“Miami’s food scene captures the essence of the city itself—its blend of cultures, vibrancy, and relentless energy,” says Mario Carbone. In the decade since he opened his celebrity-filled namesake eatery in New York's Greenwich Village, the Queens-born chef has increasingly turned his attention to Florida’s cultural capital. In 2021, Carbone—along with the co-founders of his luxury hospitality brand Major Food Group—opened Miami’s Carbone outpost to rave reviews, with its buzzy sister establishment Contessa following suit the next year.
In mid-December, the legendary chef and his cohort will welcome a new project into the fold. Carbone Vino, inspired by the warm atmosphere and family-style menus of the classic Italian enoteca, will open in Coconut Grove this season, boasting one of the largest wine collections in all of Miami. But where its predecessors offer unparalleled decadence, Vino hits a slightly cozier note: “Our goal is for Vino Coconut Grove to embody the essence of the greatest neighborhood restaurant,” says Carbone.
In honor of the restaurant’s grand opening, Vino’s founder sat down with CULTURED for a chat about the inspiration behind Miami’s next culinary hot spot.
What artist would you like to sit down for a meal with?
Frank Sinatra.
Thirteen years and two dozen projects into the Major Food Group story, what’s been your biggest takeaway? What about your biggest surprise?
My biggest takeaway is the importance of creating something unique for every location. The challenge is never to just copy and paste; each restaurant must have its own sense of place, requiring us to immerse ourselves in the local culture, understand the physical space, and adapt the design accordingly. Every project calls for relentless dedication to bring out what makes that location special. As for the biggest surprise, it’s been how profoundly our vision has resonated with people—not just in Miami, but across all of our locations. We expected to make an impact, but the level of enthusiasm and support from each community has exceeded our expectations. Expanding into new neighborhoods, serving so many guests, and building strong teams in each city has been immensely rewarding.
What about the food and restaurant world keeps you inspired in 2024?
I’m inspired by how the restaurant world is always evolving. There’s always a new way to push the boundaries of what dining can be. Seeing how guests connect with what we create and being part of their memorable moments keeps me motivated to continue innovating and refining our craft.
Tell us about your first experiences with Miami and how your relationship to the city has evolved since opening Carbone in 2021 and Contessa in 2022.
When we first arrived in 2020, our goal was to bring our passion for storytelling through design, ambiance, menu, and service, and Miami welcomed us with open arms. From the reception of our first Miami outpost, Carbone, to the opening of eight additional restaurants over the years, we’ve witnessed firsthand how open the city is to innovative, luxury hospitality. This openness has allowed us to form genuine connections with our guests, whose support has only deepened our bond with the city. Miami has experienced a remarkable surge in hospitality concepts, and it’s rewarding to play a role in the city’s vibrant culinary evolution.
Your new restaurant in Miami's Coconut Grove neighborhood, Carbone Vino, will open mid-December. What's your favorite aspect of this newest addition to your restaurant family? What can Carbone lovers look forward to?
We’re thrilled to introduce Carbone Vino to Coconut Grove, marking our second location of the Vino concept following our original in Dallas. This new space is truly special; we found it almost two years ago, and it just felt right. The neighborhood atmosphere of Coconut Grove and nearby Coral Gables are the perfect match for a destination like Vino. Unlike Dallas, where Vino is adjacent to Carbone, this location will stand alone, allowing us to explore the concept in exciting new ways and offer the community a unique dining experience.
Inside, Vino channels the essence of the legendary enotecas of Italy: a destination with extraordinary wine and cuisine that are essential to the fabric of their cities. Every detail of Vino in Coconut Grove—from the vintage Ginori pattern we drew upon for the Vino menu inspiration and the carefully curated interiors to the playlist and the thoughtfully crafted menu—works in harmony to create a space where guests can escape everyday life in Miami, enjoying an ambiance that feels both transportive and authentic.
What makes the Miami food scene so unique in your opinion?
How it captures the essence of the city itself—a blend of cultural diversity, vibrancy, and its relentless energy for growth. The atmosphere and exceptional lifestyle options create an unmatched dining landscape.
