Sparrow Italia is an Italian-inspired steakhouse that brings European sophistication and the bold spirit of southern Italian cuisine to Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. At 8,700 square feet, the space is both expansive and intimate — delivering a sensorially rich hospitality experience through refined materials, sculptural gestures, and a focus on layered, atmospheric lighting. Executed by Kobi Karp Architecture & ICRAVE and led by hospitality visionary Tosh Berman, the design invites curiosity and exploration, celebrating the bold flavors and rich cultural heritage of southern Italy.
Sparrow Italia sets the tone with intention. The design concept embraces warmth and romanticism, with a restrained yet tactile palette of desaturated blue velvets, carved wood paneling, textured Venetian plaster, and burnished brass detailing. A sculptural, leathered-stone bar anchors the space, while arched booths laced with colored ropes offer semi-private dining. At the heart of the restaurant is a dramatic sunken dining room framed by a series of suspended wood arches mimicking a nest — an architectural move that introduces a rare, theatrical moment of discovery and grandeur, uncommon in the Miami dining scene. This central space also accommodates live nightly entertainment with a built-in stage seamlessly integrated into the design to support the brand’s core pillar of immersive dining.
The lighting strategy was essential to achieving fine dining ambiance —combining soft washes, custom chandeliers, and intimate low-level lighting to enhance the materiality and create a rich, immersive glow. Al fresco seating and gender-neutral restrooms underscore a commitment to inclusivity and contemporary hospitality values.
Creating intimacy and a sense of discovery within a large footprint, while maintaining visual cohesion and operational flow was important when designing the space. The use of varied ceiling heights, spatial zoning, and dramatic vertical gestures solved for this, creating a layout that feels both expansive and deeply personal.
Sparrow Italia exemplifies excellence in fine dining design through its ability to balance restraint with drama, simplicity with sophistication. Every detail from the hand-applied finishes to the choreography of the guest journey reflects a commitment to crafting a transportive, luxurious, and culturally resonant experience.