Three Chefs from Michelin-starred Restaurants Open Novatore in Wynwood
Novatore Cucina & Bar, an elevated Italian restaurant led by chefs Andrea Bernardi and Fernanda Fuentes-Cárdenas of Michelin-starred NUB, quietly opened to the public on March 8. Located in the heart of Wynwood’s vibrant arts district, the restaurant combines authentic Italian culinary heritage with modern innovation, featuring house-made pastas, breads, and desserts. With its refined techniques, exceptional ingredients, and warm hospitality, Novatore delivers a sophisticated experience that bridges tradition and contemporary elegance.
Under the GUSTATIO Group LLC umbrella, founded by Bernardi, Fuentes-Cárdenas, co-owners and partners Marcelo Marocchino and Gabriel Mendelzon, Novatore is the group’s latest concept following the success of Capogrossi in Chile and the Michelin-starred NUB in Tenerife, part of the Spanish Canary Islands. With a commitment to quality, precision, and innovation, the team brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for hospitality to Miami’s dynamic dining scene.
“Experience is everything. Novatore was born from a desire to bring an exceptional and authentic Italian dining experience to Miami,” says co-owner and partner Marcelo Marocchino. “Our team is honored to collaborate with three Michelin-recognized chefs, whose expertise not only enhances the flavors of our cuisine but also elevates our techniques to the highest level of precision and artistry.”
At Novatore, culinary excellence is driven by award-winning chefs Andrea Bernardi and Fernanda Fuentes-Cárdenas, the masterminds behind the Michelin-starred NUB restaurant in Tenerife, off the coast of Spain in the Canary Islands. Bernardi, born and raised in Rome, brings a rich European culinary experience, while Fuentes-Cárdenas is the first Chilean chef to earn a Michelin star. Together, alongside their Executive Chef Marco Rama, they deliver an unparalleled dining experience where contemporary techniques elevate Italian tradition.
Acclaimed chefs Andrea and Fernanda, who will divide their time between Miami and Tenerife, have entrusted their Miami kitchen to Executive Chef Marco Rama. Previously helming the kitchen at Italy’s Michelin-starred Andreina—Marco brings his innovative culinary approach to Novatore Cucina & Bar, where he continues the tradition of reimagining Italian classics with modern techniques.
Novatore Cucina & Bar offers a refined dining experience that blends Italian tradition with contemporary innovation. Inspired by Italy’s deep appreciation for quality ingredients, Novatore stays true to its heritage while embracing modern techniques honed by Fernanda Fuentes-Cárdenas, Andrea Bernardi, and Marco Rama. Signature dishes highlight a balance of tradition and modernity, with several elements brought to life through expert grilling techniques that add subtle smokiness and depth to each plate. Future enhancements—including a playful ice cream cart, house-made cotton candy, and tableside presentations—will further enrich the guest experience and will be introduced in the coming months.
Andrea and Fernanda’s distinct style combines classic techniques with local Florida ingredients. They combine imported Italian products with ingredients from local purveyors to source high-quality ingredients, including milk for cheese, tomatoes for Pomodoro sauce, and microgreens harvested from nearby farms. Everything is made in-house from scratch—from ice cream and sauces to fresh pasta and bread made with a 30-year-old starter from Italy. Guests will also be able to watch chefs hand-pick fresh herbs from the on-site patio garden once it opens.
“My grandfather, Novatore, believed that a good table, good company, and good food were more valuable than anything,” says Chef Andrea Bernardi. “At Novatore, we carry forward his legacy by creating an experience that blends Italian heritage with modern techniques, where every dish is crafted with the same passion and authenticity that shaped my upbringing.”
Chef Andrea Bernardi brings his roots to the forefront with Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe, both beloved Roman classics elevated with a distinctive touch. Using only traditional Italian ingredients, these dishes are finished in a pan over charcoal, infusing them with a delicate smokiness that adds a new dimension to their familiar flavors. Another signature, Il Carciofo, showcases artichoke at its finest, first brined in salt water to enhance texture and taste, then cooked at a low temperature with herbs, oil, and lemon. The artichoke is grilled to perfection and accompanied by an artichoke cream made with the outer layers of the artichoke and a decadent Taleggio fonduta. The Gnocco reimagines gnocchi with a seafood-forward approach, featuring delicate potato dumplings stuffed with fish and shrimp, then lightly grilled to add subtle char and served with a luxurious seafood bisque topped with sea urchin.
A true indulgence, Aragosta e Midollo pairs lobster with the richness of bone marrow. The bone is split, grilled, and topped with a tartare of semi-crudo bogavante, which is lightly grilled and marinated in passionfruit and mango for a bright, citrusy contrast. Served together, the lobster and marrow are meant to be enjoyed by the spoonful. For a vibrant take on risotto, Risotti Verde features an herb sauce of chard, spinach, and chicory, lending an earthy depth to the dish, served with venison, Kefir, and fungi. For dessert, the 100×100 Pistacchio is a tribute to the beloved nut in its purest form. Nearly entirely composed of pistachio, the dessert features a pistachio biscuit layered with airy mousse, a liquid pistachio center, pistachio cream, and pistachio ice cream, ensuring a harmonious blend of textures and intense nutty flavors.
The beverage program at Novatore Cucina & Bar is helmed by mixologist Cristian Novelli, who brings the spirit of authentic Italian cocktail culture from Rome to Miami. Set to launch in the coming months, his menu will feature timeless Italian classics such as Americanos, Spritz, Sbagliato, Milano Torino, and Negronis, along with a distinctive offering of cocktail flights designed to take guests on a journey through Italy. An immersive cocktail cart and tableside preparations will further enhance the experience once fully introduced.
At the heart of the restaurant stands a wine room, where Sommelier Leonardo Asensos guides guests through an extensive 130-label collection. The carefully curated wine list features Italian and international selections thoughtfully chosen to complement the cuisine. Every detail of the beverage service is considered, down to the exquisite Italian-imported glassware that houses traditional aperitifs and Miami-inspired cocktail creations.
For the first few months, Novatore will serve beer and wine only.
Novatore’s design seamlessly blends Roman grandeur and contemporary sophistication, creating an immersive dining experience that honors Italy’s rich architectural heritage. Inspired by the temples of Ancient Rome, the space is adorned with limewashed walls, natural walnut wood furniture, and intricate moldings that enhance its timeless appeal. Three distinct column styles frame key areas, from the entrance portico to the wine cellar and gallery, reinforcing the connection to classical Roman aesthetics. The neutral and earthy color palette, accented with olive tones, pairs with textiles on curtains, tables, and chairs to evoke the warmth and elegance of Italian hospitality. Mirrors placed within arched walls amplify the sense of space and light, while wallpaper in the hallway and bathrooms adds depth and character to the overall design.
The ambiance at Novatore evolves throughout the day, shifting from a bright, relaxed setting to an intimate and refined atmosphere in the evening. A balance of wall-mounted lamps and recessed ceiling fixtures cast a warm glow, accentuating textures and architectural details. The thoughtfully designed layout allows for fluid movement, with a centrally located wine room as a functional feature and a striking design element. With its illuminated wooden shelves, the bar area invites guests to linger. At the same time, the covered outdoor terrace, adorned with 20 planters of aromatic herbs, offers an alfresco escape infused with natural fragrances. Whether dining indoors or on the terrace, guests are enveloped in an environment that harmonizes tradition with modernity. The space accommodates 45 guests indoors and an additional 50 guests on the outdoor patio, which will debut in the coming months.. A large exhibition window allows patrons and passersby to witness the chefs in action as they craft fresh pasta, artisanal baked goods, including breads and desserts, and house-made ice cream, showcasing the precision and passion behind each dish.
Novatore Cucina & Bar is open for dinner service Tuesday – Thursday, and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Novatore is closed on Mondays. Weekend lunch is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are available through OpenTable. For more information, visit https://novatorecucinaebar.com/ or follow @novatoremiami on Instagram.
