Chef Angelo Romano of Paradiso takes over Renzo’s of Boca

Fans of Paradiso Ristorante in Lake Worth, it’s time to rejoice, as Chef/Owner Angelo Romano has just taken over the reigns at Renzo’s of Boca, along with Milan native Marco Turano.  (Don’t worry, as he’s at both Paradiso and Renzo’s now). Located on Federal Highway, just north of Yamato Road, Renzo’s of Boca now offers a combination of classic dishes that the regular patrons of Renzo’s are familiar with,  and modern additions that offer a new perspective on fresh, bold Italian flavors.  These include a variety of Chef Angelo’s specialty dishes — some of which came directly from Paradiso and others that were created especially for the new menu at Renzo’s of Boca.

Since we’ve been fans of Angelo’s for nearly a decade now, we were thrilled to be invited into his new place to get a preview of the “new” Renzo’s of Boca — and once inside, we felt right at home — and the early Renaissance art dotting the walls, the sounds of the countryside and sweet aroma just added to the effect. After being greeted with a specialty cocktail (they even have an Egg Nog Martini for the holidays) and mingling with the group in the small bar area, we were seated at our table, as our tasting would soon begin.

Highlights on the new menu include: a thinly sliced Yellow Fin Tuna Carpaccio with capers, peppers, olives and Cornichons ($18);  a plate of Fiochetti con Pera ($16/$26), made with pear stuffed pasta and a rich gorgonzola and walnut cream sauce; an al dente Risotto Frutti di Mare ($18/$33) with an assortment of fresh clams, mussels, shrimp and scallops; a tender Pistachio Encrusted Branzino (mkt) served with a champagne mustard sauce; and the soon-to-be-a-house-favorite Polpette di Vitello con Ricotta ($7/ea), a veal meatball served with sheep ricotta cheese.

You’ll notice that Angelo’s newest venture is a touch more casual (and economical) than Paradiso, but the dishes will remain of high quality. As for seating, the restaurant has three main areas in which you can dine — an al fresco patio area, a piano bar and a more formal dining room setting — and each will give you a different dining experience.  After our first visit, we were quite impressed and we’re already counting down until our next visit.

Renzo’s of Boca is located at 5999 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton and is open for daily for lunch (from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and dinner (from 5:30 to 10 p.m.). Live music is offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. For reservations, call (561) 994-3495.