Had my birthday diner there Friday evening, forth time I have taken family with me they love it I love it, the food as well as the service, and music was all good a whole lot of City of Brotherly Love brought from South Philly to South Florida. We had drinks at the bar after diner, Joey and Donny are the perfect hosts Sonny G 6/26/15
(5)
Justin T.
Everything was top notch. Had the poached pear stuffed pasta dish, forget name but was told it is there number one dish. It was incredible! Cesar salad was a Cesar salad, nothing crazy. Clams fresh and tasty, great wine list and friendly atmosphere.
(5)
Lisa M.
Best baked clams I've ever had! Also the shrimp and Caesar flatbread was amazing! I'd go again!
(4)
Mitchell M.
Had a somewhat good meal here mixed in with some disappointments. Started with meeting youthful inexperienced hostesses that tried to sit us by the front door. Protesting to them they said all the other (70% vacant) tables had reservations. By the way, we had reservations also. They then sat us across from the table by the front entrance but it wasn't the second worst table in the restaurant as the table to the west of us had a column that would literally dig into a 4th seater's chair while obstructing diner no. 2. So what could we do ? Walk out ? No I wanted to try this place. So we opted for bad table #3. By the way the next two groups that were ushered to the front and 2nd worst table complained and one was moved to a far better one (after complaining about their second move to the "column" table). (Suggestion get rid of those three tables obviously the majority of prospective diners have an issue with them). Started with the fried meatballs with arugula, endive and grape tomatoes. The meatballs were excellent (I love fried meatballs and which is relatively hard to come by) but the salad accompaniment did not work. The bitterness of the endives overpowered the dish. Additionally the grape type tomatoes were of the lowest quality being 1/3 the size of normal grape tomatoes more green than red in color and hard. Had the penne arrabiatta as our second course which was phenomenal. It was very spicy just the way I love it and the noodles were cooked perfectly al dente. I was disappointed in the Chicken parm and side spaghetti as a result of the red sauce which I found bitter. Had an adjoining broccoli rabe which had an off blanched color which after a few bites my wife kindly suggested that I should stop eating even though broccoli rabe is suppose to have a bitterness but I think she found it sour in tasting. To go with the Italian theme it would be cool to have more of an Italian wait staff thing but regardless no big deal. Boca is a challenging place to find anything different than white bread and mayonnaise, that's what makes Boca - Boca. By the time we left the bar was cranking a good sign and the restaurant was filling up. I will try this place again and see to what degree it improves.
(3)
John A.
This place is what italian food is all about! We dined last night and i couldn't wait to write a review today. The food was outstanding and if i wasn't in public i would have cleaned all 4 dishes we ordered. The group started with escarole and beans and meatballs, the starters were banging and tasted super authentic. For dinner i had the veal south philly and it was perfect. Our guests had a bolognese and the carbonara and they loved it as well. I was thrilled with the service from our Belgium waiter and the gal behind the bar. We shall return and probably soon.
(5)
Alexandra B.
A new, nice place on the East Boca map. The food is fantastic. Just like Mama would make if she were your Mama. Excellent wine list. Great staff. Everyone is helpful and gracious.
(5)
George M.
Location, food, staff, vibe are very near the top of anyone's list but a recent visit definitely sets this place apart. Bad news was a computer problem accidentally lost our reservation, normally a complete disaster. This is where the 5 stars factor in, not only did they accommodate us in a professional and expeditious way but they promised we would have a good time and of course they delivered. Food was very good, service out of this world & even though the place was extremely busy the staff did an amazing job getting us satisfied. Please visit this place because although they are relatively new they have their act together. Can't wait to revisit and enjoy the restaurant again
(5)
Jorge S.
Dont waste your money!The food is horrible.The service is very poor.Two servers run all the tables while the other servers watch.Theres no teamwork.The manager doesnt exist.The owner is never there.Who runs this place?Go to Trattoria Romana for real Italian food.
(1)
Mitch A.
The bar is nice and the restaurant looks good. This was our first visit. The food was pizzeria quality at fine dining prices. My wife had Shrimp Fra Diavlo. Sauce was bland. I had Veal Marsala. Sauce was average. Veal was tough. Food really sub-par. We might go back for a drink but won't be eating there again. Two entrees and two glasses of wine came to $106.00 without tip. Its annoying to get sub-par food at this price point.
(2)
Jon S.
Merlino's feels like the disco scene out of Steve Martin's movie the Jerk. We arrived for our 8:30 res and they didn't have a table for us, they asked us to go to the bar and it should 10 minutes. The decor seems old even though the place is new. The bar was overcrowded with older socialites eating dinner and having PDA making it difficult to obtain a drink. There was a DJ in the corner pumping 70s music for some reason. We ordered two martinis squeezing past seated patrons, the bar staff was courteous but her martini was not very good and she said "I ran out of blue cheese olives, so here they are with regular". Not sure why she didn't have new ones made, but okay. We had one more uncomfortable explanation by hostess as to why she couldn't seat us, apparently there was only 1 table for us in the entire place and previous party wouldn't get up. By 9:15 we were sufficiently annoyed so we made a res at a new restaurant and made our way out. Place seems like the cool college hangout for 60-70 year olds.
(1)
Margo S.
Worst service and really sub par food. When we complained to the manager, he took 100 dollars off the bill and then the waiter came over to tell us that he knew we complained about bad service (could you imagine?). On our way out, we ran into three couples who were all complaining... Do yourself a favor and don't go here. Bad management. Any positive review is clearly written by a stakeholder or friend of the owner.
(1)
Jason M.
Excellent food. Good service. Good drinks. Temperature was a little bit cold inside. I'd say it's the best Italian in Boca Raton.
(5)
Ann S.
Tonight was our first night at Merlinos for dinner. Kyle is a professional bar manager that truly cares.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Valet Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Sonny G.
Had my birthday diner there Friday evening, forth time I have taken family with me they love it I love it, the food as well as the service, and music was all good a whole lot of City of Brotherly Love brought from South Philly to South Florida. We had drinks at the bar after diner, Joey and Donny are the perfect hosts Sonny G 6/26/15
(5)Justin T.
Everything was top notch. Had the poached pear stuffed pasta dish, forget name but was told it is there number one dish. It was incredible! Cesar salad was a Cesar salad, nothing crazy. Clams fresh and tasty, great wine list and friendly atmosphere.
(5)Lisa M.
Best baked clams I've ever had! Also the shrimp and Caesar flatbread was amazing! I'd go again!
(4)Mitchell M.
Had a somewhat good meal here mixed in with some disappointments. Started with meeting youthful inexperienced hostesses that tried to sit us by the front door. Protesting to them they said all the other (70% vacant) tables had reservations. By the way, we had reservations also. They then sat us across from the table by the front entrance but it wasn't the second worst table in the restaurant as the table to the west of us had a column that would literally dig into a 4th seater's chair while obstructing diner no. 2. So what could we do ? Walk out ? No I wanted to try this place. So we opted for bad table #3. By the way the next two groups that were ushered to the front and 2nd worst table complained and one was moved to a far better one (after complaining about their second move to the "column" table). (Suggestion get rid of those three tables obviously the majority of prospective diners have an issue with them). Started with the fried meatballs with arugula, endive and grape tomatoes. The meatballs were excellent (I love fried meatballs and which is relatively hard to come by) but the salad accompaniment did not work. The bitterness of the endives overpowered the dish. Additionally the grape type tomatoes were of the lowest quality being 1/3 the size of normal grape tomatoes more green than red in color and hard. Had the penne arrabiatta as our second course which was phenomenal. It was very spicy just the way I love it and the noodles were cooked perfectly al dente. I was disappointed in the Chicken parm and side spaghetti as a result of the red sauce which I found bitter. Had an adjoining broccoli rabe which had an off blanched color which after a few bites my wife kindly suggested that I should stop eating even though broccoli rabe is suppose to have a bitterness but I think she found it sour in tasting. To go with the Italian theme it would be cool to have more of an Italian wait staff thing but regardless no big deal. Boca is a challenging place to find anything different than white bread and mayonnaise, that's what makes Boca - Boca. By the time we left the bar was cranking a good sign and the restaurant was filling up. I will try this place again and see to what degree it improves.
(3)John A.
This place is what italian food is all about! We dined last night and i couldn't wait to write a review today. The food was outstanding and if i wasn't in public i would have cleaned all 4 dishes we ordered. The group started with escarole and beans and meatballs, the starters were banging and tasted super authentic. For dinner i had the veal south philly and it was perfect. Our guests had a bolognese and the carbonara and they loved it as well. I was thrilled with the service from our Belgium waiter and the gal behind the bar. We shall return and probably soon.
(5)Alexandra B.
A new, nice place on the East Boca map. The food is fantastic. Just like Mama would make if she were your Mama. Excellent wine list. Great staff. Everyone is helpful and gracious.
(5)George M.
Location, food, staff, vibe are very near the top of anyone's list but a recent visit definitely sets this place apart. Bad news was a computer problem accidentally lost our reservation, normally a complete disaster. This is where the 5 stars factor in, not only did they accommodate us in a professional and expeditious way but they promised we would have a good time and of course they delivered. Food was very good, service out of this world & even though the place was extremely busy the staff did an amazing job getting us satisfied. Please visit this place because although they are relatively new they have their act together. Can't wait to revisit and enjoy the restaurant again
(5)Jorge S.
Dont waste your money!The food is horrible.The service is very poor.Two servers run all the tables while the other servers watch.Theres no teamwork.The manager doesnt exist.The owner is never there.Who runs this place?Go to Trattoria Romana for real Italian food.
(1)Mitch A.
The bar is nice and the restaurant looks good. This was our first visit. The food was pizzeria quality at fine dining prices. My wife had Shrimp Fra Diavlo. Sauce was bland. I had Veal Marsala. Sauce was average. Veal was tough. Food really sub-par. We might go back for a drink but won't be eating there again. Two entrees and two glasses of wine came to $106.00 without tip. Its annoying to get sub-par food at this price point.
(2)Jon S.
Merlino's feels like the disco scene out of Steve Martin's movie the Jerk. We arrived for our 8:30 res and they didn't have a table for us, they asked us to go to the bar and it should 10 minutes. The decor seems old even though the place is new. The bar was overcrowded with older socialites eating dinner and having PDA making it difficult to obtain a drink. There was a DJ in the corner pumping 70s music for some reason. We ordered two martinis squeezing past seated patrons, the bar staff was courteous but her martini was not very good and she said "I ran out of blue cheese olives, so here they are with regular". Not sure why she didn't have new ones made, but okay. We had one more uncomfortable explanation by hostess as to why she couldn't seat us, apparently there was only 1 table for us in the entire place and previous party wouldn't get up. By 9:15 we were sufficiently annoyed so we made a res at a new restaurant and made our way out. Place seems like the cool college hangout for 60-70 year olds.
(1)Margo S.
Worst service and really sub par food. When we complained to the manager, he took 100 dollars off the bill and then the waiter came over to tell us that he knew we complained about bad service (could you imagine?). On our way out, we ran into three couples who were all complaining... Do yourself a favor and don't go here. Bad management. Any positive review is clearly written by a stakeholder or friend of the owner.
(1)Jason M.
Excellent food. Good service. Good drinks. Temperature was a little bit cold inside. I'd say it's the best Italian in Boca Raton.
(5)Ann S.
Tonight was our first night at Merlinos for dinner. Kyle is a professional bar manager that truly cares.
(2)Dani E.
We had a reservation for dinner but had a drink and apps at the bar before we sat so we could check out their happy hour options. My crab cake was dry and consisted of mostly bread crumbs. My fiancé had the meatball and sausage. The meatball was also extremely dry and crumbled when you cut into it. The sausage had an unusual after taste that wasn't very appealing. Although the food wasn't great, they have a nice bar with lots of seating and our bartender was friendly and attentive. Truthfully, after our dining experience at the bar we should have just left and gone somewhere else - but we didn't. My Parpadelle Bolognese was underwhelming, to say the least. The sauce was watery and under seasoned, looked and tasted nothing like a Bolognese should. We also had the chicken parm thinking it was a safe bet but unfortunately it had the same watery under seasoned sauce that my pasta had. Overall, it was a disappointing and expensive dining experience that was totally not worth it. We will not be going back.
(1)Myrna S.
Great food,great service beautiful restaurant in the heart of Boca Raton with free valet parking!!! DJ on the week ends fun time had by all
(5)