"Since Carbone came, conquered, and became the darling of the Instagram set, I’ve watched its old-school, over-the-top Italian vibe make waves not just in Miami but across the country; that success has spawned a slew of imitators here trying to copy that mix of luxury and nostalgia, often charging steep prices (the piece calls out examples like a $35 bowl of carbonara and a $28 cacio e pepe). While I appreciate well-executed Italian, the proliferation of Carbone-style spots feels aimed at tourists with deep pockets rather than reflecting Miami’s diverse culinary identity, and it’s created a sense that we’re repeating the same formula instead of pushing boundaries." - Olee Fowler