Moriano

A lot of the pizza parlors in Miami like to sprinkle spices on top of the pizza as a garnishment. Moriano’s is one of those parlors. These spices do not go well with the fruit/​pineapple. The other pizzas taste very good.

We tried Moriano twice last week after discovering their menu in our building. Having lived in Argentina for a year we are pretty picky about Argentine style pizzas and empanadas.
The menu is authentic Argentine pizza/​pasta/​empanadas. They offer quite a few specials for the workweek as well as the weekend. In addition, they offer free delivery which is a nice thing for us living in Midtown since Andiamo doesn’t deliver to Midtown.
The first try was a couple of their empanada combos. The beef were excellent and tasted like some of the better empanadas we were used to from Argentina. I was a bit disappointed with my spinach since it didn’t have much filling but it was tasty nonetheless. I was actually hoping for one of their tarts but just as in Argentina, they sell out very early.
Our second try was a few days later to check out their Friday night half price pizza special. We were very happy with our DiParma pizza which had tons of fresh arugula and much more Proscuitto than Andiomo one of our fav pizza haunts. I know someone complained about the saltiness but real proscuitto is pretty salty so it makes sense that it would be salty. The crust was nice and crunchy and had good flavor. It reminded us a place we used to go in Palermo Hollywood every week so that’s a pretty good rating for us.
I know someone mentioned that the service wasn’t the greatest but it could be a cultural thing. In Argentina they don’t bring the checks until you request them even if you’re done and waitstaff tends not to be all over you. In addition the woman who served us when we went there spoke English but not particularly fluently. So I wouldn’t let that part discourage you from eating there, just expect a different type of service than you might be used to.
Definitely give them a try.

Moriano looses a star in the pizza department.
I had the crunchy arugula salad last time I went, and thought it was really good, so I was hoping the pizza was just as good. But I was wrong. Not only did it arrive cold, but the bread was kind of hard, but not toasted, I don’t know exactly how to describe it, but I do know I didn’t like it.
Emilio was craving a prosciutto pizza he’d had two weeks ago somewhere else, but with the laziness of staying home we decided to order from Moriano. He felt his pizza was too salty, not only on the prosciutto end (which he was expecting) but in the cheese as well, so that was a no go for him, he’s still craving the other pizza. I had the Margherita pizza, and it was nothing to write home about. I’ve given this place two chances, and it actually dropped stars, so I just don’t see me giving it a third chance.
The one thing i can say — the delivery was pretty quick. But I don’t care how fast I get it if it’s not good.

When I was in town last month, Ramon C. said we had to eat here for a couple of reasons. 1. because their food is amazing and 2. they had just been robbed and it was a good thing to go in there and show them some support. It was Art Walk night, which unfortunately we didn’t have time to do, but we did head down to Moriano for dinner before heading to the beach. Ray raves about their La Milanesa de Pollo… but I decided to go with one of their Panini’s and it was MONEY! I just asked the owner to pick whatever one was his favorite, and I would be happy. He did not disappoint. I believe it was Chicken Grilled Chicken, Sautéed Mushrooms, Brie Cheese, Sun-​dried Tomatoes and the little salad with that awesome vinaigrette is to die for!
I wish I was in town for longer because I would love to have gone back there and tried more off the menu… but this place just is another reason added onto the laundry list of reasons of why I miss Miami!

3.5 Stars
Dear Moriano’s,
I was here last Friday night for a dinner in support of your establishment, due to your recent double-​robbery. Some other Unilocalers are big fans and felt that having a group dinner there would help show our appreciation to you. And I have to say, we really came through. By the end of the night, we had a total group of about 15 of us, which I thought was a nice way to say Thank You to your business.
Although Ramon had previously called to inform you of the event, no tables were arranged prior to our arrival. Throughout the evening, as more people finally made it, we then had to put tables together ourselves to accommodate our group. This to me was a bit lacking on your part.
I will say though, that you brought us each an empanada while we awaited the rest of our group. So about 8 of us all got to try and have a free Empanada Caprese (I think, they were veggie), which was delicious!!! And just the right size to hold off the appetite for a bit longer.
The service through out the night was lacking overall, which was surprising considering that we were the only group there! We had to ask for refills of drinks, water, beer, etc. We had to hunt down the waitress to take additional orders. It was just not the service I thought we would have.
Aside from that, I enjoyed my meal. We started with an antipasto plate of deli meats and cheeses, which were both fresh and tasty! I LOVED it. :) Then the bf and I shared the special, which was a flank steak that tasted good, but I can’t even really remember what it came with, to be honest! I know we asked for it to come with a fried egg on top (which was not part of the special, but was part of another steak dish on the menu). Oops. I guess it was all that wine… ;-) Did not get the chance to try the pizzas that the others ordered, but they did look super tasty, I’ll give you that.
Overall this was just OK. Nothing super spectacular. I do thank you for your efforts Moriano. I hope you appreciated our visit. I will come back to give you another chance when there’s not so many of us overwhelming you.
Sincerely,
Sabrina*
PS. That night you were also having a Credit Card FAIL. We arrived to find a note on the door stating that we all needed CASH. I NEVER have cash on me. Mission 1 of the night…

Like some of the others, I went up here Friday with Unilocal peeps.
I had a great time with great company… and entirely too much food!
They first brought us some empenadas (I don’t know how to spell it) that were awesome :) it’s the first time I have ever had one, and must admit, I am in love!!! The ones they brought us had cheese tomato & basil. The crust was nice and light and flaky (reminded me a little of phyllo dough in spinach pie). I will definitely need to eat more of these.
I highly recommend the cheese appetizer :) it was excellent and accented nicely by walnuts, which were great with the Gorgonzola!
I had the spaghetti veggie, which was wonderful!!! It had a nice cream sauces, broccoli, spinach and black olives. There were nice chunks of shaved Parmesan on top that got all gooey and melted from the heat of the pasta. Quite good, left overs were good the next day!
There was pizza everywhere, but sadly I was already too full from my pasta, the cheese and the empanada to try any. I will just have to go back and get some. The other Unilocalers all really like the crust. The ingredients on the pizza all looked fresh… if my stomach wouldn’t have exploded I totally would have eaten some. Pizza is my weakness!
Serve was a bit hands off, I don’t know if it’s because we were quite a group or if that’s how it always is. The were responsive when you asked for something.
I’ll definitely be back again… plus I heard the bar next door has $ 4 martini’s from 4 – 8 and Mariano’s will serve you food over there :)

i finally visited moriano on friday night with a few Unilocalers. we shared some pizzas but i tried the peperoni and the other one had a bunch of cheese, spinach and garlic. damn! those two pizzas were good! their pizza dough is great. those pizza crusts… so good. oh i also had some spiced dried meats that were pretty good. maria told me that the empanada she had was delicious. and their prices are pretty good.
we were the only party at the time but we were probably 10 people at max. i thought that the service could have been a little bit more attentive with us, but it was nothing outrageous either. maybe we shocked them :)
keep it up moriano! im taking some friends for sure.

They say it is better to give than to receive. But, the secret is that you can get soooo much from giving just a little (shhh!)
A bunch of Miami Unilocalers came to Moriano to give– give-​give the place some love after a recent robbery (sound of me bowing to our CM Goddess, Maria). We shared many pizzas, cheese plates, and fresh salads to give this little neighborhood biz a boost. In return, we received the pleasure of warm, friendly and generous company, and full and satisfied bellies. (receive, receive, receive.)
I had a not so great day and a comedy of errors before getting to Moriano so I was definitely open to a good time. I was not disappointed.
This is a charming itsy bitsy place with hand painted portraits adorning the walls, good house wine and WiFi. Happy place.
Most every pizza and salad on the menu was ordered, so I chose one of the far flung menu items — I thought they would be empanadas — but they turned out to be 3 mini quiches. Oh well– not my fave– but the salad that accompanied them was good — and the house Cabernet was a surprising delight. And for 27 bucks –I feasted on lovely conversation with new peeps, two big glasses of tasty wine and meh– ish Argentine quiche and tasty salad. Not a bad deal.
If you live in the area, you really should patronize this adorable little place. Their sandwiches are great– and so is the pizza — so pay it forward, have a meal here and share the love. You will get it all back and then some!
Oh– and our unofficial host-​oh– so hostish, Ramon loves their bread pudding. A little flanish caramel number a few of us shared. (receive, give, smack lips; give, give.) I didn’t care for it, but i felt the love.

I swung in for take-​out. To my suprise the place was empty. Its a charming little café with gorgeous artwork all on the walls. I ordered the greek salad, Veggie panini, and a zuchini soup of the day. While waiting I enjoyed an awesome cup of cappuccino and conversation with the gentleman working the front. The food was tasty… the soup was spectacular. The cost wasn’t over the top… I spent $ 20 all together.

The first time we came here the place was frighteningly empty (not an ideal strip of Real Estate). However, as soon as we walked in, the proprietor turned off the soccer game broadcasting on the projection screen and put a moving concert performance by a Spanish singer. The considerate and attentive service continued throughout the evening. The food is very good, and we had to order pizza from here when Pieducks refused to deliver to our home (despite having done so in the past). Phenomenal! the pizza arrived crispy and extremely tasty, and for the price, you cannot beat the quality for delivery.
The wine selection is extremely limited, but fine as long as you go looking to unwind with a glass, rather than have an experience matching a bottle with the meal. Desserts are generally great.

Really I tried it because of all the great reviews, but I really found nothing exciting about anything that was ordered. Very disappointed!

Charming and small café with a boho-​chic, South American feel.
I’d heard so much about this place I decided to grab drinks and dessert there with a friend. I arrived first to find a quiet place with a soccer game on the large video screen. Go ahead fut fans and keep this one in the «To Go Watch Soccer» file.
I settled on the white chocolate strawberry cake. They sell beer and wine here, not a huge selection but satisfying none the less. The cake arrived and looked more like a dessert slice of pie but tasted like a piece of fruit tarty heaven.
Neighboring tables were enjoying apps during penalty kicks and I couldn’t help but think that Moriano is a great place to have a casual dinner or just drinks and dessert.

Low key café on 2^nd in a little strip shopping center you might pass if not plugged into your GPS. Great Paninis and the staff is very accomodating. The empenadas are a great quick app, and definitely try the chocolate cake… excellent!

I’ve been to Morianos’ many times so it’s about time I review it. I’ll be honest I haven’t had a bad dish here. Lately I’ve been eating La Milanesa de Pollo (Chicken Fried Steak) with a salad. Their portions are sufficient, but not over the top. Other times I’ve had the pizza which has been a hit with the guests I have enjoyed it with. The ingredients on the pizza are super fresh and you can smell the goodness right when the pizza arrives to your table.
They also have a daily special which may not be on the menu which is usually on point. The gnocchi which is on the menu, but not available all the time is a nice treat. The sauce is delicious and you will find yourself dipping the bread in it to pick up every last drop.
Last but not least the place is very recession friendly and they have some killer lunch specials including, but not limited a lunch portion sized Milanesa (Fried Steak) with fries or salad and a drink for $ 7.95. They also have free WI-​FI just ask the guys behind the counter for the key. :)
Repeat visits are highly encouraged.

UPDATE: We finally dined in at Moriano, and had a great time both due to the food and the large video projection of Bebo y Cigala playing great music. I arrived feeling a bit tired, and left feeling completely contented.
I had the prosciutto-​stuffed gnocchi. Any of you who watch ‘Top Chef’ know that stuffed gnocchi is tough to do, and difficult to make light. These were wonderful. Ritch had the Milanese Napolitana (thin fried steak with ham, mozzarella and a red sauce) which was like a guilty-​pleasure on a plate. Fortunately, he ordered a salad as his side to cut the richness with acid. Oh, and then the aforementioned chocolate cake (which is more of a pudding/​cake) and a slice of bread pudding right out of the oven. (Daniel brought it over for us to try, and it was unlike any bread pudding I’ve ever had.)
Again, it’s not fancy, but warm and homey. The prices are great, and the servings are ample. So nice to have Moriano in the neighborhood.

great artsy décor
got a milanesa panini (long baguette style) and an empanada de carne (flaky)
next time i’ll have to try a pizza

I noticed Moriano had opened up down the street from my office a while back, but didn’t have the opportunity to eat there until recently. I’d been wanting to get delivery, but couldn’t find their menu online (and now I know where to look), so we stopped by for lunch.
The interior is decorating very tastefully, with painting adorning one of the walls, and some stained glass pieces in the front window. There are about 8 tables, and a «bar» in the back. The menu offers sandwiches, salads, «tarts» (quiches, probably), pastas, pizzas, and entrees.
I opted for the chicken panini, as did one of my lunching companions. It was stuffed full of grilled chicken, brie, mushrooms, and sun-​dried tomatoes, served along side a green salad. The sandwich was huge and delicious. The oil from the sun-​dried tomatoes soaked through the bread a bit, but nothing unbearable.
Another lunchmate went with the veggie spaghetti and loved it. The 4^th in our group got the milanesa a caballo — a breaded chicken breast, topped with fried eggs, which came with fries; it was adored as well.
The prices are incredibly reasonable, with the pizzas probably being the most expensive thing on the menu (12.95-ish). But then again, at 14″, they’re probably meant to share. I look forward to trying many of the other dishes Moriano has to offer! It’s definitely a welcome addition to the Midtown dining arena!

What’s not to like about Moriano?
The Argentine-​owned establishment has friendly staff, the homey/​artsy/​chill vibe, the big screen that shows soccer games without throwing off the ambience of the whole place, the clean and sleek interior, the good food and drinks, and the really reasonable prices.
My $ 7.50 panini was a foot long and tasty. My cappuccino ($ 2.50) was well made, frothy, and had cinnamon. Even though it’s Argentine, no orange juice is complemented with the coffee drink (although that might be a consideration they may take up on — to make it a full Porteño experience). I would still come back for coffee alone.
And as for the place’s recommendations? They’ve recommended everything — the pizzas, pastas, and paninis. So I’d guess the other reviews are spot on — and I’ll definitely be back to try some other offerings.
Only negative — they only have three pasta dishes in the menu. So your best bet to pair the wine with might be a panini or pizza — but that’s fine by me.
Free parking in the back, and free delivery to the neighboring area — a plus for me! And there’s also free wi-​fi for those who wants to study here.
And soon, there’ll be a bar next doors — how much better could it be?

I found out about this place through an application on my phone and I am so glad I did. The ambiance was great and the service was even better. Just by driving by I would have never imagined that it would have such wonderful prices. I ordered a Milanesa with a side of mashed potatoes, and my friend ordered penne pasta with pesto sauce and the portions were perfect. For dessert we had homemade chocolate bread pudding and it couldn’t have been better.
I will definitely be coming back to Moriano to taste the pizza, it looked delicious. I recommend this restaurant to anyone that likes great food at great prices.

What a great find in Midtown Miami!
I am a San Francisco transplant «foodie» so finding Moriano at walking distance from where I am staying was a great find… my only other options were franchise places close to the midtown stores, a bit too stuffy designer district places, or a hike down Biscayne Blvd.
I travel to Argentina often and felt like I was walking into a neighborhood café in Buenos Aires with the same ambience, good service and food selection.
The food is prepared fresh and the prices are very reasonable.
The pizzas are light with a crispy crust and enough for two. The gnocchis are amazing (when available). I also recommend the empanadas for a light lunch or as an appetizer (they have a variety).
For dessert I have had their orange and chocolate cakes… not too rich (just right).
I wish I had a place like this in San Francisco.