Italian at its best at Via Emilia Garden in Midtown Miami

The care and love that husband and wife owners Chef Giancarlo "Wendy" Cacciatori and Valentina Imbrenda have put into the new Via Emilia Garden in Midtown Miami is evident in both the decor and food. And probably because they've been operating the popular Via Emilia 9 on Miami Beach since 2014.

Giving off a rustic vibe, the light colored interior and light and expansive windows make for a wonderful atmosphere and paired with the pasta making station and cute market, it's a foodie's dream. I loved watching the fresh pasta being made right before our eyes.

The chewy veggie strips served in a jar were a lovely way to start the meal. It included pieces of zucchini and sweet potato and they were the perfect starter snack, we ate the whole jar.

Of course there had to be wine and it was delicious to enjoy it with some crunchy breadsticks. I love whites so chose a nice soft one from their extensive wine list.

The first dish was the most unique preparation of octopus I've seen and it was quite delicious and refreshing. The delicate pieces were sliced thin for a perfect carpaccio appetizer. The cherry tomato with rosemary sprig garnish, light bed of arugula and bright lemon slice completed the dish.

The tender tomahawk steak topped with a few rosemary sprigs and sides of juicy gratinated tomato and crispy potatoes was just classic dining done to perfection. The meat was like butter, barely needing a knife for slicing.

I failed to take a picture of the Cappellacci stuffed with lamb and served with shaved truffle but at a place where they're making their own pasta, trust me when I tell you, you're going to love this dish.

Dinner ended with crispy homemade biscottis and a couple of meringues drizzled with chocolate. Just the right amount of sweet to complete this lovingly prepared meal.

Via Emilia Garden, 3500 N. Miami Ave., 786.359.4990