Peppi’s Pizza debuts today in the Design District. It will serve New York-style pies and Philadelphia-inspired sandwiches from chef Ryan McKeown, who many might recognize from his stint on Below Deck Down Under. The restaurant will take over the former Old Greg’s location and will operate as a casual lunch counter by day before transforming into full-service dining at night.
During the day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Peppi’s focuses on pizza by the slice and hoagies served on house-baked bread. The pizza dough undergoes a 72-hour fermentation process that McKeown says creates a “sourdough-esque” twist on the classic New York style, topped with Grande cheese and what he promises will be “immaculate” sauce. Pizza options include a classic red pie with mozzarella, pecorino, and Sicilian oregano, a white pie with garlic and herb cream, and specialty pies like the “upside down” with sauce on top. The sandwich menu features classics like a cheesesteak with Cooper sharp American cheese and an Italian loaded with provolone.
The 5 p.m. dinner shift brings table service and a fuller menu that riffs on Italian dishes. Think “fish and chips” reimagined as potato chips blanketed in caramelized onion dip and caviar, croquettes with prosciutto and pork, and clams casino. Pasta options include one McKeown claims will “out-step Carbone’s spicy rigatoni any day,” and Abruzzese-style barbecue featuring choices like a skewer of filet or chicken served with hot cherry peppers and grilled bread. The drink menu leans into spritzes, including a collaboration with Aperol, natural wines, amaro-based cocktails, and La Colombe offerings, including draft cold brew, espresso, and affogato with soft serve.
The former Old Greg’s space now sports work from Miami artists Adrian Lorenzo and Eddie Gaglin, plus neon signage McKeown hopes will signal a more accessible vibe in the otherwise upscale neighborhood.
“I want to give the locals a place they can come back to two or three times a week,” said McKeown. “We’re in a period where vibe dining is out. People don’t want it anymore.”
Peppi’s Pizza is now open in the Miami Design District at 3620 NE 2nd Avenue. Operating hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch counter service and 5 p.m. to close for full-service dinner, daily. Delivery will be available through Slice for pizzas and sandwiches only.
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