MIAReview
If we reviewed architecture, we’d be praising Casadonna for its beautiful renovation of this Mediterranean-style building. But we can’t tell a soffit from a spandrel, so let’s stick to what we know: restaurants—and in that category Casadonna is middling at best.
At first glance, this Edgewater spot looks like a fancy Italian restaurant steeped in history. But there’s only one good pasta on the menu (the campanelle), and overwhelmed servers barely have time to take orders. If the restaurant feels historic, that’s because it is. The entire property used to be the Miami Women’s Club, which Casadonna makes hollow attempts to embrace with its lazy name and a social media presence that projects female solidarity yet glosses over the fact that it is owned by (and was designed by) men. The Women's Club still actually meets on the adjacent third floor of this building, but even they probably couldn't get a table outside if they wanted to.
photo credit: Ngoc Minh Ngo
photo credit: Ngoc Minh Ngo
photo credit: Ngoc Minh Ngo
The terrace is where you’ll find a DJ booth, large bar, and amateur photoshoots with guests posing on pink sofas—backs dramatically arched as their partners struggle to find the perfect angle. This is where the action is—if this sounds like your kind of scene—and where you want to be the few cool months out of the year. There's a clear view of the water and an ocean breeze that washes over your $38 plate of mediocre beef carpaccio.
The hype for this restaurant has faded since it opened. Reservations are easy to find—but good luck getting one on the terrace. You can’t request these waterfront tables online, and you may end up waiting an eternity if you ask a host. But no matter where you sit, most of the food is dull, underseasoned, sometimes cold, and not worth returning for. We’d say this is a place to be seen, but the dining room is subdivided into several rooms. So we make no guarantees you’ll be noticed unless (of course) you sit outside. Good luck with that.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Christian Gonzalez
Campanelle
If every dish here was this good, all would be forgiven. The sauce is rich in meat and tomatoes. It’s topped with a dollop of whipped ricotta, and the campanelle is the perfect pasta shape to catch it all.
Focaccia
This thick, round rosemary loaf is baked with pieces of tomatoes and olives. There’s a small glimmer of hope if you start a meal with this warm focaccia. It’s savory and aromatic. But it’s also $17.
Caesar
Your server might try to sell you on the Caesar salad by claiming it’s the best “because the dressing has anchovies.” But we promise, nothing separates it from any overdressed and ordinary Caesar in the world.
photo credit: Christian Gonzalez
Spaghetti Nero
Finding the lobster, shrimp, and clams that are supposed to come with this pasta is about as hard as finding true love on an app. It’s fishy and covered in breadcrumbs that lead nowhere.
Veal Chop
This veal chop isn’t seasoned and sits in a jus that’s equally bland. It is cooked to the right temperature, but what’s the point when you might as well be chewing on your own tongue?
