Le Specialità Opens in the Miami Design District, Bringing Milan’s Most Beloved Trattoria to the U.S.
Credit: Jason Varney
After nearly five decades defining the Milanese dining experience, Le Specialità has officially opened its first U.S. location in the heart of the Miami Design District. The celebrated Milan trattoria, founded in 1977 on Via Pietro Calvi, is known for its authentic Italian cooking, iconic pizza, and warm neighborhood spirit — now re-imagined under the creative direction of Spicy Hospitality Group (SHG), the same team behind The Joyce, one of South Beach’s most popular dining destinations.
From Milan to Miami: A Legacy of Simplicity and Excellence
Le Specialità’s philosophy has always been rooted in authenticity, seasonality, and the joy of genuine hospitality. Its Miami debut brings that same spirit to a new audience, bridging the timeless dining culture of Milan with the vibrant energy of Miami. Guests can expect a refined yet approachable menu of house-made pastas, fresh seafood, and meats — alongside the trattoria’s famed pizzas that have become a Milanese legend. Signature selections include the Margherita, Truffle Pizza, and Piccantissimi, topped with chili pepper pesto and pine nuts. The secondi showcase classic Italian preparations such as Branzino alla Siciliana, Dover Sole Meunière, and Veal Milanese, followed by elegant desserts like pistachio gelato and a traditional tiramisu layered with mascarpone mousse, espresso, and cocoa.
Credit: Jason Varney
An Immersive Culinary and Artistic Experience
Designed by the award-winning Rockwell Group, Le Specialità’s interiors blend Milan’s radical design era of the 1960s and 1970s with Miami’s festive color and warmth. The result is a space that feels glamorous yet unpretentious, defined by sweeping curves, terrazzo floors, bold geometries, and a glowing green lavastone bar.
Founder Andre Sakhai curated an art collection that includes works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, KAWS, Takashi Murakami, Rashid Johnson, and others, alongside vintage Italian photography — a visual bridge between Milan’s creative soul and Miami’s contemporary energy.
Wine and Cocktail Program
The beverage program features a 260-label wine list focused on Italy’s top regions, with rare vintages from Burgundy and Bordeaux — including Le Pin 1990, Pétrus 1986, and Pavie 1952. Signature cocktails like the Milano Mai Tai, Fragola Basilico, and Espresso Italiano complement the menu’s coastal Italian flavors.
Credit: Jason Varney
A Perfect Fit for the Design District
Located at 40 NE 41st Street, Le Specialità joins a growing list of destination restaurants redefining the Miami Design District dining scene — an area where art, fashion, and food converge.
“Bringing Le Specialità to the U.S. marks a major milestone for Spicy Hospitality Group,” said Andre Sakhai, Principal & Founder of Spicy Hospitality Group. “The restaurant has long been a cornerstone of Milan’s dining culture, and the Miami Design District is the ideal setting for its American debut, reflecting our vision to build a collection of restaurants that embody the creativity, ambition, and energy of this city.”
David Rockwell, Founder and President of Rockwell Group, added: “The design concept for Le Specialità blends the bold, playful, and artistic spirit of Milan in the 1960s and ’70s with the rich, dynamic, and festive culture of present-day Miami. Sweeping curves and oversized graphic elements define each space in the restaurant.”
A New Era for Spicy Hospitality Group
Le Specialità marks another milestone for Spicy Hospitality Group, which continues to expand its presence in Miami following the success of The Joyce in South Beach.
Following Le Specialità’s opening, SHG will next debut Oniku Karyu and Yasu in the coming weeks, further cementing its footprint in Miami and underscoring the group’s momentum as one of the most exciting and creative new forces in hospitality today.
Le Specialità Miami
40 NE 41st Street, Miami Design District
Mon–Thu 5:30 PM–10 PM | Fri–Sat 12 PM–10 PM | Sun 12 PM–9 PM lespecialitamia.com @lespecialita_mia
Cartier Unveils Transformed Miami Flagship at the Design District
Cartier has officially reopened its Miami Design District flagship, unveiling a dramatic new façade and completely reimagined interiors that fuse luxury, art, and architecture. Located at 147 NE 39th Street, the two-story boutique has undergone a major expansion led by renowned architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, with interiors designed by Paris-based designer Laura Gonzalez. The result is a space that celebrates Cartier’s storied heritage while capturing the dynamic energy of Miami’s cultural and architectural scene.
From the street, the boutique’s new façade immediately commands attention. Diller Scofidio + Renfro created a sculptural, fluted glass exterior that ripples with movement and light, giving the building a distinctive architectural identity. Etched into the glass are motifs inspired by a 1909 Cartier brooch, connecting the design to the brand’s historic jewelry archive. The façade achieves a diaphanous, semi-transparent quality—offering glimpses into the boutique while maintaining a sense of mystery and elegance. This design not only blurs the line between interior and exterior but also reflects the architectural sophistication that has become synonymous with the Miami Design District.
Inside, the transformation continues through a series of richly layered spaces conceived by interior designer Laura Gonzalez. Her vision draws inspiration from Miami’s natural elements—its sunlight, flora, and coastline—infusing the boutique with warmth and vitality. The centerpiece of the interior is a sweeping spiral staircase reminiscent of a seashell, connecting each level with sculptural grace. Throughout the store, handcrafted details, custom furnishings, and textural finishes evoke a sense of craftsmanship aligned with Cartier’s design ethos. The use of light woods, tropical motifs, and locally inspired materials reinforces the connection between the Maison and its Miami surroundings.
The boutique unfolds as what Gonzalez describes as a “sensory journey,” with distinct atmospheres across each level. The ground floor is bright and lively, reflecting Miami’s coastal vibrancy, while the upper floors feature more intimate spaces, including VIP salons and a tranquil rooftop terrace. The terrace, adorned with lush greenery and custom tilework, serves as both a retreat and an event space—embodying the merging of luxury retail and lifestyle experience.
Beyond its architectural beauty, the reopening of Cartier’s Miami Design District flagship represents a significant moment for both the brand and the neighborhood. It underscores Miami’s growing role as a global destination for art, fashion, and design, solidifying the Design District’s reputation as one of the world’s premier luxury retail destinations. For Cartier, the project is a statement of its evolving retail philosophy—transforming traditional boutiques into immersive, experiential environments that tell a story and reflect their local context.
The redesigned Cartier flagship now offers an expanded selection of fine jewelry, timepieces, leather goods, and accessories, all presented within a setting that feels more like an art gallery than a retail store. By combining architectural innovation with local artistry, the new space exemplifies the Maison’s commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural connection. The reimagined façade and interiors invite visitors to experience Cartier not just as a luxury brand, but as part of Miami’s ever-evolving creative landscape.
Amancio Ortega Acquires Atlas Plaza in Miami Design District for Approximately $110 Million
Billionaire Amancio Ortega, founder of Inditex and owner of global fashion powerhouse Zara, has expanded his South Florida real estate portfolio with the purchase of Atlas Plaza in the Miami Design District. The transaction, valued at approximately $110 million, underscores Ortega’s continued commitment to high-profile investments through his family office, Pontegadea.
Atlas Plaza is a prime luxury retail complex located in the heart of the Design District, one of Miami’s most prestigious shopping and cultural destinations. The property is anchored by global brands such as Rolex, Longchamp, and Oliver Peoples, and also features the popular restaurant Michael’s Genuine, a long-time staple of the neighborhood. The retail center benefits from steady foot traffic and strong demand from both tourists and locals, making it a trophy asset within Miami’s growing luxury retail landscape.
The property includes multiple buildings along Northeast 39th and 40th Streets, combining historic architecture with modern retail design. Atlas Plaza was fully leased at the time of Ortega’s acquisition, ensuring strong income stability and immediate returns. The deal also marks a significant increase in valuation compared to its prior sale a decade ago, reflecting the surging demand for investment opportunities in Miami’s prime districts.
For Ortega, this acquisition aligns with a broader strategy of acquiring high-quality real estate in major global cities. Pontegadea’s portfolio already includes office towers, retail centers, and residential properties across North America and Europe, and the addition of Atlas Plaza further solidifies its presence in Miami. The purchase follows a string of recent acquisitions in South Florida, such as his purchase of the Sabadell Financial Center this past July, reinforcing Ortega’s confidence in the region’s long-term growth.
The transaction highlights the Miami Design District’s position as one of the world’s premier luxury shopping destinations. Over the past decade, the neighborhood has transformed into a hub for high-end fashion, art galleries, and fine dining, attracting both international visitors and affluent residents. Ortega’s investment signals confidence in the continued strength of luxury retail and serves as a benchmark for future deals in the area.
With Atlas Plaza now under Pontegadea’s ownership, expectations are high for the property to remain a cornerstone of the Design District’s retail mix. The acquisition not only enhances Ortega’s global portfolio but also underscores Miami’s growing appeal as a magnet for international capital and luxury-driven real estate investment.
Jewelry Brand Ildico Buys Corner Retail Gem in Miami Design District for $35M
A prime retail property in the heart of the Miami Design District has changed hands in a major off-market transaction. The two-story commercial building located at 3800 NE 2nd Avenue sold for $35 million, reflecting the continued strength and desirability of Miami’s luxury retail corridor. The buyer, Beverly Hills-based jeweler Ildico, acquired the property through an entity tied to its CFO, Mikhail Cohen. The deal represents a significant expansion for the high-end jewelry brand as it plants deeper roots in the South Florida market.
Built in 1926, the building spans 9,445 square feet and is currently home to luxury retail tenants including Listone Giordano, L’Atellier Paris Haute Design, and CNCPTS Miami. The $35 million purchase price equates to approximately $3,701 per square foot, underscoring the premium investors are willing to pay for flagship-quality real estate in the Design District. The sellers—veteran Miami investors Sam Herzberg, David Herzberg, and Richard Do—originally purchased the building in 2015 for $11.4 million, making this transaction a 208% increase in value over a ten-year period.
This transaction further solidifies the Miami Design District’s status as one of the nation’s top-tier luxury retail destinations. Home to internationally renowned brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Hermès, the neighborhood has been strategically transformed by development firms such as Dacra, Brookfield, and L Catterton. As demand for retail space in the district continues to climb, so do prices—both in terms of lease rates and sale values.
The deal was brokered by Joe Fernandez, Tony Arellano, and Devlin Marinoff of DWNTWN Realty Advisors, who have facilitated more than 40 deals in the Design District over the past 15 years. Their deep understanding of the area’s market dynamics played a key role in bringing the off-market deal to fruition.
Located at the intersection of NE 2nd Avenue and NE 38th Street, the 3800 NE 2nd Avenue property sits just one block from Palm Court and within walking distance to the district’s most trafficked luxury boutiques and art installations. The building’s strategic corner location and historic character further elevate its value in a district known for architecturally significant properties and experiential retail environments.
This sale also comes amid a broader wave of investment activity in the area. Just blocks away, plans have been filed for a 20-story residential and retail tower, while nearby developments such as Cassi—a $125 million luxury apartment and retail project—signal ongoing momentum in the district’s evolution.
With this acquisition, Ildico joins a growing list of private and institutional investors targeting the Miami Design District for long-term positioning. As retail trends continue to favor experiential, luxury-driven environments, properties like 3800 NE 2nd Avenue are proving to be some of the most valuable and resilient assets in Miami’s commercial landscape.
The Pinnacle of Miami’s Skyline: A New Luxury Office Tower by One Thousand Group
In a move that underscores the ever-evolving skyline of Miami, the One Thousand Group, spearheaded by industry stalwarts Louis Birdman, Michael Konig, and Kevin Venger, has unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art office tower. This ambitious project, set to rise adjacent to the iconic Miami Design District and offer panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, is a testament to the city’s burgeoning status as a global business hub.
The proposed edifice, a 47-story marvel stretching 635 feet into the Miami sky, is the brainchild of KPF Kohn Pederson Fox, a New York-based architectural giant renowned for its global footprint in designing iconic office towers. Their illustrious portfolio boasts landmarks such as One Vanderbilt, the Hudson Yards trilogy in New York City, 52 Lime Street in London, and 18 Robinson in Singapore, to name a few.
The project, tentatively titled “Tower 36,” is set to be a beacon of modern architecture and design. Encompassing a sprawling 1.6-acre plot at the nexus of Biscayne Boulevard and 36th Street, the plans detail over 29,000 square feet of commercial space housed within the building’s podium. Additionally, the tower will feature over 312,000 square feet of premium office space, complemented by a parking facility accommodating 671 vehicles. In total, Tower 36 promises over 610,000 square feet of cutting-edge infrastructure, all while adhering to the Miami 21 Zoning Code.
The One Thousand Group’s vision is clear. As they elucidate, the ongoing migration of corporate giants like Citadel and Microsoft to Florida underscores Miami’s emerging prominence. The intersection of Biscayne and 36th Street is not just a geographical landmark; it symbolizes the confluence of the vibrant Design District and the waterfront splendor of Edgewater. As businesses recalibrate post-pandemic, the demand for world-class office spaces in strategic locations is paramount. The One Thousand Group’s blueprint seeks to amalgamate luxury, top-tier amenities, unparalleled security, and a holistic work environment, reminiscent of their ultra-luxury residential ventures.
The Standard Residences Midtown Breaks Ground
The Standard Residences Midtown Miami has officially broken ground. Standard Residences is being built by real estate and hospitality pioneers Standard International, Rosso Development, and Midtown Development.
Along with Miami District 2 Commissioner Sabina Covo, Jay Phillip Parker, CEO of Douglas Elliman Florida, President of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing Florida, Raymond Fort of Arquitectonica, Giancarlo Pietri of Urban Robot Associates, William J. Real of Civic Construction, and the South Florida broker community, Standard International’s Amar Lalvani and Rosso Development’s Carlos Rosso celebrated the groundbreaking.
The 12-story building is a collaboration between the highly regarded architecture firm Arquitectonica, renowned interior designers Urban Robot Associates, The Standard’s in-house design team, landscape architect Naturalficial, and Civic Construction acting as general contractor.
The project’s ground breaking speaker was Lalvani, Executive Chairman of Standard International, who emphasized the company’s longstanding ties to Miami and praised their collaboration with Carlos Rosso. The project’s lively environment and the need for such a lifestyle-driven building in a good location were stressed by Rosso, the founder of Rosso Development.
Standard is located at 3100 Northeast 1st Avenue in Midtown, tucked between the Design District and Wynwood. The development offers 34,000 square feet of carefully chosen amenity space and 228 residential units.
Upon completion, residents will have the chance to enjoy the distinctive style, amenities, and service of the renowned hotel brand. The building will be the first to provide flexible living, allowing owners to lease their units for periods as little as one month.
Between 432 square feet and 965 square feet in size, the units, which range from studios to two-bedroom homes, strike a balance between design and usability.
A 60-foot resort-style sunset pool on the rooftop, a renowned restaurant and bar, and wellness amenities like a cutting-edge fitness facility, an infrared sauna, yoga, and stretch studios are just a few of the amenities available. A karaoke bar, a screening room, co-working areas, Zoom rooms, and a private boardroom can be found on the social floor.
A small number of homes, starting at $499,900, are still available at The Standard Residences, which is anticipated to be finished by the end of 2024.
If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at the Standard Residences Miami, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.
Miami Concours Car Show Returns February 17th to the Miami Design District
The Miami Concours, returns to the Miami Design District in 2023 with a highly curated, distinctly modern celebration of automotive history. Displays begin on Friday, February 17th, and conclude on Sunday, February 19th, with three red-carpeted streets featuring distinct Concours activations.
The annual event, now in its sixth year, exhibits the most significant automobiles ever produced in the heart of Miami, at the epicenter of art and design. The acclaimed event, led by Co-Founders John Temerian Jr. of CURATED and Ronnie Vogel, as well as Partner Brett David of Prestige Imports, has carved an inimitable niche at the intersection of automotive excellence, car-culture camaraderie, and luxury lifestyle.
The prestigious event showcases the world’s most sought-after exotic post-war automobiles as well as celebrated, iconic models from the world’s most recognizable luxury motoring brands. The event kicks off on Friday, February 17th, with a special showcase of cars dotted among the neighborhood’s artistic installations as static works of art themselves.
As collectors and enthusiasts witness real-time, official judging; discover an unrivaled, historical display of Lamborghinis on 39th Street – a nod to the Italian manufacturer’s 60th Anniversary; and discover an unforgettable display of Hypercars from Pagani Automobili as they celebrate their 25th Anniversary alongside Czinger Vehicles, as they present the 3D printed 21C.
Miami Concours features superlative examples from Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Pagani, Maserati, Jaguar, Ford, BMW, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz, with judging led by Mark Moskowitz MD who is the Board of Directors of Carolina Motorsports Park.
EVENT INFO
FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 11AM – 8PM
CONCOURS PREVIEW – SELECTION OF CARS
ON DISPLAY THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT
SUNDAY, 19TH: 11AM – 5PM
MAIN RED CARPET EVENT
CONCOURS & JUDGING
We are One Week Away from Miami Art Week and Art Basel and Here is What You Need to Know
From November 29 to December 4, 2022, Miami becomes the epicenter of the art world, featuring more than 20 international art fairs, 1,200 galleries, hundreds of artists, and tens of thousands of art enthusiasts.
Art Basel Miami Beach at the Miami Beach Convention Center is the focal point of this yearly explosion of the arts. The ultimate international art market, Art Basel Miami Beach, offers art enthusiasts a vast selection of works, from installations by promising up-and-comers to masterpieces from the 20th century.
Here are some ideas for how to view as much of Miami Art Week 2022’s greatest exhibits as possible, despite the fact that it’s impossible to see everything.
Tuesday, November 29th
Start Art Week in Miami’s Design District, where artwork is pervasive. A large portion of it will come from Germane Barnes, a Miami-based architect, who was given the 2022 Miami Design District Annual Neighborhood Commission award. This will allow the installation of the architect’s idea, Rock | Roll, in the neighborhood’s public areas.
As part of Prizm 2022 Contemporary African Art Fair’s 10th Anniversary celebration, galleries and artists will be examining how the development of fine art practice around the world has been impacted by popular modes of artmaking that originated in global African contexts. The exhibition is at 4220 N. Miami Ave. from November 29 to December 11 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Wednesday, November 30th
The most significant pieces of art from the 20th and 21st centuries will continue to be displayed at Art Miami, Miami’s oldest international and contemporary art fair, which is offered by a number of the most reputable galleries in the world. The 10th edition of its sibling fair, CONTEXT Art Miami, will give mid-career, developing, and cutting-edge artists from new and established galleries the ideal platform.
Over 215 galleries from 17 different countries will be represented by the combination of Art Miami and CONTEXT Art Miami at the One Miami Herald Plaza on Biscayne Bay from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Thursday, December 1
VIPs are permitted to tour Art Basel Miami Beach two days before the general public gets a first look on Thursday. In 2022, the fairest of fairs will mark 20 years since it first opened. Tickets to view the finery brought in by hundreds of top contemporary art galleries from across the world may be purchased here.
Be sure to pay attention to the Buffalo, New York-based Native American-owned K Art gallery’s booth, which features the work of three Indigenous contemporary artists, including the renowned Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds (Arapaho/Cheyenne) and the well-regarded up-and-coming Erin Ggaadimits Ivalu Gingrich (Inupiaq/Koyukon Athabaskan) and Robyn Tsin
El Espacio 23 in the Allapattah district features more works of Cuban art and culture. Over 100 artists from Cuba and the Cuban diaspora are represented in a new exhibition that draws on the collection of Jorge M. Pérez, a Cuban refugee himself.
Friday, December 2nd
Begin the day by visiting NADA (New Art Dealers Alliance) Miami 2022, which will feature 146 galleries, exhibition spaces, and nonprofit organizations from more than 40 locations around the world. The Ice Palace Studios’ doors open at 11:00 AM (1400 North Miami Ave.)
The Wynwood district, renowned for its many murals of street art, is one mile from the NADA fair. On December 2 and 3, Prime Video will host a massive immersive art activation based on the original series “Riches” at Soho Studios (2136 NW 1st Ave.; entrance on NW 22nd St.) in the heart of Wynwood. Through photography, sculpture, painting, music, video, and performance art, the exhibition showcases components from the show that best represent the freedom of expression and sense of identity in the Black diasporic experience.
Saturday, December 3rd
Didier William: Nou Kite Tout Sa Dèyè, the artist who grew up in North Miami, will present his first significant solo museum exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami. In this exhibition, William presents his first colossal sculpture in addition to more than 40 paintings and prints that all focus on the precariousness of black life in America, the desperate yearning for black joy, and the affirmation of black gay humanity.
By transforming ordinary objects into extravagant ones, Ral de Nieves’ vibrant, three-dimensional beaded sculptures honor his Mexican heritage as well as drag and dance culture. His artwork is on exhibit at the mile-away Nina Johnson Gallery (6315 NW 2nd Ave). Admission is free from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Sunday, December 4th
At SCOPE Miami Beach, which is situated on South Beach’s renowned Ocean Drive between 8th and 10th Avenues, keep going till the finish line (801 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach). With Charly Palmer’s “Infinite Black” series on display will be Black-owned Knowhere Art Gallery from Martha’s Vineyard, MA, one of more than 150 varied contemporary exhibitors. Palmer depicts contemporary events and African origin in each of her paintings.
For all event schedules and locations, click here.
Major Food Group Officially Opens Italian Restaurant in Miami’s Design District-Contessa
The upscale, well-known Italian concept Contessa has officially debuted in the Miami Design District thanks to Major Food Group, the renowned hospitality company that is responsible for bringing Carbone, Rao’s, and Dirty French Steakhouse to Miami.
Contessa is a classic yet utterly modern Italian restaurant created by MFG Co-Founders and creative powers Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone, and Rich Torrisi. It is inspired by the old-world refinement of Northern Italy’s famed villas and estates.
Visitors at Contessa Miami can begin their dinner with one of the several antipasti starters, which include Proscuitto, Chianina beef carpaccio, and squash carpaccio. Of course, the menu features a number of sumptuous pasta dishes, such as the fiery lobster cappelli, the tortellini in broth, the rigatoni carbonara, the fusilli Genovese, and the rigatoni carbonara. Entree choices include grilled branzino, the traditional veal Milanese, and a 40-ounce dry-aged Fiorentina steak. The meal is finished with a variety of sweets such as gelato and cakes with pistachio, amaretto, and gianduja chocolate.
Contessa’s original location made its debut on the rooftop of The Newbury Boston last year, and it rapidly established a reputation as one of the most opulent and outstanding Italian restaurants in America.
It was hailed as the city’s “crème de la crème” of restaurants by the opulent publication Boston Common. Boston Magazine has also raved about the restaurant stating that it is one of the best Italian restaurants in the city.
Contessa Miami promises exquisite Northern Italian cuisine in addition to MFG’s renowned warm, charismatic, and polished hospitality, which is specially tailored to the city the company has called home since 2021. At that time, the company began a historic run of restaurant openings in the area, including ZZ’s Club in the Miami Design District and Sadelle’s in Coconut Grove.
Over 40 restaurants, pubs, hotels, and private clubs are now managed by the organization across the world. The company has numerous new openings scheduled for South Florida over the next six months, in addition to Contessa Miami and a variety of upcoming projects in the United States and internationally.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and is housed in a two-story building in the renowned neighborhood at 111 NE 41st Street.
