Perricone's Marketplace & Cafe is easily one of the most versatile places in all of Brickell, if not Miami, and one of those places that you can't just go only once. Plus, with $10 Pasta Thursdays, it's a good excuse to keep making the trip.
The beginning of a wonderful meal at Perricone's always starts with bruschetta.
My personal favorite day to go is Thursdays because, you guessed it, we're always ballin' on a budget down here in Miami so why not get great food for a great price! Heads up though, if you're looking for an appetizer, the Baked Brie en Croute is actually to die for - and worth the money.
Unlike many places in Brickell, Perricone's actually has on-site valet that's not expensive. Plus, the waiters can validate your parking ticket so you're still having lunch for less than $20 in Brickell. Hint: If you plan to go frequently, they do have a frequent diner's card so take advantage of all things pasta, you deserve it.
So you can start planning out your next Thursday meal...
For first-timers headed to Perricone's here are a few things to know:
Your GPS will say, "you have reached your destination" but you might not realize where you are. Perricone's is a corner restaurant hidden under a hundred huge trees. Just walk under and I promise that you will reach the promise land.
At dinnertime, the staff won't seat you at a table until your entire party is there. Not even the "she's here in five minutes" excuse will work.
The dress code isn't set in stone so you can show up like a business professional on a lunch break, casual like you just came from the beach, or if you're on a date.
Perricone's itself is beautiful and quite large. If you can be seated in the outside patio, do it! There are stringing lights and foliage, all under a canopy so even the Miami heat and/or rain won't mess anything up.
For Pasta Thursday's, they won't let you pay $10 for take away food; you'll pay full price for that Ravioli. The deal is a miracle already, don't ruin it.
The Penne with Grilled Chicken is mouth-watering good - pinky promise.
If you're "I can eat a horse" hungry, pick the Chicken Parmigiana with Pasta Pomodoro or Grandma Jennie's Meat Lasagna. I'll pay you $10 if you can actually eat the whole thing!
If you're hungry but not necessarily starving, choose the Penne with Grilled Chicken or the Whole Wheat Penne with Fresh Salmon. They're both really incredible and perfectly satisfying. You won't feel gross afterwards.
If you just want a small lunch, get the Ravioli or the Homemade Potato Gnocchi.
The Spinach Ravioli isn't complete without cheese on top - we won't blame you for it.
Whether you're a first-timer, or a 100th timer, Perricone's Marketplace and Cafe is a great go-to place for a date, birthday, work lunch, or even just to treat yo' self. Go more than once because your wallet will thank you and your taste buds will appreciate you.
Comment below on your favorite dish!