Indulge In Style: Lunch In The Versace Mansion

It’s no surprise that Miami is the ideal city to flaunt one’s beauty and style. With the thriving art scene, glamorous nightlife, and warm weather you just want to look as enticing as the city does. Well, Gianni’s Restaurant captures that desire flawlessly and attracts fashion enthusiasts from around the world, and for good reason. The restaurant is in the former Versace mansion, once home to the late fashion designer Gianni Versace.

The mansion is hard to miss because it’s out of place in the best way. Casual beachgoers in boardwalk attire pass by a Mediterranean-style villa as designer-drenched visitors strut into its arch entrance. As you walk in, you’re instantly hit with a shift in ambiance. Warm gold lighting imbues the waiting area and melts away the busy atmosphere of South Beach.

My fashion approach to my first Gianni’s visit was a less-is-more approach. A monochromatic look; tan heels, tan linen pants, and a silk cheetah print top. Well, it turns out more is MORE. The fashion of the guests caught my attention more than the fabulous architecture did. Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and of course, Versace were worn about. I couldn’t help glancing at the one lady that rocked a two-piece Versace crop top, a walking tribute to the iconic Italian brand.

We gawked around a bit, took a short photo session, and sat by the fountain until our table was ready. The hostess had an all-black outfit and a warm smile as she waved her hand to follow her behind the stand. Through the doorway and past a chic bar lies an elevated view of the courtyard restaurant. Dozens of white-clothed tables filled with beautiful couples young and old, girl groups, and families dressed in their finest sat under a white tent. My anticipation surged as we descended the gracefully curved staircase.

We got a table right by the pool and I had a full view of the dining area, the mansion, and visitors’ photo sessions by the pool . This was definitely the place to be unapologetically photogenic. Very Instagram-friendly to say the least.

Our waiter introduced himself and walked us through the menu; we choose one appetizer, entree, and, dessert for $34. Not bad! I thought to myself. I had my eye on the 24k golden margarita that I added for $20. I usually don’t spend that much on a cocktail but at least I can say it was not watered down. It was strong and sweet!

My artichoke salad appetizer was fresh and simple and honestly more filling than the entree. I savored each bite of my spinach and ricotta ravioli since there were only about seven of them. For dessert, I ordered the daily chef’s special, cannoli. It was a cute little bite sprinkled with powdered sugar, and chocolate chips and paired with a strawberry.

Of course, when we were all done it was time for my boyfriend and I to snap some pics by the pool too!

Our visit to Gianni’s was not just about the food. It was an obvious way to experience that archetypal ambiance that Miami is known for. The alluring blend of glamour and culture that many tourists visit the city for. To experience that for a minimum $34 lunch was definitely worth it.