Il Gabbiano used to be my favorite Italian Restaurant, aside from Il Molino. Since they opened in Downtown Miami, I used to come on a regular basis, for business, family reunions or birthdays. However, this restaurant lost it is main characteristic which is the Italian food, and have focused more on special seafood plates, the waiters try to eagerly sale to each commensal. Last time I came (about 6 months ago) I asked for a Burrata as appetizer, and then asked for a spaghetti Carbonara, this was one of my favorites, as the owner, who was the main chef used to cooked all pastas in a long table site almost in front of you. However, to my surprise the Carbonara was cold, it had almost no pancetta, but full of cream. I left that day very disappointed. Today, I decided to give it a try again, it was my mother's birthday, so we were a party of 4. As usual, I ordered a bottle of wine from the extensive and expensive wine list, which I enjoyed. But when we order our food, I felt really sorry for having picked again this restaurant. None of us ordered from the daily seafood specials they try to sell, but from the actual menu, which is what we used to do in the "old good days" of this restaurant. To start we had 2 Caesar Salads, both were very plain, with no taste at all. We also had a Burrata to share, which it was good, but nothing out of extraordinary to be $22. Then, I had Spaghetti Carbonara, my parents ordered Bucatini Amatriciana and by brother Penne Alfredo. What a disappointment!!! The Carbonara was bland, and the pancetta not the best quality, the Amatriciana was just a simple pasta plate full of mushrooms, with almost no pancetta, and it had almost no sauce. This is not Il Gabbiano I used to know! It was a total waist of time and money, as each of these pasta plates are $27.75, not worth the money any more. I am a local, not a tourist, whom, they can get a way with a simple plate and a nice bay view. This restaurant has gone from been one of the best Italian Restaurants to a more seafood house with a nice view. The service though continues to be very good. But will not return. read more

Il Gabbiano in Miami is a dining experience that leaves a lot to discuss. The restaurant boasts an elegant ambiance and a menu filled with Italian classics that have earned it a solid reputation over the years. The staff is undeniably cordial and attentive, but sometimes, the service can feel overwhelming. The well-meaning waiters are often eager to upsell, encouraging you to order large portions that, more often than not, you don't really need. It's a classic case of "eyes bigger than your stomach," but with a bit of a push from the staff. If you're planning a visit on the weekend, be prepared for a wait, even with a reservation. Il Gabbiano seems to have a habit of accommodating walk-ins until the restaurant is overbooked, which can lead to frustrating delays in seating. The anticipation of a leisurely dinner can quickly turn into a test of patience as you wait for your table to become available. On top of that, Il Gabbiano has become increasingly expensive. While the quality of the food is generally good, the escalating prices might make you think twice, especially when paired with the upselling and wait times. It's a restaurant that offers a taste of luxury, but these days, that luxury comes at a significant cost. In summary, Il Gabbiano delivers on flavor and atmosphere, but the experience can be marred by pushy service, delays, and a hefty bill at the end of the night. read more

I had a great experience in this restaurant. Well, there was something that I didn't like much about the location but let me start by saying it doesn't have anything to do with the restaurant and is not really a big deal but is worth mentioning so that people are aware about what to expect when going to this location. We hired a limousine to go to this restaurant because there were about 7 of us and we wanted to have a couple of glasses of wine on the way there. When we got there the limo could not go up the ramp because when it gets really busy and believe me it gets really busy because this restaurant is very popular, there is no space up there for the limo to turn around. With that being said, the food was very good, it was cooked on point, I can't say it was to salty nor missing salt, it was right on point to me and I believe my friends liked it too. I had from the antipasto menu the Calamari Alla Griglia, it was delicious, and from the pollo menu I had the Pollo Alla Scarpariello, so delicious too. The service was excellent, Mario the waiter took great care of us, I will visit this place again and I will tell people about it, I think it is worth the coin. read more

Il Gabbiano is the GIFT that keeps on giving! we came here the other night and like most nights it was filled with people. We waited a bit, but that's par for the course for any restaurant worth going to. I mean who wants to eat somewhere where the waiters are rushing you out from your table? Anyway, we stood by the bar and people watched, which in Miami is always a treat! My girlfriend and I started with the soup, usually we order the grilled octopus or carpaccio. The soup was delicious. Then for mains we each ordered the white truffle fettucine, which was insanely delicious. We had a beautiful bottle of Gaja; their wine selection is incredible and then we ended our night with the ricotta and amaretto cheesecake and zabaglione with berries. Two of my favorites. There's a reason why this is ranked the best by Zagat. It's owned by legends in the biz. To stay on top for the amount of years they have in a city like Miami where restos come and go is a testament to their genius. The portions, quality, location and impeccable service is unlike anything else. Il Gabs is a total experience! read more

I am fortunate enough to visit great places in many cities about 20 nights a year. Haven't been to Miami in 8 years and immediately I can't wait to come back and il gabbiano has jumped to my top 5 of all time, not just the last year or last 20 great dining experiences. From NY to LA back to Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, DC and Phillie- this could be one of the best of all memorable evenings that brings a city's best of everything together. The location and staff epitomize the best Miami has and whoever sources their ingredient product and wine list knows where to get the best in Miami and possibly the country. If you are coming to this city, you have to try il gabbiano and compare it to any restaurant, in any city, you wish. If you know food and the effort that goes into the finest of details you will not only appreciate the place, but it will raise your expectations of anywhere else you dine for a while. No need to look at the menu. Your server will tell you all you need to know. read more

The service is ok , The food is the worst ever full of garlic No flavor no taste and price is grazy, and everything garnish whit slice tomatoes and parsley spaghetti with clams , risotto alla pescatore you can no eat and i am chefs and never do review bad because I no the work there is to prepare in the kitchen MA this place is trap for tourists or people you go there once , and never go back , for $30 pasta so bad the chefs ( so call if we can) must be hall Spanish and ander payed , the owner are brothers Italian the should be shame for the food they serve , next day we went meat market in Lincoln Road was exllent (spero questo serva loro x cambiare in meglio ) una vergogna chiamare questo mangiare Italiano x tutti quelli Che cercano di tenere il nome Della cucina italiana all estero decente read more

Il Gabbiano, a slice of Italy in Miami, where the culinary experience almost lets you forgive the 'cozy' seating. Sure, the tables are packed tighter than sardines, a classic Miami move, but let's talk food. Every dish is a star, from the first tantalizing bite to the last. We're talking authentic Italian flavors that'll have you saying 'Mamma Mia!' with every mouthful. The drinks? Expertly mixed, as if each cocktail tells its own little Italian story. And yes, there's a water-filling maestro, ensuring you're never parched. But wait, there's more: the view. Dining here offers a front-row seat to the Miami Bay, with a parade of yachts adding to the charm. So, while you might rub elbows with your neighbor, the food and views make it all worth it. Classic Miami style, indeed. read more

An outstanding restaurant with an elegant atmosphere and beautiful waterfront views. Everything was spotless, with crisp white tablecloths that added a touch of sophistication. The service was exceptional--friendly, attentive, and very professional. The food was absolutely delicious. I had the Branzino (Mediterranean sea bass), and it was one of the best I've ever tasted. The hot shrimp appetizer was also outstanding. Everything was beautifully presented, fresh, and served quickly. We truly enjoyed our dinner here on Independence Day, and the wonderful atmosphere made the evening even more special. Highly recommended--we will definitely be back! read more

This one of the best restaurant, I dined there yesterday and the food was surprisingly good. The scent of garlic, basil, and fresh-baked bread- a promising start that doesn't disappoint. The menu has pretty great options and food quality was fantastic. The Veal Gorgonzola was excellent and taste so creamy. It has right amount of richness. The pizza was simple, blistered crust with bright tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella. The service was attentive without being overbearing. The server was charming, quick with good recommendations, and clearly passionate about the food. Prices are mid-to-high range, but the quality didn't disappoint me. read more

Sometimes you just want a place that does things old-school. Bombarded by food, bombarded by servers, bombarded by drink and food portions, then bombarded by the bill. This is our go-to spot for that. We aren't into the see and be seen mentality of Miami. In general, we gear toward low-key, great spots. Gabbiano is where we do our people-watching while chowing down on really good, classic Italian food. Love the parmesan and bruschetta that comes before you even order. A good sign that even though the meal is expensive, you won't leave feeling ripped off. Also, check out the Veal Milanese. Review based on 5 visits read more

After 45 minutes of listening to the hostess telling us two more minutes for our table, we decided to leave. We had 8:30 reservations and at 9:15, she was telling us that she was seating people who had 8 o'clock reservations. Who wants to wait an hour and 15 minutes - not me. The restaurant is clearly overbooked and they could care less about their clientele. The poor waiters were running so fast I thought they were on rollerskates. Clearly unprofessional. For these prices and service, not to mention the seven dollar valet parking bill, you should go to a place where they appreciate your business. read more

It was such a pleasure to be able to dine at my go to Miami restaurant last night. My friends and I were celebrating a 45th birthday. We made a last minute reservation on Thursday and the charming hostess was able to accommodate us for Saturday even though she said they were overbooked and we might have to wait a bit. When we arrived, as always, we were treated like old friends. The service was impeccable and the food as delicious as always. Il Gabbiano, please never leave our great city. You are one of our special institutions!! Bravo. Michael and Friends read more

All is nice 1- the view, amazing. You have to ask for a table outside. Even after have been here 20times, I still love the view. It is relaxing and so romantic. 2 - the service! Good and the wait dresser Italian and so nice. 3 - the food....I love it. If you never tryed the fish, give it a shot it is just amazing. 4 - the dessert if you still have space try the savarin it is very good and light. Plus, they prepare it in front of you which is very unique. Finally, just go go go.... Now i am starving;) I see u there! read more

Be on the look out. The abuse by the Maitre'D at this joint was so dismissive and rude that we'll never be back. Had a reservation. On arrival the Maitre'D said she only had room at the bar. We pointed to an empty table next to the bar. She said it was reserved. The table sat empty throughout our meal. On our way out we asked her why she didn't give us the table. Her ridiculous comeback was that we only had a reservation for the bar. Not the way to treat a customer paying $35 for a plate of linguini. read more

Heaven on earth multiplied by infinity would adequately describe the atmosphere the plates the food of this spectacular dining establishment ! 25 stars i would give then rightfully so if I could. My goodness every plate is better then the last every time we come here. Management is superb ultra professional and the wait crew is hyper knowledgeable and just plain pleasant to be surround by. Their desserts the best. If you have a discerning eye like I do come here . Il gabbiano never disappoints read more

we were visiting downtown Miami for the first time. we received a recommendation from a gentleman in a hotel bar to go to Il Gabbiano for excellent Italian food. we decided to see for ourselves. we were seated immediately for an early dinner on the beautiful outdoor patio overlooking to water. the wait staff is excellent and professional attentive without being obtrusive! the food was very good as well perhaps the best Italian we've had outside of New York. highly recommended! read more

Horrible experience ! this place is not authentic Italian. any Italian restaurant that offers angel hair you know it isn't authentic, the sauce was off, pasta overcooked and the overall experience mediocre. The waiters barely spoke English or Italian they basically just spoke Spanish and did not even know what Parmiggiano reggiano was... If you are American Italian you may like it but if you know real Italian food don't go there it's a waste of time and money read more

The food was good enough, however the host and the person responsible for seating us were rather unfriendly and had an attitude. The staff had a lot of people working and made sure we always had clean plates, utensils, which is a plus, however, they still forgot some items we ordered. We ordered cappuccino and they completely forget, we also ordered some wine and we had to remind them that they forget. Food: 5/5 | Service: 4/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5 read more

While attending a convention, I ate at IL Gabbiano, It was one of the best of the four it was probably the best restaurant I've eaten at in the country. I ordered the Lobster Ravioli and Veal chop was beautifully represented. It was cooked so well. The food was delicious and the staff was attentive and friendly. Our waiter was especially helpful with recommendations on cocktails, wine, and entrees. I look forward to a return visit. read more