When it comes to dining out in South Florida, there are so many options that the choice can seem almost overwhelming.
Finding an Italian restaurant, however, narrows the options down a bit more, but uncovering an iconic Chicago favorite that recently planted its roots in Boca Raton limits it to just one.
If you aren’t familiar yet with Mia Rosebud, here’s your formal introduction.
The Palm Beach County restaurant opened last year and has since become a popular mainstay serving up enormous portions of home-cooked favorites like baked clams, sausage and peppers, lollipop lamb chops, and meatballs in polenta.
The restaurant group, Rosebud Restaurants, has been dishing out hearty portions for nearly 50 years when they got their initial start in Chicago, thanks to legendary restaurateur Alex Dana. (The Boca Raton location is the tenth restaurant and their first venture outside of Illinois).
What makes this location so special is its comfortable dining room that seamlessly transitions between the bustling bar and open kitchen. There is also a 30-seat patio with an outdoor bar for diners looking to enjoy alfresco dining.
We recommend starting off with one of their classic cocktails, like a limoncello spritz or an expertly prepared gin martini or a generous pour of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio.
Be sure to pair it up with one of their specialty appetizers, like an overstuffed crab cake overflowing with fresh jumbo lump crab meat or an order of their colossal (and we do mean ginormous) shrimp cocktail accompanied by a side of extra hot horseradish to kick it up a notch.
There is a nice selection of salads here that include everything from classic Caprese and Caesar to an eggplant stack and a Chicago meatball salad.
When it comes to entrees, the easily approachable menu here is divided into simple categories that include pastas, prime steaks and chops, and Italian specialties.
Their signature Bolognese dish is made with both beef and veal for extra flavor tossed in a tangy tomato sauce with handmade Mafaldine ribbon-shaped pasta. We couldn’t resist sampling a side of “Mama’s” delicious meatballs (two per order are designed for sharing).
While you may not think of incredible Italian food and standout steaks being served up under the same roof, Mia Rosebud has set out to prove each dish the kitchen churns out is going to be a memorable one.
Their 16-ounce USDA filet (dubbed The Carmine) was perfectly charred, uber tender, and even more flavorful served on the bone.
Be sure to enhance any of their steaks (think skirt steaks, Wagyu sirloin, or the enormous 24-ounce Delmonico) with an add-on of a six-ounce lobster tail or jumbo shrimp. Specialty side dishes should also not be missed. We recommend sharing the roasted broccoli and spinach, loaded baked potato, or steakhouse hashbrowns.
Dessert offerings include tiramisu, coconut cake, chocolate mousse cake, and their famous Rosebud cheesecake, if you can save room.
Mia Rosebud is located at 150 E. Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton, Florida.
