Lunch at the Versace Mansion: A Peek into Luxury
Have you ever wanted to peek behind the curtain to see how the other half lives?
Join us as we take you to lunch at Gianni’s at the Former Versace Mansion!
The Versace Mansion: A Historic Landmark
The Versace Mansion, originally known as Casa Casuarina, was built in 1930 for philanthropist Alden Freeman. After Freeman’s passing, the home was converted into a 24-unit apartment complex. In 1992, world-renowned fashion designer Gianni Versace purchased the property, restoring it to a lavish single-family residence. He further expanded it by acquiring and demolishing the neighboring Revere Hotel to create the iconic “thousand mosaic” pool and garden area, despite resistance from preservationists. Since 2015, the mansion has operated as a boutique hotel and gourmet restaurant, allowing visitors to experience its opulence firsthand.
Who Was Gianni Versace?
Gianni Versace was a visionary Italian fashion designer whose bold and glamorous styles redefined luxury fashion. He began his fashion career at age 12, working for his mother, a dressmaker, and launched his own label in 1978. Versace’s designs blended theatricality with sensuality, famously stating, “Giorgio Armani dresses your wife. Gianni Versace dresses your mistress.” Beyond fashion, he worked in theater, music, and television, considering the stage a form of creative liberation. His life was tragically cut short in 1997, but his legacy endures in the world of high fashion.
How to Experience the Versace Mansion
Visitors can step inside this historic mansion in three ways:
Make a lunch reservation: A more affordable way to experience luxury, priced at just $39—a bargain for Miami Beach.
Make a dinner reservation: A more extravagant experience with a gourmet menu.
Stay overnight: Book a room for the ultimate immersive experience in Versace’s world.
We opted for lunch, and here’s how it went!
Our Lunch at the Versace Mansion
Appetizers
Tim enjoyed Burrata on a bed of arugula and basil.
Kate indulged in crispy Fried Shrimp.
Drinks
(Note: Alcoholic drinks are not included in the $39 lunch.)
Tim sipped on a Mojito De La Villa.
Kate chose the luxurious 24K Gold Margarita.
Entrees
Kate ordered Lobster Spaghetti with red sauce but found the lobster portion disappointing. (Heads up—there's a surcharge for lobster at lunch!)
Tim went for Chicken Parmesan, served with more arugula. Despite the waitress’s suggestion to choose a different appetizer, he couldn't resist burrata—after all, it’s cheese wrapped in more cheese!
Desserts & Coffee
Kate treated herself to Strawberry Cheesecake.
Tim enjoyed a cream puff pastry.
To cap off our meal, we both savored rich and frothy cappuccinos.
Final Thoughts
Dining at the former Versace Mansion was an unforgettable experience, offering a taste of the designer’s luxurious lifestyle. The ambiance, history, and fine dining make it a must-visit spot in Miami Beach.
Check out our YouTube video about South Beach!
Have you visited the Versace Mansion?
If you’ve made it this far, let us know your favorite part of the Versace Mansion experience in the comments! We’d love to hear your thoughts.