Local Favorites
It began with Renato’s, the romantic and gastronomically astute restaurant that debuted in 1987 and is still going strong.
“Renato’s, with its classic Caprese menu, is a special place, full of charm,” says José Luis Duran, son of founder Renato Desiderio’s vivacious widow Arlene, who started working for his late stepfather at the restaurant as a teenager. He is now the managing partner and owner with his mother of the Al Fresco Hospitality Group, which operates Renato’s, as well as Via Mizner’s wildly popular and more casual Pizza Al Fresco; Piccolo Mondo, a takeout Window behind Renato’s that caters to workers, locals and others looking for a quick, but scrumptious bite for lunch; Piccolo Gelato, a nearby ice cream counter; Al Fresco, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner atop the clubhouse at the Palm Beach Par 3 golf course; and Acqua Cafe, the Al Fresco Group’s most recent venture, characterized as a seaside neighborhood Italian bistro on the town’s once sleepy and underserved South End.
Renato and Arlene Desiderio
The emphasis at each location is on high-quality food and good service, Duran explains. “We try to stay current, yet honor tradition, and make sure that our customers feel comfortable and cared for.” That each place has a decidedly Italian accent makes sense to him. “Italian cuisine is popular globally,” he notes. It’s simple and familiar to most people.
“The chefs are allowed to express themselves, of course, so that each of our restaurants has a distinct selection. All share our insistence on fresh quality ingredients and good service,” says Duran. “We have wonderful venues,” he continues. “It’s all about maintaining a level of consistency.” Duran recognizes that locals and visitors in Palm Beach are citizens of the world, who have sophisticated palettes and appreciate kind and gentle service that’s focused on pleasing them.
Renato’s
The restaurants have many loyal customers. Palm Beach attorney David Roth, who dined at Renato’s on opening night 36 years ago, has been and continues to be impressed with the “superb” food, ambiance “beyond compare,” and “extraordinary” service there, which extends to Pizza Al Fresco and the ocean-view Al Fresco.
Palm Beach Insurance pro Jack Flagg, who has also been a regular at Renato’s since its inception, calls the restaurant and its sister establishments “first class.” He adds, “José Luis and Arlene are very accommodating and are, importantly, valued contributors to the community.”
The terrace at Pizza Al Fresco
Retired entrepreneur Mark Goldman, a seasonal visitor since the 1990s, who has had a Palm Beach home for about 15 years, admires the European ambiance and excellent service at Renato’s and Pizza Al Fresco. Goldman calls the Martinis at Renato’s “great,” and is a fan of the restaurant’s octopus appetizer. He believes Acqua Café is a lovely addition to an area of town that was “begging for somewhere quite good” to have dinner.
The signature Al Fresco pizza dish at Pizza Al Fresco.
Finance executive Cliff Viner of Gulfstream has been a Renato’s regular for more than a decade. “It is the best dining experience in Palm Beach County,” he raves. “The food is beautifully and finely done no matter what you order.”
“Our story is a vivid illustration of how personal dedication intertwined with strong family values can elevate simple establishments to community cornerstones,” states Arlene Desiderio. “Our thriving success is equally a reflection of our Palm Beach community, which has embraced and upheld our commitment to these values, fostering places where meals become meaningful and every guest feels they are part of our extended family.
Confit at Renato’s.