Medi Terra, a new western Mediterranean restaurant in Boca Raton, has opened in Royal Palm Place and this is one place to get excited about. The menu features a blend of dishes and flavors from the Western Mediterranean including the countries of Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
The restaurant is owned and operated by father and son team — Chef Michael Velicu and son, Daniel Velicu who work together to not only make your palate dance in delight but make you feel right at home. Chef Michael honed his skills by attending The French Culinary Institute and cooking with top toques including Jacques Pepin and son, Daniel Velicu held prominent food and beverage management positions at Waldorf-Astoria and Hilton. From the moment we approached the door, we were greeted like we were part of the family and the friendly hospitality was consistent throughout the evening.
Expect classic Mediterranean dishes with a unique twist — and if you enjoy dishes like grilled octopus, mussels, and burrata (3 dishes that I always find myself seeking out) — you’ll be in luck, as you’ll find them all perfectly executed on the menu.
Other standouts on the menu include the savory Jamon Serrano and Manchego Cheese Croquettes disguised in the shape of a pear and the Ahi Tuna Tartar with cucumber and julienne fries was perfect on a warm Florida evening.
I’m all for sharing food so being able to enjoy an assortment of tapas was the perfect way to go, but Medi Terra also offers more substantial dishes like Loup de Mar with crispy skin served with squid ink risotto and a confit of mushroom, Chicken Tagine and a Skirt Steak served with Greek lemon potatoes and arugula. I’ll need to go back for those.
Medi Terra is located at Royal Palm Place, 301 Via de Palmas, #99 in Boca Raton. They served lunch (noon to 3 p.m.) and dinner from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. mediterraboca.com