7 Best Restaurants in Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast, Florida

The lines are deservedly long at this upscale Tuscan restaurant in Boca Raton. The outpost of the renowned Casa D'Angelo in Broward impresses with an outstanding selection of antipasti, carpaccios, pastas, and specialties from the wood-burning oven. From staples like the antipasto angelo (grilled vegetables and buffalo mozzarella), osso buco, and linguine with white-water clams and garlic, to the ever-changing gnocchi, risotto, veal scaloppine, and fish specials of the day, Angelo's dishes deliver pure perfection in every bite. The wine list is also exceptional, with hundreds of Italian and American wines to choose from. Servers are experienced and top-notch.

An outpost of the famed New York Italian spot, this chic café churns out crispy pizzas, delicate pasta dishes, and to-swoon-for desserts with polished service. The vibe is '60s era glam meets dreamy Milanese café, making it a hit with both socialites and shoppers, who stop in for an espresso break in between jaunts to the boutiques at Royal Poinciana Plaza. House pastas include a heavenly cacio e pepe, while salads and simply grilled fish are light and flavorful. The gelato is made fresh daily, so make sure to save room for a scoop.

The bougainvillea-laden trellises set the scene at the main entrance on Peruvian Way, off posh Worth Avenue. Even though it's a chain, this is a favorite of Palm Beach society, and both the restaurant and the bar become packed and noisy during high season. Weather permitting, many patrons prefer to dine on the outdoor terrace on the narrow pedestrian walkway, where "walking models" showcase jewelry and apparel from nearby boutiques. The aroma of basil, chives, and oregano fills the air as waiters carry out home-baked pizzaccia (a pizzalike bread) to accompany delectable dishes such as seafood risotto and veal Marsala. 

In the heart of The Square, this European-style eatery offers Italian specialties and a wide variety of fine wines. The menu includes classics like chicken parmigiana, risotto, and fettuccine alfredo. Pizzas from the wood-burning oven are especially good. Service is friendly and efficient, but the overall noise level tends to be high. Sit at the outdoor tables next to the main plaza's dancing fountains if you can.

A longtime favorite of locals, this sophisticated Italian restaurant is in an unexpected, nondescript location on Dixie Highway away from downtown and central hubs. But warm hospitality from a husband-and-wife team, along with smart service and delectable traditional dishes, awaits. A much-awarded wine list, including a popular "50 under $50" draws from international vineyards and complements dishes such as pepperoni e acciughe (oven-roasted peppers with white anchovies and extra-virgin olive oil), rigatoni ala vodka (said to have been invented by the chef's father), veal chops, and scaloppine prepared several ways. Desserts alone are worth an after-dinner stop.

Arguably downtown Lake Worth's fanciest restaurant, with sophisticated modern Northern Italian cuisine, this is a go-to place for a romantic evening. Waiters are on point and anticipate needs. Whole branzino baked in a salt crust, grilled octopus, tuna carpaccio, and smoked mozzarella ravioli are all excellent choices. A separate lounge menu features lighter bites such as stuffed squash blossoms; pair these with one of the wines off an extensive list put together by the chef. Don't miss the chocolate Grand Marnier soufflé for dessert. As the name implies, the food is heavenly.

Ask for the wine room table, which seats eight, for a more private experience.

Here, at one of the most romantic restaurants in Palm Beach, guests can dine Italiano. Sit in the beautiful courtyard, with stars above and twinkling lights on the bougainvillea, or in the intimate, low-lighted dining room flickering with candles and enhanced with fresh flowers and quiet classical music. Be sure to try the split-pea soup with small cubes of ham (a meal in itself) and the dreamy tagliatelle with white truffles in season. All are served on pretty, flowered porcelain plates atop crisp white-linen tablecloths. Although pricey, dinner here is worth every penny. Jackets are encouraged.