La Sponda Brings Coastal Italian Elegance to Coconut Grove’s Vita at Grove Isle
Miami’s Coconut Grove is preparing to welcome La Sponda, a sophisticated new Italian dining concept by Gioia Hospitality Group, set to open within the soon-to-be-completed Vita at Grove Isle. This debut follows the group’s recent success with Daniel’s Miami in Coral Gables and the MICHELIN Guide-listed Daniel’s, A Florida Steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale.
A Culinary Revival on Grove Isle
Anchored in one of Miami’s most exclusive private enclaves, La Sponda aims to restore Grove Isle’s reputation as a sought-after dining destination. “Decades ago, Grove Isle was once one of Miami’s most sought-after destinations – home to iconic restaurants that drew diners from across the city,” shared Ugo Colombo, Founder of CMC Group. “With La Sponda, we’re reviving that golden era at Vita while bringing back the island’s grandeur and reasserting its place as a waterfront hotspot where elevated food, design, and lifestyle come together.”
The name “La Sponda,” meaning The Shore in Italian, pays homage to both its prime bayfront location and the Mediterranean lifestyle that inspires its coastal Italian menu. Guests can expect weekday lunch, weekend brunch, and nightly dinner service centered on seasonal ingredients and authentic preparations.
Design That Marries Tradition and Modern Luxury
The interiors are being crafted by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS), renowned for projects such as Soho Beach House Miami, The Beekman in New York, and Annabel’s in London. The design will weave together handcrafted materials, layered textures, and vintage European influences, creating an atmosphere that is elevated yet welcoming.
“La Sponda is inspired by the elegance and simplicity of coastal Italian dining where meals are a celebration of place, season, and connection. Grove Isle offers a rare setting that allows us to deliver a waterfront restaurant experience that feels both luxurious and relaxed, rooted in tradition but elevated for today’s diner.”
Thomas Angelo, Founder and CEO of Gioia Hospitality Group
A Seamless Part of Vita at Grove Isle’s Luxury Lifestyle
Positioned just above the Vita at Grove Isle Club, La Sponda will complement the condominium’s curated amenities, which include a private resident pool, spa, and bar, along with casual poolside dining options. The building itself offers only 65 residences, with penthouses reaching up to 6,600 square feet and starting from approximately $21.5 million. Every home boasts unobstructed Biscayne Bay views, Italian craftsmanship, and advanced smart home technology.
Residents will also enjoy a bayfront pool, fitness center, tennis facilities, marina access, and the exclusivity of a 20-acre private island—just minutes from the cultural and culinary offerings of Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Brickell.
As Vita at Grove Isle nears completion, La Sponda is poised to become not just a restaurant, but a cornerstone of refined waterfront living in Miami.
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