6 Unique Dining Experiences to Try in Delray Beach

 

Sporting coastal charm and a small-town vibe, Delray Beach is Palm Beach County’s oasis of tranquility. The elegance here is unpretentious, and the wild beauty is unparalleled. Also known as the “village by the sea,” Delray Beach is one of Florida’s most coveted destinations. Residents relish the balmy weather, sandy white beaches, and abundance of outdoor activities, not to mention the luxe, resort-inspired lifestyle.

Once an agricultural hub, Delray Beach has transformed into a bastion of refined beauty and historic architecture. A thriving art scene creates a sense of bohemian culture, while strict building regulations mean Delray Beach retains its beachy, breezy atmosphere and stunning ocean views with nary a sleek high-rise condo in sight. With a flair for luxury and an artistic soul, Delray Beach pampers residents with high-end amenities, a pristine coastline, and eclectic nightlife. Delray Beach dining is part of the reason why this seaside hamlet earned the title of Most Fun Small Town, and the offerings are first-rate. Read on for the best restaurants in Delray Beach and prepare to be impressed.

 

A Delray Beach favorite, Elisabetta's Ristorante harkens back to the days of old, with vintage decor and a quaint, family-style warmth. Cut crystal chandeliers styled like art deco hot air balloons fill the stairwell, casting a glow on the gallery wall of artwork. In the afternoon, sunlight drenches the dining room and bar, evoking a feeling of summer in Italy. Nights bring the glow of the moon and tabletop candles, providing a cozy, whimsical atmosphere for dinnertime tete-a-tetes.

Brunch at Elisabetta’s is a feast for the senses. Bottomless mimosas and bellinis set the tone for a raucous good time, while the extensive menu features a series of impeccable choices. Does the day begin with the Italian-inspired avocado toast with smoked salmon, mozzarella, and egg? Or the eggs al Forno on a bed of roasted polenta? Then again, with the incredible pizzas, pasta, and charcuterie offerings, you may have to order one of everything – or make this spot a regular on your Sunday brunch go-to list.

 

Fusing the flavors of Spain, Northern Italy, and California, the Grove showcases the best of Mediterranean and coastal fare. A Delray Beach mainstay for over a decade, this sleek bistro features a refined, ever-changing menu sourced from local ingredients and the freshest seafood. The intimate dining room, with its soft lighting and quiet mood, is perfect for romantic dinners and good conversation – and the food is some of the best in the city. Some past highlights include the seafood paella, brown butter crab cavatelli, and the Alaskan halibut, but the Grove’s clientele eagerly awaits the new menus, as each is better than the last.

Bringing a taste of New York to Delray Beach, Rose's Daughter celebrates handcrafted, scratch kitchen cuisine. This stylish trattoria may be known for its Neapolitan pizzas, but it is equally adept at handmade pasta and rich sauces. Family recipes lay the foundation for the creative fare here, and the result is an artistic, Insta-worthy display of culinary excellence. Start with a charcuterie board or housemade burrata, then choose spinach dumplings or the calamari and zucchini fritti before moving on to the Margherita pizza or the gorgeous crab and ricotta cannelloni.

Dine alfresco on the patio or enjoy the Old New York-inspired dining room, complete with white subway tiles lining the walls, family photos, and gallery-style art everywhere. The service is sublime, and the housemade cocktails are even better.

The lively Brule' Bistro showcases generations of authentic Italian recipes with a stylish New American flair. Led by Chef Suzanne Perotto, this Delray Beach stunner reimagines classic dishes with locally sourced ingredients and a commitment to sustainability. Sister restaurant to Rose’s Daughter, Brule offers a sumptuous array of decadent dishes like charcoal bone marrow and escargot, shrimp paella, and seared diver scallops with potato croquettes and organic quail egg. But the showstopper here is the filet mignon Oscar, a buttery steak topped with tempura king crab, a poached egg, and Bearnaise sauce.

 

No list of Delray Beach fine dining would be complete without Ember Grill. Nestled in the lavish Ray Hotel, Ember Grill embodies the tropical decor and coastal elegance of Key West. The renowned Chef Joe Zanelli bewitches the palate with craft cocktails and reimagined New American classics. The open kitchen concept allows you to watch the masters at work, while the sumptuous oasis feel invites you to relax and sit a spell. The service here is superb, with gracious hospitality and warm smiles from the polished and posh staff.

The scratch menu comprises delicacies made from sustainably sourced seafood and fresh, locally-farmed vegetables, and the attention to detail is impressive. Start with the yellowfin tuna crudo accompanied by black garlic and black truffle vinaigrette, or try the darling little crab Louie lettuce cups – the spicy kick is unexpected and delightful. The ribeye is always an excellent choice, as are the oysters on the half-shell. The branzino with roasted cauliflower, lemon, and capers is divine.

By day, Deck 84 features a decadent brunch and sweeping views of the Intercoastal waterway. By night, the space is transformed into a sea of twinkling lights, statuesque palm trees silhouetted against a darkening sky, and the candy color splash of the sinking sun. The sunset here is remarkable and sets the stage for a thrilling night ahead.

Stylish yet casual, Deck 84 regularly makes the rounds of “Best Of” lists and recently earned a spot for its breezy alfresco dining experience. The New American cuisine makes use of the area’s plentiful local farms and fishermen, offering a carefully curated lineup of fresh seafood and global flavors. Indulge in strawberry bellinis, a roasted mushroom omelet, or eggs Benedict for brunch, or begin dinner with crispy calamari or smoked fish dip with pickled vegetables before moving on to seafood tacos or miso glazed salmon.

Are you interested in exploring Delray Beach real estate? Contact The South Ocean Group today to begin touring Palm Beach County homes.