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Miami Herald

A new hot spot just opened in the original Macchialina space in Miami Beach

It's dark. It's cool. And you can't make a reservation, but you're going to want to go anyway. Fluke is the new venture from the team at the Italian gem Macchialina, one of Miami Beach's most beloved restaurants (one of Miami's most beloved restaurants, for that matter). Located next to Macchialina, Fluke is an oyster and crudo bar with a cocktail program that focuses on martinis. Chef Mike Pirolo, who opened Macchialina 12 years ago with his sister Jacqueline and partner Jennifer Chaefsky, said the renovation and expansion of the restaurant space in 2024 offered the opportunity to dream. Last year they took over the adjacent Miami Hostel, transforming the space into the newer, more comfortable Macchialina, leaving their original location a blank canvas for them to create a new concept. 'What started as 'the little restaurant that wouldn't quit' turned into a 5,600-square foot expansion with a newfound opportunity to build on our roots and bring Fluke to life,' he said. 'This stroke of luck is how we landed on the name 'Fluke' — it's a celebration of those happy coincidences that aligned perfectly to make this exciting new chapter possible.' Fluke is darker and moodier than the original Macchialina, with a new black marble bar and the familiar brick walls. The restaurant uses a sort of self-service model, where guests mark their choices on paper menus and servers deliver the orders from the kitchen, which is led by chef de cuisine Trevor Zwaan, formerly of the sushi giant Uchi. Expect oysters and crudo, including fluke with tomato guazzetto and baby caponata; madai with plum vinaigrette and Thai chili; and branzino with artichoke gremolata, citrus oil and preserved lemon. Fried options include mussels marinara and shrimp as well as rosemary salt fries. Most importantly, Macchialina's beloved Big Macch Burger — served with Fontina cheese and mushrooms — is on the menu permanently. 'We wanted to do seafood the way we love to eat it — simple, high-quality, and always inspired,' Mike Pirolo said. 'We're bringing that same philosophy to Fluke; it's all about letting the ingredients shine without overcomplicating things.' The wine list is different than Jacqueline Pirolo's Macchialina list, which features only Italian wines. At Fluke, diners can find French whites, light reds and more than a few sparkling wines. Fluke follows the path of what Macchialina has always highlighted: great food, great atmosphere and 'zero pretense,' said Jacqueline Pirolo, who won the 2025 Michelin Guide Sommelier Award. 'The idea was to reimagine the OG indoor space at Macchialina for the community that's supported us for over a decade while bringing a fun and fresh idea to the neighborhood,' she said. 'No reservations — just drop in for a martini and oysters or stay for a full meal.' The opening comes just after the Macchialina team opened Bar Bucce, a casual pizzeria and market in Little River. Fluke Where: 820 Alton Road, Miami Beach Hours: 5-11 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; Lucky $7 Martini happy hour 5-7 p.m. More information: 305-534-2124 or @flukemiami