outh Beach denizens already had a lot to gloat about. Now, they have even more thanks to the arrival of the long-awaited Prime Italian.

Prime Italian comes from the same family as famed South Beach eateries Nemo, Big Pink, Prime 112, and Shoji Sushi, which provides a more than auspicious pedigree. Well-heeled clientele that have been aching for some killer bovine are finally being satiated.

Myles Chefetz of Prime 112 (where the players dwell?) teamed up with developers to create the large space. Modern and subtly striking (yeah, we know...), it employs brick and a mostly dark palette. However, the room's biggest asset is its strikingly contemporary red chairs.

The Italian resto hits the steak hard, beginning with an 8 oz option and progressing to a massive, 48 oz cut (it's for two). Along with the main attraction, Prime supplements its card with a sea-looking raw bar. Look for shrimp and crab cocktails, oysters, and caviar. Also, 500-day aged prosciutto, intriguing apps (i.e. chicken Parmesan soup, jumbo lump crab cake, carpaccio, baked, clams, etc.), a selection of dips, and meatball options, including salad.

As a sister restaurant to Prime 112, you can be sure this is one restaurant that won't disappoint. -L.D. with S.T.