Tucked away in the luxurious Acqualina Resort & Spa in Sunny Isles Beach is one of Miami’s finest restaurants, Il Mulino New York. Upon arrival, you become instantly aware that you are about to embark on a luxurious experience. You are immediately greeted by an army of resort staff who open every car door simultaneously and provide red carpet-style assistance.
The resort’s parking lot is adorned with a jaw dropping lineup of luxury vehicles that seem to be on display as eye candy for the car lover inside us all. I could go on for days about the resort’s stunning decor and helpful staff, but the focus here is about the experience in the restaurant, and it leaves me with quite enough to rave about on its own.
I have enjoyed Il Mulino’s dinner service as well as the weekly Sunday Jazz Brunch. Both experiences were phenomenal and are on my personal recommendation list!
At dinner, we were greeted at the door and offered an escort to any table of our choosing. Though the interior is stunning with an old world Italian decor partnered with soft music and lighting, my wife and I chose to sit on the patio overlooking the palm trees and ocean. Our waiter was quick to arrive at our table and introduce himself as a team of restaurant staff filled our table with fresh bruschetta and mussels, spicy fried zucchini, a basket of assorted breads and a chunk of fresh parmesan to jump start our appetite.
Dressed in tuxedos, well versed in food and wine and extraordinarily friendly, the staff answers your questions and caters to your every need. With precise anticipation, they appear when you need them and disappear when you want to be left alone to enjoy the moonrise over the ocean with your dinner date. I recommend the Breaded Scampi Oreganata as an appetizer, and the Ravioli ai Porcini in signature champagne truffle sauce as a main course.
The Sunday Jazz Brunch offers choices from a select menu and will not disappoint. I can close my eyes and still taste the sweet and spicy focaccia bread with caramelized onions. It will be a difficult decision, but at brunch you will choose one appetizer, one salad and one main dish. For dessert, no such pressure exists as you are provided an assortment of cakes and sweets for each guest at your table. The tiramisu is perfectly light and the flourless chocolate cake is intensely rich. Ignore your conscience and indulge yourself.
Whether you visit for dinner or brunch, Il Mulino offers a one-of-a-kind Italian menu and pairs it with personal and friendly service that places the restaurant in a rare and elite class of fine dining establishments in South Florida. Treat yourself and a date or a client to a meal at Il Mulino and you will earn a few brownie points, guaranteed.
Il Mulino New York is located in the Acqualina Resort & Spa in Sunny Isles Beach, 17875 Collins Ave. For reservations for brunch or dinner, call 305-466-9191. For more information, visit <www.acqualinaresort.com>.
