Italian Eatery Spasso Takes Over the Former Calamari Space in Coconut Grove

Seems as if Coconut Grove is swapping one Italian concept for another. Taking over the former Calamari restaurant space at 3540 Main Highway is newcomer Spasso, which opened for service earlier this week. Helmed by Italian native, Gaetano Ascione who’s worked at Chicago’s Michelin starred restaurant, Gioco, it describes its cuisine as "rustic, simple and brutally honest." So what does that mean exactly? Expect dishes like beef and veal meatballs, thin-crust pizzas, branzino and bone-in ribeye, plus nightly specials that are meant to "brutally" impress guests. The dining area has gotten a revamp from its last incarnation, featuring an oceanic-themed terrazza, a rustic style dining room and even a few red checkered tablecloths sprinkled throughout. Spasso is open for lunch Monday through Friday dinner nightly and Sunday brunch from 11:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more information or reservations call 305-441-0219.