Tonino Lamborghini's Caffé Corsa

Valerie Nahmad3/22/2010

The goods: Hallendale Beach is the proud home of the gleaming, new Village of Gulfstream Park. The 410,000-square-foot mecca of shops and restaurants is sparkling with brand-new spaces, eager to please staff and dozens of ways to sate your appetite. Tonino Lamborghini, son of the famed carmaker, is doing his part with the introduction of Tonino Lamborghini’s Caffe Corsa. The upscale Italian eatery blends homemade pastas, Neapolitan style pizzas, fresh seafood and traditional desserts.

Ambiance: The crisp, clean space is surprisingly warm and welcoming. A tasteful black, red, white and silver color palate pay homage to the Lamborghini name, while onyx tabletops, textured flooring and leather banquettes invite guests to relax and linger. Grab a (shockingly comfortable) plastic chair and settle in for a while.

The Grub: Italian-born chef Paolo del Papa is eager to please, making a point to tour the dining room for a firsthand view of how his food is being received. The meal begins with a basket of doughy housemade foccacia paired with a trio of homemade spreads. From there, go light with an assortment of cured formaggi or vegetali or tap your carnivore instincts with penne alla Bolognese Lamborghini style featuring tender shredded (rather than ground) beef. Signature branzino al forno arrives freshly roasted with a hint of lemon and artichokes while the wine list offers a moderately-priced tour around Italy. Food is universally fresh, flavorful and lovingly prepared.

Verdict: This new casual & welcoming Italian outpost merits a trip to the brand-spanking new Village of Gulfstream Park.