"Drake-approved Italian chain North Italia (900 S. Miami Avenue, Suite 111) has officially debuted in Brickell inside the former Oceanaire spot, marking its 16th location in the U.S. but first in the Sunshine State. Led by general manager Juan Carlos Marchan and executive chef Ryan Smith, the restaurant is now open for weekend brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour, serving up traditional yet somewhat predictable Italian fare like antipasti, salads, pastas, pizzas and entrées. The nearly 8,600-square-foot space features an exhibition kitchen that overlooks the dining room and bar area seating up to 316 guests between the indoor and patio spaces. The restaurant seems to be best known for its Brickell appropriate, after-work scene, offering a bottle & board special with a choice of pizza, bruschetta or chef’s board with a bottle of wine for $25. That deal has made its way to the Magic City and is available from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday. The restaurant is now open daily from Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until midnight, while brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 786-475-9100 for more details." - Olee Fowler
