Gianni’s Restaurant at the former Versace Mansion has a $38 lunch deal
The bill was four times more than the deal, but I’d still say my experience was worthwhile.
There’s always a crowd outside the wrought iron gates of the Villa Casa Casuarina, the former Versace Mansion. The lightly faded exterior and gold accents have attracted tourists like me to Miami’s Ocean Drive ever since Gianni Versace, the luxurious Italian fashion designer, was murdered on its steps in 1997 at age 50. Vogue reported in 2018 the mansion was the third most photographed home in the United States, after the White House and Graceland.
When my twin brother moved to Miami for graduate school last August, I saw it as an opportunity to indulge in all touristy things, with little shame. On my most recent trip down to the sunshine state, I found myself infatuated by what was behind those iron gates. After 30 TikTok videos came across my for you page, I was lured to Gianni’s Restaurant at The Villa. I decided I need to see for myself, in real life, the pebbled mosaic walls and pool that is purely a symbol of Versace’s extravagance.
When I learned (from TikTok of course) that Gianni’s offered a $38 lunch deal, that included an appetizer, entree and dessert, I made a reservation and told my brother we were going. This was a month out—I wasn’t taking any chances to fulfill this fantasy. Then the day finally arrived.
After our 30 minute drive took nearly an hour, my brother circled around the block a few too many times in search of parking. That’s when he decided to drop me at the entrance so we wouldn’t miss the check-in for our 2 p.m. reservation. I was nervous at first to walk in alone. I had heard the host staff could be judgy, but I was lucky my brother was game to come along on this endeavor. I prayed he found a parking spot, I made my way up to the podium, walking through a number of arches before a fairly large courtyard greets me with its antique French foundation and pillars adorned with busts of characters that influenced Alden Freeman, the builder of the property. I walked up the small stand, gave my name and reservation time, and after confirming the spelling of my last name twice, the hostess motioned for me to sit in one of the black velvet couches while I waited for my brother to arrive. About 20 minutes later I received a text letting me know my table was ready, and as they called for my name, the same host said she would seat me, so I could wait there for my brother to arrive.
About 20 minutes after I first walked inside, and about 30 seconds after I was seated at our corner table, my brother was escorted inside, a half hour past our reservation time at 2:30 p.m. My brother notes our ideal location: Under softly blowing fans to combat the Miami heat and in perfect position to view the entire dining room, to door favorite activity, people watching.
Our waiter, Luciano, who shares a name with our cousin who lives in Italy, greets us. Almost every table was filled, but Luciano takes time to introduce the restaurant and himself. He’s originally from New York, so we felt connected—we’re basically related now. He looked us each up and down, topped off our waters and nodded with a sign of approval before letting us review the menu.
We had been sure to dress the part and fit in with the experiential dining environment. I wore a tan dress that hit right above the knee and a lace up heel, while my brother wore long pants and a button down. He stayed away from shorts and “beachwear” like we were advised to, though seeing the table next to us in swimsuits and across from us in floor length dress, the dress code did not at all appear to be enforced.
Luciano returned quickly to our table to take our drink orders, for $20 each, we ordered specialty cocktails: I was feeling adventurous and ordered a Passion in the Mansion (made with passion fruit vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup, topped with Prosecco) and my brother ordered the Mojito de la Villa, a classic mojito resembling small garden with all the greens they added.
We both took advantage of the three course lunch deal, and ordered six different plates, to maximize our trying options. I went with the Burrata appetizer, Faroe Islands Salmon and speciality brownie that Luciano suggested. My brother started with Fried Shrimp, then Chicken Scallopini and satisfied his sweet tooth with the classic sorbet. We found ourselves enjoying the appetizers and desserts the most, but the entrees did hit the spot. We were pleasantly impressed by our meal, and the bill, including $10 for water and a 20% service charge, was $163.87. So, maybe it wasn’t a $38 lunch exactly. We weren’t all that surprised, it is the Versace Mansion—the food is not really the point of dining at Gianni’s. For two people and some tasty cocktails, we deemed this three course meal option well worth it.
After two hours of experimenting, we paid our bill. Just before leaving we did what most people come here to do, take photos. We posed in front of The Thousand Mosaic Pool (my favorite part of the mansion) that was just a few steps from our table, and then were on our way home.
Gianni’s was the epitome of experiential dining. It’s not something you do too often, but when you do, I’d say this is the way to go. The Villa’s extravagance, which originally lured me in, set my expectations high. I wouldn’t say the meal was the best I’ve ever had, but the service was great and our experience was a positive one. I left with my desires fulfilled.