VIBE

In a city where swish Italian joints are a dime a dozen, Cucina Dell' Arte makes its presence known with “first to open, last to close” hours and a nightly dance party. Its strengths lie in its breakfasts (the omelettes have legendary hangover curing powers) and its swinging party scene (after 10:00pm, the tables are cleared away and the disco balls and pulsing sound system make their entrance). Although some complain that the simple Mediterranean-style décor is a bit too down-to-earth for the glitzy Palm Beach crowd, that doesn’t seem to have discouraged rich and famous types like George Clooney, Drew Barrymore, and Rod Stewart (we saw him here at breakfast!) from popping in.

CROWD

Breakfast and lunch draw a mix of families and revelers recovering from the night before, while later on the crowd is mainly 20- and 30-something partiers.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Upscale casual; for brunch or lunch, we’d wear jeans and a preppie top, but we’d glam things up a bit after dark, especially if we’re coming to boogie.

GO HERE WITH

Friends or family - for casual brunch; girlfriends - for dinner and drinks

WHY WE LIKE IT

This is one of the few places on the island where you can really cut loose. The party scene is fun, and made even more so by a decent menu of late night eats like pizza. We also love stopping by for breakfast (including the morning after the party, if necessary…): a full eggs Benedict menu (eggplant, crab, salmon, traditional, etc.) as well as the standard salty and sweet options make it a win.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Dinner is a little weird, because your table and chairs are cleared away as soon as you’ve finished in order to make room for the dance floor. It can get really loud late at night, too.

GOOD TO KNOW

Takeout and valet parking (evening only) are available. The few (10ish) seats outside are coveted in the morning hours because inside feels slightly depressing in the sunlight, so go early to avoid the line if you want to snag one.

CLOSEST COMPS

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