North Miami Restaurant Guide

Newfangled, old-world concoctions are best in this provincial little café. Most come for the sturdy breakfasts, oversize wraps and no-nonsense fish and meat entrées served with vegetables and a starch on the side. North Miami Beach professionals and young urban families all seem to know each other at Il Piccolo, and have transformed this unpretentious easy place into their own neighborhood diner. Juicy burgers and other sandwiches are served on country bread; the pastas are plate-filling, and the fish is fresh and can be made by your choice in many delicious ways. Try the Il Piccolo salad, a pretty display of artichokes, greens, hearts of palm, avocados and tomato, dressed in Il Piccolo's consummate French vinaigrette. The consistently big lunch crowd is a testament to Il Piccolo's consistency and affordability. Portions are gratuitously large and food seems meticulously fresh.