DINING LISTINGS
A SELECTIVE GUIDE TO PALM BEACH AREA RESTAURANTS, ENCAPSULATED FROM PREVIOUS REVIEWS BY MARK SPIVAK, PBI’S FOOD AND WINE EDITOR.
PALM BEACH
AMICI
The new Amici succeeds where few restaurants dare to tread—by allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves. The dishes are flavorful and imaginative, and the decor incorporates the best current design trends from New York and Milan. 375 S. County Road, Palm Beach (561-832-0201, amicipalmbeach.com)
ANGLE
Located in the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach, this exciting room shows us how far we have come from the days of standard hotel restaurants. The inventive cuisine, along with an exceptional wine list, makes this a destination that compares to the best restaurants in Palm Beach. 100 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan (561-533-6000, ritzcarlton.com/palmbeach)
BISTRO CHEZ JEAN-PIERRE
Jean-Pierre Leverrier’s restaurant is the quintessential family affair, featuring updated versions of French bistro classics, a stellar wine list and warm service. Demand is intense, so book two or three weeks ahead in season. 132 N. County Road, Palm Beach (561-833-1171)
CAFÉ BOULUD
Daniel Boulud’s Palm Beach outpost is sleek and sophisticated. Orchestrated by Chef de Cuisine Zach Bell, the food is a striking blend of French country and global modern, presented with grace and style. 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach (561-655-6060, cafeboulud.com)
CAFÉ L’EUROPE
After 25 years, Lidia and Norbert Göldner continue to set the standard of excellence in Palm Beach. Highlights include continental dishes with an innovative flair, wonderful desserts by pastry chef Stephanie Steliga, and an astonishing wine list (more than 2,000 selections). 331 S. County Road, Palm Beach (561-655-4020, cafeleurope.com)
THE CIRCLE DINING ROOM
Brunch at The Breakers is a remarkable cornucopia of dishes. This is the brunch of your dreams, accompanied by mimosas and ocean views. 1 S. County Road, Palm Beach (561-655-6611, thebreakers.com)
COCO PALM BEACH
“Palm-Asian” cuisine is executed by chef Jeff Peng, formerly of the Shangri-La in Lake Worth. The impressive menu includes first-rate sushi, authentic dim sum, and interesting cooked dishes from China and Thailand, served in surroundings as appealing as the food. 290 Sunset Ave., Palm Beach (561-832-3734, cocopalmbeach.com)
L’ESCALIER AT THE FLORENTINE ROOM
Rich and intensely flavored, the food is a fascinating blend of the old and the new. The wine cellar, under the direction of Master Sommelier Virginia Philip, has won Wine Spectator’s coveted Grand Award every year since 1981. 1 S. County Road, Palm Beach (561-655-6611, thebreakers.com)
PALM BEACH GRILL
Emphasizing freshness and consistency, the Palm Beach outpost of Houston’s offers the classics we have come to expect—ribs, grilled steaks and seafood dishes such as cedar-planked salmon. Wine is taken as seriously as the food, and the list offers the best of the New World’s smaller wineries. 336 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach (561-835-1077)
RENATO’S
Renato’s serves first-rate Italian and Continental fare in a European setting. Dine on the patio in good weather, and experience one of the most romantic settings Palm Beach has to offer. 87 Via Mizner, Palm Beach (561-655-9752, renatospalmbeach.com)
THE RESTAURANT AT THE FOUR SEASONS
Stunning ocean views, remarkable service and a new menu featuring contemporary cuisine and seafood combine to make this a popular destination for tourists and locals. 2800 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach (561-582-2800, fourseasons.com/palmbeach)
THE SEAFOOD BAR AT THE BREAKERS
The Seafood Bar offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, along with the freshest fish and shellfish from the four corners of the United States. The result is a panorama of global seafood dishes with innovative twists. 1 S. County Road, Palm Beach (561-655-6611, thebreakers.com)
TA-BOÓ
Ta-boó has been serving American comfort food since 1941, and no one does it better. The menu features classics such as prime rib and cold poached salmon, augmented by inventive daily specials, a tropical ambience, and some of the best bartenders in town. 221 Worth Ave., Palm Beach (561-835-3500, taboorestaurant.com)
WEST PALM BEACH
CAFE SAPORI
Opened by veterans of Bice in Palm Beach, Sapori is a welcome addition to the West Palm restaurant scene. The menu offers classics from every region of Italy. Dishes run the gamut from delicate to earthy, and the kitchen never strikes a false note. 205 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach (561-805-7313, cafesapori.com)
LA SIRENA
This Northern Italian beauty focuses on the cooking of the Amalfi Coast. Specialties include yellowtail snapper for two and the 16-ounce veal chop. 6316 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach (561-585-3128, lasirenaonline.com)
PISTACHE FRENCH BISTRO
Offering French bistro fare with a Mediterranean twist, Pistache delivers a delightful experience on every level. Light and elegant dishes blend in with rustic country favorites on the classic menu. 101 N. Clematis St., (561-833-5090, pistachewpb.com)
SUSHI JO
American sushi chef Joseph Clark serves fish that is “beyond fresh” in his West Palm Beach home base, including many exotic and hard to find items. 319 Belvedere Road #12, West Palm Beach (561-868-7893)
TOP OF THE POINT
On the site of the former Governor’s Club, discover a modernized and reinterpreted version of American comfort food. 777 South Flagler Drive, East Tower, West Palm Beach (561-832-2424)
LAKE WORTH
PARADISO RISTORANTE
The brainchild of Antonio Tasca and Chef Angelo Romano, this classic trattoria serves both traditional Italian fare along with some surprises, all of it outstanding. 625 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth (561-547-2500, paradisolakeworth.com)
SOUTH COUNTY
III FORKS
This remarkable steak house executes each detail to perfection, doing an equally fine job with both USDA Prime beef and fresh seafood. 200 East Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton (561-416-2185)
32 EAST
Chef Nick Morfogen’s menu changes daily, providing the most creative new American cuisine in southern Palm Beach County. 32 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach (561-276-7868, 32east.com)
ABE & LOUIE’S
This new and very popular Boca steak house is a branch of its Boston namesake. In addition to serving outstanding beef, the menu features classic New England seafood dishes. A comprehensive wine list rounds out the experience. 2200 W. Glades Road, Boca Raton (561-447-0024, abeandlouies.com)
ABSINTHE
Located in Boca’s Town Center Marriott, this “sophisticated American brasserie” is the antidote for bland hotel restaurants. The kitchen is in the talented hands of Derek Leinoen, who infuses traditional bistro fare with exotic and eclectic touches. 5150 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton (561-620-3754, absintheboca.com)
THE ADDISON
The menu features top-shelf ingredients presented in distinctive and imaginative ways. 2 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton (561-395-9335, theaddison.com)
BOVA RISTORANTE
Owned and operated by Tony Bova, this restaurant offers some of the most authentic northern Italian fare in southern Palm Beach County. The comprehensive menu is augmented by a good wine list, and perhaps the only water list in South Florida. 1450 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton (561-362-7407, bovaristorante.com)
CAFFÉ LUNA ROSA
Luna Rosa turns out consistent versions of classic Northern Italian dishes. Add an oceanfront location and a wine list offering a dazzling array of Super Tuscans, and you have a winner. 34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach (561-274-9404, caffelunarosa.com)
CASA D’ANGELO
Angelo Elia’s Boca Raton outpost succeeds in every possible way. Chef Rickie Piper places his emphasis on market-fresh ingredients, backed up by faultless execution. 171 East Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton (561-338-1703, casa-d-angelo.com)
CHOPS LOBSTER BAR
This terrific addition to the South County dining scene raises the steak house concept beyond what most customers could possibly expect, and also offers a wide selection of fresh seafood. The extensive menu is complemented by an equally interesting wine list. 101 Plaza Real S., Boca Raton (561-395-2675, chopslobsterbar.com)
CUCINA D’ANGELO
This romantic restaurant has gone from strength to strength. It faithfully recreates the feeling of dining in Tuscany, in terms of both food and decor. Chef Angelo Morinelli keeps a watchful eye on all facets of the operation, and a stellar wine list completes the picture. 5050 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton (561-750-2344, cucinadangelo.com)
CUT 432
This “modern steakhouse” has a hip, high-energy environment. Executive Chef Anthony Pizzo is a believer in “innovation without over-complication,” and his food is paired with an excellent wine list. 432 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach (561-272-9898, cut432.com)
HENRY’S
A throwback to a less-complicated era, Henry’s serves American comfort food to a packed house. Offerings include split pea soup, meat loaf and even chicken pot pie. 16850 Jog Road, Delray Beach (561-638-1949, henrysofbocaraton.com)
KYOTO SUSHI AND SAKE LOUNGE
For sushi lovers, Kyoto is the next best thing to being in New York or San Francisco. The array of raw fish is augmented by a selection of cooked dishes and a good wine list. 25 N.E. 2nd Ave., Delray Beach (561-330-2275, kyotosushisake.com)
LA CIGALE
No longer a brasserie, the new version of La Cigale bills itself as “A Taste of the Mediterranean;” many of the classic French dishes have been retained, along with new influences from Spain, Italy and North Africa. The experience invokes an earlier, more relaxed era, when meals were a respite from our daily routine. 253 S.E. 5th Ave., Delray Beach (561-265-0600, lacigaledelray.com)
NEW YORK PRIME
This steak house has it all: first-rate raw materials, flawlessly executed dishes, and tables spaced far enough apart for private conversations. 2350 Executive Center Drive N.W., Boca Raton (561-998-3881, primesteakhouses.com)
THE STATION HOUSE
While the clam chowder, Ipswich steamers and fish dishes are noteworthy, the specialty is perfectly prepared Maine lobster. 233 W. Lantana Road, Lantana (561-547-9487, stationrestaurants.com)
SUITE 225
This hip fusion eatery offers excellent sushi and intriguing Oriental dishes. Don’t miss the Crispy Yuzu Shrimp, wok-crisped snapper, and other seafood specialties. 225 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana (561-582-2255)
TRULUCK’S
This specialty crab house features ocean-fresh seafood in imaginative preparations, along with an innovative wine list. 351 Plaza Real, Boca Raton (561-391-0755, trulucks.com)
TRYST
The sister restaurant of 32 East is a cross between wine bar and gastro pub, featuring the cooking of Chef Julian Greaves and one of the most innovative beverage programs in the area. 4 East Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach (561-921-0201)
VIC & ANGELO’S
Remember the checkered tablecloths of old? This busy restaurant serves large portions of zesty, Italian comfort food, and does it extremely well. 290 East Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach (561-278-9570), trulucks.com)
ZED451
This innovative restaurant has its roots in the Brazilian churrascaria, where a calvacade of succulent, grilled meats are carved tableside; the Harvest Table appetizers will delight vegetarians. 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton (561-4ZED-451, zed451.com)
NORTH COUNTY
7 ORCHIDS
Self-taught Chef Apinya Gillen turns out authentic Thai cuisine—gloriously fresh, assertively seasoned, and taking advantage of the best ingredients and spices to be found. 2621 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart (772-781-7717)
BUONASERA
Classic and perfectly executed Northern Italian dishes in an intimate setting. The stellar wine list accompanies the deft and elegant cooking of Chef Leonardo Cuomo. 2145 S. U.S. Hwy. 1, Jupiter (561-744-0543, buonaserajupiter.com)
CAFÉ CHARDONNAY
Chef/Owner Frank Eucalitto has augmented the menu with influences from Latin America and Asia. 4533 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens (561-627-2662, cafechardonnay.com)
THE CAPITAL GRILLE
The Palm Beach Gardens outpost of this successful chain offers classic steak house fare, complemented by a remarkably well-trained staff. An extensive wine list completes the picture. 11365 Legacy Ave., Palm Beach Gardens (561-630-4994, thecapitalgrille.com)
IRONWOOD GRILLE
As the culinary centerpiece of the newly remodeled PGA Resort, this restaurant is best described as a steak house with flair. Inventive dishes and unusual twists highlight the menu, and a solid wine list completes the picture. 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens (561-627-2000, ironwoodgrille.com)
GAZEBO CAFÉ
Enjoy classics such as oysters Rockefeller, seafood crêpes, Dover sole and rack of lamb. 2151 Alternate A1A S., Jupiter (561-748-5878, gazebocafe.net)
LITTLE MOIR’S FOOD SHACK
Put on your jeans and enjoy some of the freshest and most creatively prepared seafood in the area. 103 S. U.S. Hwy. 1, Jupiter (561-741-3626, littlemoirsfoodshack.com)
RA SUSHI
Located in the new Downtown at the Gardens complex, this “rock ’n’ roll sushi bar” offers high-energy music, a hip atmosphere, and some of the best raw fish around. The large menu also offers an interesting selection of cooked dishes. 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Palm Beach Gardens (561-340-2112, rasushi.com)
SEASONS 52
Think you can’t combine fresh, healthy and tasty? Every dish on the Seasons 52 menu contains fewer than 475 calories, and almost all are both intensely flavored and delicious. The wine list offers some 70 selections by the glass. 11611 Ellison Wilson Road, Palm Beach Gardens (561-625-5852, seasons52.com)
SOLU RESTAURANT
Chef Carlos Jorge blends elements of different Asian cuisines with traditional Caribbean favorites. The dishes are complex and carefully constructed, and spice is used as a means of augmenting the natural flavors of the ingredients. 3800 N. Ocean Drive, Resort at Singer Island (561-340-1795, solurestaurant.com)
VERO BEACH
THE TIDES
This converted old house in the coastal section of Vero Beach is comfortable, reassuring and delightful. Chef Leanne Kelleher defines her cooking as “Treasure Coast cuisine”—Florida dishes enhanced by Latin touches, along with elements of the Caribbean and the Deep South. 3103 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach (772-234-3966, tidesofvero.com)
MARTIN COUNTY
11 MAPLE STREET
The daily menu fuses organic produce, fresh seafood and free-range game into some of the most inspired fare in South Florida. 3224 N.E. Maple Ave., Jensen Beach (772-334-7714, 11maplestreet.net)
ORIENTE
Located in Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s Costa D’Este beach resort, the Oriente serves upscale Cuban cuisine in a setting reminiscent of 1950’s Havana. The kitchen is in the deft hands of Chef David Rodriguez. 3244 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (772-410-0100)
RISTORANTE CLARETTA
This Northern Italian beauty is a family affair. The food is classic and beautifully prepared, the wine list is striking and original, and the welcome couldn’t be warmer. 3036 S.W. Martin Downs Blvd., Palm City (772-219-9940)
DINING AROUND THE COUNTY
PALM BEACH
264 THE GRILL
264 S. County Road, 561-833-6444
BICE
313 1/2 Worth Ave., 561-835-1600, bicepalmbeach.com
CAFE CELLINI
2505 S. Ocean Blvd., 561-588-1871, cafecellini.com
CHARLEY’S CRAB
456 S. Ocean Blvd., 561-659-1500, muer.com
CHESTERFIELD HOTEL
363 Cocoanut Row, 561-659-5800, chesterfieldpb.com
CUCINA DELL’ARTE
257 Royal Poinciana Way, 561-655-0770, cucinadellarte.com
ECHO
230A Sunrise Ave., 561-802-4222, echopalmbeach.com
HAMBURGER HEAVEN
314 S. County Road, 561-655-5277
PALM BEACH OCEANFRONT INN
3550 S. Ocean Blvd., 561-582-5631, palmbeachoceanfrontinn.com
TEMPLE ORANGE
100 S. Ocean Blvd., 561-540-4924, templeorangepalmbeach.com
TESTA’S PALM BEACH
221 Royal Poinciana Way, 561-832-0992, testasrestaurants.com
TREVINI RISTORANTE
150 Worth Ave., 561-833-3883, treviniristorante.com
WEST PALM BEACH
BREWZZI
700 S. Rosemary Ave., 561-366-9753, brewzzi.com
CABANA
118 S. Clematis St., 561-833-4773, cabanarestaurant.com
CAFÉ PROTÉGÉ
2400 Metrocentre Blvd., 561-687-2433
CITY CELLAR
700 S. Rosemary Ave., 561-366-0071, bigtimerestaurants.com
IL BELLAGIO
600 S. Rosemary Ave., 561-659-6160, ilbellagiocityplace.com
LEGAL SEA FOODS
550 S. Rosemary Ave., 561-838-9000, legalseafoods.com
LEILA
120 S. Dixie Hwy., 561-659-7373, leilawpb.com
MORTON’S, THE STEAKHOUSE
777 S. Flagler Drive, 561-820-8125, mortons.com
ROCCO’S TACOS
224 Clematis St., 561-650-1001, roccostacos.com
STRESA ITALIAN RESTAURANT
2710 Okeechobee Blvd., 561-615-0200
SUSHI JO
319 Belvedere Road Suite 12, 561-868-7893, sushijo.com
PALM BEACH GARDENS
BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE
3101 PGA Blvd., 561-622-0491, brioitalian.com
PAUL
Downtown at the Gardens, 561-493-8495, paulusa.com
P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO
3101 PGA Blvd., 561-691-1610, pfchangs.com
THE RIVER HOUSE
2373 PGA Blvd., 561-694-1188, riverhouserestaurant.com
SPOTO’S OAKWOOD GRILL
4610 PGA Blvd., 561-776-5778, oakwoodgrill.com
SPOTO’S OYSTER BAR
4560 PGA Blvd., 561-776-9448, spotosoysterbar.com
VIC & ANGELO’S
4520 PGA Blvd., 561-630-9899, vicandangelos.com
WATERWAY CAFE
2300 PGA Blvd., 561-694-1700, waterwaycafe.com
YARD HOUSE
Downtown at the Gardens, 561-691-6901, yardhouse.com
WELLINGTON
EQUESTRIAN CLUB BY TAVERN ON THE GREEN
3401 Equestrian Club Road, 561-333-1150
NICOLE’S VILLAGE TAVERN
12300 Southshore Blvd., 561-793-3456, nicolesvillagetavern.com
PLAYERS CLUB
13410 Southshore Blvd., 561-795-0080, playersclubrestaurant.com
STONEWOOD GRILL
10120 Forest Hill Blvd., 561-784-9796, stonewoodgrill.com
NORTH PALM BEACH
BONEFISH GRILL
11658 U.S. Hwy. 1, 561-799-2965, bonefishgrill.com
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
661 U.S. Hwy. 1, 561-863-0660, ruthschris.com
JUNO BEACH
CAPTAIN CHARLIE’S REEF GRILL
12846 U.S. Hwy. 1, 561-624-9924
JUPITER
BARRYMORE’S PRIME STEAKS
4050 S. U.S. Hwy. 1, 561-625-3757, barrymoresrestaurant.com
MASA SAGAMI
1200 Town Center Dr., 561-799-6266
TOO BIZAARE WINE BAR
287 E. Indiantown Road, 561-745-6262, toobizaare.com
LANTANA
GRUMPY GROUPER GRILL
224 N. 3rd St., 561-547-5171
LAKE WORTH
L’ANJOU
717 Lake Ave., 561-582-7666
BIZAARE AVENUE CAFE
921 Lake Ave., 561-588-4488, bizaareavecafe.com
THE COTTAGE
522 Lucerne Ave., 561-586-0080, thecottagelw.com
PARADISO RISTORANTE
625 Lucerne Ave., 561-547-2500, paradisolakeworth.com
OUZO BLUE
707 Lake Ave., 561-582-2002, ouzoblue.com
BOYNTON BEACH
BENVENUTO RESTAURANT
1730 N. Federal Hwy., 561-364-0600, benvenutorestaurant.com
SNAPPERS SEAFOOD AND WINE BAR
398 N. Congress Ave., 561-375-8600, snappers.com
DELRAY BEACH
ADDISON WEST
16950 Jog Road, 561-381-0200
Atlantic Grille
1000 E. Atlantic Ave., 561-665-4900
CABANA
105 E. Atlantic Ave., 561-274-9090, cabanarestaurant.com
CITY OYSTER
213 E. Atlantic Ave., 561-272-0220, bigtimerestaurants.com
DADA
52 N. Swinton Ave., 561-330-3232
FIFTH AVENUE GRILL
821 S.E. 5th Ave., 561-265-0122, fifthavenuegrill.net
OLD CALYPSO
900 E. Atlantic Ave., 561-279-2300, oldcalypso.com
SUNDY HOUSE
106 S. Swinton Ave., 561-272-5678, sundyhouse.com
TRAMONTI ITALIANA RISTORANTE
119 E. Atlantic Ave., 561-272-1944, tramontidelray.com
BOCA RATON
ARTURO’S RISTORANTE
6750 N. Federal Hwy., 561-997-7373, arturosrestaurant.com
BASIL GARDEN
5837 N. Federal Hwy., 561-994-2554, basil-garden.com
BISTRO PROVENCE
2399 N. Federal Hwy., 561-368-2340, bistroprovence.com
BOVA CUCINA
1901 N. Military Trail, 561-392-5595
CARMEN’S AT THE TOP OF THE BRIDGE
999 E. Camino Real, 561-368-9500, bocaratonbridgehotel.com
COAL MINE PIZZA
399 S.E. Mizner Blvd., 561-826-2625, coalminepizza.com
ESTANCIA GRILL
131 E. Palmetto Park Road, 561-368-0700
GARY WOO
3400 N. Federal Hwy., 561-368-8803, garywooasianbistro.com
GIGI’S TAVERN
346 Plaza Real, 561-368-4488, gigis.com
ICHIBAN JAPANESE RESTAURANT
8841 Glades Road, 561-451-0420
JOSEPHINE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
5751 N. Federal Hwy., 561-988-0668, josephinesofboca.com
KATHY’S GAZEBO CAFE
4199 N. Federal Hwy., 561-395-6033
KE’E GRILL
17940 N. Military Trail, 561-995-5044
LA VILLETTA RISTORANTE ITALIANO
4351 N. Federal Hwy., 561-362-8403, lavillettaboca.com
LA VIOLA
145 S.E. Mizner Blvd., 561-392-0304, laviolarestaurant.com
LE VIEUX PARIS
200 W. Camino Real, 561-368-7910
MAX’S GRILLE
404 Plaza Real, 561-368-0080, maxsgrille.com
MYKONOS TAVERNA
6897 S.W. 18th St., 561-338-3646
PRANZO RESTAURANT & BAR
402 Plaza Real, 561-750-7442
RENZO’S OF BOCA
5999 N. Federal Hwy., 561-994-3495, renzosofboca.com
RISTORANTE SAPORI
301 Via de Palmas, 561-367-9779
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
225 N.E. Mizner Blvd., 561-392-6746, ruthschris.com
SUSHI RAY JAPANESE RESTAURANT
5250 Town Center Circle, 561-394-9506, sushiray.com
TAVERNA KYMA
6298 N. Federal Hwy., 561-994-2828, tavernakyma.com
TIRAMISU
855 S. Federal Hwy., 561-338-9692
TRATTORIA ROMANA
499 E. Palmetto Park Road, 561-393-6715
UNCLE TAI’S
5250 Town Center Circle, 561-368-8806, uncle-tais.com
VILLA ROSANO
9858 Clint Moore Road, 561-470-0112, villarosano.com
