On a busy night, Perricone's becomes a waiting room for the main dining area, but don't underestimate this gourmet shop. It's a specialty Italian grocery plus a catering service, infused with the sophisticated yet casual atmosphere of its restaurant counterpart. More than 100 types of domestic and international wines line the walls, and Italian delicacies, from prosciutto to veal parmigiana, are perched in glass cases. Owner Steven Perricone played a big role in pioneering the Brickell dining scene when he opened the restaurant/marketplace in 1995 before the area underwent gentrification. More than 20 years later, Perricone's Marketplace & Café still provides high-quality cuisine and everyday convenience. "It appeals to people on the go, and it's more full-service," Perricone says of the concept, "so it hopefully services more people's needs." Specials change daily, but comforting favorites such as lasagna ($14.95) and homemade gelato ($3.95 for a single scoop) are staples. The market opens at 7 a.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. weekends. The restaurant operates Sunday through Thursday until the last seating at 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday till 11:30 p.m.