Singular sensation
3190 (Coconut Grove)
RESTAURANTS • First Person
The Skinny: The newest spot from the team behind Cotoletta and San Lorenzo, 3190 continues the restaurant group’s vendetta against menus.
The schtick is to serve one dish made so irresistible that guests never want for alternatives. At Cotoletta, the dish is veal Milanese. At San Lorenzo, it’s a fresh daily menu of pasta. At 3190, it’s lasagna — and only lasagna — banking on the idea that simplicity can still feel special, romantic, and a little mischievous.
The Vibe: With no signage aside from the address stenciled on the discreet glass door, it’s just around the corner from Cotoletta, and feels like a secret in plain sight. Inside, the narrow restaurant that glows in pink undertones. With only 24 seats, there are no reservations, no delivery, and no actual menu.
The vibe is intentionally shoestring, and also, slightly chaotic (in a good way). It’s the kind of spot you stumble into on a whim, order a glass of wine, and suddenly find yourself on a first date that feels like a scene from a European indie film. The staff is so charmingly, theatrically Italian, diners might expect someone’s nonna to emerge from the back.
The Food and Drink: Since the space once housed a bar and has no full kitchen, the lasagna is made next door at Cotoletta and served by the slice. Guests choose between a traditional “Si Papa” Bolognese (inspired by Chef Giulio Rossi’s daughter, whose enthusiastic “Si, Papa!” gave the dish its name). There’s also a vegetarian option layered with pesto, peas, and green beans. The lasagnas are deeply comforting, arriving golden-edged with layers of soft fresh lasagna noodles, silky béchamel, and plenty of cheese. Go heavy on the tableside Parm. Pair it with the Lambrusco (they’ll nudge you, and they’re right), then close the night with their cloudlike tiramisu, a mascarpone-forward variety beloved across all their concepts.
The Verdict: Is the lasagna life-changing? Not necessarily. But is the experience — from the price point to the charm and the zero-decision freedom — downright irresistible? Absolutely. One door, one dish, one perfect little moment in Coconut Grove. –Amber Love Bond
→ 3190 (Coconut Grove) • 3190 Commodore Plaza • Tue-Fri from 530p, Sat-Sun from 2p • Walk-ins only.