The Early Word on Pubbelly Godchild Macchialina

Just over a month ago, Macchialina Taverna Rustica finally joined Andreas Schreiner's mini-empire of Pubbelly restaurants, opening its doors in Miami Beach. With Scarpetta veteran Michael Pirolo in the kitchen turning out Italian classics like polenta, agnolotti, and pork chop Milanese, expectations were high. So far, it looks like Macchialina is living up to expectations, although the restaurant has attracted a few naysayers. Read on to see what early diners have to say about the cuisine, service, and vibe at Macchialina Taverna Rustica.

The Short But Sweet News: Macchialina's lone Menupages reviewer gives it a thumbs up: "Great concept, and amazing execution. Get the short rib lasagna and the polenta." [Menupages]

The Bad News: Over on Yelp, one diner is not pleased: "What can I say: waited 4 minutes before we were even acknowledged, and it wasn't even busy. 3 of the 12 mussels weren't open and the waiter didn't even mention anything when we asked for bread because we couldn't eat the unopened mussels...he just charged an additional $2 for the bread. AND WHAT KIND OF ITALIAN RESTAURANT DOESN'T SERVE BREAD? Tuna appetizer had no taste, just the large grains of sea salt. I should have known since it's part of the Pubbelly chain. Better get your act together Macchialina." [Yelp]

The Twittersphere News: Several Twitter users had a good experience: "Balls of eggplant and broccolini are exploding in my mouth @macchialina. a rare meal on the road in Miami #exceptional." "The Brie is phenomenal. I can see you know what to order from there ... Go to Macchialina on Alton and 8th on sobe #ThankMeLater." "@macchialina great meal on Tuesday, thank you. Creamiest polenta ever! Sorry, no pics, enjoying myself so much I forgot to take any." [Twitter]

The Great News: Fred Gonzalez of Miami.com files a rave: "The lasagna features short ribs and taleggio ($16), is enough for two to share, and while it is served in typical lasagna style, it will fool your taste buds once you take a bite. The house signature dish - the Cavatelli Macchialina ($16) - features meatballs, porchetta and pecorino, all with a spicy kick that slowly surprises with each bite. (A must try on our list.)...Verdict: Another must-eat-at restaurant by the Pubbelly gurus, combining neighborhood quaintness with innovative Italian fare." [Miami.com]

The Mostly Good News: A Foursquare tipster mostly enjoyed themselves: "The service is excellent and the atmosphere is great. The Octopus alla Plancha and the Agnolotti del Plin are must tries. The desserts where extreme disappointments. We had the Tiramisu and Bread Pudino." [Foursquare]

The Dessert News: Another Yelper begs to differ: "We enjoyed dinner family style and had the short rib lasagna, pasta & meatballs, pancetta pizza and sausage & broccoli pizza...I think the best course was dessert--bread pudding and tiramisu. I am typically not a bread pudding fan- but, holy cow, it was was AMAZING! Not too much bread, not very dense, lots of pudding/custard. Yummy. The tiramisu was artfully presented in a jar and had a great balance of espresso, to lady finger to filing. The service was great- attentive but not obnoxious and overwhelming. Overall, HIGHLY recommended." [Yelp]
Photo via Thrillist]
—Alison Herman