Courtesy of GolMiamiBeach.com

The new restaurant Gol opened in North Beach earlier this year and has become a haven for soccer fanatics and food enthusiasts alike. Located at 940 71st Street in Miami Beach, Gol offers a low-key environment where patrons can watch a few matches, enjoy good food, and throw back a few drinks. One thing owner Roberto Paresce wants to make clear, is that his establishment is NOT a sports bar.

“Gol was born, basically, over three passions of mine, which are soccer, food and people,” said Paresce, who was born in Milan. “We are not a sports bar and have a unique atmosphere. You won’t find flags or crests of different teams but still it’s a fun vibe.”

Courtesy of GolMiamiBeach.com

Having worked in the hotel industry for over 20 years and in 13 different countries, Paresce’s Gol is a labor of love and a culmination of everything he has been working for his whole life. A very passionate and lively man, Paresce left Milan in May of 1990 and has worked as a general manager for many hotels in the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.

Though Gol is his first restaurant in Miami, he managed a restaurant in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Eager to open his dream restaurant in Miami Beach, Paresce moved to Miami in August of 2014 and quickly opened the doors of Gol in January of 2015. He chose to open the location in North Beach because of the abundance of South Americans who live in the area and, naturally, love good food and soccer. Though Paresce roots for A.C. Milan, he welcomes anyone, especially if they have a passion for soccer.

“For me, soccer is the best game in the world,” he said. “Just using a ball, everyone can play and become friends. All you need to do is throw a ball in a park and all types of kids will play. It unites people. I have worked in very poor countries and have seen kids play with just a can of coke.”

Courtesy of GolMiamiBeach.com

The owner recommends trying the pizza, which is made in a brick oven, using fresh Italian ingredients and flour. Seafood lover? Try the host of seafood options he has available like the Branzino (a European sea bass), salmon, tuna, and swordfish. He also serves an assortment of pastas and is known for his risotto and ravioli.

“After a few months of being open, our business is going well,” he said. “People are coming back. North Beach is a growing area in Miami.”

When asked whether he plans on opening other concept restaurants, the owner played it coy saying, “I have other ideas and concepts that we are discussing, but I can’t tell you because people will steal them [he chuckles].”

The restaurant has daily promotions, including a lunch special for $7 (M-F; 12- 5pm); a Happy Hour (M-F; 5 – 7 pm); A Wine Day (Tuesday; 5 – 11 pm) and a Ladies Night (Thursday; 5 – 11 pm). On the 29th of each month, the day Gol opened, guests can enjoy all you can eat gnocchi for $13.99.

“We want people to come here and feel like home,” he said. “Our menu is big but very flexible and requests will be fulfilled.” challenges Paresce.

For more information, visit www.golmiamibeach.com or call 305-397-8917.