Leonardo Brings Old-Word Italian Dining to Miami Beach
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
Officially opened April 17, Leonardo is Miami Beach’s latest dining destination rooted in refined hospitality and social dining traditions. The 4,500-square-foot restaurant and lounge brings a timeless experience where cuisine, music, art and design come together in an elegant yet lively setting.
“Leonardo was created to revive the romance and ritual of classic Italian dining,” said founder and co-owner Igor Dze. “We wanted to build a place where people gather over incredible food and stay for the atmosphere, where dinner slowly evolves into something memorable as the night unfolds.”
The concept draws from Dze’s early years living in Italy, where he became captivated by the country’s culture of lingering meals, thoughtful hospitality and restaurants that served as stages for connection, celebration and conversation. Inspired by the 1930s through the 1950s golden era, Leonardo reinterprets that tradition for a modern audience, pairing Old World nostalgia with Miami’s vivacious energy.
Designed by Dze and his wife, Libria, Leonardo’s indoor and outdoor spaces transport guests to another era. Deep green walls, antique mirrors and warm finishes on aged wood are softly lit by ornate chandeliers and table lighting, creating an intimate ambience. Iconic artwork by Leonardo da Vinci lines the walls—a nod to the restaurant’s namesake.
Co-owner Mehdi Vanden Broeck, whose background in New York and Miami’s high-end hospitality and nightlife scene includes Bagatelle, Habibi Miami and Kiki on the River, shapes the restaurant’s late-night rhythm. His command of VIP service and guest flow brings a measured approach to building energy throughout the evening while maintaining its sense of polish.
Inspired by Executive Chef Andrea Albanese’s Tuscan upbringing, the menu weaves seasonal ingredients with time-honored techniques grounded in the region’s culinary traditions. Starters include Tuna Tartare with mango, soy and sesame oil; Beef Carpaccio finished with arugula and 36-month Parmigiano-Reggiano; and Burrata with tomato gazpacho and basil cream. A robust raw bar features Oysters with mignonette and cocktail sauce, as well as Caviar Service accompanied by traditional garnishes and blinis.
Salads like Caesar with focaccia croutons and Caprese complement rich pastas such as Tagliatelle with slow-simmered meat ragù, Paccheri in a three-tomato sauce, Spaghetti alle Vongole with Manila clams and bottarga, and Linguine Aragosta with Maine lobster. The dining experience is enriched with a lineup of tableside presentations, from the Fettuccine alla Leonardo—finished inside a wheel of Parmesan—to the Whole Branzino, flambéed right before guests’ eyes. Entrées range from prime New York Steak and Filet Mignon with red wine reduction to Pollo al Limone with delicate lemon sauce. Desserts include indulgences such as Tiramisu, Panna Cotta and Lemon Delight Cake, a bright citrus finale reminiscent of Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
Leonardo’s beverage program features curated libations such as the Hibiscus, a floral-forward martini with hibiscus-infused vodka and elderflower, and the Passion Paradise, a tequila-based cocktail layered with passion fruit and warm spice. Guests can also expect inventive takes on classics such as the Italian Old-Fashioned with pancetta-washed bourbon, the Miami Manhattan with amaro and vermouth, and the Tomato Peach Negroni. The menu also includes refreshing spritzes, zero-proof options, and an extensive wine list highlighting notable regions across Italy.
Located at 2000 Collins Ave., Suite 2, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Leonardo will be open for dinner service Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., and Wednesday and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. After 10:30 p.m., the atmosphere shifts with deeper lighting, live music and cabaret performances.