miami Beach staple, Macchialina, bringing back a culinary gem to Alton Road after months of (somewhat) patient waiting by local and tourist foodies alike. Micheal Pirolo’s Italian fare is rustic, yet sophisticated, combining traditional hand-crafted methods with the finest ingredients. It sounds deceptively simple, but Pirolo has proven the beauty is in the details, a view shared by us here at McKenzie, as he was recognized in 2016 by the James Beard Foundation and regarded as the most-starred chef in Miami.
Michael Pirolo
Macchialina has the food down to a T, and with sommelier (and managing partner) Jacqueline Pirolo, you’re guaranteed to have an evening filled with good food and drinks. Even among Miami’s saturated food and beverage scene, they have managed to set themselves apart.
Jacqueline Pirolo with guests - Macchialina outdoor dining area
We sat down with seasoned Project Manager, Alejandra, to talk about the recent renovation and the design elements that go into the Macchialina experience outside of the kitchen.
What were some of the unique challenges of this project?
The fact that the building was existing and originally built in 1939. We were dealing with a lot of unknown situations. There’s no such thing as a straightforward construction project. It just doesn’t exist. And the older the original building, the more time there has been for unique situations to present themselves. Working with a renovation vs. a new construction, you’re also working with every single builder that came before.
Miami has so many food and beverage offerings… What part does the build-out and design of space play in making a restaurant stand out?
The design is very unique and speaks of their concept. They were always going for a design and style that takes you to Italy, to a family restaurant where every detail is looked into from each dish to the design of the space. Ownership is very detail-oriented, as you can see from their treatment of their food. Having a menu AND a space that reflects that makes them unique.
What makes food and beverage projects different from something like a residence or other commercial spaces?
The kitchens. This is the major point for any owner or chef of a restaurant to make sure they can deliver the experience to their clients that they are expecting. The coordination of all the details to make sure you have a fully functional and effective commercial kitchen. I think many people overlook that fact when looking at a restaurant build. Everyone is so interested in front of house and the elements that create an interesting experience for the diner, but in reality, the heart of it all is usually never seen by a guest.
What was the design inspiration for the interior? There’s a noticeable change from the “before” version of the space…
Ownership was going for a decadent and unique place in Italy. They wanted to make sure their clients were entering into a space that has “been there for a while”. This is also a feeling you get in cities in Italy where spaces are taken care of, reused and are there for many years. Macchialina is such a staple, they wanted to make sure the space felt true to that. It’s a little haven amid everything on South Beach.
McKenzie has a unique approach to projects. All of our them feel truly “special” in a way. How does this translate to Macchialina?
Our collaboration with ownership is what sets us apart and makes our projects special. We had a lot of challenges along the way but tried our best to help them as much as possible. Seeing the space come to life is what's truly fulfilling. Owners aren’t just “another person” to us. They’re extremely passionate about these projects, and we are equally passionate about bringing them to life.
What is your favorite element of the new space?
All the touches that ownership did once the space was complete, the photographs showing their history, their inspiration, their family, and how they have brought their culture into the space. You feel like you are having dinner in the dining room in their home.
Most important question… Favorite thing on the menu?
Easy, the Chef's Tasting Menu! It's a menu designed to taste multiple dishes from appetizers all the way to dessert. I could not pick a favorite, there were all amazing!
Macchialina interior
Trends may come and go in Miami, but truly good food is here to stay. Now that Macchialina is back open and better than ever, be sure to stop by and enjoy the best Italian food Miami has to offer!
“About Macchialina | Italian Restaurant in Miami Beach.” Macchialina.com, 2016, www.macchialina.com/about. Accessed 3 Sept. 2024.
