This famous Italian restaurant from New York opens second Florida spot in Miami

Another popular New York import is opening in Miami this week.

The new Felice — pronounced “Fe-lee-che,” which means “happy” in Italian — is located in Brickell, the second South Florida location for the brand (the first is in West Palm Beach). There are also Felice restaurants across New York City, Brooklyn and one on Long Island.

Jacopo Giustiniani, partner at SA Hospitality Group, which owns Felice, called the neighborhood one of “the most exciting” communities in Miami.

“We pride ourselves on being a neighborhood restaurant,” he said in a statement. “We believe food is what connects us with one another. There is nothing like sharing a meal with people you love, enjoying great cuisine and even better company.”

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This is the first Miami restaurant for SA Hospitality, which also operates restaurants in Manhattan, Roslyn, Southampton, East Hampton, Aspen and Milan.

Giustiniani founded the original Felice in 2007, taking inspiration from his grandfather Sebastiano, who loved to cook Italian fare. The focus at Felice is Tuscan cuisine, but every location features a different menu curated for that particular neighborhood.

In Brickell, the menu has been curated by culinary director Iacopo Filai along with executive chefs Roberto Consiglio and Luigi Bailon. One of the signature favorites of the brand is spaghettino Felicetti alla diavolo (Felicetti is an upscale brand of pasta).

Felice is also known for its fixed price menus, one available at lunchtime Monday through Friday for $34, another on Sunday nights for $45.

The restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner, features indoor dining as well as a patio with 20 tables, which will probably be a lot more alluring at a different time of year. The wine list is dominated by Italian wines, of course, from Brunellos to Chiantis to Sangioveses, and also includes a selection of organic wine.

There’s a separate bar area and also a mezzanine bar and event space for private events — and you can order takeout, too.

Felice

Where: 1450 Brickell Ave., Miami

Opening: July 18

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. daily; happy hour 4- 6 p.m. Monday-Friday

More information: www.felicerestaurants.com

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