Cafe Ragazzi

Nice thing they have with 30% off menu 50% off drinks 12−6pm and I tried the fettuccine veal ragu w mushroom. It’s was AMAZING. The bread they give u with the bruschetta topping is always awesome. Chicken parm and veal parm are amazing. It’s such a great spot nice setting. Easy parking.

La mejor pizza
La mejor atencion
Y de repente miras atras y esta
EL GRAN MONTANER
Vayan q coner seran bien atendidos …

There was nothing considerable wrong (or right) with this place. Went there on a Friday night and it was pretty crowded. They have a make shift host stand that is in the way once you enter. Perhaps if they had less tables in the restaurant and they moved the stand back, the entrance wouldn’t feel as packed and awkward. Although the restaurant is a decent size, it feels like they just have way too many tables. Décor is quite nice, though.
The food was just average. To start, they bring a bread basket with a small serving of bruschetta. It was a bit too garlicky and the bead wasn’t warm. For a restaurant charging $ 20+ for entrees, I expect warm bread. Our waiter offered us wine but, interestingly enough, we weren’t shown the wine list (bottles or by the glass). Instead, the waiter called out the available wines by the glass after we told him we wanted red (cab, merlot, malbec, chianti). I settled for the chianti and my friend got the malbec. Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the night happened next. We were served our wine in awful stemware (like the kind you get if you are one of those people ordering wine at a sports bar). Needless to say the glasses looked cheap and were way to small, so the wine was served almost to the rim. Some people may like this (it looks like you are getting more wine), but I am not one of those people. Again, if I am paying for a nicer restaurant, I expect nicer stemware.
We ordered the calamari to start, which came with some pieces of zucchini (but it was mostly calamari). It was a very generous portion. They were good (not chewy), but didn’t stand out from any other calamari I’ve had.
For our entrée, my friend and I split the pear and gorgonzola pizza. I was skeptical about it because gorgonzola tends to be too overwhelming and I wasn’t wrong. There weren’t enough pears to offset the pungent taste of the cheese and after a couple of slices, I was done with it and done with the meal (we didn’t order dessert).
Service was rather attentive at the beginning and lacking towards the end. I had an empty water glass for quite some time. Again, minor details but, to me, those count when you want to stand out.
I don’t think I’ll be back, but it wasn’t a bad experience either.

Great place! We were very impressed. We went to Prime 112 the night before. We enjoyed this place much more. The food is fabulous. The tomato sauce that they bring out is seriously incredible.

My family lives in the area and loves to come here — because it’s really good!
It’s a very simple yet elegant place. They always have nice, soft music playing — the atmosphere is very welcoming. Ok, now about the food…
While I’ve tried a few of their plates, my absolute favorite thing to order is the gnocchi in pink sauce. Best. Gnocchi. Ever. I’ve had gnocchi in several other places, but this definitely beats them all!
I’ve also had the chicken parmigiana, pizza, fettuccine Alfredo, all of which are pretty good too.
Service is very friendly and attentive. Prices are steep. Food is very good. Yum.

I called to make a reservation. I asked for a time when the place ws not packed, «9:00pm», he says, I asked .will it be not packed… he answers with an attitude…“I hope it will be packed, that’s how I make money”…is that a way to answer to a customer? I don’t know if it was the owner, or who it was, but if they allow someone to treat callers that way, I don’t want to spend my money there.

Ragazzi has change much in recent times. They did away with lunch menu, fire old staff. Food quality has remain good but prices have increase and service gone down. Tou are better off going to specchio’s.

Best Itialian in all of Miami Beach. It is very cold in the restaurant so bring a sweater.

It was actually really good — go for the spaghetti (they are almost al-​dente!).

We have been coming here for years. We live nearby on Collins Ave. and this was our neighborhood place, and have enjoyed coming here. However lately, the quality of the service and food has been on a steady decline, with tonight being the last straw.
The wait staff kept forgetting our order– forgot the beer– forgot the wine, etc. But the next transgression was like nothing I have ever seen before.
Our appetizer was scallops. the first few were tasty, but one smelled so much like ammonia, my nose wrinkled up and I almost screamed. One taste, and I would have been sick for days. I promptly called over the manager. The manager took the offensive piece, and said he would show it to the chef. 10 minutes later, I asked the manager what the chef had to say about it. The manager said the chef thought the ammonia filled scallop was OK, and that there was no problem.
I was very worried now that, if our chef chef, who could not smell extreme ammonia, what was our main course going to be like? Well the grouper was good, but my veal was tough like leather.
We told the manager about how unhappy we were, and he did not really care. He just kept making excuses, and even though we did not ask for a refund, he claimed defensively that he would not give us a refund because we ate some of the scallops.
On our way out, we used the toilet, and found there was no soap in the bathroom. The toilet seat was filthy, and there was dirty paper everywhere. I am not sure this explains the ammonia in the scallops, but it is consistent with the poor quality of the service and the food we experienced.
We will never return to this restaurant.

My family and I have been coming here for many years and it’s always been a favorite. We’re very sad to see in the last 6 months they’ve gotten rid of our favorites things on the menu — the cheese cannelloni and the delicious complimentary tomato bruschetta. Overall, quality seems to have declined in the last few years, as well. I hope it improves because we love coming!

Sad to watch the deterioration of food and service. Lived in area for 15 years. Last 9 mos, portions changed, quality of food changed (examples: Ordered Pesto Pasta, used to be first rate, was terrible, half portion of pasta. Called to complain, reply’our rendition’ asked where was pesto? Replied, our version. So a few pine nuts, wilded basil over cold pasta is pesto pasta?) their wonderful Brucheta is no longer. Only give you some small, over cooked bread. My opinion, if your going to go for Italian, I would pass. Expensive, poor value for the money. Other places nearby that are great. Darn shame but we have decided to not patronize this place ever again. We called to complain, whoever answered the phone said, ourversion and sorry… Was use less.

We came here after arriving late from the airport and were able to get a table for five straight away. It’s got a nice elegant atmosphere but not so much so that you’d need to dress up at all. The service was quite quick (although our waiter was a combination of semi– hostile and humorous which I found likable but might put off other more sensitive guests!) The food was pretty good but nothing mindblowing– I had the puttanesca but with spaghetti rather than penne and it was tasty if a little heavy on the olives for my taste! We also had a really nice bottle of Malbec with our food and the prices were reasonable all round. One thing I didn’t like was that there are tv screens for watching sports which didn’t seem to fit with the vibe of the restaurant and were a bit distracting! But no biggie really, didn’t ruin our night at all and I think some guests would enjoy it.
All in all it’s a good solid option for a last minute dinner out!

Great place in Surfside!
Tried the Chicken Marsala, very tasty and juicy. My husband had the fettuccine with lamb, that was Unbelievable! Also Great service :) They are only missing a start due the carpaccio been so little. It was more like a joke. I prefer the Carpaccios at Bal Harbour shops… However the main dish was great!

I went yesterday with two coworkers to celebrate a birthday and we requested the menu of the day. To our surprise they mentioned that they no longer have it. Then we requested A pesto pasta and the waiter told us that they no longer had it. When discussing the regular menu with the waiter we asked what was the reason of the change and with great attitude he said «because the owner decided and thats it, he it the boss». This caught us all off guard and from that moment on it was quite difficult to enjoy everything else at the restaurant. The waiter made us feel unwelcome and very uncomfortable.
I am giving this restaurant a two because the food was good. However this waiter is a terrible representation of what this restaurant stands for.
Hoping that the management make the appropriate changes to make sure that whomever is representing their name and their service is up to the standard of the restaurant

Still great food great service the only sad thing is they changed the wonderful chopped tomatoes with a purée it was a great free touch they provided. If it’s not broke don’t change it. Still a great restaurant

Café Ragazzi is that little cozy neighborhood restaurant that will not let you down.
The food is good and consistent but not utterly refine.

I was introduced to Café Ragazzi over 12 years ago, by an old high school buddy of mine who lived in Aventura. Back then the restaurant was half the size and was owned by a different restaurateur from Argentina. I remember waiting outside for our table to come up and he would serve us complimentary glasses of wine as we stood outside as there was never room inside to wait. A great experience from the start. I kept going back and picked Café Ragazzi as the place to take my my wife on her first date and because of the ambiance, the authentic Italian cuisine and the great accommodating staff who all seem to love working there. I ended up marrying her. Since that time, we have continued to go back even though we live in Ft. Lauderdale and drove all the way to Surfside to keep on getting our Ragazzi fix. We always take clients there and friends that appreciate great Italian food.
Moving ahead some years later, Café Ragazzi is now owned by Ricardo Montaner, a world renowned singer from Argentina and is run by his family. The place has expanded, double the size, with a beautiful open kitchen and a large brick oven that is hard to miss. Just beautiful as you walk in, bright, white table clothes, the smell of great food, and a greeting by one of he oldest employees,
Christian who used to be our waiter but now manages the floor. After one or two times going there, make sure you introduce yourself to Christian. He is a warm individual who will remember you and take you in like it’s his own home. Every customer and friend we have taken there loves to go back, and has gone back on their own. As you are taken to your table, and relax with a drink or your wine, you will get a run down of the specials, but will not be rushed. Very relaxed.
Ragazzi’s wine list is mostly Italian with some very high end wines, but we always are welcomed to bring our own wine. They will decanter it for you and just charge the normal corkage fee most restaurants charge, twenty dollars.
As for the menu? The highlight for me has always been the delicious Osso Bucco, served over risotto. I recommend the first time going there to try that especially if you like Osso Bucco. In my opinion, it is the best I have had. It is so good, I had to immediately make that a point of reference for the entrée. First, though, for appetizers, Michelle, our friend had an tasteful Caesar Salad, topped with fresh anchovies that will definitely stand out. An Italian restaurant can only be judged by their meatball appetizer, and after you have this which is a must to share, then they got you!!! Four beautifully seasoned meatballs with an incredible sauce and flowing ricotta cheese served right in the middle of the dish, which we love to dip each bite into this amazing ricotta. If you love stuffed artichokes, we had the best last night. Check out the delicious stuffing with breading, garlic and onions with an amazing perfectly cooked artichoke. The stuffing was so moist, not dried out like some places I have had it. Also recommend sharing because their portion is so large.
Back to the entrée dishes. Their pastas are simply outstanding. We were there with our very dear friends last night and we had the opportunity to all order our own dishes to share, which gave us the chance to order two of the freshest pastas; Papardelle Porcini and Papardelle Veal Ragu. So fresh and soft was the Papardelli served with large Porcini mushrooms, mushroom sauce with truffles. The delicious Pappardelle Veal Ragu, with our choice of topping it off with fresh Parmesan was so delicious and light. We really enjoyed the Grilled Veal Chop with mushrooms and peppers served medium, and the Veal Ragazzi, which is their large pounded veal, baked with a very tasty breading served with salad greens on the side.
I have never had a bad dish here. Everything is fresh, and the combination of flavors in all their dishes Is something that can’t be described. The service is top notch and professional, and the night just seems to flow with great wine, a large variety of flavorful dishes and an ambiance that is very rare in South Florida as Italian restaurants go. Of course our great friends, Michelle and Dominick made the evening, and as they know Italian restaurants best; they gave it a huge thumbs up.
One important thing to remember. When you get the check, they do add in gratuity, so do not over tip again. I made that mistake last night and an unusual thing happened for South Florida; Christian caught it and took the extra tip off before we left. Tells you a lot about Café Ragazzi’s character.
Five stars for Café Ragazzi. If you live way north of Surfside, it is worth the trip, but recommend taking Über which we did last evening. Bön Appetite!!!

If you’re a Surfside native I don’t know how you can’t love Café Ragazzi. My family and I have been dining here for several years and while the menu has changed a bit, the food has remained outstanding. Café Ragazzi is within walking distance from my Uncle’s condo, and he has gotten me addicted! They offer nice selections of pasta, veal, and chicken — as well as take out. The only downside is that they do not take reservations, but the owners are so accommodating (last year they literally rearranged everything to make room for us on an extremely crowded Saturday night as my Uncle is a regular) — which is such a plus. I look forward to coming back to Café Ragazzi each time my family visits Miami Beach!

We have been to this one many many times… And hopefully we will return for many more. Our first time was when this restaurant was no bigger than 5 – 6 tables. Now, this restaurant is all grown up and ALWAYS delivers.
This restaurant has that cozy look. It’s elegant, white table cloths and, although tables are kinda close together, it just feels right. Small bar as well but we’ve never had to wait for our table.
As for parking, I believe they have valet but I always park on the street. Plenty of meter parking.
We always bring our wine as well. For a corkage fee of $ 20 you can’t go wrong.
As for dinner, we’ve now had pretty much the entire menu. We’ve had the lasagna, the risotto, the crab ravioli, the gnocchis, the… you get the point. They were and continue to be very good options. This place has never had an off night!!! As for dessert, the chocolate mousse comes to mind. I also like the apple tart. This is one long menu… plenty of options!!!

The restaurant was packed saturday night but they still quickly find us a table for two.
They promptly took our drink orders and brought us bread with bruschetta.
We started with the caesar salad which was delicious. Home made dressing with anchovies I really liked it. The salad had the right about of dressing and small sized croutons which I prefer).
For dinner we shared the chicken marsala with steamed spinach and the diavola pizza. The plate had two thin chicken breasts smothered in marsala sauce. The sauce was light with mushrooms and onions. It was very good and a big. The pizza was huge. Enough to share for two as a meal. Thin crust, lots of cheese and spicy salami. Total success we took the left over home!
No dessert because we decided to get it somewhere else but their chocolate mousse looked delicious.
Prices seems reasonable on «regular» dishes but maybe a bit expensive on the specials and other meats (osso bucco $ 43, veal dishes $ 35 and filet mignon $ 45).
Service was very fast. The food was good. I will go back :)