Garden-driven Italian blooms in Wynwood: Meet Rosemary’s

Rosemary’s offers the kind of ease that suggests it’s always been there waiting for you. This charming labor of love (with serious NYC street cred!) unveils its signature blend of Italian comfort and warmth to Wynwood. 

For founder Carlos Suarez, it’s a return to Miami as his family spent nearly two decades here. “The foundation of the Rosemary’s concept is comfort, a space to step out of your busy life for a moment and enjoy delicious food at affordable prices in a place that evokes the feel of the Italian countryside,” Suarez said. Buon appetito!

Set inside a 7,000-square-foot reimagined warehouse and adjoining lot, the restaurant unfolds with an indoor country-style dining space complete with hanging copper pots and framed photographs. The outdoor green, open-air oasis is magical - adorned with bougainvillea and softly dimmed string lights. This Tuscan escape is perfect for family gatherings, date nights and hanging with friends.

An on-site garden beautifully anchors the experience, reinforcing a menu built on seasonality, local sourcing, and a quietly elevated approach to everyday dining. 

The kitchen sits steps from the source yielding edible flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables that shape the menu in real time. In fact, the garden is flourishing with rosemary, fennel, tomatoes, bananas, peppers, key limes, mint, basil, lemons, passion fruit and beyond.

Diners delight in handmade pastas, vibrant produce, fresh ingredients, top wines and so much more.

And with that, we dig in. Mangia!

Crispy Supplì is a classic fried appetizer that brings big flavor and texture. The golden outside (topped with parmesan cheese) hides a surprising center filled with creamy carnaroli rice, mozzarella cheese and sweet tomato sauce. Sheer deliciousness.

All of Rosemary’s plates are meant for sharing, and the focaccia is no different. Made with rosemary, the Ricotta e Tartufo Nero features golden honey, nutty black truffle and whipped ricotta topping. This is an extravagant, cloud-like bite that balances earthy richness with a touch of sweetness - and sets the tone for the rest of the meal.

Next, a trio of hearty meatballs offer a delectable trio of combined meat: beef, pork and prosciutto, plated with slivers of bread, nestled in yummy ricotta and finished with pomodoro sauce. Each moist morsel delivers a comforting balance of tenderness, acidity and indulgence. And, this dish would make any Italian mamma proud.

In celebration of Earth Day, the antipasti Stracciatella e Crudo was a seasonal treat - and a special one since part proceeds benefit the global movement Slow Food all April long. Delicate stracciatella cheese is paired with colorful tomatoes, thinly sliced prosciutto, pickled fennel and a side of focaccia. It’s no wonder the restaurant was awarded Slow Food’s Snail of Approval recognition. 

Grilled octopus arrives with great ceremony, oh-so tender with a crispy char. Sitting on a rustic-style chickpea panzanella, the salad is chockfull of chickpeas, celery, cucumber, tomatoes and focaccia croutons tussled in a tasty vinaigrette. Che buono!

Landing on the table is the Orecchiette pasta dish. Simple perfection. Featuring al dente orecchiette (small ears) pasta capturing every savory bite, the homemade Italian sausage lends juicy flavor, broccoli rabe tossed in brings slight bitterness and Fresno chili peppered throughout packs a spicy punch. This is a whole mouthful of lip-smacking goodness.

Always save room for dessert, and the silky Tiramisu is as authentic as it gets. Drizzled with olive oil and a pinch of maldon salt, it’s a dolce ending to a decadent meal.

Naturally, wine is essential to the dining journey. The aromatic white Pecorino presents soft herbal, citrus and mineral notes that pair well with herbaceous dishes. Other exquisite offerings to explore: Timorasso, Greco Di Tufo, Garganega, Cerasuolo Di Vittoria, Aglianico, Sagratino, Schiava and more. It’s a tour of Italy’s finest regions.

Named for Suarez’s mother - and inspired by her cooking and garden in Lucca - Rosemary’s carries a sense of nostalgia. Expect one gorgeous plate after another, all in loving tribute to the countryside. Andiamo!

Rosemary’s, located at 322 NW 25th Street in Wynwood, also has NYC locations: Midtown, the East Side and the West Village. Visit: https://www.rosemarysnyc.com/location/miami/