Cotoletta, a new Italian Restaurant Bringing the Humanity Back to Hospitality

Coconut Grove welcomed an exciting new addition to its vibrant dining scene. Cotoletta, a charming Italian bistro centered around the celebrated Cotoletta alla Milanese. Brought to life by the three partners of 84 Magic Hospitality —Ignacio Lopez Mancisidor, Mattia Cicognani, and third-generation restaurateur, Andrea Fraquelli — their mission is to restore the human touch and soulful experience that many feel has been lost in today’s hospitality industry.

The story of Cotoletta dates back to the 1950s when Fraquelli’s grandfather, Lorenzo, moved from Italy to London to work as a busboy at the legendary Savoy Hotel. Lorenzo’s rise from humble beginnings to owning one of the UK’s first restaurant chains is the stuff of family legend. Along the way, he faced a challenge: convincing English diners, who were not yet accustomed to multi-course meals, to enjoy both pasta and the traditional Italian cotoletta. His simple yet brilliant solution was to serve a small portion of pasta on the same plate as the cotoletta. This dish became the cornerstone of his success and would be served in his restaurants for decades. The 84 Magic team now recreate this journey, moving from the UK and Italy to open up Cotoletta together.

Inspired by this family legacy, Andrea is bringing Cotoletta to life in Miami. “We’ve all had Cotoletta alla Milanese before, but rarely in the way the Milanese intended,” Fraquelli explains. “It’s been imitated and altered over the years, but here, we’re focused on doing justice to this dish—bringing it back to its roots.”

Located on the cozy corner of Commodore Street and Grand Avenue, Cotoletta offers a dining experience that blends tradition with simplicity. For a total of $80, two diners can enjoy a selection of fresh, seasonal antipasti followed by the signature dish—Veal or Cotoletta alla Milanese on the bone, delicately cooked with rosemary and lemon zest by executive chef Giulio Rossi. To elevate the experience, diners can choose from three classic sides: Homemade Spaghetti al Pomodoro e Basilico, house fries, or a crisp arugula, heritage tomato, and Parmigiano Reggiano salad.

Desserts, priced at just $9, maintain the same Italian authenticity, with options like a decadent flourless chocolate cake, cheesecake with raspberry coulis, and Cotoletta’s signature Vanilla Affogato Supreme, where rich Italian gelato meets the bold flavors of a double espresso.

To complete the Italian dining journey, the wine list has been carefully curated. “We’ve selected wines that we would personally drink back home in Northern Italy,” says Fraquelli. The red option is a Chianti Classico from a small, family-owned vineyard, known for its deep, unmistakable Sangiovese aroma. For a lighter touch, the white wine is a refreshing Gavi, designed to complement the zest of the cotoletta on warm Miami evenings. Artisanal Italian beers and fresh fruit Prosecco aperitifs will also be available to create a well-rounded, yet unpretentious experience.

This will be the first concept in the United States by the 84 Magic Hospitality team, but they are not new to the industry. As experts in the different categories of restaurant business what they all share in common is to bring the human touch back to hospitality.

“Cotoletta is a place of community,” said Cicognani. “The host remembers your name, your waiter asks about your recent trip and our partners welcome you.”

Cotoletta’s swift opening in under six weeks was no small feat, especially in Miami.

Although Andrea had dreamed of this concept for years, the opportunity to open in Coconut Grove, combined with the support of his long-time mentor, Chef Giulio Rossi, turned a vision into reality. With unyielding work, the three partners and designer, Eduardo Suarez have brought Cotoletta to life in record time for a Miami opening. Offering a cozy 50 seats, indoor and outdoor, the space is designed to mimic the food – A classic Italian bistro found in Italy, complete with family and friend photos on the walls.

Cotoletta is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM, with a Saturday lunch service from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. As the restaurant settles into its rhythm, Fraquelli plans to extend the opening hours and expand the offerings.

For more information or to make reservations, visit Cotolettamiami.com.

###

Reservations: Please call the restaurant directly

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM, with a Saturday lunch service from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Address: 3206 Grand Ave Miami, FL 33133

Website: Cotolettamiami.com

Instagram: @Cotoletta.Miami