Marcos Spaziani is a popular chef who has appeared on several seasons of the Bravo reality TV show Below Deck. He first joined the show in season 4 as a sous chef on board the luxury yacht Valor. Marcos quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his fun-loving personality, talent in the kitchen, and good looks.
Marcos’ Restaurant in Florida
In addition to being a yacht chef, Marcos owns and operates his own restaurant called INC Steakhouse which is located in Coconut Grove, Florida. The upscale steakhouse first opened its doors in November 2018.
INC Steakhouse is located at 3470 Main Highway in the heart of downtown Coconut Grove. The restaurant is situated along the popular shopping and dining strip that runs through the center of the neighborhood.
Marcos chose Coconut Grove for the location of his restaurant because he was already very familiar with the area. He has lived in Miami for years and thought the waterfront village had the perfect environment for his concept. The neighborhood attracts a trendy, affluent crowd which fits with the vibe and price point of INC Steakhouse.
The Restaurant’s Design and Atmosphere
INC Steakhouse has a hip, modern interior design with an industrial chic aesthetic. The decor features exposed brick walls, dark wood accents, leather seating, and pendant lighting. The dining room has an open floor plan and a bar as the central focal point.
The restaurant has capacity to seat around 130 guests. There is also outdoor patio seating available. The patio space has a view of the Miami marina and bay.
The atmosphere at INC is lively and energetic. The restaurant plays upbeat music and attracts a young crowd. Patrons tend to dress fashionably to dine at the trendy spot. INC becomes even livelier on weekends when a DJ is brought in to spin music.
The Menu at INC Steakhouse
As the name implies, INC Steakhouse specializes in steak and chops. The menu features a wide selection of high-end cuts like bone-in ribeye, porterhouse, filet mignon, and New York strip. Only USDA Prime and Certified Angus cuts of beef are served.
In addition to steaks, other menu highlights at INC include seafood like Chilean sea bass, lobster, and jumbo shrimp. There are also a variety of shareable appetizers like oysters, burrata, and tuna tartare.
Side dishes range from more traditional options like creamed spinach and roasted mushrooms to more unique items like truffle tater tots. There’s also a raw bar serving fresh oysters, ceviche, and poke.
For dessert, guests can indulge in options like molten chocolate cake, cheesecake, and creme brulee. INC also offers an extensive wine list and creative craft cocktails to complement the cuisine.
Marcos in the Kitchen at INC
As head chef and owner, Marcos maintains a strong presence in the kitchen at INC Steakhouse. He curated the menu himself using high-quality ingredients and techniques learned through years of training and yacht chef experience.
Marcos can often be seen expediting dishes during busy services. He works alongside his team of cooks and sous chefs to make sure every plate meets his exacting standards before going out to guests.
When he’s not in the kitchen, Marcos frequently mingles with patrons in the dining room. He is very hands-on when it comes to customer service and making sure diners have a great experience.
Critical Reception for the Restaurant
INC Steakhouse was very well received when it first opened and has maintained excellent reviews in the years since. The restaurant is currently rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google based on over 250 reviews.
Early reviews from local Miami publications raved about the food and atmosphere at INC. The Miami Herald called the cuisine “Sexy and creative steakhouse fare executed impeccably.” Miami New Times praised the “Succulent, melt-in-your-mouth steaks.”
Recent reviews on sites like Yelp and Tripadvisor have been similarly glowing. Happy customers rave about creative dishes, exceptional service, and the lively ambiance. Marcos himself earns particular praise for frequently checking in on tables and ensuring every meal is memorable.
The most common negatives occasionally mentioned are price-related. As a high-end steakhouse, meals at INC can become quite expensive, especially when ordering premium steaks, seafood, wines, and cocktails.
How to Make a Reservation at INC
INC Steakhouse takes reservations by phone at (305) 895-9511. Online reservations can also be made through the website incsteakhouse.com or OpenTable.
The restaurant serves dinner 7 days a week. Hours are 5pm to 10pm Sunday through Wednesday, and 5pm to 11pm Thursday through Saturday.
INC Steakhouse tends to book up quickly, especially on weekends. For peak dining times like Friday or Saturday evening, it’s recommended to make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance.
The dress code is described as “stylishly upscale.” While a formal jacket is not required, most diners wear cocktail attire or smart casual when eating at the trendy establishment.
What to Expect When Dining at INC
From the moment you arrive at INC Steakhouse, you’ll be enveloped in an energetic, fashionable atmosphere. A hostess will greet you and confirm your reservation before showing you to your table.
Knowledgeable waitstaff will guide you through the menu of steakhouse classics and modern creations. An extensive wine list offers lots of pairing options. Waiters are also happy to recommend specialty cocktails that complement your meal.
The dining room usually fills up quickly with a mix of locals and tourists. The buzz of conversation and music provides an exciting backdrop for your evening. At peak times, expect to wait a few minutes between courses as the kitchen gets busy.
For the best experience, come hungry and ready to indulge. Steaks are served sizzling and the rich sides pair perfectly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – the staff is accustomed to guiding first-timers through the menu.
Marcos himself will likely stop by tables throughout the evening to ensure everyone is enjoying their meal. He’s happy to give recommendations and describe specials. Getting a chance to meet the charming chef/owner makes for an especially memorable dinner.
Why INC Steakhouse Stands Out
There are certainly no shortage of excellent steakhouses in Miami and throughout South Florida. So what makes INC Steakhouse worth a visit compared to other options in the area?
First and foremost, the innovative menus sets INC apart. Classic steakhouse offerings are prepared with creative twists and contemporary sides that keep things interesting. Presentation is beautiful without being overdone.
The buzzing, upscale ambiance also provides something a little different than a typical old-school steakhouse. The crowd and vibe leans young and trendy.
Having Marcos’ expertise in the kitchen is another major advantage. His years of high-level cooking experience shine through in the execution. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better prepared steak or chop anywhere else in Miami.
The central location in the heart of Coconut Grove also makes INC a convenient choice for dinner before an evening out. Valet parking is available at the restaurant entrance.
Is INC Steakhouse Expensive?
As a premium steakhouse with an extensive, high-quality wine list, INC Steakhouse is certainly not an inexpensive dining option. However, the prices are comparable to other upscale steakhouses in the Miami area.
A typical dinner entree will cost $40 – $65. The 8-ounce filet mignon and 14-ounce New York Strip both go for $49. The 32-ounce Porterhouse for two people costs $120.
Sides generally range from $12 – $15. Appetizers like oysters and tuna tartare are $16 – $25. Salads cost around $15.
For wine, bottles start at around $50 and go up significantly from there. Cocktails are around $15 – $18 each.
So while not budget-friendly, the prices are reasonable given the high-quality food, service, and ambiance. It’s an excellent splurge spot for a special occasion or night out on the town.
Is the Restaurant Kid-Friendly?
INC Steakhouse cultivates a trendy, upscale vibe centered around a young adult crowd. As such, the restaurant is not really optimized for family dining with young children.
However, the menu does offer select items like filet mignon and chicken tenders that children may enjoy. Some parents do bring well-behaved kids early in the evening before the energy gets too lively.
If planning a family dinner, it’s best to come at 5pm when the dining room is a bit more subdued. Kids should also dress nicely to match the environment. High chairs and booster seats are available upon request.
In summary, INC Steakhouse can accommodate children but is not necessarily the ideal spot for a family meal. Parents may have a better evening hiring a babysitter and enjoying a sophisticated date night there.
Does INC Offer Takeout and Delivery?
INC Steakhouse does offer takeout and delivery through third-party services. Takeout can be ordered online or by calling the restaurant. Menu items travel reasonably well for takeout.
For delivery, INC partners with services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and GrubHub. The full restaurant menu is available for delivery within the delivery zone.
One thing to note is that steak temperatures can be tricky with takeout and delivery. Be sure to provide very clear preparation instructions and err on the side of requesting steaks closer to medium. That helps avoid receiving meals that are over- or under-cooked.
While takeout and delivery are convenient options, the INC Steakhouse ambiance and plating is hard to replicate. For the full experience, dining in-person is recommended.
Does Marcos Still Work at INC?
Yes, Marcos continues to be very involved in the day-to-day operations at INC Steakhouse as head chef and owner. While he enjoys returning to Below Deck periodically, the restaurant remains his primary business and passion.
Marcos can typically be spotted working in the kitchen several evenings each week. He also does administrative work and meetings during the day when the restaurant is closed.
Even when Marcos is not physically at INC, he keeps very close tabs on the kitchen and front of house. The staff stays in constant communication with him about food quality, service issues, and more.
So while Marcos does have to step away at times for TV appearances and travel, he is nearly always involved at the restaurant that bears his name.
Conclusion
Marcos from Below Deck has found great success with his restaurant INC Steakhouse in the heart of Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood. The trendy spot serves creative takes on steakhouse classics in an energetic, upscale atmosphere.
Led by Marcos’ expertise, INC has earned rave reviews from both local and national publications. The restaurant delivers exceptional service and memorable dining experiences, combining Marcos’ training as a yacht chef with his passion for the Miami scene.
While on the pricier side, INC offers a special night out complete with delicious food, great drinks, and the possibility of spotting Marcos himself chatting with patrons. It’s easy to understand how the restaurant has become a go-to hotspot with locals, tourists, and reality TV fans alike.