Diving In to the New Dishes at Elisabetta's

The patio at Elisabetta's in West Palm Beach

By GERRY BARKER
Photos by Gerry Barker

Whenever Pam and I have a craving for Italian, our first thought is Elisabetta's, the Ristorante, Bar and Pizzeria with locations in downtown West Palm Beach and Delray Beach. And when we read they have added new seasonal items to the menu, that cinched it.

After arriving at the West Palm Beach location, located waterside at Flagler and Banyan, we chose to sit outdoors on their romantic patio -- and why not? It was another day in paradise in the Palm Beaches.

It didn't take us long to realize we had the same table we occupied on a previous visit in February, a fact soon verified when our server, Luca, greeted us and welcomed us back. The same server and the same table, what are the chances? Plus what a memory! This time around, Luca was assisted by Mostafa.

After studying the menu, we landed on two of new items: The Rossa Ricotta Pizza ($18.50 and the  Tagliarini Al Limone ($20).

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Rossa Ricotta Pizza

First came the pizza. Somewhat similar to a Margarita pizza, it's made with Neapolitan-style dough and features marinara, fresh basil, Calabrian oregano and house-made ricotta, drizzled with hot honey. The fresh ingredients came through in every bite, and the thin crust was just the way I like it. But the real star was that hot honey. "Magnifico," as they say in Italy.

Tagliarini Al Limone

Then they brought out the Tagliarini Al Limone. Featuring fresh cut, tagliarini pasta (a ribbon pasta that is like linguine, only thinner) it included mascarpone, yellow tomatoes, parmigiana, chopped pistachios and micro basil, prepared with a Meyer lemon.

After the first bite, we both had a big smile, and kept smiling right to the end. It really was like a piece of Italian heaven. The lemon flavor wasn't overpowering, and all the ingredients blened perfectly, like singers in an Italian opera.

Hopefully Culinary Director Lisabet Summa will find a permanent place for these on her menu. We are already planning our next visit. Luca -- you know what to do.

Elisabetta's is located at 32 East Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach and 185 Banyan Boulevard, West Palm \Beach. ​

Luca, left, and Mostafa