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Oozing energy, creativity, and an unbridled culinary passion for freshly made, hand-crafted Italian cuisine, Chef João “Juca” Oliveira recently celebrated his 30th anniversary as a South Florida restaurateur. It’s been a fascinating journey in both the culinary and business worlds.
In 1994, Oliveira opened Tutto Pasta in the Brickell Roads neighborhood on Miami’s historic Coral Way. Dishes such as pear and Gorgonzola ravioli served in Alfredo sauce or short rib ragu over fresh Pappardelle reflect Oliveira’s passion for Italian cuisine. “Tutto” means “everything” in Italian, signifying a menu offering something for everyone.
Oliveira emphasizes that his dishes avoid the heaviness often found in Americanized Italian food, focusing instead on fresh ingredients and authentic recipes. “Italian food is all about the ingredients, so we let them speak for themselves,” he says. From sauces and dressings to pasta and doughs, everything is freshly made daily in-house. Next door to the restaurant is Oliveira’s pasta factory, run by his sons Luciano and Fabricio, which also supplies fresh pasta to top restaurants across South Florida.
Journey to Culinary Success
Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Oliveira began his career in 1987 in New York City as a dishwasher at Bice Restaurant. He learned the ropes by observing Italian chefs and became fluent in Italian before mastering English. By age 22, he was Bice’s executive chef, responsible for serving 1,000 meals daily.
Later, Oliveira moved to South Florida to open new restaurants for Bice’s corporate team. At 24, he became executive chef of Tre Merli, a trendy South Beach hot spot where he cooked for celebrities like Mickey Rourke, Eddie Murphy, Prince, and Madonna.
When Oliveira envisioned opening his own restaurant in the Brickell area, he faced skepticism. Friends doubted his chosen location near an I-95 overpass. However, Oliveira trusted his vision and recognized the untapped potential of the nearby office buildings and residential areas.
Two months after Tutto Pasta’s opening, a Miami Herald review declared it the best Italian food in Miami-Dade. “The next morning, there was a line to get into the restaurant,” Oliveira recalls.
The Secret Sauce
For Oliveira, success stems from a combination of culinary focus, business acumen, and community connection. Tutto Pasta is known as a warm, family-friendly trattoria. “There’s nothing I enjoy more than seeing familiar faces and preparing diners’ favorite dishes,” says Oliveira.
The restaurant actively participates in local events and fundraisers, strengthening its ties to the Brickell community. Over the years, it has become a cherished gathering spot for families, many of whom have dined there for decades. At the restaurant’s 30th-anniversary celebration in November 2024, loyal patrons who first visited as children returned with their own families. For the occasion, Tutto Pasta offered its 1994 menu at 1994 prices, adding a nostalgic touch to the festivities.
Expanding the Brand
Tutto Pasta’s success inspired Oliveira to expand. In 1998, he opened Tutto Pizza next door, specializing in wood-fired pizzas with a smoky flavor and crispy crust. Beyond pizza, the menu includes carpaccio, paninis, homemade soups, salads, and desserts. Daily specials often feature Latin American influences.
In 2013, Oliveira launched Tutto Pizza & Pasta in Key Biscayne’s Galleria Mall, blending the best of both concepts. This third restaurant pays homage to Oliveira’s Italian roots—a heritage that drives his passion for creating authentic dishes.
A Recipe for Longevity
Staying in business for three decades is no small feat in an industry where most restaurants fail within their first five years. Oliveira credits his team, some of whom have worked with him for over 20 years, for Tutto’s enduring success. Many loyal diners return multiple times a week, drawn by the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere and consistently excellent food.
“After 35 years in the restaurant business, I still enjoy every single day,” says Oliveira. Despite the rise of chain restaurants, he hopes diners continue to value small, family-owned establishments. Walking through the neighborhood, Oliveira is often recognized and warmly greeted by patrons, a testament to the community relationships he’s built over the years.
Contact Information
TUTTO PASTA
1751 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33129
(305) 857-0709
Menu: tuttopasta.com
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 AM–10:30 PM; Friday–Saturday 11 AM–11 PM; Closed Sunday
TUTTO PIZZA
1763 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33129
(305) 858-0909
Menu: tuttopizza.com
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 11:30 AM–11 PM; Sunday 12 PM–10:30 PM; Closed Monday
TUTTO PIZZA & PASTA
328 Crandon Blvd #111, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-2224
Menu: tuttopizzapasta.com
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 11:30 AM–11 PM; Sunday 11:30 AM–10:30 PM; Closed Monday
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