Why I'll go back: for well-crafted cocktails in the Celebrity Room
Do NOT order: food here
Tony's Tip: there aren't really any tables outside that are set up for two people, so if you want to sit by the water, book a party of at least three, preferably four.
Well, we have eaten at Tutto Mare three times now - twice for dinner and once for lunch. We've also popped in for drinks in the Celebrity Room, well...I've lost count. ;) Anyway, that's enough to have kicked the tires and then some. The verdict - they basically get everything right EXCEPT the food.
First off, it's a beautiful space, inside the restaurant, on the terrace, and in the restored and renovated "Celebrity Room." It might be the most elegant restaurant in Palm Beach. That alone makes it, and you, feel special.
The bar area, aka the Celebrity Room, is flanked on both sides by round banquettes that seat four comfortably while offering a nice view of the action. In the middle is a couch/chaise setup that seems like it would be awkward but always works well accommodating a few groups at a time. Punctuating the scene is the centered bar, with six seats and a little overflow space. Wife and I love the vibe in here - the classic "see and be seen" Palm Beach energy, plus a constant, attentive presence of the managers and servers. I'm also a particular fan of the Mexican Negroni - a perfect after-dinner treat. This is our go-to spot for pre- and post-dinner drinks even if we're dining somewhere else.
Dinner seating inside and out is equally comfortable. The seats are plush and the tables spaced out to allow for intimacy, conversation, and a view of things. We've dined inside twice and outside once. There's not really a bad seat in the house. Watching the skyline turn shades of red and orange at sunset is unrivaled in Palm Beach and makes for a magical backdrop.
I should also give a shoutout to everyone in the front of the house, from the hosts to the managers to the servers and bartenders. Incredibly professional, always welcoming no matter whether they know you or not, and clearly working to give diners (and drinkers) an amazing experience. Home run!
And this is where it gets soooo tough. It goes without saying (though I'm saying it) that the bar for excellent cuisine in Palm Beach is perhaps as high as anywhere in the country. The explosion of restaurant openings in the past couple of years has introduced a plethora of competitive spots. You don't have to be the best, but you better be damn good. I'm sad to say that Tutto Mare doesn't come close.
To assure you we've put the restaurant through its paces, we've had the following:
Oysters
Tutto Salad
Salmon Tartare
Tutto Eggplant
Pizza Parma
Cartoccio
Paccheri
Spaghetti
Wagyu Burger
Risotto di Mare
Chocolate and Almond Cake
The first night we ate there, we also wanted the baby artichokes as a side, but the kitchen had a shortage of them (despite it being a Wednesday on the early side) and needed them for the Tutto Salad. So we went ahead and ordered that.
Most of the dishes we've had were aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and we've enjoyed a couple of them (risotto, paccheri). But most were off in some way. The eggplant (chewy), spaghetti (routine), lobster pasta (fishy with inconsistent noodles), and even the almond cake (a bit dry and bland). I'll throw in that the bread was not savory like a focaccia or fresh-baked french bread you're used to at Italian restaurants. But I save special mention for our lunch items. While the salmon tartare was fresh and the avocado pairing gave it some zip, I'm at a loss to defend the burger and pizza that showed up at our table. Billed as wagyu, and ordered medium rare, my burger showed up dry and medium-well, with nothing special or signature about it (see pics). One lettuce leaf, a thick cut slice of red tomato, half a paper-thin slice of cheese, and no house sauce whatsoever. I don't get it. The pizza wasn't much better - light on the sauce, minimal cheese, heavy on the crust, and adequate prosciutto that still didn't add a ton of flavor. I mean, this is Tutto Mare, not TooJay's (no offense). Yes, lunch was that poorly executed.
STRAIGHT DOPE FOR MANAGEMENT: I know this is hard to hear. I'm sure there are not many people who are willing to tell you that you're failing at the food. It's uncomfortable and sort of not the Palm Beach way. But trust me - I'm not alone in my assessment. The broad consensus among the many friends who have eaten here is that the food isn't that good. It's the first thing they share when asked about your restaurant. I'm saying it here because we REALLY want to have a great meal with you. We LOVE the buildout, the vibe, the staff, and yes, the cocktails. We're rooting for you. We've loved our meals at Tutto il Giorno, so I'm not sure what got lost in translation in the expansion to Florida. But we truly hope you can address it. Until then, you can find us in the Celebrity Room ordering our favorites at the bar. read more