Cucina Caruso's Italian Market & Pizza
Reviews
Name: Rick Karlin
Restaurant Pick: Cucina Caruso
Reviewed: Cucina Caruso
When you pull into the strip mall this place doesn’t look like much. As soon as you open the door, you’re greeted by the staff behind the deli counter. After you go to the end of the deli counter, you notice some tables and an additional dining room. On weekdays and Thursday nights the “buffet” is available. You go up to the deli counter where there’s a lavish display of prepared dishes from salads to vegetables, entrees and even pizza and calzone. You simply tell the folks behind the counter what you want to try, and they prepare a plate for you. If it’s cold food, you take it back to your table, hot food is warmed and brought to your table. It really is like having your own Italian family.
Name: Carmen Matos
Restaurant Pick: Hours of Food Porn
Reviewed: Cucina Caruso
We went to dinner with another couple and from the time we entered it was as if we were welcomed by friends. The place feels like a typical Italian small-town restaurant and market— authentic and cozy. They had live music: a guitarist who sang traditional songs and took requests. The music was not obtrusive and provided an enjoyable experience. Our server came and gave us menus, the menu had traditional items and some you could tell were their signature items such as the Dom Pizza and Tortellini Caruso. Our server walked us over to their wine selection (you can pick your own bottle) and we selected a great Italian wine very reasonably priced.
Our adventure started with the antipasto which had excellent sliced sausage, chunks of cheeses, variety of olives, tomatoes with olive oil, small pieces of onions. The small size was perfect. We also started with the mozzarella sticks and they came with beautiful shavings of parmesan and an amazing red sauce (and I don’t like red sauce). The mozzarella sticks you could clearly see were homemade and they were good, but the sauce and the cheese took them to totally-worth-the-calories level. For the main course, we ordered the Tortellini Caruso which we shared between the 4 of us. But I can tell you there were aggressive glances as we wanted to make sure we could have more…. Orgasmic! The fettucine alfredo with grilled chicken was okay. The chicken had a great grilled flavor, but the sauce could use a bit more kick.
We also ordered the stuffed meatball with ziti (you can choose the pasta it comes with and it is accompanied by the delicious red sauce). The meatball is large and stuffed with cheese and other items— very filling. We had thought of ordering a second one, but our server wisely said one was enough. The Dom Pizza had olives, ham, sausage, cheese on red sauce. We ordered a medium and brought most of it home (Yay!! Get to have it again!) By the time we finished and were thinking of ordering dessert, we wished we had been wearing stretchy pants or jogging pants; but we had to do it! We asked the owners wife to select two and surprise us. She brought out a platter with ricotta cheesecake, zeppoles with cream and slices of their rainbow cake and to our amazement we finished almost all of it. The rainbow cake was perfect. moist and with a touch of anis, the ricotta cheesecake was very flavorful and dense, and the zeppoles with cream were perfectly crunchy while moist and yummy.
The chef had stopped by a few times to see how the meal was going and at the end shared a bit about his childhood in Italy. We discussed our travels and love of food. His wife joined in and she was so gracious and welcoming. We asked for the bill and paid for it with heartfelt appreciation for a wonderful meal, in a comforting setting where we felt we found long lost friends. Great evening, great food.
Name: Tamera Bryant-Gardener
Restaurant Pick: Tom Jenkins
Reviewed: Cucina Caruso
Upon driving up to the restaurant, I was shocked that we were pulling up to a very small strip center. Upon entering the front door, we were warmly greeted by Ana, who I now believe is one of the owners. We were the first customers for dinner, so we were told that we could pick our own seat. When you enter the restaurant there is a display case which gave it a market feel, and off to the side were the tables, and up against the wall was a display of numerous bottles of wine. The server, Sue was very friendly and made us feel welcomed. The small restaurant quickly filled with diners and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. We were provided with warm garlic rolls after being seated and they were delicious. The appetizers were fresh and well-seasoned. My husband ordered the three meatballs with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese, which was a first for me, and we both enjoyed them. I ordered the fried calamari and they were fresh and fried to perfection. For our entrée, my husband ordered the filet of sole with lemon butter sauce and it was outstanding!!! The flavors were well balanced and just overall delicious. I was disappointed with my linguine with clams because the pasta was overcooked, and the broth was under seasoned. I do believe if I would have informed the staff about my pasta that they would have been happy to change it for me. I can honestly say that we really enjoyed ourselves and would be happy to return to Cucina Caruso’s. I would like to thank the staff at Caruso’s for providing my husband and I with a memorable experience.
Restaurant Information
Location: : 17505 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami, Fl
Parking: Private Lot
Phone: 954-248-2321
Website:www.domcarusos.com
Restaurant Owners: Domenico and Anna Caruso
Executive Chef: Domenico Caruso
Pastry Chef: N/A
Type of Cuisine: Italian
Signature Dishes: Stuffed meatball, tortellini Caruso, pizza, chicken cacciatore
Vegetarian Options: Yes
Alcohol Served: Beer | Wine
Corkage Fee: $15/bottle
Bottle Limit: N/A
Restaurant Hours:
Monday– 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday– 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wedensday– 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday– 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday– 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday– 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday– 12:00PM – 9:00PM
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dessert
Prix Fix Menu: Yes – family style
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: Yes - Ubereats, also catering
Average Dinner Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, 20% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $25
Average Lunch Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, 20% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $15
Payment Options: do you accept credit cards and if so, which ones? All major credit cards
Accept Reservations: Yes
Need Reservations: No
How far in advance do you require reservations be made: For the private dining room, as soon as possible
Accommodations for Children: Yes
Dining Style: Casual
Disabled Access: Yes
Restaurant Size: 70
Accommodate Groups: Yes
Private Dining Room: Yes
Tables with Scenic Views: No
Outdoor Dining: No
Entertainment: Yes - Friday and Saturday, live guitar player