At Mano Libera, Giugliano gets to live out his dream. To him, it’s more than just a restaurant—it’s a place where creativity, sustainability, and the essence of Italian cuisine come together. Located in Miami’s South Miami neighborhood, it offers a refined and elegant atmosphere, with 50 seats inside and a patio that can accommodate an additional 30 guests. At the center of the dining room, you’ll find a hand-shaped chef’s table, a motif carried throughout the space, from custom dishware to subtle design elements. However, those fortunate enough to sit at the unusual table will find themselves indulging in a chef tasting experience where Giugliano goes off the menu and improvises dishes based on the freshest ingredients available that day.
After getting his start at his family’s restaurant in Naples, Italy, he worked his way through some of the finest kitchens in Europe, including Michelin-starred Quattro Passi and Taverna Estia, before heading to the United States where he took the helm at the now-closed Strega Restaurant in Branford, Connecticut, and ultimately landing in Miami, where he’s now the chef and owner of Mano Libera.
Giugliano’s cooking style blends contemporary techniques and traditional Italian flavors. “I’ve always been fascinated by how simple ingredients could be transformed into extraordinary dishes,” he says. Deeply inspired by his roots in Campania, he’s committed to using the finest ingredients such as buffalo mozzarella DOP, piennolo tomatoes, and locally sourced vegetables.
This cozy restaurant is off the beaten path, making it a perfect spot for locals to indulge in an untapped culinary journey celebrating the traditions of Italian cuisine with dishes that amaze and delight. From an array of chef-selected amuse-bouche bites that awakens the palate to the quirky custom hand-shaped dishes, Giugliano prides himself on cooking without fixed rules as he merges Italian tradition with innovation.
“I’m always on the hunt for the perfect fusion of authenticity and experimentation,” says Giugliano. “Each course tells a story that blends Italian flavors with local ingredients, reflecting a deep respect for my roots and my continuous drive for innovation.”
Guided by a love for quality with a strong focus on sustainability, the menu features plenty of familiar Italian dishes alongside unexpected flavor combinations—such as eggplant bao buns with pecan crumble—that keep guests on the edge of their seats, creating a genuine and modern culinary experience.
