After the all the hard work that went into preparing the perfect Thanksgiving meal, and the extended family set to return at the end of this month, the holiday season is the perfect time to take a break from the kitchen and explore some of the amazing dining options available right here in Wellington. From new restaurants guaranteed to tempt your palate, to popular longtime establishments you’ll want to return to again and again, we’ve gathered a list of places to visit for a great meal this festive season. Raise a glass and toast to a tasty end to 2018!
The Trophy Room 12300 South Shore Blvd., Mizner Place, Wellington www.trophyroomrestaurant.com
One of the most anticipated new restaurants opening this season in Wellington will be the Trophy Room. Currently nearing completion in the Mizner Place plaza on South Shore Blvd., the Trophy Room is the brainchild of Rob Gray and Teddy Vlock of T&R Restaurant Group. The Trophy Room is taking over the location of longtime Wellington hotspot the Grille Fashion Cuisine. Major renovations include a new dining room, bar and lounge. In addition, the Trophy Room will offer private dining for up to 35 and outdoor seating on the garden terrace. The design is modern and cozy with an eye toward the late-night crowd. Guests will be treated to sleek and plush furniture designed to evoke a nighttime vibe. The menu, designed by Executive Chef Joseph Bonavita Jr., will draw from New American cuisine and small plates designed to be shared. For more info., call (561) 793-2110 or visit ww.trophyroomrestaurant.com.
Kaluz Restaurant 2025 Wellington Green Drive, Wellington www.kaluzrestaurant.com
After establishing itself on the Intracoastal in Fort Lauderdale, Kaluz Restaurant recently opened a second location right here in Wellington — and quickly became a go-to location for a sophisticated lunch or an upscale night out. With its inspired menu of New American cuisine and see-and-be-seen atmosphere, Kaluz is certainly an amazing place to try if you haven’t yet been there. The Wellington restaurant features a sleek, modern and clean-looking aesthetic with an open 45-table dining room, a 35-seat island bar and 15 tables on a covered outside seating area. Those dining at the restaurant have views of calming waterfall features, the open-exhibition kitchen and the many architectural focal points throughout the facility. Kaluz Restaurant serves up lunch, happy hour, dinner and Sunday brunch. For more information, call (561) 784-5500 or visit www.kaluzrestaurant.com.
Lemongrass Bistro 10312 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 204, Wellington www.lemongrassasianbistro.com
Lemongrass Asian Bistro arrived in Wellington earlier this year to rave reviews. The first Lemongrass Asian Bistro opened in 2006, and in just a decade, has grown to include locations in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and now Wellington. The Wellington location is in the Mall at Wellington Green. Lemongrass prides itself on not simply serving a meal, but also offering a unique dining experience that includes new and innovative Asian-inspired dishes. The specialty of the house is the handcrafted dumplings, which are made daily and served with homemade sauce. Enjoy them steamed or pan-fried in a variety of styles. The restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients providing dishes with unique flavors. The same stylistic approach is also used with their sushi and unique cocktails. For more information, visit www.lemongrassasianbistrowellington.com or call (561) 459-1598.
Olis Fashion Cuisine 10610 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 20, Wellington www.olisfashioncuisine.com
Oli’s Fashion Cuisine shares its namesake with the Village of Wellington — pre-development landowner Charles Oliver Wellington. Located in Wellington Green Square in front of the Mall at Wellington Green, the restaurant pays homage to Wellington’s agricultural heritage by using the finest local ingredients and flavors. The restaurant is both modern and sophisticated as co-owners Dustin Parfitt and Juan Gando have been bringing Palm Beach-style dining to Wellington since 2010. One of Wellington’s most popular hotspots, it is a favorite with snowbirds, tourists and locals alike. The cuisine served at Oli’s is both fashionable and delicious, while the restaurant itself affords local residents the perfect meeting spot and nightlife without having to venture far from home. Enjoy your meal in the upscale dining room or at the comfortable outside bistro. For more info., call (561) 792-2220 or visit www.olisfashioncuisine.com.
The Beauty And The Beeeef 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 239, Wellington www.thebeautyandthebeeeef.com
The Beauty and the Beeef, located in the Mall at Wellington Green, is a top contender for the best burgers in Wellington. The restaurant is a great spot to party with friends and watch any number of sporting events while sampling the amazing food, such as the oversized burgers it is known for, tasty Kool-Aid pickles, crunchy and gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, and Canadian favorites, such as poutine. The location is unlike any other in the western communities, and its design was inspired by its founder, a designer and skateboarder with a passion for punk and alternative music. With expert bar mixology on full display served in eclectic mason jars, the Beauty and the Beeeef is not just a place to eat and drink, but to live. For more information, call (561) 612-4511 or visit www.thebeautyandthebeeef.com.
Catania Italian Restaurant 4115 State Road 7 in the Marketplace at Wycliffe www.cataniarestaurant.com
Catania Italian Restaurant serves up traditional Italian family-style dining. This type of dining experience has become difficult to find as the way families eat out has changed. Large portions of Italian fare are eagerly served up by the friendly staff within Catania’s Marketplace at Wycliffe location on State Road 7 at Lake Worth Road. The individual and family-style menus feature traditional Italian dishes passed down from family recipes, as well as pizza and calzones. Guests can be seated inside in the main dining room, outside on the quiet patio or in the lively bar area. Live entertainment is routinely offered at the restaurant to give couples young and old a complete night out of dining and celebrating all in a single venue. For more information, call (561) 355-5900 or visit www.cataniarestaurant.com.
Champions Bistro 400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington www.wellingtonnationalgolfclub.com
Champions Bistro opened earlier this year as the new full-service restaurant at the Wellington National Golf Club on Binks Forest Drive. The restaurant allows diners the option of either a classy night out or a casual place to gather with friends. Champions Bistro offers both indoor and outdoor dining, with the outdoor seating located on a travertine terrace known as the 18th Overlook. Interior features of the venue include an open-air kitchen, as well as bold colors, and ample table and booth seating. The menu offers traditional American cuisine with signature and vegetarian dishes to enjoy. Champions Bistro also boasts a full-size bar where guests can relax with friends and family within the sophisticated setting of the Wellington National Golf Club. For more information, or to learn about membership opportunities, visit www.wellingtonnationalgolfclub.com or call (561) 333-5731.
La Fogata 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 28, Wellington www.lafogatawellington.com
La Fogata Mexican Cuisine opened its doors in Wellington’s Town Square plaza in 2004. Since then, it has established itself as one of the best spots in the area for authentic Mexican food. The dishes are derived from family recipes that originate from Mexico and, when combined with only the freshest ingredients, emphasize an authentic Mexican flavor. A meal at La Fogata begins with complimentary chips and mild salsa, to which you can also add freshly made guacamole, queso dip or bean dip. When it comes time to order, if you’re new to the menu, try the Carne Asada or the Sopa de Mariscos. Dinner pairs well with La Fogata’s homemade slushy margaritas. While the restaurant has a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, La Fogata is the ideal place for an entire family to enjoy lunch or dinner in a friendly setting. For more information, call (561) 422-1641 or visit www.lafogatawellington.com.
Casa Tequila 12795 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington www.greatmexicancuisine.com
Located in the Wellington Plaza at the corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace, Casa Tequila prides itself on serving authentic Mexican cuisine and cocktails. The restaurant has an atmosphere that is both friendly and lively — and that is best exemplified during dinner and weekends, when a full mariachi band performs. Casa Tequila serves up appetizers that are great for sharing before partaking in one of the traditional Mexican dishes on the menu, such as the sizzling fajitas. Can’t make up your mind? Try one of the combination plates. Be sure to also try one of the margaritas, and no meal is complete without enjoying the restaurant’s homemade sweet and rich flan for dessert. Casa Tequila is a family-owned restaurant affiliated with a number of other Mexican eateries in South Florida. For more information, call (561) 557-1378 or visit www.greatmexicancuisine.com.
Wellington Trace Tavern 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington www.wttavern.com
The Wellington Trace Tavern has a new chef and owners who have created an eclectic new design for both the restaurant and the menu. Located in the original Wellington Mall, the restaurant is now half tavern and half warm wood restaurant. The menu features creative offerings that really garner the accolades and return customer visits. Among the more uncommon dishes at the restaurant is duck, which has become difficult to find on menus in recent years, but nevertheless has taken center stage on dinner plates at Wellington Trace Tavern. Also popular is the New York strip steak flashed with a signature bourbon glaze. The restaurant is perfect for dining with friends and family to sample either more creative choices or standard fare like burgers with onion rings. Check out the restaurant for its cozy atmosphere, great food and stellar service. For more information, call (561) 469-1109 or visit www.wttavern.com.
