PALM BEACH RESTAURANT GUIDE
Don Ramon's Cuban
West Palm Beach I 502 S. Military Trail (Sunny Ln. Ave.) 1
West Palm Beach 17101 S. Dixie Hwy. (Forest Hill Blvd.) 8704 Palm Beach Gardens I Promenade Plaza 19920 AlA Alt. (bet. Burns Rd. & Lighthouse Dr,)
Jupiter 16230 W.lndiantown Rd., Ste.lO (bet. Carver Ave. & Central Blvd.)
Wellington 111924 W. Forest Hill Blvd. (Southshore Blvd.) 1932
For a "good everyday" fix, these lively Cubans hit the spot; they "aren't fancy", but what they offer - "tasty" food and drink at "bargain" prices, "efficient" service and a "great" early-bird - compensates for any shortcomings in looks.
Dune Deck Cafe ~ American
Lantana 1100 N. Ocean Blvd. (Ocean Ave.)
Think "casual" before heading to this "delightful" if "low-key" Lantana American, a beachside cafe with "good", "affordable" breakfasts and lunches served by a "cheery" staff; however, it's the view of the Atlantic that keeps it "crowded"; N.B. bring quarters to feed the parking meters.
Echo Pan-Asian Palm Beach I 230A Sunrise Ave. (bet. Bradley PI. & N. County Rd.)
Looking as "slick" and "sexy" as the food it serves is this Breakersbacked Palm Beach Pan-Asian specialist "humming" with activity and offering "fabulous" fare, "excellent" cocktails and a "lively" bar scene to its "hip" patrons; whether you eat early (and avoid the "loud" crowd) or late, it's "mighty expensive" either way.
Eilat Cafe Ecfectic
Boca Raton I Wharfside Plaza 16853 SW 18th St. (Powerline Rd.) I 561-368-6880
This "rare kosher restaurant" in Boca Raton is "good for the whole family" given its "huge" Eclectic menu that ranges from pizzas to
Lake Park 11017 N. Federal Hwy. (Jasmine Dr. The few who've found this decade-old little Lake Park site swear by its "excellent Cuban" eats at pocket-friendly prices; while the lunch take-out trade is brisk, those wishing to sit note there's "never a wait - is that good news or bad?"
Entre Nous American
Lake Park 1 940 Park Ave. (bet. 9th & 10th Sts.)
A "husband-and-wife team is working hard to make a nice dining experience" at this 25-seat Lake Park wine bar/eatery; the New American menu's "small in size, but large in quality" and fans deem the wood-floored, candlelit premises "delightful in its intimacy"; N.B. the petit premises makes reservations a must.
E.R. Bradley's Saloon ) American J
West Palm Beach 1104 Clematis St. (Flagler Dr.)
"Fantastic water views" and an "interesting bar scene" make this "casual", open-air West Palm Intracoastal American a "perpetual party"; whllo "the place to be in season on Friday and Saturday night, It's "morllabout the drinking than the food" (which is "just plain ordinary") or the somewhat "lacking" service.
Falcon House ) American/Eclectic ~
Delray Beach 1116 NE Sixth Ave. (1st St.)
A "hot bar scene" and tapas-size New American-Eclectic eats make Ihh "sexy, red-walled" Delray "meeting place" big with the "young lwanly- and thirtysomething crowd" craving "a local hideaway from all the snow birds"; "the interesting mix of foods and customers" and "friendly atmosphere" keep the place "noisy" and "busy" into the wee hours.
Fire Rock Coal Fired Pizza Pizza West Palm Beach 11 N. Clematis St. (N. Flagler Dr.) With "charred crust as only a hot coal oven can do", the pizzas are perhaps "the best In West Palm Beach" at this new "trying-to-betrendy" Downtowner; In addition, there are "wonderful Intracoastal WaterwaY views" from the patio, 99 bottles of beer on the wall and 100 different brands to drink.
] 5 Guys Burgers Hamburgers West Palm Beach 1871 Village Blvd. (Brandywine Rd.) Palm Beach Gardens I Legacy PI. 111320 Legacy Ave.
(Fairchild Gardens Ave.) I 561-625-3888
It's "far from fancy, but this DC-based import makes one heckuva burger" proclaim patty lovers about this pair in West Palm Beach and the Gardens; though the "service is cafeteria-style", the staff "aims to please", so "be sure to get some fresh fries" from them too; stili, foes wonder "what all the hype's about", especially since there's "no choice" with the meat (it's "only cooked well-done").
Flagler Steakhouse, The Steak
Palm Beach I The Breakers 12 S. County Rd. (bet. Royal Palm &
Royal Poinciana Ways) I 561-659-84711 , Not your typical "steak-and-potatoes" place, this "country c1Ub"-likej' carnivorium overlooking The Breakers' golf course attracts all of PB's ' swanky elite with "wonderful" cuisine and a wine list "fit for a prince";' although it seems "like it's from a bygone era", the "mind-blowing" stratospheric prices keep this "high-class" venture in the present.
FourSeasons-
The Restaurant IMJ Floridian
Palm Beach I Four Seasons Resort 12800 S. Ocean Blvd. (Lake Ave.)
Exuding "the quality the wannabes should strive for", this "beautiful oasis" perched oceanside boasts "the best service" (voted No.1) in Palm Beach, as exhibited by a staff that'll "spoil you rotten", "even matching the napkins to your outfit"; while Hubert Des Marais, "the orignal chef, has left" (not fully reflected in the Food score), the
kitchen is still turning out "imaginative" Floridian favorites "layered with so many exquisite flavors" that, "even if you go broke, you must eat here once in your lifetime - this is heaven!"
GiGi's Tavern ~ French
Boca Raton 1 Mizner Park I 346 Plaza Real (N. Federal Hwy.) I
Guys and gals "GoGo" to this "overcrowded" Boca "pickup" parlor where the French bistro dishes place a distant second ("um, they serve food?") to the prime attractions: a "lively" bar, "great" live music and some of the "hottest" bartenders around; the people-watching peaks lifter hours, when fresh "young" things perform their "mating rituals."
Gol! The Taste of Brazil Brazilian Delray Beach 1411 E. Atlantic Ave. (4th Ave.)
"Don't go unless you're starving" say sated surveyors who devour this Delray Beach Brazilian's "all-you-can-eat" "huge cuts of meats" that "don't stop coming", "borne on skewers from table to table"; there's also "an enormous salad buffet", and fans "love the drink-cart lady" too; offering a "great time for a large crowd" it's "surprisingly expensive", "but worth a visit" - just remember to "pace yourself."
Gold Coast Grill Seafood ~
Bocn Raton 1 Glades Plaza 12200 W. Glades Rd. American seafooder in Boca Raton provides fin fare and steaks ("if you're a vegetarian forget II") lor "lllodtlratc prices"; the staff is generally "pleasant" if "rushed" at times, and the "top-shelf" happy hours draw an afterwork clientele, though later on the crowd turns decidedly more "senior"; P.S. "the monthly wine dinners are fun."
Drinking in its "different look" - velvety red-and-gold "hip decor" - "matched by excellent food"; "but prices are way too high", especially given the staff's "the customer is always wrong" attitude.
Grand lux Cafe Eclectic Boca Raton 1 Town Center at Boca Raton I 6000 Glades Rd.
(St. Andrews Blvd.)
In Boca, this "huge", "glitzy version of The Cheesecake Factory" (its owner) delivers "a little more sophisticated" Eclectic menu that's also "more expensive" (but still "reasonable") in a "gorgeous", even "extravagant", setting; less lux (but familiar) are the "mob scene" that means "long waits" and "unbearably high" noise levels that encourage you to "turn off your hearing aid."
Grape, The Mediterranean
Palm Beach Gardens 1 Downtown at the Gdns. 1
11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave. (Gardens Blvd.) 1
"Primarily a wine bar with some light fare", this Palm Beach Gardens restaurant/retailer can be "nice for a glass of a wine you've never heard of and a snack" of Med "small plates" within a purple-hued setting; but "the kitchen needs technical assistance" and the service is "spotty", leading many to feel it's "not worth the price" (though "free wine tastings before buying" mollify many).
Grille, The American
Boca Raton 15101 Congress Ave. (Yamato Rd,) Comfort-food heaven", this "underappreciated" Boca hideaway doubles as a "business lunch" destination and "after-work watering hole"; the "consistently good" American fare (especially the "amazing biscuits"), "casual", "attractive" setting and "friendly" service make it a "winner" - even when it becomes "hectic" and "noisy."
Hamburger Heaven Hamburgers
Palm Beach 1314 S. County Rd. (bet. Brazilian Ave. & Royal Palm Way)
Whether you're "rich or poor", Palm Beach's "old faithful" is the promised land for pattie proponents, who willingly "wait in line" be-
fore securing a seat at one of the counters or booths, because they (and you) just "gotta love those burgers" and shakes - plus "friendly" service - that take you "back in time."
Havana Cuban West Palm Beach 16801 S. Dixie Hwy. (Forest Hill Blvd.)
Devotees of this "down-to-earth" West Palm Beach Cuban "wait at the take-out window 24/7" - even "in the rain" - for its "mean Cuban sandwiches" plus cafe con leche that sends sippel's "into orbit"; the "charming staff" delivers "tons of food for the price", and any misgivings about the "dinerlike" digs are overcome by mojitos "50 good" they'd make "Castro think about defecting."
Henry's American
Delray Beach 1 Addison PI. I 16850 Jog Rd. (bet. Carter &
Morikami Park Rds.) 1561-638-19491 They "cater to all tastes" at this "Hamptons-esque" Delray Beach American, a "favorite home-away-from-home" for "mostly older" locals; it boasts "outstanding daily specials", "pro service" and "good overall value", but just "be forewarned" that it can get "loud", so "sit outside" or at the "not-as-noisy bar tables."
Houston's American
lowley's Diner
WI1~t Palm Beach 14700 S. Dixie Hwy. (Russlyn Ave.) 1 "OptHl very early and very late", this "clever, ironic update of an actlll1l 1950s roadside restaurant" "gets back to what diners are supJlosed to be" ("it's brought lima beans into my life") while "adding a
touch of edge"; however, hostiles howl that the "no-frills" decor, "food and service are nothing to go out of the way for" if you're not in West Palm Beach.
Hurricane Cafe American
Juno Beach 114050 U.S. 1 (Donald Ross Rd.)
This "plain and casual" cafe is the kind of locals' place "you can drop into" anytime for "quality" American "homestyle cooking" ("particularly breakfast") at "reasonable prices"; the quarters are "small" and "nothing fancy", but for most that's easy to overlook given the "friendly service" and location a block from the Juno Beach surf.
Ichiban Japanese
Boca Raton 18841 Glades Rd. (Lyons Rd.)
Those itching for "good" Japanese fare welcome this Boca denizen dispensing "tasty" sushi and cooked items; though frowning foodies feel the fare's "unexciting", satisfied supporters say it's "reliable", and the hibachi table offers entertainment suitable "for all ages."
Bellagio /la/ian West Palm Beach 1 CityPlace 1600 S. Rosemary Ave. (Okeechobee Blvd.) I Sitting on "prime real estate" in CityPlace, this Italian trattoria's "view of the fountains" may be its biggest asset, but its "super" pizza, pastas, salads and such at "value" prices also contribute to the overall "pleasant" experience; if a few find the food "underwhelming" and note "service isn't a high point", even they
concede it's "convenient" and a natural for "out-of-town guests."
Cioppino IMI/talian
Lantana 1 210 E. Ocean Ave. (5. Oak St.) "Delicious Italian-Med dishes" with "a light touch", including of course "a signature cioppino", await at this "cheerful", cherry wood-adorned Lantana eatery with "wonderful" outside seating; penny-pinchers pout it's "expensive for the small portions", but it has a "caring" staff that amici argue "makes the difference
Girasole Italian
Delray Beach 1 Tropics Sq. 11911 S. Federal Hwy. (Linton Blvd.)
This Delray Beach Tuscan remains a "hidden gem" despite the "tasty and well-prepared" food served by an "always gracious" staff - it's like a "good neighborhood trattoria in Italy"; the "quiet place" is "old-fashioned" for some, but still "nice to go to" in the crowded season, so they say "search it out and be rewarded."
Marco Italian Boca Raton Plaza Real 199 SE Mizner Blvd. (1st St.) Adorned with illuminated wine racks, wood paneling and flagstone walls, this "beautiful" Northern Italian from Moquila's Mark Spillane makes "a welcome addition to Downtown Boca" supporters say there's a busy bar scene and "you can dance here too"; yeah, "everything's great, except they forgot about the food" crack critics, proclaiming the pricey "pasta just ok."
Jetty's Seafood
Jupiter 11075 N. AlA (U.S. 1)
An "unbeatable" location "right on the water" "with a view of the Jupiter lighthouse" draws schools of fin fans to this pescetorium where the "fresh" catch is "value"-priced and served by a "friendly" staff; no wonder it's a "must for visitors", though "terribly long lines" are part of the package "unless you prefer dinner at 4 PM."
Jinja Bar & Bistro Pon-Asian West Palm Beach 1 CityPlace 1550 S. Rosemary Ave. (Gardenia St.) the "great drinks" to the "tasty takes" on Pan-Asian fare, "it's all good" at this West Palm Beach newcomer (part of a chain but of Santa Fe); sporting a "fun" Hollywood-meets-1940s-Shanghai decor, it's also an option before or after nearby theaters.
Johan nes 1M! American Boca Raton 147 E. Palmetto Park Rd. (N. Federal Hwy.) 1561-394-0007 If you want "a once-in-a-Iifetime experience" "bring all your credit cards" to this "hip, totally intimate" Boca Raton New American –
"about the size of your living room" - where "charming" chefowner Johannes Fruhwirt masterminds an "unbelievably creative menu"; it's "not for everybody" - many find it "extremely overpriced" - but the "boutique wine selection" and "superlative service" furnish "an incredible evening" for "those who know how to enjoy life."
E3 John G's ~ American
Lake Worth 110 S. Ocean Blvd. (Lake Ave.)
Eating breakfast or lunch at this "McDaddy" of beachfront Lake Worth Americans is a "don't-miss" "Florida experience" where "French toast is an art form" and the fried fish "marvelous"; "huge lines" that "wrap around the corner" are par for the course, but "you don't mind waiting" when they're "offering chocolate-dipped fruits" to help the time pass; N.B. closes at 3 PM.
E3 Kathy's Gazebo Cafe ~ Continental Boca Raton 14199 N, Federal Hwy. (Spanish River Blvd.)
"Jackets are not required, but everyone wears one" at this "romantic" "classic" Continental in Boca Raton, where an "older crowd" delights in "Dover sole as it should be" and "oldfashioned European service"; it all may be "too traditional" for trendsetters, especially given the "tight quarters", but the majority enjoys this "elegant" experience.
Kee Grill Seafood
Juno Beach 114010 U.S. 1 (Donald Ross Rd.)
Boca Raton 117940 N. Military Trail (bet. Champion Blvd. &
Clint Moore Rd.)
Though they're technically surf 'n' turfers, the "seafood is king" at this Palm Beach County pair; true, there's "too long a wait for a table" - reservations are taken only at the Boca branch - and some protest "your plate's cleared before the fork hits the china", but most concentrate on the "always-fresh fish", "awesome spinach side" and bamboo-walled "Florida atmosphere", declaring this duo "a real class act."
Kokomo Island Grill Mirasol Seafood
Palm Beach Gardens 16271 PGA Blvd. (Florida's Tpke.) 1
Surrounded by PGA courses, this sizable seafooder "with a Caribbean flair" brings "a breath of fresh air" to Palm Beach Gardens say supporters; but displeased duffers ding the "inconsistent" fare the "chef tries to overdo it" - and "ill-trained" staff.
Kyoto Sushi f) Japanese
Delray Beach 125 NE Second Ave., Ste. 208 (Atlantic Ave.) 1
"Take in the sparkle" at this Japanese in Delray Beach featuring "supermodel" types nibbling "fresh", "inventive" sushi and cooked dishes while "watching the chefs on television" monitors; sure, the interior is "noisy" and the staff "pushy", but just "sit outside" and "try a candy-apple martini", and it's hard not to have an "enjoyable experience."
La Cigale Mediterranean Delray Beach 1253 SE Fifth Ave. (bet. 2nd & 3rd Sts.)
In 2006, this "rising star" relocated to its current Delray Beach digs, and while nostalgists naturally lament it "lost something when it moved", most feel the switch "just added reasons to go": the "consistently delicious" fare now "covers most countries in the Mediterranean", the vibrantly colored digs are "delightful" (if "incredibly noisy") and the "nice owners", who are "always there", display the "attention to detail" that makes the place "worth the visit."
La Luna Italian . Boca Raton 1 Polo Shoppes 1 5030 Champion Blvd. (N. Military Trail)
Regulars reassure us it's "better than it looks" at this West Boca "old reliable", whose walls ring with "the crowds drawn in by their twofor-one promotions"; nevertheless, hipsters hoot the Italian menu is "dated", the "service leaves a lot to be desired" and it "goes to bed early like its patrons" - so, in short, "you get what you pay for."
L'Anjou French
Lake Worth 1717 Lake Ave. (bet. J & K Sts.) 1561-582-7666
The "fantastic early-bird" deal is a major draw at this "charming", "old-style" Lake Worth French bistro where the "nice, traditional" fare comes via a "charming" crew; if upstarts claim it's "a bit long in the tooth" ("interior needs to be updated"), most maintain it's "still one of the best in the area."
La Trattoria IMlltalian
Boca Raton I Village Corner Stores /6060 SW 18th St. (Palm d'Oro Rd.)
In a "hard-to-find" location "in the back of a strip mall", this "Boca hideaway" is worth the search considering its "authentic", "value"priced "traditional" Italian fare and "cozy" vi be enhanced by a "big, muted" "plasma TV showing a tour of Italy"; though there are complaints about "attitude" at the door, once inside most find it "friendly."
La Tre Vietnamese Boca Raton 1249 E. Palmetto Park Rd. (Mizner Blvd.) 1561-392-4568 "Don't be put off" by the "sparse" storefront setup of this "family-run" Boca Vietnamese, because according to advocates its "un fussy" "light preparations" are pleasantly "fresh" and "unusual", and served by a staff that's out "to please"; there are a few grumbles about portions that are a little "too precious", but overall it's "a favorite."
La Villetta Italian
Boca Raton 14351 N. Federal Hwy. (bet. 43rd & 44th Sts.) I
It's a "must-go" for the signature "fish baked in salt crust" alone say fin fans of this Boca Italian where the "ever-changing roster of menu specials", "attentive staff" and "charming" (if "noisy") atmosphere also contribute to the "consistently excellent" repasts; it "can be pricey" but, as the "huge crowds" attest, most "don't seem to mind."
Lazy Loggerhead Cafe Seafood Jupiter 1401 N. AlA (E. Indiantown Rd.)
"If you know where to find it", you'll find some of the "best breakfast and lunch in the area" at this "small" seafooder in Carlin Park; "a
beachfront cafe is all it is" ("though you can't see the water", due to the dunes), so just "slap on a shirt and sandals and walk right in" or, rather, "wait in line" (don't worry, it's "worth it").
Leila Mideastern West Palm Beach 1120 S. Dixie Hwy. (Datura St.) 1561-659-73731
"It's a pleasure to have some diversity in dining" declare devotees of this domicile that brings a "taste of the Middle East" to Downtown West Palm Beach; though "not cheap, it's very cool", with "fabulous" fare, a "gorgeous South Beach-like interior with crowd to match", "professional service and often a belly dancer to boot"; P.S, "don't forget to visit the patio and smoke the hookah pipe."
Le Mistral French North Palm Beach 1 North Beach Plaza 112189 U.S 1, Unit 30 (PGA Blvd.) A Food score drop suggests this "quaint" North Palm Beach cafe has "lost a step" since changing hands; still, the French fare has many "enjoyable" elements, and it's "nice inside", despite the "typical Florida" location (i.e. "stuck in a strip mall").
Lemongrass Asian Bistro Pan- Delray Beach 1420 E. Atlantic Ave. (Federal Hwy.)
The "varied menu" boasting everything from "sushi to pad Thai" at this Downtown Delray Beach Pan-Asian makes it "difficult to pic!< just one dish" (the "lobster monster roll is the best", the Mmhl-~nvvy sIIY); Just arrive early because it's "crowded in seawn" I1nd "service can be lacking because of how busy they are" though the "reasonable prices" and prime view of the Atlantic Avenue "people parade" compensate.
Leopard Lounge American
Palm Beach I Chesterfield Hotel 1363 Cocoanut Row (Australian Ave.) 1
A "classic Palm Beach vi be" permeates this Chesterfield Hotel "throwback" where celebrities, socialites and "uncles and nieces"
Sydney Escort
