|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Giuseppe and Maria Zuozo founded Anacapri Italian Restaurant in 1990 after falling in love with Miami during a vacation.
They arrived on January 7, 1990, with Giuseppe bringing years of restaurant experience from New York and New Jersey. Pinecrest was not yet an incorporated village at the time—it officially became one in 1996.
Seeing an opportunity, they decided Miami could use “a good Italian restaurant,” and Anacapri was born. Over 35 years, Anacapri has grown tenfold.
Giuseppe recalls when Miami had little development. Today, he says, Miami and Pinecrest have become bustling metropolises. He’s also noticed a demographic shift—people now prefer upscale dining over traditional mom-and-pop restaurants. Still, many appreciate the comfort of a homemade meal—what he calls “mama’s food.”
“Comfort food always makes you feel good,” he said.
When the Zuozos arrived, they knew no one and had no clientele. They relied on minimal advertising and some mention in local newspapers, but word of mouth brought most customers.
In 1997, they expanded Anacapri by adding an adjoining Italian market to import authentic products. Later, they introduced a wine bar. Instead of a traditional wine list, a wall is lined with bottles—Barolos and Brunellos from Italy, California Cabernets, and more. Unlike most restaurants, Anacapri sells wines at retail prices without the typical markup.
In addition to its market and regular service, Anacapri also offers catering, hosts private events, and organizes wine dinner events, with upcoming ones in May and June.
Running a family-owned restaurant for decades comes with many challenges and incredibly long hours. While Giuseppe works alongside his family, the demands of the business mean he doesn’t always get to spend as much time with them as he’d like. With Anacapri open nearly every day except Mondays, he’s often away from home.
Success over 35 years doesn’t come without sacrifice. “If you want to be successful for this long, you can’t stop. It takes hard work,” he added.
Giuseppe is the first to arrive and last to leave, typically working from 10 a.m. until midnight. His daily routine includes tasting wines, planning specials, meeting vendors, verifying deliveries, and ensuring smooth operations.
Fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian, he seamlessly communicates with customers, vendors, and staff—another key to the business’s success.
As Anacapri marks its 35th anniversary, Giuseppe is grateful to celebrate with his family, dedicated team, and loyal patrons. Over the years, he has built lasting relationships—many customers he met as children now return with families of their own.
During the interview, a longtime customer stopped by with his daughter after a dentist appointment—to say hello, a testament to Anacapri’s deep community ties.
For Giuseppe, 35 years in business means “you did something good in your life, and you did it right.” His secret? “Keep a smile on your face.”
He is especially thankful for his wife and son, Andre, who currently manages the restaurant. The family’s goal has always been simple: “We try our best to serve the best quality and the best of everything,” Giuseppe said.
Looking ahead, he hopes Anacapri will leave a lasting legacy in Miami’s dining scene—a place where customers feel welcomed, smiles are shared, and good food brings people together.
Anacapri Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar is located at 12669 S. Dixie Hwy. It is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for dinner Tuesday to Thursday from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
For information, call 305-232-8001 or visit www.anacaprimiami.com.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.
