Italian Restaurant Near Me in South Beach: Call Me Gaby on Washington

When typing Italian restaurant near me while wandering through the serene, affluent enclave of South of Fifth, Call Me Gaby welcomes guests into an enchanting garden oasis. Situated at 22 Washington Avenue near 1st Street, just steps from South Pointe Park, this chic neighborhood trattoria feels like a sun-drenched courtyard along the Amalfi Coast or French Riviera. The restaurant is celebrated for its lush open-air garden terrace draped in flowering bougainvillea, its convivial Mediterranean ambiance, and its light, crisp Roman pinza flatbreads.

What distinguishes Call Me Gaby from the high-decibel party spots scattered across South Beach is its focus on understated elegance, romantic tranquility, and authentic Mediterranean hospitality. Conceived by French-Italian restaurateurs Cathy and Julian Gaby, the kitchen bridges classic Italian trattoria recipes with Riviera chic, highlighting Roman-style fermented pinza dough, fresh handmade pastas, pristine local seafood, and refreshing spritz cocktails crafted with organic herbs.

The antipasti menu provides a light, vibrant prelude to the meal, celebrating the finest Mediterranean cheeses, cured meats, and produce. The signature Burrata Pugliese for twenty-four dollars arrives as a creamy sphere of imported burrata surrounded by sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, balsamic pearls, and basil pesto over toasted focaccia. Another delightful sharing plate is the Tartare di Tonno for twenty-six dollars, finely diced yellowfin tuna tossed with avocado mousse, capers, Meyer lemon vinaigrette, and crispy sesame crackers. For a refreshing raw bar selection, the carpaccio di branzino for twenty-five dollars presents paper-thin wild sea bass dressed with pink peppercorns, finger lime pearls, and extra-virgin olive oil.

The kitchen's celebrated Roman pinza flatbreads represent a culinary triumph that keeps tables packed every night of the week. Prepared with an artisanal blend of wheat, soy, and rice flours fermented for over seventy-two hours, the oval crust emerges from the stone oven impossibly light, airy, and crisp. The namesake 'Gaby' pinza for twenty-eight dollars is topped with creamy stracciatella cheese, prosciutto di Parma, and black truffle pearls, while the 'Andrea' for twenty-six dollars features spicy soppressata, sweet honey drizzle, and fresh fior di latte. Meat lovers on the patio often order the 'Claudio' pinza for twenty-seven dollars, layered with sweet San Marzano tomato sauce, spicy nduja sausage, gorgonzola cheese, and sweet red onions.

For guests craving traditional pasta and comforting secondi, the kitchen executes classic regional dishes with wonderful finesse. The Tagliolini al Tartufo for thirty-two dollars enrobes delicate egg noodles in a rich butter and parmigiano emulsion crowned with shaved black truffles. For main courses, the Filetto di Branzino for thirty-eight dollars is pan-seared to crispy skin perfection, served over Mediterranean caponata vegetables, pine nuts, and lemon herb oil.

Dessert at Call Me Gaby provides a charming, sweet conclusion beneath the twinkling garden canopy. The Torta al Limone for thirteen dollars delivers a refreshing, tart lemon curd baked in a shortbread crust with light meringue peaks. Guests also love the traditional Tiramisu della Casa for fourteen dollars, served in an elegant glass jar with layers of mascarpone cream, dark espresso-soaked biscuits, and a dusting of Valrhona cocoa.

Timing your arrival at Call Me Gaby can significantly influence your dining experience under the stars. Sunset dinners between six and seven in the evening capture the soft golden coastal light filtering through the bougainvillea trellis, creating a dreamlike setting for romantic dates. After eight o'clock, the garden patio fills with fashionable South of Fifth locals, lively birthday celebrations, and laughter that continues late into the warm Miami night.

Advance reservations on Resy are highly recommended for the garden patio, especially for Friday and Saturday evening seatings. However, Call Me Gaby reserves several walk-in tables along the sidewalk perimeter and at the cozy indoor marble bar. Arriving right at five-thirty in the afternoon or dropping in after nine o'clock on weeknights often allows walk-in pairs to be seated promptly.

The interior and patio design seamlessly marry Mediterranean coastal romance with relaxed tropical Miami elegance. The outdoor garden is sheltered by leafy pergolas, wrapped in climbing ivy, and illuminated by amber Edison string lights. Woven Parisian bistro chairs, marble-topped tables, pastel linen pillows, and lush potted olive trees cultivate a serene, timeless atmosphere that feels effortlessly welcoming.

Founded in 2018 by husband-and-wife duo Cathy and Julian Gaby, the restaurant quickly became the beloved neighborhood living room for the South of Fifth community. Their goal of crafting a welcoming, warm dining sanctuary where neighbors could gather for a casual evening pinza or a celebratory bottle of rosé has made Call Me Gaby one of the most cherished restaurants in Miami Beach.

Enhance your dining outing by taking full advantage of the stunning South of Fifth neighborhood before or after your meal. Take an idyllic sunset stroll along the waterfront promenade at South Pointe Park to watch mega-yachts and cruise ships glide through Government Cut, or walk out onto the South Pointe Pier to view the twilight skyline of South Beach. The sandy shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean is located just two blocks away.

Practical considerations are carefully designed to make every visit effortless and enjoyable. The restaurant accepts all major credit cards and digital payment methods, and dedicated valet parking is stationed directly out front on Washington Avenue. Attire is South Beach resort chic, welcoming breezy linen shirts, stylish cocktail dresses, and sophisticated warm-weather evening wear.

Call Me Gaby represents a magical fusion of romantic garden ambiance, delicious Roman pinza craftsmanship, and warm neighborhood hospitality in South Beach. Whether you are savoring a truffle-drizzled flatbread under the blooming bougainvillea, sharing fresh pasta with friends over chilled rosé, or enjoying a quiet nightcap at the marble bar, it delivers an unforgettable taste of Mediterranean romance in South of Fifth.