What it’s like to dine at Torno Subito, Massimo Bottura’s restaurant where a top-class Italian chef is in the kitchen

There are 28 award-winning establishments in Florida’s great metropolis, and among them is a restaurant that, though opened just 8 months ago, truly surprised us. It’s Torno Subito, the brainchild of Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore, which after its launches in Dubai (the first of which closed last autumn) and Singapore, has now arrived in Miami. Here’s the story of our visit.

Torno Subito in the heart of Miami

It’s informal, but nothing is left to chance; it’s simple, but the attention to detail is unmistakable… It’s pop, fun, ironic. In short, it’s definitely a place where you feel good… ideal if you’re on your own, perfect for a more intimate dinner, spot-on for a group of friends. There’s no pretentiousness here, but substance (and plenty of it) certainly isn’t lacking. The lift is street-level—we’re right in the heart of Downtown. Two young, smiling women check our reservation and escort us to the third floor, just above Julia & Henry’s, a food hall dedicated to street food. The doors open and here is Torno Subito. Colourful, light-hearted, inspired by the holiday hues—or rather, the summer getaways typical of the 60s and 70s on Italy’s coasts, in a country very different from today’s Italy. We may be in the middle of Miami, but it must be said: here, we’re in Italy, starting with the Italian provinces—especially Emilia.

An Italian menu… in America!

A good start begins with a Martini, and here comes the Parmesan—infused into the vodka—for the iconic cocktail that must never be missed. Ready? Let’s go! The scallop tells us so much. It speaks of the technical prowess of resident chef Bernardo Paladini, who leads the kitchen, and also of the quality of the ingredients. A chlorophyll-rich seasonal vegetable cream and trout roe complete the dish.

It’s a true burst of spring. The green isn’t just visual: the scent of fresh grass and chlorophyll fills the nose. And then there it is—the scallop, with its buttery texture, bringing harmony and a sublime mouthfeel. On one hand, softness; on the other, freshness and energy. Then comes the sea bass. A perfectly timed cook and, above all, a bold move that proves spot-on. Inside the fillet are all the classic seasonings of porchetta: spices, herbs, and a thin slice of bacon. It all takes on a new flavour—bold, juicy, and rich with memories.

Gianni Andreini, restaurant manager with a past in New York dining, introduces the next dish and tells us about a couple in their seventies—Tino and Tina—who decided to leave Italy and settle here. They prepare the fresh pasta every morning. And here come the tortellini—an essential in any Bottura restaurant, starting from Osteria Francescana. Truly delicious, a dive into the most authentic Italy: the artisanal, handmade kind, with sfogline and exceptional local produce. Prosciutto, meat, mortadella, and the legendary Parmesan cream.

The main course is a mouth-watering cube of slow-cooked Wagyu beef, topped with a balsamic sauce. Once again, strong flavours, no frills, no overcomplications.

The conclusion had to be a classic symbol of Italianness: tiramisù, which becomes tiramisubito. The basic ingredients are the same, but the added value lies in the textures—light, fluffy, airy—without any compromise on flavour.

Irony and fun

But there’s so much more on the menu, all of it intriguing and full of subtle humour, starting with the dish names that play on a few Italian food clichés and stereotypes. There’s Cacio e Pepe a Miami, the timeless Shrimp Cocktail, the Raviolo or Dumpling?, and the Rockster Roll, because around here, a lobster bun is a must.

How great are places like this—honest, genuine, straightforward, no nonsense. A wonderful example of Italian cuisine abroad that doesn’t go overboard on price either—in a city where a takeaway breakfast of coffee, muffin, and juice can cost over $30.

Classics Remix, the real Emilian journey in five courses (from the Emilia Burger to the Tortellini, from Tagliatelle al Ragù to Ciao Modena—balsamic-glazed pork—and ending with Tiramisubito) is $125, while La Dolce Vita, a ten-course chef’s tasting menu, costs $180.

Ah, we almost forgot. There’s also pizza. In fact, Not Just a Pizza, and name aside, it holds its own—perfect for sharing, a mid-meal break, or a top-notch aperitivo. The drinks are excellent, with lesser-known labels to discover alongside a few great classics.

We’re sure of one thing: as soon as we can, we’ll be back right away!