Old World Elegance

Fine food and exemplary service delivered in an Old World ambiance of civilized elegance make dining at Renato’s Palm Beach a cherished event – especially during season.

Watch socialites mingle as you sip one of the restaurant’s legendary martinis at your table in a romantic courtyard replete with flowers and vines.

Long considered a quintessential Worth Avenue restaurant, located on one of the iconic street’s charming vias, Renato’s features waitstaff in vests and ties, live piano music and elevated cuisine. Tables are packed with contented guests, many of whom have been clientele since the restaurant opened in 1987.

You’ll see why when you taste virtually anything at Renato’s, which serves upscale Italian with a continental twist. I wanted the Foie Gras in Padella to last forever: It was pan seared and graced with caramelized figs and cranberries in a luscious blackberry-brandy sauce. The fabulous Gamberi alla Griglia includes broiled prawns with mustard aioli and crispy capers.

Not to be missed, the Granchio Soffice Fritto is a succulent and crispy soft shell crab served with red onion, tomato, avocado puree and mustard aioli.

For the perfect complement, pair it with the Insalata Di Barbabietole, a riot of flavors comprising organic baby kale, pomegranate, grape tomatoes, red onion, roasted corn and sweet gorgonzola, topped with olive oil and lemon.

There are many beautifully crafted pastas to choose from, including my guest’s favorite: Pappardelle Vitello e Funghi – fresh ribbon pasta with veal, wild mushroom ragu, truffle oil and shaved parmigiano. Mushroom lovers will swoon over it.

I loved a dish I never had before: Tagliolini al Zafferano, which is homemade saffron tagliolini, tossed with homemade pork sausage, shrimp, peas and white-wine-thyme sauce.

Entrées are spectacular. Try the Costoletta di Vitello, a center-cut veal chop served with a savory porcini-truffle sauce, a potato croquette and fresh broccoli rabe. For a unique take on veal, opt for the Ossobucco Milanese, braised veal shank in a vegetable sauce, served over saffron risotto.

Desserts are all classic Italian at its best – quite like Renato’s itself. O

Renato’s Palm Beach is located at 87 Via Mizner. For more information, call 561-655-9752 or visit renatospalmbeach.com.