Palm Beach is changing. You can feel it when you try to snag a table at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday and find yourself staring at a three-week waitlist. The old guard is still here, clutching their Gin Rickeys, but there's a new energy pulsing through the island, and much of it is centered right at The Royal Poinciana Plaza. That's where Tutto Mare Palm Beach has finally dropped anchor. It’s the first-ever "sister" concept to the legendary Tutto il Giorno in the Hamptons, and honestly, the hype was so loud it was almost deafening. But does it actually hold up when the Bread Basket arrives?
The Coastal Italian Vibe You Didn't Know You Needed
Forget the stuffy, velvet-draped dining rooms of the 1990s. Tutto Mare is light. It’s airy. It feels like someone took a villa in Positano, scrubbed away the dust, and dropped it into the most expensive zip code in Florida. The partnership here is what makes it fascinating. You have the iconic Breakers Palm Beach—a literal institution—teaming up with Gabby Karan de Felice. If that name sounds familiar, it should. She’s the daughter of Donna Karan, and she brings that effortless "New York cool meets Mediterranean sun" aesthetic that avoids the "trying too hard" trap many new Florida spots fall into.
The location is everything. Being inside the Playhouse building at the Royal Poinciana Plaza gives it a sense of history without the mothballs. You’ve got views of the Intracoastal. You’ve got the breeze. It feels like a club, but you don't need a membership card to get through the door, though a reservation is basically a golden ticket lately.
What’s Actually on the Plate at Tutto Mare Palm Beach
Let’s talk food. Because at the end of the day, you can't eat the wallpaper. The menu is unapologetically Mediterranean. We're talking crudo that looks like art and tastes like the ocean, and pastas that feel handmade because, well, they are.
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One thing people get wrong about Tutto Mare Palm Beach is assuming it's just a copy-paste of the Hamptons menu. It isn't. While you’ll find the signature Spaghetti Scarpariello that made the De Felice family famous, there’s a heavy lean into local Floridian seafood.
- The Grilled Octopus is charred just enough to give it that smoky backbone without turning it into a rubber band.
- Branzino is served with a simplicity that requires immense confidence from the kitchen.
- Don't skip the vegetable sides; the roasted carrots and seasonal greens are often the sleeper hits of the meal.
The wine list is a beast. It leans heavily toward Italian whites and crisp rosés, which makes sense when you’re dining ten feet from the water. It's expensive. Of course it is. This is Palm Beach. If you’re looking for a bargain, you’re in the wrong town. But the value comes from the execution. The service is snappy. The Breakers knows how to train staff, and it shows in the way they anticipate you needing another sparkling water before you even realize your glass is empty.
Why This Partnership Matters
The Breakers usually keeps things "on-campus." For them to venture out into the Royal Poinciana Plaza is a tactical move. They recognized that the younger demographic—the families moving down from Manhattan and Greenwich—want something that feels less like a grand hotel and more like a high-end hangout. Tutto Mare bridges that gap. It’s sophisticated enough for a 70th birthday dinner but buzzy enough for a Friday night out with friends who just want to drink high-end tequila and eat calamari.
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The Design Aesthetic: No Gold Leaf Required
Walking into Tutto Mare Palm Beach, you notice the lack of heavy drapes. It’s all about textures. Wicker, light woods, linen. It’s the "Quiet Luxury" trend manifested as a restaurant. The outdoor terrace is the place to be. There’s something about the way the light hits the plaza at sunset that makes everyone look like they’ve just spent a week on a yacht.
It’s cozy. That’s a weird word for a place this chic, but it fits. The seating is designed for long conversations. You don't feel rushed. In a world where many South Florida restaurants are trying to flip tables every 90 minutes, Tutto Mare seems to invite you to linger over your espresso.
Navigating the Hype and the Reality
Is it perfect? Nothing is. Parking at the Royal can be a nightmare during peak season, even with valet. And if you’re looking for a quiet, whispered conversation, the bar area might be a bit too energetic for you during the weekend rush. It gets loud. It’s a scene. You go there to see who else is there, as much as you go for the food.
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Also, keep in mind the seasonal nature. Palm Beach in August is a different beast than Palm Beach in January. Tutto Mare is built to handle both, but the vibe shifts from "international playground" to "local sanctuary" depending on the thermometer.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
If you're planning to head to Tutto Mare Palm Beach, don't just wing it. You'll end up disappointed at the host stand.
- Book Two Weeks Out: Seriously. If you want a prime-time slot on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, the Resy window disappears fast.
- The Bar is Your Secret Weapon: If you can't get a table, show up early and aim for a spot at the bar. The full menu is usually available, and the bartenders are some of the best-informed people in the building.
- Dress the Part: You don't need a tuxedo, but flip-flops will make you feel out of place. Think "Polished Coastal"—linen blazers, chic sundresses, and loafers.
- Order the Classics: While the specials are tempting, the Spaghetti Scarpariello is the reason this restaurant empire exists. Try it at least once.
- Check the Calendar: The Royal Poinciana Plaza often has events. Check if there’s a live performance or a gallery opening happening the same night to make it a full evening.
The arrival of this spot marks a turning point for the island's dining scene. It’s a blend of old-school service standards and new-school aesthetic sensibilities. It’s expensive, it’s beautiful, and it’s exactly what Palm Beach wanted.