I don’t live in Palm Beach, so when I make the drive for dinner, it’s for a reason. Either I know the restaurant will be excellent, it comes with a strong reputation, or there’s undeniable buzz. Tutto Mare at the Royal Poinciana Plaza (70 Royal Poinciana Way) falls squarely into the latter category.
This was one of the season’s most highly anticipated openings, lots of press, endless chatter, and reservations that were nearly impossible to secure. I made the trek and gladly accepted the only time available: an early 6:00 p.m.
You approach the restaurant down a lovely, unmarked walkway toward the water. There is no obvious signage, perhaps intentional, perhaps meant to convey exclusivity. First impressions matter, and unfortunately the welcome felt a bit cool. A smile costs nothing and goes a very long way, especially at this level.
The space itself, however, is undeniably stunning.
Designed by co-owner Gabby Karan Felice, daughter of famed designer Donna Karan, the 3,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 and enjoys a prime lakefront position overlooking Lake Worth, Palm Harbour Marina, and the skyline beyond. You enter through a lounge with curved banquettes, plush couches, and a bar beneath a dramatic 1950s mural featuring over 100 actors and celebrities of the era. Backlit shelving displays ceramics and vases, adding warmth and depth.
The main dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a 65-seat outdoor deck and sweeping water views. Light hardwood floors, oversized basket lamps, and lush greenery soften the space. There’s a second bar, an attractive wine room, and even retail components, a small home décor boutique and a clothing space. The aesthetic is polished, relaxed, and very Palm Beach chic.
Service was pleasant but inconsistent. Our waiter, Joseph, was friendly, though when dishes arrived neither he nor his assistants seemed to remember who ordered what. At this price point, details matter. Either memorize the orders or note them carefully, it’s part of delivering a seamless experience.
Tutto Mare is the creation of Gabby Karan Felice and her husband, Gianpaolo Felice, the duo behind Tutto il Giorno in the Hamptons. Their vision is relaxed, seaside Italian dining. The chef de cuisine is Carmine Nozzolino.
The menu features a raw bar, pastas, and main courses. Pricing is unapologetically high, with starters beginning around $32 and climbing from there. Our salad, priced at $32 lacked discernible flavor and felt flat, other salads went up to $42. At those numbers, one expects brightness and personality.
The fritto misto was tender and enjoyable, though advertised shrimp were nowhere to be found.
The pasta, however, was a standout. The spaghetti scarpariello with roasted tomatoes, pecorino, and grana padano was excellent, as good as versions I’ve enjoyed in Italy. The branzino was also executed beautifully.
Desserts are $18. The tiramisu was pleasant; the chocolate budino unremarkable.
The wine list is extensive and impressive, but markups are steep. Glasses ranged from $50–$60 for modest pours, not Super Tuscans, just standard selections. That feels excessive. For comparison, just across the plaza at Sant Ambroeus, you’ll find generous pours at roughly half the price, along with warm, polished service and consistently strong cuisine.
Cocktails were well made but presented without garnish or flair, a missed opportunity in such a visually driven setting.
Our table was notably small; the tiny floral arrangement had to be removed just to accommodate bread service. Again, small details.
That said, the room is beautiful, the crowd is impeccably dressed, and the waterfront setting is undeniably glamorous. If your priority is ambiance, views, and being part of the scene, and food is secondary, Tutto Mare delivers a buzz-worthy experience, assuming you can secure a reservation.
Open seven days a week from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Valet and self-parking available.
Happy dining,
Shanea
02/25/2026
