Pizza Rustica

After spending the afternoon at the beach, there was hunger all around. We were faced with the same dilemma as always when at Miami Beach: where can we get a good, quick meal that won't break the bank? At David's suggestion, we decided to try Pizza Rustica on Lincoln Road. This is a small chain of Pizza places that started on Miami Beach, has branched out to several locations in south Florida (one is going to open soon in South Miami, and Brickell), and even in Michigan and Paris (yes that's Paris, France!).



Pizza Rustica on Lincoln Road is small with no pretentions. Behind a large glass counter are twenty plus pizzas for you to choose from, with very fresh ingredients and lots of vegetables. Things like potato pizza, three-mushroom, barbecue chicken, Caprese, and also all of the old standards. I tried the Spinach blue cheese, which was very good, and also the BBQ chicken. The barbecue sauce adds a nice tang to the overal flavor. The crust is fairly thin and crispy. Overall the flavors are really vibrant.



You can sit at a table and order from a waiter, or just walk up to the counter and order a whole pizza, or even more popular, by the slice. A "slice" in this case is a loose term; it's more like a little personal pizza, which they cut into 8 little slices for you. And most pizza "slices" are under $5, which is really a great deal.



I was worried when I ordered that the pizza wouldn't be hot enough, since it is just sitting on warmers behind the counter. But as soon as you order, they throw your slice into an oven, and it comes out tasting fresh and hot.



Overall I was really satisfied with Pizza Rustica. It's the perfect food after a day at the beach. Let's face it, not all of us feel like sitting down to an $50-plus meal with sand in our hair (if we can afford a $50-plus meal in the first place). The only downside to Pizza Rustica is the lack of seating. Most of the tables are for customers being waited on, so you may have to settle for a ledge or a bench. Service at the counter is fast, and matter of fact, and you better know what you want to order when you get to the front of the line.

I recommend Pizza Rustica to anyone who finds themselves wandering around Miami Beach in search of a quick, cheap meal.

Best Pizza--Tutto Pizza/ Tutto Pasta

On a streetcorner on Coral Way, right before the the I-95 overpass, one of the best pizza places in Miami sits inconspicuously under orange awnings. Tutto Pizza and its sister restaurant, Tutto Pasta, have never failed to satisfy me or anyone I have taken there. You can get great appetizers, pasta, pizza, and desserts, all served up by friendly and professional waitstaff. We appreciate not only the food, but the whole dining experience.

I like to sit outside when it's not too hot, but the dining room is equally nice, with comfortable, casual yet elegant decor. For appetizers, my husband and I like the salmon carpaccio, or if you are really hungry, the antipasti plate, which comes with fresh mozzarella, olives, roasted red peppers, sundried tomatos, and several Italian cured meats. It's a great, fresh start to the meal.

The pizza is traditional brick oven pizza, with a nice crispy crust, and innovative toppings. One pie easily satisfies two people. Our favorites are the Quatro Formagio, Popeye (with goat cheese, spinach, and sundried tomatoes), and the Superman (with fresh arugula and prosciutto). You can split your pizza in half so you get two types on one pie. The menu also includes paninis and salads.

To satisfy my sweet tooth, I love to end with the hot, gooey-on-the-inside chocolate souffle with an espresso (David prefers the Tiramisu).

We have eaten pasta there a couple of times as well, and the pumpkin ravioli I had were great--just the right balance of salty and sweet.

Both of us can eat a pizza with an appetizer, dessert and espresso for about $60.00, a real bargain for the quality of the food and service. Tutto is one of our favorite restaurants, and we have never been disappointed. I just read on their website that the owner is working on a new bistro, Zucchero, and I can't wait to see what it offers.