Some restaurants serve meals. Caffe Luna Rosa serves memories. Just steps from the majesty of the Atlantic Ocean, this Delray Beach landmark has been captivating diners for more than three decades.
But longevity alone doesn’t create a devoted fan base. The secret to the success of Caffe Luna Rosa is the culinary pedigree, oceanfront ambiance, and the brilliance of Executive Chef (and Co-owner) Ernie Deblasi. DeBlasi is the longest-tenured chef in Delray Beach and has been at the helm of Caffe Luna Rosa for 25 years.
The entire staff at Caffe Luna Rosa is what contributes to its greatness. Their menu is comprehensive with fresh seafood, chicken dishes, and fresh pasta that taste like they were created by a master culinary artisan.
There are also amazing meat dishes and fresh fish entrees that defy description. But it’s not just Italian food you can indulge in, there are also American dishes to suit your flavor-filled fantasy.
One appetizer overflowing with flavor is the Shrimp Saganaki. Greek-style sautéed jumbo shrimp is bathed in a white wine broth with feta cheese, olives and fresh tomatoes atop Italian bread. This dish is a symphony of flavors that will wow your senses.
The Lobster Ravioli is also sheer bliss. It comes with plump Maine lobster meat and four cheeses, in a wonderful tomato-vodka lobster sauce. Sweet peas add a perfect pop of freshness.
Equally irresistible is the Coconut Crusted Mahi Mahi. With a light crust, bold flavors, augmented by mango, it’s served with zucchini, yellow squash and carrots.
It’s easy to see why Caffe Luna Rosa has won so many prestigious awards. They were voted the number one Italian Restaurant by the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce twice and have garnered the Certificate of Excellence Award many times from both Trip Advisor and OpenTable.
They are also known as the “Best Oceanfront” and “Best Out-door Dining” dining experience. Locals insist it’s the most delicious homemade food on the planet.
Al agrees.
“Caffe Luna Rosa is great Delray Gem by the beach. You can enjoy the view, nice breezes, sunset, food and a great drink. It was our first time there and it was phenomenal. The service was beyond professional and friendly. We loved it.”
If you are in a meat mood try their Braised Short Ribs. Slow cooked until tender it comes with a rich red wine demi-glace, mas-carpone polenta, and sautéed vegetables. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form. If you are a foodie, this dish will have you dreaming about returning as soon as you leave.
Dessert at Caffe Luna Rosa is not optional. It’s therapy. The Choc-olate Ganache is so good you’ll find yourself marveling at its divine countenance.
Made with bittersweet chocolate mousse layer cake, it’s draped in chocolate ganache and served with fresh whip cream, Nutella sauce, strawberries, and blueberries. It’s truly Prozac for the soul.
Caffe Luna Rosa’s brunch is also legendary. It’s so popular that they recently served 550 brunches in one day. Sunday mornings at this oceanside restaurant feel like a community celebration.
Whether you choose the Maine Lobster Eggs Benedict with homemade hollandaise, French Toast with warm maple syrup, or Cannoli Cream Belgian Waffle drizzled with caramel, you’ll under-stand why diners are exuberant in their praise.
“Caffe Luna Rosa never disappoints! Beautiful ocean view, welcoming atmosphere, and delicious food. The Watermelon Mimosa and Cannoli Cream Belgian Waffle were amazing!”
Other favorites include Pesce Francaise with Yellowtail Snapper, Lump Crab Stuffed Lemon Sole with lobster sauce, and an Apple-wood Bacon Cheddar Burger with parmesan truffle fries.
“These dishes remind people of the small restaurants they’ve eaten at in Italy,” says Ernie. “I want to give them the sweet gift of memories.”
Founder Fran Marincola’s father wanted the same thing. He was in the food business and taught his son Fran that quality ingredients were of utmost importance in establishing a great restaurant.
They adhere to this sage advice to this day.
Herbs are freshly cut. veal is hand-pounded, and sauces are made from scratch. Pasta is fresh and they roast their own coffee beans, bake their own bread and prepare desserts like Picasso had a hand in it.
The wine list is so vast that they’ve won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 15 times.
The wood paneled interior adds warmth and serenity, and the elevated open-air dining room offers views of the Atlantic ocean and optional outdoor seating every day.
Caffe Luna Rosa doesn’t just defy the ordinary, it delivers the extraordinary. It’s a beacon of authenticity in a world of shortcuts. A place where meals are prepared to order, where an award-winning chef is always in the kitchen, and where the food is prepared with passion, precision and perfection.
If life should be punctuated by fine wine, friends, and freshly made food, then Caffe Luna Rosa is utopia.
Caffe Luna Rosa makes every day feel like a celebration. Some call it transcendent. Others simply refer to it as their happy place.
Come see what’s cooking!
CAFFE LUNA ROSA 34 South Ocean Blvd.
561-274-9404
caffelunarosa.com
Valet parking available
