Home Care In Boynton Beach, FL

Eddie Ritz

As they prepared to open Tavolo in Boynton Beach on Dec. 2, owners Leonard and Sherri Mello were focused on bringing the same high-quality, fine-dining caliber food they serve at their two Rhode Island locations to South Florida and do it at a price that wouldn't break the bank.

Veterans in the restaurant business, the couple opened the first Tavolo in Smithfield, Rhode Island in 2005 and the second a few years later in Warwick, about half an hour south of there.

The couple has homes in both Rhode Island and South Florida and splits time between both. The restaurant is in the well-worn path of snowbirds. Leonard said he's already had "regular customers from up north that have popped in to the new restaurant."

More:Bucket list: 55 best must-try things to do, hidden gems in Palm Beach County

Leonard described the menu as "upscale casual," saying they work hard to put a "good product on the plate, but ... keep the prices reasonable."

Located off of Jog Road, Tavolo, which means 'table' in Italian, took over the space formerly occupied by Arrabiatas.

Leonard said the spot had a good demographic, excellent accessibility and it was good for families. Now they are working to carve out their own culinary niche in the area, he said.

One thing that sets them apart is that nearly everything at Tavolo is made in house from scratch. This includes the sauces, salad dressings, pastas and more.

One item not made in house is the signature pasta: the wagon wheel rigatoni. That's not to say it's store bought or made by a nearby third party. No, it is made from scratch in one of their Rhode Island restaurants and flown down fresh every week.

With a creative culinary team led by chef Gary Small, Tavolo already has several dishes that have become local favorites. These include their braised beef short rib, which is served on the bone with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, baby carrots and green beans with a demi glace; the wagon wheel rigatoni Bolognese; and the pan seared salmon served with black bean edamame salad, whipped avocado and charred poblano butter.

Other dinner entrees include eggplant rollatini, osso bucco, linguini & clams, stuffed Atlantic cod and zuppa de Portuguese.

Tavolo also offers pizzas including the margherita; the grilled chicken with basil pesto, parmesan, shredded mozzarella and chopped tomato; and the Italian grinder topped with prosciutto, soppressata, salami, capicola, hot peppers, shredded provolone and fresh lettuce.

Leonard said that they were incredibly fortunate with their culinary team. He said chef Small was impressive from the start and was able to take instruction and create the dishes here exactly like their restaurants in Rhode Island. Leonard added that the staff's talent runs so deep that "we have sous chefs that should be chefs."

He said he and his wife Sherri like to go out to eat with their three children as a family and he wanted the restaurant to be accommodating to families as well as couples and singles. He didn't want people who enjoy fine dining to feel like they had to take the kids to one restaurant and then go to another by themselves another night, he said.

More:South Florida Fair is offering up an ocean-themed fun time in 2024 with music, rides and more

A certified sommelier, Leonard can help guests choose the perfect wine to accompany their meals. Though open less than two months, Tavolo is continually expanding its selections.

Prefer a beer to go with your meal? No worries as there are dozens to choose from at Tavolo. These range from classics like Heineken, Coors and Stella Artois, to some linking to their New England roots like Whalers Rise Pale Ale, Foolproof Porter, Clown Shoes Clementine White Ale, Wachusett Blueberry Ale and Smuttynose Old Brown Dog Ale all brewed in either Rhode Island, Massachusetts or New Hampshire.

Finishing off an evening (or lunch) at Tavolos could not be sweeter with a dessert menu that includes cold fusion gelato, sorbet, bread pudding, vanilla bean creme brulee, affogato and more.

Tavolo: Italian Kitchen & Bar restaurant in Boynton Beach

What: Tavolo: Italian Kitchen & Bar

Where: 8260 Jog Road, Boynton Beach

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday

Information: 561-336-3862; tavolowinebar.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

BOYNTON BEACH — Boynton Beach is again looking to annex high-end communities in the unincorporated lands to its west, a move that could add nearly $3 billion to its $9 billion tax base and increase its population by 35,000.

If the city annexes all 38 communities under consideration — 26 in the first phase and 12 in the second — it would generate more than $23 million a year in property tax revenue for the city.

For more details on the proposed annexation, click here for the full story.

Here are the 38 communities that are in play:

Phase I annexation: 26 communities

Phase II annexation: 12 communities

James Coleman is a journalist at the Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @JimColeman11. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — Boynton Beach is the third largest city in Palm Beach County and it's growing.

"As the development happens in most cities, it becomes harder and harder to find parking to drive around," Marcia Levine said.

She said the growth is good and bad.

"As exciting as that is, I'm all for the development of areas, but the transportation gets harder," Levine said.

However, help is on the way to reduce traffic in Boynton Beach.

Mayor Ty Penserga came up with the idea for the rideshare program called Coastal Cruiser, which debuts Saturday.

The service is Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. All rides are available on-demand, and need to be booked via the Ride Circuit app. The Coastal Cruiser fleet will feature all EV vehicles – two Kia Niro sedans and two GEMs, including one ADA accessible vehicle.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at p.m. Saturday at the Centennial Park & Amphitheaterat 120 East Ocean Avenue. The ceremony will coincide with the Boynton Beach Spring Market.

"We've got a parking problem; we've got a traffic problem," he said. "Let's find a solution, let's get people moving and so this is that solution."

The Coastal Cruiser by Circuit will be available for residents and visitors. The environmentally friendly, all electric vehicles will cover areas from East Ocean Avenue, Seacrest Boulevard to Federal Highway. It will also drop you off and pick you up at the beach.

Zone 1 will encompass a portion of the CRA area, including city hall and municipal building, Boynton Harbor Marina, and businesses and restaurants. Zone 2 will be designated to transport passengers to Oceanfront Park for access to beaches.

Part of the city's big motivation with starting the program is helping those who live in the northeastern portion of the city, which is considered a food desert.

"Right now, they have no access to healthy food," Penserga said. "But with this one dollar ride we can get them access to all of the grocery stores and retailers all around the area."

The city is able to charge only a dollar because local businesses like The Butcher and The Bar can pay for advertising opportunities on the vehicles to offset the cost of running the program.

"This four-block strip here from the Intracoastal to just past the railroad tracks there's about 30+ small independent businesses that would love to have a little bit more noise made about them," owner Eric Anderson said. "I think this is one of many ways this can happen."

Levine said with Coastal Cruising she won't have to drive much.

"We can now get around town, because it's not always easy to get a ride and we need transportation," Levine said.

Fares start at just $1 per rider for Zone 1, with rides in Zone 2 $2 for the first rider and $1 for each additional rider. To celebrate the launch, community members who download the Circuit app will receive their first two rides for free during the first 30 days.

Copyright 2024 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

If you lived in Florida for any length of time you know that everything really does taste better by the water. If you're new to the state or new enough that you haven't yet experienced this dining phenomenon, however, now is the time.

Whether on the ocean, along the Intracoastal Waterway, various canals or even lakes, there are quite a few waterfront restaurants spread throughout Palm Beach County, so let's assimilate this aquatic, culinary wisdom in geographic bites.

If you live in southern Palm Beach County or just happen to be looking for a restaurant with a view that's worth going the extra mile, here they are.

Boynton Beach restaurants on the water

Banana Boat

The water view: Intracoastal Waterway at the Boynton Harbor Marina

This family-owned restaurant has anchored Boynton’s Ocean Avenue area since 1978. It's best known for its seafood liked macadamia crusted yellowtail snapper, blackened scallop mac n' cheese and their bronzed local mahi, salads and upscale bar food in generous portions. It is also a great spot to enjoy any number of the specialty frozen drinks and cocktails while watching the boats cruise along the Intracoastal.

739 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach. 561-732-9400; bananaboatboynton.com

Prime Catch

The water view: Intracoastal Waterway

Opened in 2004, their fresh local fish options, including honey almond roasted snapper, grilled swordfish and pecan grouper, steaks and more, combined with waterfront ambiance keep this restaurant packed. The bar off the outside deck perched on the edge of the waterway is a popular hangout for happy hour and beyond.

700 E. Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach. 561-737-8822; primecatchboynton.com

Two Georges Waterfront Grille

The water view: Intracoastal Waterway

In 1997, the Scaggs family bought Two George’s and it’s still family-owned and operated today. Dig into their Maryland crab cakes, panko fried ahi tuna bowl, swordfish piccata or any number of fresh seafood dishes, all while sipping a frozen cocktail along the water and have an epiphany about waterfront dining and the awesomeness of South Florida.

728 Casa Loma Blvd., Boynton Beach. 561-736-2717; twogeorgesrestaurant.com

A'Lu Mexican Cuisine

The water view: Quantum Lake

Opened in Dec. 2023, this Boynton eatery is the invention of Richard Charleston and specializes in San Diego-style Mexican cuisine. What is 'San Diego-style' Mexican food? Charleston describes it as "more true to the heart of Mexican cuisine, with more of a street food flare." Though the interior is beautiful and was created by Shea Design, there is also an outdoor patio with plenty of seating along the water.

1080 Gateway Blvd., Boynton Beach. 561-310-4572; https://www.alupalmbeach.com/

Delray Beach restaurants with a water view

Boston’s on the Beach

The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street

This mainstay of Delray Beach has outdoor covered dining that looks out over A1A and the beach on the other side. Though with the dense foliage along the beach, the view isn’t always great, there’s almost always a breeze and the taste of salt in the air. An eclectic menu boasts local, fresh seafood options.

40 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-3364; bostonsonthebeach.com

50 Ocean

The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street

On the second floor above Boston’s, 50 Ocean does offer an unobstructed view of the ocean. Enjoy their upscale, seafood-centric menu while gazing out of the floor to ceiling windows. This commercial stretch along Delray’s oceanfront has maintained its Old Florida flavor.

50 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-3364; 50ocean.com

Caffe Luna Rosa

The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street

Its well-dressed tables, art, granite and woodwork reminiscent of European cafe?s contrast nicely with the American restaurants on either side. Known for its homemade pasta and Italian influences, this restaurant is a go-to destination for breakfast and weekend brunch.

34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-274-9404; caffelunarosa.com

Sandbar Delray Beach

The water view: The Atlantic Ocean, from across the street

Sandbar Delray Beach goes from beach bar to nightclub. Its rustic, weathered fixtures and furniture, brightly colored umbrellas and tropical food and drink make it a popular daytime venue. When the sun sets, however, the place transforms with guest DJs performing and VIP bottle service is available.

40 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. 561-278-3364; bostonssandbar.com

Deck 84

The water view: Intracoastal Waterway

Named a Top 100 Al Fresco Restaurant by Opentable for years and consistently ranked as a top TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Restaurant, Deck 84 offers picturesque views of the Intracoastal while its menu focuses on fresh local seafood plus prime beef steaks, burgers and salads. On weekends, there’s live music.

840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. 561-665-8484; deck84.com

Highland Beach

Latitudes Restaurant at Delray Sands Resort

The water view: Atlantic Ocean

Promising "A Coastal Florida Dining Experience to Remember," Latitudes features fresh coastal cuisine, modern mixology and warm hospitality along the Atlantic Ocean. From early morning to late at night, sample culinary delights including the upscale chef’s seafood bar.

2809 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach. 561-278-2008; latitudesdelray.com

Boca Raton restaurants

SeaSpray Inlet Grill at the Waterstone Resort & Marina

The water view: Lake Boca Raton and the Boca Raton Inlet

With a menu inspired from coastal classics to create a menu of contemporary dishes, SeaSpray is open for lunch and dinner. An access point for boats traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s the perfect place for yacht-watching.

999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton. 561-368-9500; seasprayboca.com

City Fish Market

The water view: sparkling man-made lake

They feature a wide selection of expertly-prepared, fresh fish and seafood, accompanied by a nautical ambiance next to a lake in Boca Raton. The menu includes classics such as fish and chips, their jumbo lump crab cakes and a wide selection of fresh catches that can be prepared to your taste. Happy Hour Sunday through Thursday featuring our signature cocktails and half-priced bottles of wine.

7940 Glades Road, Boca Raton. 561-487-1600; cityfishmarketboca.com

Chloe's Bistro at the Boardwalk at Boca Raton

The water view: The lake at Boardwalk at Boca Raton

This casual eatery prides itself on fresh ingredients and a diverse menu, from Italian to French. The understated ambiance and the reflection of lights on the water are a panacea for stress.

6885 SW 18th St. B7, Boca Raton. 561-334-2088; chloesbistro.com

Carrabba’s Italian Grill at the Boardwalk at Boca Raton

The water view: The lake at Boardwalk at Boca Raton

The water view isn’t the Atlantic or even the Intracoastal, but it is a nice lake and the food is consistent Italian fare.

6909 SW 18th St., Boca Raton. 51-544-8838; carrabbas.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

Bethesda Hospital East could sell a Boynton Beach office complex to an industrial developer.

The City Commission will consider a new site plan with a distribution center for the 30.7-acre property at 3800 S. Congress Ave. on Feb. 6. It’s owned by the hospital, which is part of Miami-based nonprofit Baptist Health South Florida.

The Viewfinder: Memorial Cancer Institute opens in Broward County

The property currently has a 125,281-square-foot office/medical office complex that’s home to multiple tenants, including Bethesda Hospital’s Women’s Health Service and the Bethesda College of Health Sciences, which is also part of the hospital. The facility was built in 1970.

“The existing building is aging, and the existing use is no longer the highest and best use for the property,” Bethesda Hospital’s law firm Dunay Miskel and Backman stated in the application.

"This site housed administrative services that have since been relocated to the Bethesda Hospital East campus," said Michael Maucker, a spokesperson for the hospital. "The site is under contract to be sold to Foundry [Commercial."

Under the new site plan, the property would be redeveloped by Orlando-based Foundry Commercial with two warehouses for a combined 457,026 square feet. The developer is seeking a waiver to reduce the amount of parking from the standard requirement of 914 spaces to 462 spaces. There would be 20 electric vehicle chargers.

The site plan by Boca Raton-based Arcadis shows warehouses of 223,249 and 233,777 square feet, each with 32-foot clear height.

A representative of Foundry Commercial couldn’t be reached for comment; it already has the Boynton Beach site listed on its website under the name Bethesda Industrial Center. Foundry is one of the largest industrial developers in Florida.

According to the fourth quarter report from Colliers, the distribution warehouse vacancy rate in the South Palm Beach Market – from Boynton Beach to Boca Raton – was 4.2% and the average asking rent was $16.83 per square foot. There was negative absorption of 73,117 square feet in that submarket during the fourth quarter, but only 25,434 square feet of distribution warehouse under construction. Industrial rents have increased throughout Palm Beach County in recent years.

Sign up here for the Business Journal’s free morning and afternoon daily newsletters to receive the latest business news impacting South Florida. For more business intelligence, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

South Florida Business Parks

Developed acres

View this list