Ecco Pizzateca & Lounge

• Cuisine(s): Italian
  Hours: Mon 11am-4pm, Tue-Fri 11am-7pm
  Price: $$
  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards
• Attire: Casual
  Features: Takeout, Delivery, Private Party, Catering, Banquet Facilities, Wheelchair Accessible, Vegetarian Friendly
  Serving: Dinner, Lunch
  Alcohol: Full bar
• Reservations: Accepted, Not Necessary
  Parking: Meters, Street

Description

This is a downtown Italian pizza restaurant with a lounge-like ambiance. The main dining room downstairs surrounds a large bar area, which makes it difficult to hear servers and dining companions. Menu selections are extensive and include traditional Italian bistro items, with appetizers such as bruschetta ($7) and tuna tartare ($10). There are also panini with grilled chicken ($9), tomato and mozzarella ($10), and turkey ($9), as well as salads with spinach ($8), bow-tie pasta ($9), and pear and Gorgonzola ($9). Three types of pasta can get five different sauces, including Bolognese, Genovese, and tomato and basil ($8 to $13). In addition, there is a full pizza menu, featuring 13 pizza "rosse" (made with tomato and fresh mozzarella) and 13 pizza "bianche" (no tomato sauce). Some specialties are the Emiliana, with chicken, roasted pepper, and mushrooms ($13); Gustosa, with potatoes and sausage ($12); and Bianca, with cream and mushrooms ($11). Perhaps because of the wide selection, the restaurant sometimes runs out of items, so ask before ordering. This is not your traditional pizza place, but if you are looking for a South Beach scene in downtown Miami where music and people-watching is emphasized, this is your best bet.