Cafe Ragazzi Restaurant, Surfside

OK, friends from Germany want Italian, they described Ragazzi 'New Jersey' not Italian, they should know (they own an apt in Rome). Felt a bit pressured, the Soprano's types that American people think is Italian abound at this place, is it a different owner from when I used to go twice a month? Expansion ruins another local hang out. As always when a place expands don't even think about returning, lost all its charm, where is the 'normal' Italian man who used to serve me red wine while I waited? Guests wanted meat as they do not do carbs after noon. Five out of six 'carni' choices were veal so we asked the waiter about the specials hoping they had other 'carni' choices, YES, two other veal dishes!!!!!...they decided to have veal. What happened to the prices? Italian food should be simple and cheapish, these people are thieves. You know if everyone is not drinking red wine it would be nice to have a selection by the glass.....nameless varietals are on offer, pinot grigio seemed old, funny color, not fresh or crisp or fruity. Pasta fagiol soup offered by waiter turned out not to be available so we chose the alternate 'lentil', yeah it was a very good try at a canned version, I mean, is that a common Italian soup?....look, if you are charging those prices you gotta be on your game, I want something that a chef has made...or at least been close to. Chicken parmigian for mid twenties price. I cook, I only choose the best ingredients, no commitment to describing the type of chicken, was it organic free range from a trusted purveyor, NO, just a high price with a chunk of ordinary cheese. This place stinks of Cosco!! Hey Ragazzi, what is it with the veal, you had a freezer full going bad or something. My guests are all professionals and with Euros to spend to boot, they just wanted a progressive place to enjoy a healthy dinner, i was a bit embarrassed......close half the restaurant and go back to how you used to be, at least you never felt ripped off if things were sub par. Zero stars, would never go back, rubbish.

Very good people. Food and atmosphere excellent. Great Quality. Authentic Italian dishes, try the veal, they pound it nice you know.

Too much waiting for just an ok restaurant. I have tried pasta pesto, the pasta filled with lobster and pink sauce and a couple of their meats.... they have been just ok. Pasta pesto...terrible.

Love the ambiance, the service and the most important factor of course, the great food!!!!!!!!!!The ambiance is like being invited for a happy family dinner where everyone is happy to be there!Excellent in every size form and description!

Great Food, great service, well, I just loved the place! Best in Miami area by far!!!! The staff was very attentive, unique menu items, true Latin flavour with a twist of South Beach.

I thought the people were very friendly, especially the waitresses,but as soon as the owner came in, I know he means well, everything went chaotic. I love the food there, and will still go to eat there, but having an obnoxious guy come and try to handle an entire business just wont do. And there needs to be seats outside if people are expected to wait.

the food, service, ambiance, amazing I recommend it to all my friends. we are looking forward to returning this year. I brought friends from Texas, Quebec, and they also loved it.

The restaurant appeared understaffed, even though it wasn't very busy. We waited a good 15 minutes for the menus, I even thought of leaving. We ordered a salad which arrived with much lettuce and a little limp. The shrimp order came with only four rather small shrimp. I mentioned it to the waiter and he just shrugged his shoulders. From that point on, the whole meal went downhill. We didn't bother dessert!!!