‘He was such a gentleman.’ Coral Gables names street for beloved restaurant owner

When he opened Caffe Abbracci in Coral Gables in 1989, Nino Pernetti wanted to create an atmosphere of old-world leisure.

For more than 30 years, he delivered impeccable service to his loyal customers, as much of a draw himself as his Northern Italian cuisine. The hungry could count on a quality meal; the famous could count on discretion. Everyone who entered the elegant, intimate restaurant could count on a warm welcome in one of the Italian-born Pernetti’s seven languages. He might even stop and sit for awhile, making sure regulars felt at home.

Pernetti died in 2022 after an 18-month battle with the after effects of COVID. Now, the city of Coral Gables is paying tribute to the man who put Gables dining on the map by naming part of Aragon Avenue after him.

On Wednesday afternoon, civic and community leaders, many of whom spent hours dining, chatting and laughing with Pernetti, gathered on the corner of Aragon Avenue and Salzedo Street to honor their friend on the new Nino Pernetti Way.

“He was such a gentleman,” said Gables vice mayor Michael Mena. “He treated everyone who came into his restaurant like a VIP. The food was great, but he transcended the food. People in Coral Gables celebrated family events, birthdays, anniversaries, had business meetings there, and they felt like they got treated in a way that was special. You have people who are stars in their industry. He was a star. His hospitality was second to none.”

Mitchell Kaplan, owner of Books & Books just down the street on Aragon Avenue, called Pernetti “a remarkable person.” Kaplan often brought authors to Caffe Abbracci after events and hosted the publication party for Pernetti’s “Caffe Abbracci Cookbook: His Life Story and Travels Around the World,” turning the book store’s courtyard into a sort of “mini Abbracci.”

“Having him as a neighbor was wonderful,” Kaplan said. “He was one of a kind, and I think honoring him this way will make sure that his memory is never lost.”

Pernetti’s daughter Tatiana said her father would have loved the tribute because of his great affection for the city.

“My dad loved Coral Gables,” she said. “He spent his whole life living around the world in different countries...and in his 40s he fell in love with Miami and Coral Gables. He saw something really special here and wanted to stay. He loved the strong, tight-knit community that was diverse and driven. I can’t think of a better place for my father to leave his legacy.”

Pernetti’s family is continuing to run Caffe Abbracci, she said, aided by dedicated employees who have worked there for decades.

“I always say you can still feel his presence, his spirit, in the restaurant,” she said. “We’re going to continue just like he would have wanted us to do.”

This story was originally published January 11, 2023 at 6:53 PM.