prime catch—700 E. Woolbright Road. Seafood. Fresh seafood, prepared simply and with care, is at the heart of this popular restaurant with a pleasant view of the Intracoastal. There are contemporary dishes as well, but it’s tough to get past the simple pleasures of full-belly clams, fried sweet and crispy, or a perfectly grilled piece of mahi or first-rate bouillabaisse overflowing with tender fish and shellfish. Don’t miss the Key lime pie; it’s one of the best around. • Lunch and dinner daily, Sunday brunch. 561/737-8822. $$ sushi simon—1614 S. Federal Highway. Japanese/sushi. Simon says this small, modest sushi bar in a nothing-much strip mall serves some of freshest and finest raw fish around. It’s already been discovered by local sushi-philes, who gladly jam the long, narrow dining room for a taste of such impeccable nigirizushi as hamachi, tilefish and uni (only available in season), as well as more elaborate dishes like the sublime snowy grouper Morimoto and opulent tuna tartare. Creative and even more elaborate rolls are a specialty, and
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while some can be an overwhelming mélange of tastes and textures, others—like the elegant South Beach Roll—are more balanced. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/731-1819. $$
Lake worth couco pazzo—915-917 Lake Ave. Italian. Despite the name, there’s nothing crazy about the cooking at this homey restaurant. It’s the hearty, soul-satisfying Italian cuisine we’ve all come to know and love. Spaghetti Bolognese is a fine version of a Northern Italian classic; house-smoked mozzarella—breaded, fried and presented with a tangy tomato-basil fondue—is equally tasty. • Dinner nightly. (Mon.–Sat. May to Oct.). 561/585-0320. $$ fiorentina—707 Lake Ave. Italian. Though it may seem like the last thing we need is one more Italian restaurant, this cozy, casual eatery fills a niche that will make you glad it’s around. It’s a niche marked by modest prices, a menu with
more than just the most familiar Italian culinary suspects, and an easy-going ambience that’s more like that of a familiar neighborhood bar. Burrata imported from Puglia is a luscious part of caprese salad. Giant shrimp with white beans is a fine rendition of a Tuscan classic. Chicken cooked under a brick and the signature rigatoni alla Bucaiola are worthy contenders , as is the airy ricotta cheesecake. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/588-9707. $$
paradiso ristorante—625 Lucerne Ave. Italian. A Tomasz Rut mural dominates the main dining room, and there is also a pasticceria and bar for gelato and espresso. Chef Angelo Romano offers a modern Italian menu. The wild striped sea bass is definitely a must-try. Plus, the wine list is a veritable tome. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/547-2500. $$$
safire asian fusion—817 Lake Ave. PanAsian. This stylish little restaurant offers food that gently marries East and West, plus a roster of
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