Ecco PizzaTeca + Lounge

Chop out your taste buds and leave your common sense of food at home, this food is literally inedible!!! I think the cook is their gardener and mind you there is no grass around (being in downtown Miami). Atmosphere is nice but don’t even think about ordering anything at this
«pizza joint””(and I use that term loosely. Bring some crackers to eat if you want to drink!!! YUK!!!

Today’s disclaimer: I am reviewing the upstairs Ecco Lounge, not the downstairs restaurant. I would recommend Unilocal separate the two entities as they are now operated by different owners.
Enter the venue from a downtown Miami street where a bouncer shows you through a small lobby and to a large stairway leading up to the night’s adventure. Scope the room and note Ecco Lounge is small, though not cramped and comfortable. The drinks are strong and almost cheap by this sobe girl’s standards. The bartenders and other staff do their job competently and with a smile. On the night of my visit, the music was outstanding so props to the events staff for booking awesome electronic music talents Kate Simko and local Sebastian Cariaga.
The set up of the room lends itself to drinking, dancing and relaxing. The DJ booth is slightly raised and in front of a window facing the dance area and bar behind it. To one side are couches if you prefer to relax and on the other is what I like to call the Washroom VIP. Yes, technically it is just a bathroom, but it’s freakin great! Lovely décor, quite clean, ample stalls, sinks, and supplies, and an adorable seating area. Guys, don’t get suspicious about your girl’s party habits if she lingers too long in the ladies’ room. She’s probably just chatting up her friends in a quiet environment.
My only disappointment is that smoking is allowed inside, but such is the status quo in Florida so my gripe would probably be more useful were it correctly directed to our fair state’s public health department, but I digress.
I hope Ecco Lounge continues to book DJs and plan unique events, because this venue is quite possibly perfect for my current night life needs. Volume, lighting, staff, drinks, and even temperature were all just right. Now when was the last time you could say that about a night life venue?

Just got back from their «bikini lunch». After waiting almost an hour for a pizza I got up and asked the waitress for our pizza. She was pretty aggressive and said «it’s not ready». Maybe it wasn’t her fault, she looked like she was working hard. 10 minutes later, and I was outta of there, but asked for a manager. Spoke to Jordi Verite, who apologized, but didn’t offer to check what happened, or even comp us. He did offer his card and said «talk to me next time». There won’t be a next time, for me or anyone I know. They ruined our lunch and wasted an hour and a half of my time including the drive. This place is for executive lunches, where time is money. Despite my appearance, I’m also an executive and expected a significant less of a wait.
DMG

I’ve only been once. and will only go once. Went with husband and infant. Went early, only 2 or 3 tables inside, so we asked to be seated away from everyone to not disturb them if he woke up. after about 5 minutes of sitting, the hostess sits a table of 8 directly on top of us.
I asked for a mocha coffee and was told I couldn’t have it because the bartender was not there… but she assured me she could give me regular coffee or a cappuccino. The manager should probably be sure that more than one person knows how to add chocolate syrup to a cup for the future. We had the tuna tar tar appetizer which I loved, but mainly because it was served on top a avocado. It had to much lemon juice for my liking…
My pizza came VERY undercooked… how disappointing… for a pizza place… took a bite or two and got the check…

I went to this lounge on Saturday to watch local group Afro beta. I love the location of this lounge since it is in the heart of downtown and parking was fairly easy to find. It was the closest to a Newyork-​esque type lounge that I have I been to in Miami. Besides Bardot which I am super over! We rushed to be there before midnight to get in free but we really didn’t need to since we got in free either way. I am sure it won’t be long before they start charging. Entrance is on the first floor and lounge is upstairs. The lounge itself is somewhat of a maze. There are so many nooks and corners to hide out (well, if you’re looking to hide out). The ceilings are high and the lighting is dim. The music before the band was okay and the place was a little smokey. The venue would be perfect if someone who knows how to through party took charge.
The whole reason for my review is that after pre-​drinking on the way there all I wanted to get inside was a nice cold beer. Too much to ask for? Yes, apparently around 1 am they ran out of ice cold beer bottles and I believe they did not even have draft beer!!! Who wants to pay 9 dollars for a room temp beer? WTF Rookie move!

Ok, I took a happy hours flyer for this place and decided to return a couple days later to check it out. I live downtown and was eager to find a cool place to hangout, eat and watch sports.
Ecco PizzaTeca is not the place.
First off, the service was terrible and the waiter (who is there daily) is short with customers and flat out refused to honor the flyer I picked up from them the previous week.
Secondly, the Mojito I ordered was basically club soda and was $ 10.
The pizza I ordered was large but mediocre. I watched the chef in the back sip coffee and make a basic mediocre pizza with way too much olive oil. The bread on the table tasted like leftovers.
Regular customers came in and gave the bartender a high five and got stiff drinks I presume for cheap. I was not a VIP so didnt get such service.
My bill was silly (high) given it was happy hour. I paid and walked out vowing never to return. I look forward to somebody taking over this place and adding some friendly service. I really wanted to like this place but it was a BIG let down.

I attended a networking event at Ecco PIzzaTeca the other day, and upon entering, I really dig the décor and the style, very industrial, good representation of what downtown Miami should look like. The pizza we ordered was delicious, fresh sausage, crispy, all over very good.
Now the service — a very short and unfriendly bartender. He stayed at one side of the bar chatting with a regular, barely paying attention to the crowd gathering at the bar. Several people had to flag him down to get service of any kind, and as the event progressed, his attitude just got worse and worse.
Although the pizza was great, left with a bad taste in my mouth.

I really, really, really, really wanted to like this place. It is SO close!
But…
Out of all tap beer.
Out of half the bottled beer.
How can a place call itself a lounge and be out of the libations? We went on to order the food:
Rigatoni al Forno
Fusilli Calabrese
Genovese — Pizza Bianca.
Hawaiian — Pizza Russa
We were brought bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. While not rancid, it had very little flavor. The olive oil tasted as though it were your normal, run-​of-​the-​mill cooking olive oil — butter please! The balsamic was also just a shadow of what it should have considering its use.
Our order arrived in pieces (as requested) so that we could share the meal amongst the three of us and have a miniature smorgasborg. With each bite I kept awaiting for something to happen; but there was no flavor. Nothing had any flavor worth mentioning. If I had to imagine what a graveyard for food would be, this would be it. The ghosts of real food were coming back to haunt us and, as we all know, ghosts have form but no substance.
What added insult to injury was the staff. The staff could be split in to two categories: snobby and laissez-​faire. And then I saw the bill. I really see no reason to return here.

I have never been here for lunch, and perhaps it’s different then, but I won’t be going back unless someone insists.
It is a very attractive restaurant, but that’s about all I can say in the plus category. Given the quality, the food is very overpriced. The pizza was pretty mediocre, and the service was lacking. We ordered salads and pizza, and after specifically asking that the pizza be cooked crispy, it arrived soggy with soft-​edged crust. I asked for my salad without dressing, and when it arrived drenched in oil, the server was very upset that I returned it and asked for another.
If you’re looking for this kind of pizza, Volante is FAR superior.
If you’re just looking for a well-​priced meal in this neighborhood, go right across the street to Fratelli Milano, which is relatively inexpensive, delicious, and has impeccable service.

I can only say the ambiance is very nice for the area. The Pizza is ok and the only reason I would go back is for the lasagna. The service is terrible and I can’t stand the long wait. If you go for lunch and you sit at the Bar, its hit or miss.
Its ok to go once, but if I never go back, I won’t be missing much.

A good place.
The downstairs restaurant has its own dj, but its the music is not so loud that you can’t hear your friends speak, (which may sometimes be a bad thing if they keep ranting about their ex).
Stay away from the gorgonzola yogurt salad, but keep your eye on the pizzas and pastas, their other salads are also really good. Their reinvented caprese, has slices of prosciutto for an added touch of deliciousness.
KEEP AWAY FROM THE YOGURT, NUT SALAD, IT’s TERRIBLE
The restaurant and lounge are very well decorated, which also gives this place points. They have valet parking and it’s actually cheaper than paying the nearby lot.
I really recommend it, it is great if you’re in the area… say… at the opera– just two blocks away.
There is a nightclub upstairs but the DJ the other night night refused to play any latin music and rudely suggested La Covacha. If i knew that man’s name i would Unilocal him 1 star. Other than that, I have no complaints.

I came back to this place hoping to be able to upgrade my rating and improve upon my review, but no such luck. Still have not gotten to try the pizza. Music is still too loud. Bar is better but still too slow. And this time the appetizers were not nearly as good as before. Somehow this place seems to always be just slightly overwhelmed by the size of the crowd and unprepared to deal with it. I guess I’ll have to take my friend’s word and come back and give it a fair shot for lunch — which I hear they do really well at.

I saw this restaurant from the outside the other day as I walked downtown and decided to walk in. First good idea. The place was super well decorated and the music was amazing. So, I sat down and ordered the Caprese salad. Second Good idea. it was delicious. The mojito was amazing and they had an ice cream desert that BLEW MY MIND!!! Not to mention, valet parking (a huge plus in downtown) in the end it was very well priced, delicious and entertaining. I think this new restaurant is one t keep your eye on.

Forget Lincoln Road this is best people watching spot in Miami. Just sit outside and take in the views of the parade of individuals that walk up and down Miami’s old Downtown streets.
You can also sit inside and enjoy the modern, laid back vibe in a space that seems to be simultaneously flooded with light and cozy.
Lunch is a no brainer here. There might be a rush so just keep that in mind before sulking about a wait. I happened to go at a later time and was seated immediately, upon arriving.
The service is good and quick as is the food. Within a few minutes of sitting there was water and bread on the table. My dining companion is an Ecco expert and advised me on a pizza. After careful consideration I settled on the sausage and potato pizza. I know you might be thinking to yourself «What?! potato on a pizza?» I don’t blame you. It sounded weird to me too, a little off, and really who needs carbs on top of carbs? What’s next potato and pasta pizza? Still, I was pleasantly surprised. For dessert I went with the panna cotta and it was alright, not repeat worthy but ok.
I’m going to come back often to Ecco, they have wireless, good food, a nice atmosphere, and an unmatchable view of the city that is Miami and one of its consistently evolving and oldest neighborhoods.

Interesting design and good pizza.
This was one of the best I had in this town. It is slightly different from my favorite at Blu, but very good, maybe even better.
From the outside this place looks a little weird, sitting on a busy street corner in downtown and appearing more like a store than a restaurant.
The inside is stylish and split into restaurant and tea/​coffee shop with street view. Polished concrete floors, pastel colors on the walls and contemporary furniture. There is also a second floor that I did not get to see. It is a little loud and the echo is strong, but I enjoyed the experience and the meal.

I think I can give this place more stars in the future but for right now 3 it is… I was here Thursday night for a networking event that involved about 4 or 5 young professionals groups, good crowd and the staff seems friendly.
After the event ended some friends and I decided to sit down and try the pizza that had been teasing our nostrils all night… but unfortuntately we weren’t able to stay for dinner…
All in all, nice staff, cool location and they have valet which is very convenient in the downtown area… Ecco, I will be back!

Lost a star with me. Walked in for Happy Hour and was told they do not have one. Only on bites! KKKK, What are bites? Assuming, (never assume anything, I know better) appetizers must be half price. Nope, wrong!
.
They had a DJ who was playing great music, very, very loud. Some people were dancing, quite entertaining.
Ordered two margaritas, two beers, Bruschetta and Foccacia. Bill before tip was $ 45… That is there Happy Hour. :(
Margarita was very small, not strong enough for me.
Foccacia– not very good, very thin dough with a few tomatoes on top.
Bruschetta– Awesome– Fresh tomatoes, Guacamole, and topped with sour cream. Really good.
The food here is very reasonable and good. But if you are going to advertise Happy Hour then have one. Is the Happy Hour a live DJ?
The bartender was very rude at first. I asked what kind of wine they had by the glass. She responded «Chardonnay» and I said do you have a red, she said angrily «Cabernet» so I said what kind is it? She practically screamed at me «I said Cabernet». Nobody talks to me like an idiot, I was furious. So basically, I quickly put her in the right place and the rest of the evening she was catering to us.
Would not go back for Happy Hour, because there is no such thing.
Next time, here I come Manny’s!

ecco is another downtown spot that stays open until the evening on thrusday and friday nights. good! we downtowners need more places like this… so i decided to go to ecco for a quick dinner last night. the first time i went to ecco was i think last december for a music showcase which i enjoyed. ecco wasnt fully ready yet but the bartender who took care of me told me about their upcoming opening… i was there too. must say i really enjoyed the little food i got to try.
i dont drive so i dont really have to deal with the parking situation but if you do, remember youre going to have to deal with the miami parking authority so get your astroglide ready. so, thursday night, 8pm … there are a couple of tables full of happy customers, some people lounging and a few people (all of them wearing ed hardy t-​shirts, btw, fucking tacky!) sitting by the bar… and thats where i sat cause i wanted to catch the lakers/​orlando game 1.
pedro, the guy behind the bar promptly asked me if i was hungry so i got a menu right away. i noticed they have sierra nevada on tap which is great, so i got that and the turkey and avocado sandwich… the sandwich came out within minutes and i must say it was a really good sandwich. it might have been lacking a little dressing but the ingredients were all fresh. not bad for 8 $. just as some of their pasta dishes which i will try sometime soon.
i stayed there only for about an hour so i got another beer. in the end, my bill came up to 23 $ including tip and tax. not precisely cheap but i drank two beers at 5 $ each.
i will be back cause ecco is very close to my place, i suggest you give it a shot too if you happen to be in downtown but i must warn you, there are lots and lots of guys with fauxhawks here, i know. very original. but maybe i went on an off night?
the crowd is harmless anyways, i just love to hate.

It is so great to see this trendy addition to the Downtown area. I went for lunch, but I could see how this place could easily become a great loungey type place at night.
For lunch, my companions and I stuck to the pizza options. We all ordered a different pizza and then swapped pieces. This way, I was able to sample the Margherita, the Formaggi (Four cheeses) and Chicken Pesto. The pizzas were big enough for my appetite, but could easily be split with someone if you also order a salad or appetizer. The pizza was similar in taste and quality to Piola — the thin, doughy wood-​fired kind… The service was efficient and attentive.
Something about the architecture, however, causes it to be really loud in there. And on this particular day, the indoor temperature was rather warm — something I would never think possible in Miami where every restaurant cranks the A.C. to uncomfortable temps…
My favorite part, however, is that they have a full bar. Just perfect for that lazy lunch on Fridays or when you’re boss is out of town. The mojitos were tasty and refreshing!
I would definitely come back here for a happy hour, though finding parking on the street may be a challenge.

A new and modern Italian restaurant with a large bar that just opened in downtown Miami that a short walk from the nearby Hotels. I ordered one of their sausage and mushroom pizzas recommended by the bartender. It had a large thin crust dough and was very good. They have a several draft beers including Sierra Nevada.
I understand they have an upstairs area for special events.