The foundation of any great pizzeria. Lucali's margherita features a light crust that achieves luscious char in the wood-fired oven while remaining crispy at the base. Fresh buffalo mozzarella is scattered across the pie along with torn basil and a subtle tomato sauce. The 18-inch size is perfect for sharing or eating alone over two seatings.
Tips from diners
Start here. This pizza is the litmus test for any pizzeria. Order one to yourself and take your time eating it. The flavors open up as it cools slightly.
If you can sit at the counter, you can watch the pizza makers work and get the best explanation of the dough from the staff.
A playful dessert that highlights the pizzeria's dough. The pizza crust is brushed with Nutella and warmed through the oven, allowing the hazelnut chocolate to soften and slightly separate. A generous dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and texture. It's rich, warm, and best shared. Simple execution that showcases the quality of the base dough.
Tips from diners
Order this to share among 2-3 people. It's warm, comforting, and feels indulgent without being heavy. Perfect ending to a casual meal.
Reviewers consistently call this one of the best Caesar salads in Miami. Hearty kale is massaged to break down the fibers, making it tender and receptive to the dressing. The house dressing strikes a balance between anchovies and acid. Housemade croutons provide substantial crunch, and aged Pecorino adds a sharp, salty finish.
Tips from diners
This can stand alone as a light lunch. If you're getting pizza, it's still worth ordering as a contrast to the richness.
A seasonal favorite that plays with temperature contrast. The pizza arrives hot from the oven with melted mozzarella, then fresh peppery arugula is scattered on top, wilting slightly from the residual heat. Shaved Pecorino Romano adds a salty crunch. The arugula's peppery bite cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Tips from diners
Ask your server if this is available today — it's a specialty that rotates with seasonal arugula quality. When it's on the menu, order it.
A step up in size and richness. The 20-inch pepperoni features crispy pepperoni cups that crisp up in the heat, along with quality mozzarella that gets bubbly and slightly browned. The larger format allows for better char on the crust while maintaining the tender crumb underneath. Reviewers praise the generosity of the toppings.
Tips from diners
The 20-inch is perfect for sharing among 2-4 people. Order one pie with a salad and you have a full, satisfying meal.
Lucali is a pizzeria and wine bar that expanded from Brooklyn to Miami Beach in 2014. The restaurant is known for its wood-fired oven and the balance it achieves between New York tradition and refined execution. The menu includes creative pizzas, fresh salads, meatballs, and house-made pasta. The casual setting emphasizes fresh ingredients and handmade preparations over pretension.
Lucali does not take reservations. Arrive before 6 PM to guarantee immediate seating and minimal wait. After 6 PM, especially Thursday-Saturday, expect 30-45 minute waits. Weekday lunches are quick.
The kitchen produces a finite number of pizzas per shift. On busy nights, specials may sell out by 8:30 PM. If you have your heart set on a specific pie, come early.
The bar provides front-row seats to the wood-fired oven. These seats are first-come, and you can eat and drink while watching the pizza makers work. This is a perch, not a full table.
The wine list leans toward Italian and natural wines that pair well with pizza. Ask the bartender for recommendations under $50 by the glass — they know their list.
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