There is a new Italian restaurant and pizzeria in Miami Beach.
Little Niko, now open in the heart of Española Way in the former space of Calista Taverna, is the creation of hospitality entrepreneur and Sugar Factory founder Charissa Davidovici, who describes it as “a second home.”
“Our goal was to find a location for Little Niko that reflected the charm of Little Italy,” she said. And where better to do that than on the historic, Mediterranean-influenced Española Way?
Little Niko may look a little more glamorous than your typical neighborhood pizzeria, but it aims to be a family-friendly spot with indoor and outdoor seating.
The restaurant serves classic Italian dishes and pastas such as Pappardelle Bolognese, Bucatini Carbonara, Rigatoni alla Vodka as well as a selection of salads and sandwiches.
The main attraction, of course, is the New York-style pizzas, including the spicy honey pepperoni pizza with cherry peppers, the vodka pizza with vodka sauce, mozzarella, pecorino and basil, and the Nikos with Italian sausage, mozzarella, ricotta and Calabrian peppers.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant offers so-called artisanal focaccia sandwiches, such as the open focaccia meatball sandwich.
Dessert options include the usual suspects like tiramisu and a gelato bar, but the highlight is the extremely Instagrammable Citrus Tree, which costs $30 and is served tableside and consists of lemon confit, vanilla bean mousse and vanilla cream with lemon, orange and lime zest.
Little Niko
Where: 1444 Drexel Ave., Miami Beach
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12-22, Friday-Saturday 12-23
Reservations: Open table
Further information: littlenikopizzeria.com or 786-353-2677
