A Luxurious Italian Dining Experience in Edgewater’s Iconic Location
The latest gastronomic venture to join the historic Miami Women’s Club in Edgewater has revealed its launch date. Casadonna, an opulent Italian eatery, is a collaboration between David Grutman’s Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality. The establishment is set to open its doors on October 26 and will be the second high-end dining venue in the building, which also houses Klaw Miami restaurant and a rooftop bar.
David Grutman expressed that the building’s historical significance was a key factor in his decision to set up shop there. The Mediterranean-revival structure was inaugurated in 1926 and was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Grutman appreciates the building’s iconic status, describing it as a “legacy space.”
Noah Tepperberg, co-CEO of Tao Group Hospitality and a University of Miami alumnus, also found the location captivating. For Tepperberg, the venture feels like a personal homecoming, as he began his career in the hospitality sector while studying at the university. Casadonna is Tao Group’s inaugural project in Miami.
Grutman describes Casadonna as offering “a very elevated experience,” focusing on coastal Italian cuisine. The menu will feature dishes like campanelle Bolognese, crispy artichokes, bistecca Florentina, and royal dorade acqua pazza (steamed fish). A crudo bar and a specialized cocktail program are also on the menu, along with a significant focus on desserts, which is a new direction for Groot Hospitality.
The restaurant aims to foster a sense of community and energy at the table by offering shareable dishes. Grutman notes that this approach represents a shift in dining culture, making the experience more interactive and enjoyable.
Spanning 20,000 square feet, the restaurant offers a variety of seating options, including indoor, outdoor, and bar seating, and can accommodate up to 366 patrons. The interior, designed by Ken Fulk, aims to evoke the grandeur of Vizcaya and the Long Bar at Raffles in Singapore, infused with contemporary luxury elements.
The venue offers diverse dining experiences through its different rooms. The Garden Dining room is designed to resemble a conservatory, while the Loggia Dining Room features parquet wood flooring and custom-made blown-glass chandeliers.
Groot Hospitality, known for creating popular Miami nightlife destinations like Liv, Swan, Papi Steak, Komodo, and The Key Club, sees Casadonna as a departure from its usual focus. Grutman acknowledges that as he ages, his entertainment preferences are evolving towards more sophisticated experiences, adding that a great dinner with friends and family can be just as enjoyable as a night out at a club.
For those interested in visiting Casadonna, the address is 1737 N. Bayshore Drive, Miami. Reservations can be made through Resy.com, and additional information is available at casadonnamiami.com or by calling 305-475-2272.
