Best Palm Beach County restaurants: Essential Italian ones serve comfort, crowd-pleasers
As someone new to Palm Beach County, I haven't tried all of our 3,000 restaurants, but I've found reliable crowd-pleasers. These are the spots I'm excited to take visiting friends or turn to when I can't decide where to eat.
Last time, we dived into essential Asian restaurants. Over the coming weeks, we'll highlight the area's must-visit newcomers, steakhouses and Michelin picks.
This week we tackle Palm Beach County's Italian dining scene. These standout spots blend authenticity, innovation and — judging by the crowds — serious local love.
Andiamo! (That's Italian for let's go.)
La Sirena in West Palm Beach
When chatting with the Palm Beach Gardens DMV staff during a license and registration transfer, its team sang high praises of the seasonally-opened La Sirena (as have hundreds of you, dear readers), our most famous Italian spot owned by Marcello and Diane Fiorentino with name recognition beyond the county. Described as a "Florida institution" by Wine Spectator magazine, it's among the publication's rare global Grand Award winners, a designation given to the 97 restaurants boasting the world's best and most comprehensive wine lists; a feat repeated 10 years running.
Details: 6316 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, 561-585-3128, lasirenaonline.com
Lynora's
Where did I eat after my interview at The Palm Beach Post? Lynora's in Palm Beach Gardens—a two-minute stroll from my cousin's home. Since moving within walking distance, I too pass it daily and can confirm: this place is always buzzing. No matter the season, there's a line out the door from 4 p.m. on. It's the very definition of a crowd-pleaser.
Founded by Ralph and Maria Abbenante and family-owned for nearly 50 years, Lynora's began as a humble by-the-slice pizza joint in Lake Worth. Their son, Angelo, has since grown it into a mini Roman empire with six locations, including four in Palm Beach County, plus a Delray Beach spot opening in 2026.
Known for wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta and signature sauces (now sold at Publix, Whole Foods and at their restaurants), Lynora's is a local staple. Pro tip: Dinner's usually packed, so consider going at lunch to avoid the rush.
Four locations: 1548 U.S. Highway 1, Jupiter, 561-203-2702; 5320 Donald Ross Road, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-249-1822; 207 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, 561-899-3117; 9560 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 561-235-5096; lynoras.com
Tavolena
This heartfelt Italian restaurant blends tradition, family and culinary passion. Opened in 2023 by Chef Michael Rolchigo, the restaurant takes its name from his grandmother Lena Bello, whose recipes and spirit shape the menu and ambiance. The restaurant features an intimate, elegant space peppered with family photos and Lena's original kitchen table in the private dining room. There's also a chef's table in the kitchen where celebs seeking privacy might be found on any given night.
The menu is a refined take on Italian comfort food, with highlights like pork spedinis, handmade meatballs and rich Sunday sauce—all rooted in Lena's legacy. Rolchigo, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, brings both heart and technique to every dish.
I'm an even bigger fan of Tavolena Bakery, his much less expensive cafe next door. Open for lunch, it offers rustic sandwiches, fresh-baked breads, Italian quiches, pinsas and a swoonworthy array of pastries and gelato. The bakery's nostalgic treats, including addictive almond cookies which I could fist-pound all afternoon, reflect Rolchigo's childhood memories and culinary roots.
: 185 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter, 561-850-4156, tavolena.com
Gabriella's
It was a toss up in two categories as this new Italian spot fuses sumptuous flavors in a gorgeous, high-energy setting that's both stylish and welcoming. Opened in March by Brooklyn-born/Staten Island-raised Frankie Brusco, the restaurant is a tribute to his roots; he spent childhood vacations in Delray Beach and calls it 'the sixth borough.'
Brusco became an accidental restaurateur in 2015 after purchasing a neighborhood spot in Holmdel, New Jersey. Gabriella's, named for his hardest-working employee turned business partner, features house-made pasta, premium Pat LaFrieda steaks and a stunning circular bar that blooms like a treehouse and anchors the space with elegance and energy at lunch and dinner. Just off Atlantic Avenue, it's already a celebrity magnet: 50 Cent, NFL star Jason Pierre-Paul, Mob Wives' Carla Facciolo, and even Jon Bon Jovi's dad have been spotted.
Details: 40 NE Seventh Ave., Delray Beach,: 561-916-3001, gabriellasfl.com
More: New upscale Italian restaurant with New Jersey roots opens in Delray Beach: What we know
Sicilian Oven
Sicilian Oven has become a go-to spot for many on our team, with four locations across Palm Beach County. It's all about bold flavors, wood-fired pizzas (you can watch them being tossed) and a laid-back, welcoming vibe.
The menu puts a fresh spin on the classics — everything's made to order and comes out hot. Fan favorites include the Corleone and Captain pizzas, homemade meatballs, eggplant Parmesan and mussels. If you're watching carbs, there's pasta-free lasagna or cervellata with broccoli rabe.
Each location has its own charm. One coworker swears by the patio in Wellington, while I was into the open kitchen setup there. And our executive editor? Totally hooked on the sauce. It's a family-friendly go-to for locals craving authentic Italian comfort food with a modern twist.
Four locations: 2460 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-940-0770; 10610 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, 561-770-1966; 8862 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-639-0099; 21170 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton, 561-750-9772; sicilianoven.com
What's your essential Italian restaurant?
Did we miss your favorite? Vote here to let us know.
Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post's new food & restaurant writer. Care to share news tips about the local dining scene? Please send them to dbiederman@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County's best Italian restaurants for every budget
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New York Times
a day ago
- New York Times
We Just Updated Our New Orleans Dining Guide
Not long after moving to New Orleans to become restaurant critic at The Times-Picayune, a prominent local called me at the office — cellphones were still niche in those days — to inform me that he couldn't take my opinions about local dining seriously until I 'put down roots.' Twenty-five years later — nearly two decades of those spent in the job that brought me here — I feel qualified to make two declarations to anyone who finds themselves in New Orleans this summer: You will be hot, and you will have difficult decisions to make about where to eat. Our list of the 25 best restaurants in New Orleans, updated this week, can help with the second thing. You'll find classics of various generations, from Commander's Palace, Dooky Chase's and Tan Dinh to Compère Lapin, Dakar Nola and Pêche. The Kingsway and Saint Claire, which both opened last month, are too new to appear on the list. But they're worth looking out for, as they are offshoots of two of my favorite local restaurants: Saffron Nola, an Indian-New Orleans bistro, and Mosquito Supper Club, a Cajun seafood restaurant that feels like a dinner party. Here is a quick preview of the two new entries on our list: Coquette opened in the waning days of the second Bush administration. All these years later, I honestly still think about a dish from an early menu: tempura fried Gulf shrimp smeared with sambal, resting against juicy slices of grapefruit. I don't recall if that dish was served beyond 2008, but having eaten at Coquette for going on 17 years, I do know Michael Stoltzfus, the restaurant's chef and owner, hasn't stopped pushing himself to find harmony in uncommon pairings. Inside the 19th century brick-and-wood dining room, his intelligent, creative food still tastes like something new. 2800 Magazine Street, Garden District Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Where to eat: 10 essential restaurants in Sebastian include Capt Hiram's, Earl's Hideaway
When in Sebastian, eat as the locals do. Bucket-list restaurants in Sebastian are legendary and beloved either for their food, nostalgia, waterfront views — or all three. They're located in town or on the water by the Indian River Lagoon. When you think of Sebastian, you think of these essential restaurants. The city has too many must-visit restaurants to include them all, so TCPalm plans to publish more lists in the future. If you have a restaurant that should be included in the next list for Sebastian or any Treasure Coast city, email Here are 10 essential restaurants in Sebastian. Capt Hiram's Thomas Hiram Collins bought a small marina in Sebastian in 1986 on the property that would become Capt Hiram's Resort. He opened Capt Hiram's River Raw Bar in 1987 with just 28 seats. He named it after his uncle Hiram, who died on Omaha Beach during the landings of D-Day. His son, Will Collins, took over as president of the resort about five years before his dad died in 2018 at age 69. Blackfins Riverfront Grill is the main venue, serving island-inspired dishes like conch fritters, crab cakes and fish tacos. The Sandbar provides a casual tiki atmosphere with live music, cold beers and tropical cocktails. Bimini Beach has fire pits and live entertainment. Scoops Bar specializes in top-shelf cocktails. 1580 U.S. 1, Sebastian; 772-388-8588; Country Ham 'n Egg Restaurant Herbert Greenhalgh opened Country Ham 'N Egg Restaurant in 1999 at 709 U.S. 1 before it moved 10 years later down the road to its current spot. It was the second location for Country Ham 'N Egg after the first location opened 20 years earlier in Fort Lauderdale. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but it offers breakfast all day. It's known for its crispy corned beef hash, gyro sandwich and hamburger club. Check their Facebook page for daily specials. 478 U.S. 1, Sebastian; 772-589-4846; Earl's Hideaway Lounge Earl Roberts opened Earl's Hideaway Lounge near the Indian River Lagoon in the 1950s. He moved to Sebastian in 1942, was elected mayor of Sebastian in 1947 and ran Earl's Hideaway until 1972 when he retired. William Ballough and John Laman co-owned the restaurant together since 1999 until Ballough died at the end of 2022, and his wife, Carole, took over his role as co-owner. The former biker bar evolved into a more family-friendly establishment. The sandy riverfront tiki bar has an Old Florida vibe. It's known for its drinks, pool tables, live music and popular pizza, which is available up until closing time every night. Customers can get the pizza as takeout or eat it at the bar. 1405 Indian River Drive, Sebastian; 772-589-5700; Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant Luis and Edna Gonzalez opened Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant in 2009 on U.S. 1 before it moved west in 2024 to The Shoppes of Sebastian. He's the executive chef, and she's the general manager. He's from Puerto Rico, and she's from Old Havana in Cuba. The restaurant serves authentic Cuban cuisine for lunch and dinner. It also opened a second location in 2016 in Mount Dora. 1451 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian; 772-388-5188; Mo-Bay Grill Wesley Campbell opened Mo-Bay Grill in 2005 the Riverwalk Shopping Center in Roseland before it moved in 2014 about 2 miles south to its current location facing the Indian River Lagoon. The restaurant serves Jamaican cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Campbell's parents owned a restaurant in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where he was born, and he always helped in their restaurant as he was growing up. His first job was at Jamaica's five-star Half Moon Resort. 1401 Indian River Drive, Sebastian; 772-589-4223; Pelican Diner Chef-owner Greg Helper opened The Pelican Diner in 2009 in Roseland before it moved in 2018 to Sebastian Municipal Golf Course and became The Pelican Diner & 4 Wings Sports Lounge. The new diner has a glitzier presence, but the menu stayed the same. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it offers specials to make the restaurant appeal to families. It also has a full liquor bar, offering Sunday brunch cocktails. 100 Brush Foot Drive, Sebastian; 772-228-9600; Sandy's Grille Snezana Jankovic, better known as Sandy, opened Sandy's Grille in 2003. She previously was a bartender in Fort Lauderdale for 10 years and a waitress before that. Her family originally is from Yugoslavia. She named the popular 'Rudy Burger' after her father, Rudy Jankovic. It's also known for its signature 'Sandy Burger.' It features live music and rotating specials, such as Alaskan pollock fried fish and country fried steak. 171 Sebastian Blvd. (County Road 512), Sebastian; 772-589-3666; Facebook Sebastian's Roadside Restaurant Tom Wright opened Sebastian's Roadside Restaurant in 2013 in an Old Florida house with reclaimed barnboard floors and outdoor picnic tables. It previously was Larry's Roadside Restaurant, which opened in 2005. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a retro dining room filled with charming antiques, knickknacks, vintage photographs and old advertisements. It's known for its home-cooked Southern comfort food, as well as steakhouse and Italian dishes, plus special German and Polish menus. Southern Living magazine named it one of the '15 Best Roadside Restaurants in the South' in 2024. Nettie Magee, who owns Nettie's Roadside Restaurant in Vero Beach, took over ownership in April 2025. 10795 U.S. 1, Sebastian; 772-581-2623; Squid Lips Squid Lips opened in 2004 at the former Fins Grill and Raw Bar on the Indian River Lagoon and grew to open two more locations in Cocoa Beach and Melbourne. It later added River Deck, a second restaurant next door that's a massive, fully covered, open-air pavilion on a marina while Squid Lips is a small open-air, overwater house that sits on stilts down a long wooden dock. It also added Lip Lickers BBQ, a little baby blue barbeque joint hidden at the back end of the parking lot. The whole family of restaurants surrounds Fins Marina. 1660 Indian River Drive, Sebastian; 772-589-3828; Vic's Italian Restaurant & Pizza Owner Tony Oliveri's parents emigrated from Palermo, Sicily, and opened Vic's Italian Restaurant in 1994. It's a bustling pizzeria in a small strip plaza next to Indian River Drive by the Indian River Lagoon. The restaurant's menu features pizza, sandwiches, pasta, seafood and gelato. It serves high-quality dishes with heaping portions. Its pizza dough and sauces are made daily from scratch. Vic's also offers a double-decker pizza, but make sure to allow 30 minutes when ordering. 1140 U.S. 1, Sebastian; 772-589-8989; Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm's entertainment reporter dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Email her at Sign up for her What To Do in 772 weekly newsletter at This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: 10 best restaurants in Sebastian include Capt Hiram's, Earl's Hideaway Solve the daily Crossword


Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
9 New Must-Visit Las Vegas Restaurants And Bars Right Now
Hard Shake at Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Photo: Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Las Vegas' ever-evolving dining scene means that there's always a new restaurant or bar to try. And this summer it's certainly no different. Whether you're a regular visitor looking for the latest hot spot or a first-timer keen on the latest and greatest, there are no shortage of options right now. The latest crop of additions to Sin City are an elevated group doling out inventive food and cocktails. Speakeasies also continue to be a popular choice. And there's even a new club in town, with some of the best DJs in the world, to boot. So if you're on your way to Vegas anytime soon, here are nine restaurants and bars you should check out right now. Kygo performs at the grand opening of Palm Tree Beach Club Photo: Denise Truscello / Courtesy of Tao Group Hospitality Wet Republic arguably pioneered the Vegas dayclub scene when it opened in 2008 at MGM Grand. And after a nearly two decade–long run as one of the best spots for afternoon parties, it was time for a refresh. Enter Palm Tree Beach Club. A collaboration between Tao Group Hospitality and DJ-producer Kygo's Palm Tree Crew, the reimagined 60,000-square-foot venue features a tropical look à la Palm Springs or the Beverly Hills Hotel. Think pastel pink and green stripes, scalloped trimmings, and, of course, palm trees. The Norwegian star—who headlined the club's grand opening weekend in May and kicked things off on a piano by the pool—can of course be found on the decks along with other EDM hitmakers like Zedd, Martin Garrix, and Alesso. In addition to great music, swanky cabanas (some of which have their own pools), and attention-drawing bottle service, you'll also find a variety of specialty cocktails and bites that range from a refreshing watermelon and feta salad to mini lobster rolls. Oh, and we can't forget the osetra caviar. That's right, caviar service at a dayclub, because you wouldn't expect anything less from Tao Group. Tamba Photo: Anthony Mair / Courtesy of Tamba As a Vegas regular since childhood, I always urge visitors to head off Strip at least once during their trip. And if you're a reluctant one, Tamba is luckily just south of the city's famed welcome sign. After its longtime tenure at the former Hawaiian Marketplace retail center, which is now being transformed into a multi-use complex called BLVD,, the restaurant reopened in a new, sumptuous space that matches its contemporary Indian menu. Going beyond your usual butter chicken (although they have that as well), you'll find elevated appetizers like caviar puri and grilled masterpieces like tender octopus dressed with a yuzu-lime chaat aioli. The fragrant biryanis made with saffron basmati rice are a hit, too, served either with tandoori chicken, marinated goat, vegetable tikki. The inventive cocktail program is not to be slept on either, where nods to India can be found in the form of jal jeera spices and rosehip chai. The Tom Kha Fizz at Doberman Drawing Room Photo: Angelo Clinton / Courtesy of Doberman Drawing Room There's no denying that the Arts District has become a vibrant neighborhood filled with exciting galleries, restaurants, and bars. And one of the latest newcomers to the area is Doberman Drawing Room. A project by nightlife entrepreneur Ryan Doherty (of excellent Downtown spots like the Laundry Room, Commonwealth, and Lucky Day) and award-winning mixologist Juyoung Kang (who was the opening bartender at the Laundry Room), this bar and members' lounge is arguably one of the finest in the city. The eclectic 3,400-square-foot space is filled with antiques, a hobby of Doherty's, that range from stuffed animals to a vintage Stevens Organ & Piano Co. piano. Red velvet and leather banquettes call for intimate gatherings while the main room has an eccentric vibe of huntsmen lodge meets medieval garden. And when it comes to the cocktails, be prepared for some surprises. Whether it be the inventive Tom Kha Fizz inspired by the classic Thai coconut soup; the very drinkable Big in Japan, a refreshing clarified milk punch concoction that Kang has brilliantly made vegan with the use of soy milk; or the smoky and spicy Nine Countries, where mezcal is paired with honeydew and yuzu kosho, you really can't go wrong. Hard Shake Photo: Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Picturesque views of the Las Vegas Strip are largely limited to rooms, but at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, beautiful panoramic vistas are also accompanied by stellar cocktails and bites. As part of its multimillion-dollar renovation—which has already included a redesign of accommodations and upgrades to meeting spaces—the casino-less hotel recently completed its transformation of its 23rd floor. Part of this facelift is Hard Shake, a swanky cocktail lounge where Art Deco touches and gold accents are contrasted by moody dark marble and curved indigo banquettes. And since it gets its name from the bartending technique developed by Japanese mixologist Kazuo Uyeda, you'll find that the menu gains some inspiration from the Land of the Rising Sun, as seen in cocktails named Katan and Shogun, both using Japanese spirits, and in small bites like sesame tuna and Mishima wagyu sliders. Other standouts include the Dragons Treasure, a tequila and mezcal tipple for two that's brought out in a wooden chest with billowing smoke, and the mushroom arancini, the perfect pre-dinner snack stuffed with morels and chanterelles. Stubborn Seed Photo: Flavia Molinari / Courtesy of Resorts World Las Vegas Stubborn Seed Chef Jeremy Ford's Stubborn Seed has made its way to Resorts World Las Vegas. The Top Chef winner whose Miami restaurant by the same name holds a Michelin star has won over diners with his take on globally inspired food with seasonal ingredients. Asian influences are a plenty with dishes like the uni panna cotta, sake and citrus–cured yellowtail, and a barramundi that floats atop a rich and layered galangal curry (a true dark horse), but you'll also find Italy in the form of a truffle ricotta gnudi, Spain in the Ibérico ham fritters, and New England in the butter-poached Maine lobster. A tasting menu is offered for those coming for a special occasion or simply want to sample some of the best of what Ford has to offer, plus an extensive wine list for a curated pairing. Nomikai Photo: Courtesy of Nomikai Nomikai Set within the Venetian's Restaurant Row, Nomikai is a dual concept that offers both casual and elevated dining options. The walkway-facing counter is ideal for a quick handroll, but to its left you'll find a discreet entrance that opens to a dark and moody hallway with a mural painted by Tokyo-based artist Sush Machida. And behind one more door you'll come face to face with a six-foot samurai sculpture set against a gilded backdrop in a sexy and intimate space with plush booths and a striking bar. The menu in the speakeasy-like restaurant features a range of small plates that are perfect for sharing, with standouts being the A5 wagyu sando and bluefin tuna pizza, along with a selection of sushi and rolls. There are also plenty of drinks to choose from, all of which either incorporate Japanese spirits or ingredients. Peacock Alley Photo: Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Peacock Alley A Waldorf Astoria signature, Peacock Alley has become synonymous with the brand. And while there are a few afternoon tea options in the city, just like Hard Shake, there's nothing that boasts sweeping views like this. Also located on 23, floor-to-ceiling windows allow for natural sunlight to illuminate this soothing space decorated in white and pastel blue. Throughout the afternoon you can expect a traditional tea service, with classics like scones, finger sandwiches, and an assortment of bite-sized sweets served in a tiered birdcage. A selection of loose-leaf teas by Tealeaves, including signature blends made exclusively for the hotel, are available, as are signature cocktails (this is Vegas, after all) and bubbly by the glass and bottle. And if you're traveling with little ones, there's also a children's version with the option of hot chocolate and an adjusted menu with offerings like a Nutella and banana sandwich that are sure to be a hit. Caspian's Photo: Jose Salinas / Courtesy of Caspian's Caspian's Just steps away from the casino floor at Caesars Palace, Caspian's is an underdog. The drinks are a combination of classics and fruit-forward libations, but the food, all of which are topped with sturgeon caviar, shine. Mini tacos are stuffed to the brim with blue crab, cheekily propped atop ceramic hands; the chips and dip speak to nostalgia with Pringles; and a cold lobster salad sandwiched between crispy, buttery brioche toast might just be the best bite on the menu. And as you've probably realized, Vegas loves a good speakeasy, and tucked behind a painting of a ship captain is the doorway to a jewel-toned, Art Deco–inspired lounge with plush seating and a stage for near-nightly rock acts. The Party at Superfrico Modern-day supper clubs have been making a comeback in the city over the past few years, but this latest addition created by Spiegelworld—the company behind Absinthe , arguably Sin City's best variety show—promises to bring next-level entertainment. Nestled within Superfrico at the Cosmoplitan of Las Vegas, the Party is a two-hour experience that takes place Sunday through Thursday. It features a pre-fixe, three-course menu of Italian-American dishes and a mix of acts that include burlesque, comedy, and other diverse talents by a rotating cast of performers. There are just 50 seats in the intimate space, though, so you'll want to book your tickets fast.