Cara Mia Trattoria ItalianaA Diamond in the RoughCara Mia is located on 1040 Alton Road. It looks unassuming from the street where road works are being done but entering the restaurant is a surprise. The place is narrow and long but beautifully designed. We went there twice within one week during our stay in South Beach and left thinking we've found a gem. The food was excellent (and reasonably-priced) ; the portions pretty generous; and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. It is a shame Cara Mia is not as crowded as it should be. Its location is perfect for neighborhood residents but not so good for visitors on the ocean side. But it is a trip worth taking.6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMOff the Beaten Path WinnerI used two sites to find a moderately priced but well rated place for our family dinner of six people. Cara Mia was as good as all the other ratings had claimed. We were given a nice round table in the back corner. A specialty of scallop risotto was totally enjoyed by two of our members. My husband and I chose to split an entree and salad and that was plenty of food for the two of us. Everyone could talk easily that night, but the rain storm probably did keep the crowds away.
The two waiters were very pleasant and informed about their menu. We had to flag them down a time or two when things were busy, but then they came by quickly to see to our needs. If I lived in South Beach, I could see myself coming back here quite often.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a Gem!Went for Mother's Day...chose Casa Mia based on other reviews, and boy were we NOT disappointed! The service was exceptional, and the food was outstanding. You can't beat the $15 bottomless Mimosa's for brunch!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic Italian Restaurant!The restaurant is quaint, with fantastic service, food, and ambiance. We were a party of 6 with some of us late due Miiami traffic; we were not rushed, staff very accommodating and friendly! Food is authentic Italian Great choice! Will definitely be back!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was great and very reasonablyFood was great and very reasonably priced especially for Miami. Would recommend to others and will definitely be going back!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Italian in SOBEAs we walked up we were a bit apprehensive as the restaurant looked very small from the outside. We were pleasantly surprised when we entered. Greeted by a hostess and immediately guided to our table. We did not drink as my husband does not drink wine. That was fine as they brought us a carafe of ice water and great bread. Ordered the calamari which came out hot and delicious. For our entrees I had the seafood over pasta special which was cooked in parchment paper. Delicious! My husband the lamb shank which he said was falling off the bone. If you are in the neighborhood, it is a South Beach treasure as it is very reasonably priced.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMawesome all aroundOverall amazing experience. Food was delicious. Service amazing. Prices awesome. We were fortunate to enjoy their early bird menu due to we had a show to follow dinner. But not was the price awesome but the choices given were delicious. Really looking forward to eating here again soon.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMA must when in MiamiSmall, tastefully decorated. We has great service and the food was outstanding. The calamari frita was especially.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMLocal and reasonable Italian DinnerCare Mia is an excellent local place for reasonable Italian fare. They should offer more fish specials. There were a few errors due to language so order clearly and carefully.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMauthentic ItalianThis place is a true gem! We have traveled througout the US and Europe and this place was authentic. There is no pretentiousness here. As a party of 6, we each ordered something different and were all very pleased. The San Marzano pasta dish was excellent, simply done right. Our 17 year old son is not a fan of Italian food and ordered the ribeye steak, which was of very good quaity and cooked exactly as he wanted it, without the pricey steakhouse cost. The lasagna was savory, and the seafood was fresh. Last but not least, the staff was friendly and attentive.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat casual dining!! ExcellentGreat casual dining!! Excellent prices, yummy salads, pasta, risottos and meats! Extraordinary chocolate mousse!! We went with our 10 year old daughter and she was happy with her pasta dish and dessert! Maybe not appropriate for children who expect to run around! Too nice of a place for that! :) we will be back!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is a very well run restaurantThis is a very well run restaurant with some of the best Italian food in Miami and at reasonable prices especially for South Beach3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMVery reasonably priced forVery reasonably priced for the very high-end food and service. Everything we tried was delicious!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMVery friendly small neighborhoodVery friendly small neighborhood restaurant with genuine Italian menu. Fresh pear and Roquefort salad followed by veal piccata with lemon and caper sauce - perfect. Cheese cake dessert with four spoons - great finish to a meal that put us in great mood!2/17/2013 12:00:00 AM