You know that feeling when you walk into a place and just know it’s going to cost a week’s mortgage, but you also kinda don't care? That is the vibe at Il Mulino Sunny Isles Florida. It’s tucked inside the Acqualina Resort, which is basically a giant red-tiled Mediterranean palace that looks like it was air-lifted out of Italy and dropped right onto Collins Avenue.
Most people think of Il Mulino as a New York institution. And it is. But the Sunny Isles outpost has something the Greenwich Village original can’t touch: the Atlantic Ocean.
The Absolute Chaos Of The Freebies
Honestly, the best part of eating here happens before you even order a drink.
Most high-end restaurants give you a basket of cold rolls. Maybe some butter if they're feeling fancy. Not here. Within minutes of sitting down, a waiter in a tuxedo—yes, full tuxedo—will start hovering over your table with a massive wheel of Reggiano Parmesan. They literally carve out chunks of it right onto your plate.
Then comes the fried zucchini.
Then the bruschetta.
Then the spicy pepperoni.
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By the time you actually look at the menu, you're already halfway to a food coma. It’s a brilliant, delicious trap. You've got to pace yourself, or you'll never make it to the pasta.
What To Actually Order (And What To Skip)
The menu is huge. It’s intimidating. But if you want the "real" experience at Il Mulino Sunny Isles Florida, you focus on the classics.
- Ravioli ai Porcini: This is the heavy hitter. It comes in a champagne truffle cream sauce that is so rich it should probably come with a health warning. It’s $55, which is steep for pasta, but people fly here specifically for this dish.
- Capellini Il Mulino: If you want something slightly lighter (but still indulgent), this has wild mushrooms, pancetta, and a vodka cream sauce.
- The Langostino: These things are massive. They look like small lobsters and are usually prepared with a simple, buttery garlic sauce.
A lot of people get the Pollo alla Parmigiana because they know what it is. It’s fine. It’s good. But honestly? You’re at one of the best Italian spots in the country. Don't get the chicken parm. Get the Ossobuco or the Dover Sole that they fillet right at your table. The tableside service is half the fun anyway.
The Sunday Brunch Situation
If you’re not looking to drop $300 on a Tuesday night dinner, the Sunday Brunch is the pro move. It’s $115 per person. That sounds like a lot until you realize it includes bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and Prosecco.
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The buffet is basically a mountain of seafood, handmade pastas, and more meats than you can reasonably consume in a two-hour window. They do have a strict two-hour limit on the brunch, so don't plan on camping out all afternoon.
The Vibe: Tuxedos And Ocean Breezes
The atmosphere is a weird, wonderful mix. Inside, it’s all dark wood and white tablecloths—very "old school power lunch." Outside on the terrace, it’s pure Miami. You’ve got the waves crashing just a few yards away and the salt air mixing with the smell of garlic.
Dress code? They say "business casual," but let’s be real. This is Sunny Isles. You’ll see guys in $2,000 designer sneakers and women in evening gowns at 2:00 PM. Just don't show up in a swimsuit and flip-flops. You'll get the "look" from the host.
How To Actually Get A Table
Don't just show up. Especially if it's "Season" (January through April).
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The restaurant is at 17875 Collins Avenue. You can try calling them at 305-466-9191, but OpenTable is usually faster. If you're staying at the Acqualina, the concierge can usually squeeze you in, but for everyone else, booking two weeks out is the safe bet for a weekend dinner.
Is It Actually Worth The Hype?
There are plenty of "trendy" Italian spots in Miami that are all style and no substance. This isn't that. Il Mulino Sunny Isles Florida stays busy because the food is consistently great. It's expensive? Absolutely. Is it a bit performative with the tuxedoed waiters and the giant cheese wheels? 100%.
But when you're sitting on that terrace with a glass of Barolo and a plate of truffle ravioli, watching the moon over the ocean, it’s hard to argue with the price tag.
Actionable Tips For Your Visit
- Request the Terrace: Unless it’s raining or 100 degrees, the outdoor seating is vastly superior to the indoor dining room.
- Split the Pasta: The portions are famously large. If you order an appetizer and a main, you will probably leave with leftovers. Split a pasta dish as a mid-course instead.
- The "Secret" Grappa: They usually bring out a bottle of grappa at the end of the meal as a gift. It's strong. Be careful.
- Valet is Mandatory: Parking in Sunny Isles is a nightmare. Just use the resort valet; it’s easier than trying to find a spot on the street.
- Check the Bill: An 18% gratuity is automatically added to the final bill. Look closely before you add an extra tip on top unless the service was truly life-changing.
Now, go book that reservation and make sure you haven't eaten anything for at least six hours before you show up. You're gonna need the space.