The Italian Way

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – February 27, 2024 – There’s something about Italian food that gives one the warm and fuzzies, and it’s always my personal go-to comfort food. Therefore, having the opportunity to dine at Elisabetta’s Ristorante, Bar and Pizzeria in West Palm Beach got me, along with my teenage daughter, heading out the door faster than a Ferrari taking a corner on Italy’s Amalfi Coast Road.

Elisabetta’s patio overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, and this scene reminds me of vacations spent in Italy. Stepping inside, I’m impressed by the size of the restaurant that can seat 300. As the aroma of oregano, basil, and garlic fills the air, the chattering of excited guests and music, all adds to the charged atmosphere. The décor has been cleverly organized, not in an overly stylized way, but in the smaller details. For example, a tall fireplace, a 19th-century gelato cart, four vintage gazebos, gold-tiled beehive-shaped Neapolitan pizza ovens, and a salumi bar faced with cool marble. It feels inviting and cozy with beamed wood ceilings, and a bar crowned in pewter and surrounded by red or gold leather custom bar stools.

Elisabetta’s is the perfect spot for a midweek mom-and-daughter catch-up. Side note, my daughter is a picky eater but when I mentioned an Italian pizza oven, she was all in. Our server, Leslie, was enthusiastic, and explained that everything we would be eating is made from scratch including all pastas, breads, sauces, baked goods, and gelatos. They even dry age their steaks and cure their own meats. Stopping myself from rushing to order the food, I first sipped on a Cherry Spritz, a refreshing long drink with cherry- infused wine topped with Prosecco. 

My fourteen-year-old daughter had her favorite drink, a Shirley Temple which she said has the perfect amount of grenadine.

Considering it was very busy on the night we visited, the service and wait time for food and drinks were commendable. For my antipasti, I had a delicious Tricolore & Pear salad which included shaved parmigiano reggiano, walnuts, fennel, and a blood orange vinaigrette. My daughter was happy with the fresh bread and the fact she could dip it into the herb- infused olive oil. As a pescatarian, I often find the menu choice limited. However, our server Leslie assured me if there was anything I liked the look of, they could take out the meat and make veggie or add in fish. In the end, I ordered a black truffle, porcini mushrooms, parmigiano reggiano pasta dish. The pasta was perfectly al dente, and the truffle was just enough to give that boost of flavor I desired.

My teenage pizza expert ordered her favorite, pepperoni pizza, she commented, “The crust is so good and crispy, and there’s plenty of cheese. There’s also lots of pepperoni which is excellent.” She awarded it a notable 9 out of 10. She went on to say, “I can tell it’s freshly made, and I would order again.” Believe me, this is a great review coming from my slightly cynical teen.

After polishing off our mains, we were determined to order dessert. We went for the tiramisu, which was light, and airy, in fact it was one of the best I have ever had. The cheesecake was tasty and creamy, but the only downside was its room temperature. I’m guessing this enables the customer to taste the flavors better, but my personal temperature preference for cheesecake is cold.  

Overall, the experience at Elisabetta’s in West Palm Beach was lively, tasty, and had a Big Night out feel about the place. If you are on a date night, be sure to book a table on the patio to ensure that intimate romantic vibe. If you are in a group, the buzz inside is electric. Scanning the room there was every kind of person from corporates, families, and friends to couples. As the staff carried out dishes of pasta and pizzas to their tables, the guests all appeared happy and content, and that’s what a good Italian restaurant should be all about, good eats and good times.

Elisabetta’s Ristorante and Pizzeria is located at 185 Banyan Boulevard, West Palm Beach. For more information, visit Elisabettas.com.

For use by InFlorida.com, Formerly Florida Coast Magazine, Jupiter, FL