The Lincoln Eatery, voted Miami’s number one food hall by the Miami New Times, opened its first pasta concept with the launch of PESTO Italian Cuisine on Nov. 11, 2021. PESTO Italian Cuisine derives from the distinctive flavors, honored traditions and rich ingredients that classic Italian cuisine is globally recognized for. The menu will be a combination of traditional entrees found in regions across the Bel Paese, as well as modern dishes boasting a strong Mediterranean influence.
“We are thrilled to debut our first Italian pasta concept PESTO Italian Cuisine which offers visitors to the Lincoln Road Eatery a combination of modern dishes inspired by the Amalfi Coast, Sicily and other Italian regions in a fast casual environment,” said Alan Roth, Eatery Director at The Lincoln Eatery.
Co-owners Rawad Abou Ammar and Tarek Aboudehen created PESTO Italian Cuisine around nostalgic recipes they grew up enjoying with family and friends. Ammar’s career has been built around his passion for food as he’s worked in notable restaurants across the globe. Previously he held various roles at PAUL bakeries and at restaurants in Qatar and France in addition to managing Paris’s famous Laduree Restaurant. His goal is to showcase the genuine European dining experience to Miami Beach visitors and locals. Ammar conceptualized the menu and will lead all culinary efforts for the eatery. Aboudehen, who will manage the back-of-house operations and administration for PESTO Italian Cuisine, has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting.
“Italian cuisine is generally characterized by its simplicity, its fresh ingredients and its distinct flavors,” explains Ammar. “At PESTO Italian Cuisine, diners can look forward to a simple and flavorful meal that is healthy, reasonably priced and served quickly – the perfect spot for a tasty lunch near Lincoln Road.”
The PESTO Italian Cuisine menu was built by both chef Ammar and Aboudehen. Entrees include Penne Siciliana ($15.99) served with pomodoro sauce, eggplant, fresh mozzarella and a special pesto sauce, Seafood Rigatoni ($21.99) featuring salmon and shrimp in a creamy seafood sauce, Chicken Escalope Paillard ($17.99) made with golden crispy chicken topped with linguini pasta and pesto or pomodoro sauce and Spaghetti Chicken Alfredo ($16.99) served with grilled chicken on a bed off spaghetti with creamy alfredo sauce.
Modern Italian classics include the Lasagna Bolognese ($18.99), a combination of layered lasagna filled with bolognese and béchamel topped with melted mozzarella; Simple Linguini ($15.99) served with choice of homemade pesto, pomodoro and an option to add cream; and Mushroom Mac & Cheese ($13.99) served with sauteed mushrooms on a bed of creamy mac & cheese. Notable appetizers include crispy Truffle Fries ($8.99), creamy Spinach Dip ($8.99) and golden Mozzarella Sticks ($8.99). For dessert, guests can satisfy their sweet tooth with Tiramisu, Carrot Cake, Cheesecake, or Duo Chocolate for $6.99 each.
With a motto, “five-star meals under five minutes” that emphasises homemade quality food, PESTO Italian Cuisine will be open daily from 11AM to 10PM. The eatery is located inside the Lincoln Eatery Food Hall. Stay up to date on PESTO Italian Cuisine by following @pesto.usa and @LincolnEatery on Instagram.
