Startle

It’s always nice to know a few things about a restaurant before visiting, and we have all the good-to-know facts about Il Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort & Spa right here.

1. The Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star restaurant is an outpost of the popular Il Mulino in New York’s Greenwich Village. The original has been around since 1981 and has now expanded to 12 locations in numerous cities including Houston, Orlando, Chicago and Tokyo. All along the restaurant has stayed true to Abruzzo’s (one of Italy’s most fertile regions) heritage of farm-fresh meat, fish and vegetables. And garlic, lots of garlic.

2. The menu is classic Italian. It’s heavy on homemade pastas and tender meat dishes and there is a constant supply of bread, plus you’re given a big chunk of Parmigiano, fried zucchini sticks, salami and bruschetta to start. Mangia, mangia!

3. Despite its location at Acqualina Resort & Spa and its oceanfront terrace, the interior design of Il Mulino is dark and masculine. It’s definitely more Old World than iridescent Miami. With the tapestry wall hangings and dark woods, it’s one of Miami’s more elegant spots.

4. This is a fine Italian restaurant, and the Italians like all Europeans, just don’t rush. Set aside a pretty big chunk of time for your meal at Il Mulino New York. It’s a production, as is just about every meal in Italy, so be sure you are ready to eat for at least a couple of hours. It’s a meal you will want to savor.

5. Acqualina and Il Mulino recently partnered up to open Piazzetta Marketplace and Restaurant. The more casual restaurant offers lighter fare including pizza, paninis and salads, along with a range of Il Mulino products such as olive oils and marinara sauces, so you’ll be able to take these decadent treats home with you.

Of course no one likes to wait for a table, but trust us, dinner at Il Mulino New York is worth waiting for. Though there are not many places to sit while you wait except for a bar area. Just one drawback: It’s small. With room for maybe four people tops, the bar isn’t an ideal place to wait if you have brought your 15 closest friends for a delicious Italian meal at Il Mulino. During our most recent visit, we were escorted right to our table — we guess the host could tell we were a little hungry. If you have come to Il Mulino with a large group, we suggest venturing into the lobby of Acqualina, where you’ll find Aaria Bar and Lounge located right next to the Italian restaurant. Saddle up to the bar and order a cocktail to satiate your hunger while you wait.

With a large-format menu of Italian classics, the Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star Il Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort & Spa boasts more than a handful of must-haves. A few of our favorites:

1. The osso buco. The veal shank is roasted in red wine and porcini mushroom sauce. It’s lean and tender and served with saffron risotto. Though the traditional recipe for osso buco calls for white wine, we love the modern take on this classic dish. And trust us, it’s worth $58; it’s one for the books.
 
2. Branzino. The salt-baked Italian sea bass is served to your table whole, with a side of peas and prosciutto. The fresh, flavorful, tender fish has made European menus since the days of ancient Rome. With an order of homemade pasta, we find this is the perfect size to share.

3. Cannelloni. This homemade cylindrical pasta is filled with tender veal, flavorful beef and fresh spinach. It’s baked and topped with béchamel and tomato sauce. Once it’s brought to your table, it won’t stick around long.

4. Vongole oreganata. Seafood lovers will devour these baked clams on the half shell with breadcrumbs, lemon, garlic and white wine. The wine and fresh lemon give the dish a light and bright taste.

5. Torta di formaggio di casa. Finish on a sweet note with the Italian cheesecake. Made with mascarpone cheese and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, this classic homemade Italian cheesecake is the perfect conclusion to the fine Italian meal. 

The interior design of Il Mulino New York, a Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star restaurant inside Acqualina Resort & Spa, transports you out of Miami and if not all the way into Italy, at least to the proverbial New York City Italian haunt. The design is quite the opposite of the bright and beachy (but still sophisticated) Acqualina Resort & Spa overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Reminiscent of the original Il Mulino in Greenwich Village, the design is traditional with dim lighting, orangey-red carpets, tapestry wall hangings and cast iron railings. There’s the requisite dark woodwork, dim lighting from wall sconces and a single rose on each white tablecloth table. To remind yourself you are still in Miami, ask for a seat on the terrace, where you’ll have a view of Acqualina’s pool and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the perfect spot to sip on housemade grappas and limoncello while enjoying the ocean breeze. You won’t find that in Greenwich Village. 

The formal service at Il Mulino New York makes it the perfect venue for a romantic date; however, if you are on a first date or even a blind date, this might actually be a downfall. We don’t recommend taking a new date here for the fear that you and/or your date may be uncomfortable with the formality; not to mention a meal at Il Mulino can last a solid two hours, which isn’t the best for a first date, especially if you don’t hit it off. If you are looking for somewhere to celebrate your longtime love’s birthday or anniversary, then we highly suggest Il Mulino New York. The romantic Old World-style dining room makes it perfect for a special occasion with that special someone — you don’t want to waste a visit to Il Mulino on just anyone, do you?

No Italian meal is complete without an after-dinner espresso, which is exactly why you’ll find plenty of coffee and tea offerings at Il Mulino New York. If you aren’t into espresso, you can complete your meal with a perfectly concocted cappuccino. One of our favorites is the macchiato; for non-Starbucks fanatics, that’s a coffee drink made with espresso and just a spot of milk. You can also enjoy a nice coffee liqueur from the dessert menu such as the Il Mulino Caffè with amaretto, Grand Marnier, espresso and cream. If you aren’t a coffee drinker, you can also select one of the Tazo teas to finish off your Italian dining experience at Il Mulino.

Nothing says romance like an enchanted evening at a fine Italian restaurant such as Il Mulino New York at Forbes Travel Guide’s Four-Star Acqualina Resort & Spa If your idea of romance involves Old World Italian style décor and Frank Sinatra crooning in the background as you sip chianti and dig into hearty pastas or tender veal followed by a creamy tiramisu or Italian cheesecake, then yes, Il Mulino is certainly a romantic restaurant. The rich food and polished service is a classic recipe for romance. The only thing that might break the spell is if there are large groups dining near you, as the restaurant can get a little boisterous. Block out any revelers by requesting one of the tables along the windows that look out over the Mediterranean-style terrace, or even better, ask to sit on the terrace itself if the weather is nice. 

Feel free to bring the kids along to dinner at Il Mulino New York, because the restaurant doesn’t have an age limit, and it also features a separate kids’ menu with some classic Italian favorites. The kids’ menu is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, with yummy pasta dishes such as spaghetti, penne bolognese and fettuccini alfredo. What if your youngster isn’t in the mood for pasta? Not a problem. The menu also includes pizza margarita, and chicken tenders with fries. As your kids gobble up their meals, you’ll be able to enjoy your own (as well as a much-deserved glass of wine) knowing that everyone’s happy. How can you beat that?

The desserts at Il Mulino run the gamut of the traditional Italian sweets you know and love. We enjoyed the lightness of the Torta di Formaggio, the Italian cheesecake with whipped cream, zabaglione and seasonal berries after the heaviness of our meal. But if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be pleased to know that Il Mulino serves Tiramisu, Pera al Vino, and an assortment of biscottis, sorbets and gelatos among other desserts.

The signature desserts at Il Mulino New York, a Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star restaurant located inside Miami’s Acqualina Resort & Spa, include the traditional Italian sweets everyone knows and loves. There’s the Italian cheesecake, which is made with mascarpone and has hints of almond undertones, as well as a rich tiramisu. Perhaps the most impressive, or at the least the most involved, is the Aranci con Grand Marnier a Tavola: oranges marinated in Grand Marnier prepared tableside with zabaglione, an Italian custard, and berries. Another signature is the flourless chocolate cake. 

Vegetarian dishes on the Il Mulino New York menu include the caprese and other salads, lots of different pastas, including cappellini arrabbiata, or pasta in a spicy tomato sauce, and penne rigate, a simple pasta dish topped with the original Il Mulino marinara sauce and ricotta. The porcini risotto is another great choice; the rich and creamy texture of the risotto mixes perfectly with the bite of the porcini mushrooms. Most of the side dishes are also vegetarian, including the delicious fried zucchini, broccoli rabe, sautéed spinach and garlic, rosemary potatoes and steamed asparagus. Grilled mixed vegetables are also available. Vegan diners are restricted to the salad and vegetables. You can also ask the chefs to hold the cheese in some pasta dishes, but you’ll have to be careful to inquire about ingredients used in their preparation based on your dietary needs.

Chef Michele Mazza of Il Mulino New York, the Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star restaurant inside the luxe Acqualina Resort & Spa is on the same page as the restaurant’s founders when it comes to food philosophy. Brothers Fernando and Gino Masci created Il Mulino with the idea that they wanted diners to be transported into an atmosphere much like that of their hometown, Abruzzo, Italy on the Adriatic Coast, one of Italy’s most fertile regions. Twelve restaurants later, it’s clear they tapped into something. Chef Mazza shares the founders’ philosophy of using the best ingredients and beautifully preparing dishes for people to enjoy. It’s a simple recipe that’s worked for decades.

The table arrangements at Il Mulino New York are comfortable enough for a meal that is sure to take close to two hours. Whether you are sitting at a romantic two-top or a larger table with a group of old friends, you’ll be totally content while you chow down on some housemade fettuccine. There’s just one downside: When the plates start to arrive, things can get a little cramped. The complimentary fried zucchini, breadbasket and bruschetta can make that romantic table of two into a crowded cornucopia of Italian goodies; not to mention the large-format, heavy menus claim quite a bit of real estate on the table as well. As far as the table situation throughout the dining room, there is plenty of space between tables, allowing for the outstanding waitstaff to serve your meal sans obstacles.

Situated in the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Acqualina Resort & Spa, Il Mulino New York is literally steps from the Atlantic Ocean, although you might feel like you are on the Adriatic Sea once you step in the Old World-style dining room. You can see the views from one of the tables by the windows or from the Mediterranean-style terrace, where you can eat if the weather is nice and the humidity is low. You’ll gaze out onto Acqualina’s pool area and, even better, the palm tree-lined, private beach. 

With a large-format menu of Italian classics, the Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star Il Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort & Spa boasts more than a handful of must-haves. A few of our favorites:

1. The osso buco. The veal shank is roasted in red wine and porcini mushroom sauce. It’s lean and tender and served with saffron risotto. Though the traditional recipe for osso buco calls for white wine, we love the modern take on this classic dish. And trust us, it’s worth $58; it’s one for the books.
 
2. Branzino. The salt-baked Italian sea bass is served to your table whole, with a side of peas and prosciutto. The fresh, flavorful, tender fish has made European menus since the days of ancient Rome. With an order of homemade pasta, we find this is the perfect size to share.

3. Cannelloni. This homemade cylindrical pasta is filled with tender veal, flavorful beef and fresh spinach. It’s baked and topped with béchamel and tomato sauce. Once it’s brought to your table, it won’t stick around long.

4. Vongole oreganata. Seafood lovers will devour these baked clams on the half shell with breadcrumbs, lemon, garlic and white wine. The wine and fresh lemon give the dish a light and bright taste.

5. Torta di formaggio di casa. Finish on a sweet note with the Italian cheesecake. Made with mascarpone cheese and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, this classic homemade Italian cheesecake is the perfect conclusion to the fine Italian meal. 

Michele Mazza, the Italian chef of Il Mulino New York, the Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star restaurant at Miami’s Acqualina Resort & Spa, is a native of Southern Italy. He grew up in Torre del Greco, a small town outside of Naples. Of course, we all know pizza was invented in good old Napoli, so it’s only natural that Mazza became a magnificent chef. Beginning his culinary journey at the Italian Culinary Institute in Rapallo, Genoa, Mazza became an apprentice at the Hotel Bristol there. After succeeding in culinary school, Mazza began his career on a Mediterranean cruise line before moving to the United States in 1980. He ran his own restaurants, Giovanella and Clasico Ristorante, before joining Il Mulino New York in 2003 — and the rest is history.

It’s always nice to know a few things about a restaurant before visiting, and we have all the good-to-know facts about Il Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort & Spa right here.

1. The Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star restaurant is an outpost of the popular Il Mulino in New York’s Greenwich Village. The original has been around since 1981 and has now expanded to 12 locations in numerous cities including Houston, Orlando, Chicago and Tokyo. All along the restaurant has stayed true to Abruzzo’s (one of Italy’s most fertile regions) heritage of farm-fresh meat, fish and vegetables. And garlic, lots of garlic.

2. The menu is classic Italian. It’s heavy on homemade pastas and tender meat dishes and there is a constant supply of bread, plus you’re given a big chunk of Parmigiano, fried zucchini sticks, salami and bruschetta to start. Mangia, mangia!

3. Despite its location at Acqualina Resort & Spa and its oceanfront terrace, the interior design of Il Mulino is dark and masculine. It’s definitely more Old World than iridescent Miami. With the tapestry wall hangings and dark woods, it’s one of Miami’s more elegant spots.

4. This is a fine Italian restaurant, and the Italians like all Europeans, just don’t rush. Set aside a pretty big chunk of time for your meal at Il Mulino New York. It’s a production, as is just about every meal in Italy, so be sure you are ready to eat for at least a couple of hours. It’s a meal you will want to savor.

5. Acqualina and Il Mulino recently partnered up to open Piazzetta Marketplace and Restaurant. The more casual restaurant offers lighter fare including pizza, paninis and salads, along with a range of Il Mulino products such as olive oils and marinara sauces, so you’ll be able to take these decadent treats home with you.

A good table is the perfect way to complement a great meal, and Il Mulino New York offers you a few great spots to dine. The best tables at the restaurant are those along the windows that look out over the Mediterranean-style terrace. Or, if the weather is favorable — and you have pretty good odds since it’s Miami — the tables on the terrace offer great views during the day. By the time the sun sets and night takes over, these tables create a romantic ambience for your meal. When asked, the restaurant staff considers the beachfront dining the best seats in the house, and a great setting for a date, anniversary or birthday, we might add.

The interior design of Il Mulino New York, a Forbes Travel Guide Three-Star restaurant inside Acqualina Resort & Spa, transports you out of Miami and if not all the way into Italy, at least to the proverbial New York City Italian haunt. The design is quite the opposite of the bright and beachy (but still sophisticated) Acqualina Resort & Spa overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Reminiscent of the original Il Mulino in Greenwich Village, the design is traditional with dim lighting, orangey-red carpets, tapestry wall hangings and cast iron railings. There’s the requisite dark woodwork, dim lighting from wall sconces and a single rose on each white tablecloth table. To remind yourself you are still in Miami, ask for a seat on the terrace, where you’ll have a view of Acqualina’s pool and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the perfect spot to sip on housemade grappas and limoncello while enjoying the ocean breeze. You won’t find that in Greenwich Village. 

Of course no one likes to wait for a table, but trust us, dinner at Il Mulino New York is worth waiting for. Though there are not many places to sit while you wait except for a bar area. Just one drawback: It’s small. With room for maybe four people tops, the bar isn’t an ideal place to wait if you have brought your 15 closest friends for a delicious Italian meal at Il Mulino. During our most recent visit, we were escorted right to our table — we guess the host could tell we were a little hungry. If you have come to Il Mulino with a large group, we suggest venturing into the lobby of Acqualina, where you’ll find Aaria Bar and Lounge located right next to the Italian restaurant. Saddle up to the bar and order a cocktail to satiate your hunger while you wait.

When you’re thinking about dining at Il Mulino New York, it’s important to note that reservations are recommended, but they’re easy to make. These days, it’s so easy to make a reservation, it’s silly. You can call the restaurant directly, book online, or if you are staying at Acqualina, the concierge can take care of it. If you’re visiting during the holidays or other busy times — such as spring break season — it’s definitely a good idea to book a few days in advance to assure that you get your preferred date and time for your meal. However, if there are tables available, the restaurant accepts walk-ins. When you call to make a reservation or book online, you’ll notice that Il Mulino doesn’t have a cancellation policy. While this is great for avoiding those steep charges to your credit card if something comes up last minute, we suggest — for courtesy’s sake — that you keep the restaurant’s phone number on hand so you can call if you have a change of plans.

Il Mulino New York is located on the ground floor of Acqualina Resort and Spa; so if you are staying at the hotel, you’re in luck. Situated on the lobby level, this Italian masterpiece overlooks the hotel’s pool. As you head toward the back of the hotel, through the lobby, you will quickly notice the signature Il Mulino awning marking the entrance to your Italian wonderland for the next couple of hours.

If you are not staying at Acqualina, it’s still easy to get to. From Miami Beach, you will head north up Collins Avenue. Making your way from downtown Miami? No problem, just take Interstate 95 to FL-826 East to get a top notch Italian meal. If you are coming to Il Mulino from Fort Lauderdale, drive toward Miami on A1A/Collins Avenue.

If you want to indulge in an evening of Italian dining at Il Mulino New York, we highly recommend that you make reservations ahead of time. Of course, this fabulous Miami restaurant accepts walk-ins, especially if you are staying at Acqualina, where the restaurant is located. Since it can get really busy during holidays and busy seasons at Acqualina, you’ll want to be sure to have secure reservations as this is a restaurant you don’t want to miss. If there are tables available, or even just a short wait until availability, Il Mulino will certainly be glad to get you a table.

For those of you who tend to cancel last minute, you’re in luck — Il Mulino New York has no official cancellation policy. When you book a reservation at the restaurant, either by phone or in-person with the host or hostess, you won’t need to worry about any pesky cancellation fees added to your credit card. The restaurant understands that things come up at the last minute, such as an early flight home or a day of sightseeing that’s worn you out. However, both we and the staff recommend that you make any changes to your reservation as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to keep the restaurant’s phone number handy so you can call and give the staff enough time to give your table to another customer who had their heart set on it.

Il Mulino New York is located on the ground floor of Acqualina at 17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach. The resort is located on 4.5 beachfront acres with 400 feet of Atlantic Ocean coastline. Ideally situated whether you fly into Miami International Airport (around a 30-minute drive from the hotel) or Fort Lauderdale International Airport, (20 minutes), the resort is also just minutes from the world famous designer stores at Bal Harbour Shops and the exclusive address of Williams Island. Il Mulino is located at the rear of the building and has a terrace overlooking Acqualina’s pools and the beach.