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14252
Café L’Europe
Restaurant
7
Formal
CUISINE
ContinentalHOURS
Winter: Mon.: 12:00pm-2:30pm; Tue.-Sun: 12:00pm-2:30pm, 6:00pm-9:30pm; Summer: Tue.: 6:00pm-9:30pm; Wed.-Fri.: 12:00pm-2:30pm, 6:00pm-9:30pm; Sat.-Sun.: 6:00pm-9:30pm; Mon.: ClosedBEST FOR
Lunch; dinnerRESERVATIONS
EssentialBAR
YesYEAR OPENED
1980PRICE (APPETIZER; ENTRÉE)
USD 15-45; USD 30-50NOISE
MediumFAMOUS PLATES
Weiner schnitzel; apple pancakesDRINKS AND WINE
Voluminous international wine list; many wines by the glass# OF SEATS
150-200OUTDOOR DINING?
NoPRIVATE ROOM AVAILABLE?
Yes
VIBE
The doyenne of the Palm Beach restaurant scene. Ever since well-connected restaurateurs Lidia and Norbert Goldner opened this famously formal establishment in 1980, a steady stream of celebs (among them Jackie O.) and society dames has paraded through the chandelier- and mirror-laden dining room, making Café L’Europe a permanent fixture of the gossip columns and a must-visit for anyone who wants in with the city’s clubby (and graying) in-crowd. Things have relaxed a bit over the years (the waiters are no longer tuxedoed, fresh flowers have replaced staid centerpieces, and–whisper it–the dress code is relaxed in the off-season), but the pan-European fare remains as superb as ever. While large, the restaurant is divided into a series of rooms so that it never feels too overwhelming or impersonal. The bistro area in the front is marginally mellower, through you’d still cause a scandal if you turned up in shorts.
CROWD
The swanky set: socialites, titans of industry, and even royalty (or, at least, aristocracy).
WHAT WE WOULD WEAR
It’s très upscale. We’d break out the heirloom gems and the designer labels, especially on weekends during The Season. Jackets are de rigueur for men. Lunch is more relaxed, and business casual works just fine.
GO HERE WITH
A date; parents or grandparents; colleagues
WHY WE LIKE IT
The best spot in town to connect with the rarefied Palm Beach society scene. (And the food is pretty nice, too.)
WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE
It’s pricey! Also, the service can falter when it’s busy.
GOOD TO KNOW
Café L’Europe offers lots of deals, like a USD 25 prix fixe lunch and “bring your own wine” nights with no corkage charges. These vary throughout the year, so check the current deals when you make your reservation.
CLOSEST COMPS
Bice (Palm Beach); Café Boulud (Palm Beach)
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