Tomorrow, Major Food Group (MFG), the globally acclaimed hospitality brand Vogue recently described as “carrying Miami’s decadent dining scene practically single-handedly”— will debut the refined, widely celebrated Italian concept Contessa in the Miami Design District. The restaurant occupies a two-story space in the famed development located at 111 NE 41st Street and open for lunch, and dinner.

Inspired by the old-world sophistication of Northern Italy’s iconic villas and estates, Contessa is a classic yet thoroughly contemporary dining destination by MFG Co-Founders and creative forces Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone, and Rich Torrisi. The original location of Contessa debuted last year on the rooftop of The Newbury Boston and quickly cemented its reputation as one of the most glamorous and exceptional Italian restaurants in America. Forbes wrote that Contessa is “the place you’ll want to trade in the sweatsuit for high heels or a suit.” The luxury magazine Boston Common declared it the “crème de la crème” of the city’s dining scene. And in a rave, Boston Magazine concluded that “The food is terrific. The views are sublime. The wine list—a Nebbiolo nerd’s cherry-toned, vertical-vintage playground—is deep and dreamy.”

“Contessa Miami channels the singular sense of refinement and pleasure of those Northern Italian meals we wish could go on forever, right in the heart of the Magic City. I can’t think of a more perfect location to bring this restaurant to life, and to share with the people of Miami a menu dedicated to a rich and elegant region we’ve long hoped to celebrate.” Said Mario Carbone, MFG Co-Founder.

Beyond impeccable Northern Italian fare, Contessa Miami promises MFG’s signature warm, charismatic, and polished hospitality, carefully tailored to the city the company has called home since 2021, when it embarked on a groundbreaking run of restaurant openings in the region, including ZZ’s Club in the Miami Design District, CARBONE and HaSalon on Miami Beach, Dirty French Steakhouse in Brickell and Sadelle’s in Coconut Grove. The company now operates a portfolio of over 40 restaurants, bars, private clubs, and hotels spread across the globe. In addition to Contessa Miami and a range of upcoming projects in the United States and abroad, the company has several new openings planned for South Florida within the next six months.

“From the moment we arrived, I fell in love with the Miami Design District and the most iconic corner inevitably made for our beloved Italian restaurant. Contessa is grand and glamorous; it’s designed to be an all-day anchor where you can eat, drink and celebrate into the night in the most elegant yet energetic neighborhood in Miami. Our mission is to continue innovating and elevating luxury dining experiences in the Magic City and I’m honored to once again have the opportunity to collaborate with my dear friend and visionary, Craig Robins." Said Jeff Zalaznick, MFG Co-Founder.

Culinary images via Major Food Group