A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it jewel box tucked into a nondescript strip mall on the edge of Buena Vista and Little Haiti, Boia De is a cozy, 27-seat temple to modern Italian-inspired cooking. The neon pink exclamation point above the door sets the tone: This place is small, boisterous, and very, very good.
Chefs Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer have a knack for taking classic flavors and twisting them into something unexpected yet deeply satisfying. Case in point: the beef tartare, a dish that, in lesser hands, might be forgettable but here becomes a textural playground. Crunchy shallot-garlic crumbs, briny fried capers, and a silky tonnato sauce create a combination that’s somehow decadent and refreshing all at once. Then there’s the pasta. It’s handmade and always something special, like the oxtail ravioli with parsnip and back truffle jus.
Drinks lean toward the low-ABV side, with cocktails that feel festive without tipping you into oblivion. The wine list is equally thoughtful, showcasing funky skin-contact bottles alongside approachable Italian staples. Let the staff steer you.
Boia De’s intimate space means tables book fast, but if you manage to score a reservation, you’re in for something special: a restaurant that feels both of-the-moment and like it’s been here forever. In Miami’s ever-changing dining landscape, that’s no small feat.