Casadonna: Where Culinary Excellence Meets Exceptional Service
Kayon Kelly and Steve Turk at Casadonna
By: Steve Turk
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Casadonna, one of Miami’s most talked-about restaurants, and I have to say, it was an experience that surpassed every expectation. Nestled in the historic Mediterranean Revival building of the Miami Women’s Club, Casadonna is a stunning fusion of old-world charm and modern elegance. This coastal Italian-inspired restaurant is the result of a collaboration between Groot Hospitality and the Tao Group, bringing a slice of the Italian Riviera right to Miami’s burgeoning Edgewater neighborhood.
Despite its reputation as a must-visit spot, it took me longer than I’d like to admit to finally make a reservation. Perhaps I was hesitant, thinking it might be just another hyped-up Miami restaurant where the ambiance overshadows the food. However, from the moment I stepped inside, any doubts I had quickly evaporated. The atmosphere was both vibrant and inviting, a perfect reflection of the neighborhood’s dynamic spirit, and I knew I was in for something special.
The evening began with a delightful exploration of Casadonna’s Miami Spice menu, which offered a well-curated selection of their finest dishes. To start, I opted for the Atlantic Fluke Crudo—a dish that was as visually appealing as it was flavorful. The combination of watermelon, mint, and crispy capers added layers of freshness and complexity, setting the tone for the rest of the meal. For my main course, the Corn Caramelle did not disappoint. This pasta dish, rich with ricotta and enveloped in truffle butter, was a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when done right, can create something truly extraordinary.
Of course, I couldn’t resist trying a couple of Casadonna’s signature pastas as well. The Campanelle with Bolognese and Whipped Ricotta was a hearty and comforting dish, with the ricotta adding a creamy lightness that balanced the richness of the sauce beautifully. The Lumache, featuring Pomodoro and Calabrian Chili, offered a delightful contrast with its subtle yet satisfying kick of heat. Each dish was a testament to the kitchen’s commitment to using the freshest ingredients and honoring traditional Italian recipes with a contemporary twist. It was clear that Casadonna’s reputation for culinary excellence was well-earned.
But as much as the food impressed me, it was the service that truly made this evening unforgettable. I was dining with a friend and our young children, which can sometimes make dining in an upscale restaurant a bit challenging. Often, families with children are subtly steered towards less desirable tables, tucked away in the corners. However, our experience at Casadonna was refreshingly different, and that was largely thanks to Kayon Kelly, the fantastic General Manager.
As we waited for our table, Kayon approached us with a warm and genuine welcome. He inquired if it was our first time dining at Casadonna, and upon learning that it was, he made sure we were seated in a prime spot that allowed us to fully appreciate the restaurant’s beautiful design and vibrant atmosphere. The table we were given was a wonderful corner location that felt both intimate and central, making us feel like valued guests from the start.
Kayon’s attentiveness and awareness of everything happening on the restaurant floor were immediately apparent. His service team, led by our server Victoria, was superbly trained, ensuring that both the adults and the children at our table were equally well cared for. Victoria’s knowledge of the menu and her skill in balancing the needs of everyone at the table made the dining experience seamless and enjoyable. It’s rare to find a team so in sync, where every detail is managed with such care.
As we enjoyed our meal, Kayon returned to check on us, not just with the usual pleasantries but with genuine interest. We ended up in a conversation about the restaurant and the neighborhood—my own neighborhood, in fact. I mentioned that I was embarrassed it had taken me so long to visit Casadonna, thinking it might be just another overhyped Miami spot. Kayon listened with a smile, sharing insights about the restaurant’s role in the community and the vision behind its creation. He even surprised us with a signature dish not on the Miami Spice menu—a gesture that added a personal touch to our evening and left a lasting impression on all of us.
By the end of the evening, Kayon had made fans out of all of us, including my wife and children. My guests, who had dined at Casadonna multiple times before, were just as impressed with the service and attention to detail as I was. It’s clear to me now why Casadonna has garnered such acclaim—it’s not just about the incredible food and stunning ambiance, but also the outstanding service that makes every guest feel special and valued.
Casadonna is more than just another trendy Miami restaurant. It’s a place where exceptional food meets exceptional service, creating an experience that lingers long after the meal is over. The combination of culinary excellence and genuine hospitality has solidified Casadonna as a standout in Miami’s vibrant dining scene. I’m so glad I finally gave it a try, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit—this time with even higher expectations, which I’m confident Casadonna will continue to exceed.
