Some restaurants distinguish themselves by having overwhelmingly large menus. While these novel-length tomes do make for entertaining reading, some diners see them as a red flag. The reason a smaller menu may mean higher-quality food is that it’s easier to get things right if you have less to concentrate on. The latter half of the expression “jack of all trades,” as you may recall, is “master of none.” By this thinking, a Miami restaurant called Cotoletta must have the best food in the world, as long as you’re in the mood for veal Milanese, that is, since it’s the only thing on the menu.
Cotoletta’s motto is “un piatto per tutti,” which translates to “a dish for everyone.” It would be more accurate, however, to say “one dish for everyone,” emphasis on the one, since if you’re not a veal eater, you’ll need to choose another restaurant. Why the limitation? Restaurant founder Andrea Fraquelli has a philosophy that too much choice can be overwhelming, and that it can be freeing to let go and accept what you’re given (as long as it’s something tasty, that is). That being said, you do get to pick a couple of sides as part of a prix fixe menu that costs $40 per person as of 2024. These options include several pasta dishes, zucchini fries, potato fries, and an arugula salad. Antipasti such as olives and bruschetta are also included, while desserts (chocolate cake, raspberry-topped cheesecake, and vanilla affogato) are available as a $9 add-on.
People seem to like the concept
Andrea Fraquelli admitted that opening a single-dish restaurant was somewhat of an experiment, but it’s one that appears to be paying off. He seems satisfied with its success, and although there aren’t too many TripAdvisor reviews to date, all of them are positive, even effusive in their praise. One person noted that the place always seems packed and often has a line out the door. Reservations are only accepted by phone, not online, although they’re not required as long as you’re willing to wait.
Proof that Cotoletta must be doing well is the fact that Fraquelli has opened a sister restaurant with a menu that’s almost (but not quite) as limited. San Lorenzo also operates on the prix fixe model, charging $70 per person and allowing but a single choice: fish or meat. (They can do vegetarian, too, but you have to ask.) You also get a few appetizers, which are a bit more sophisticated than those at Cotoletta; one Yelper says they were served chocolate-sauced eggplant and a salad with shaved beets, potatoes, tomatoes, and tuna. Desserts and drinks are also available, although they do come at an upcharge. While some reviewers disagree about the food or the value, everyone seems to enjoy San Lorenzo’s attentive service, ambiance, and riverside setting…