Il Mulino New York - Boca Raton in Boca Raton

Having spent many years writing about food in Italy, I generally set a low bar for Italian restaurants in the States, especially for pasta dishes. Yesterday my party of 3 went to Il Mulino in Boca Raton for a belated Christmas dinner and surprisingly our first course of 2 half orders of pasta (one pappardelle Bolognese and the other cavatelli with sausage and broccoli rabe) were outstanding. Unfortunately, that was as far as it went. Encouraged by our waiter's description of the special, Peruvian seabass over pea puree and topped with caviar, we ended up with 3 tasteless, uninspiring, and expensive main courses that went largely uneaten by all of us. Even taking one order off the bill would have been a gracious gesture, but nothing was offered. Our dinner plus a bottle of $85 wine came to, with tip, $385. A very disappointing end.

Had a great night at Il Mulino tonight! There are many great restaurants in Boca Raton, (including several solid Italian spots that we also enjoy) and my boyfriend and I have been to just about all of them--and Il Mulino stands out among the rest. This was our second time at Il Mulino- from the bread, parm, and tomatoes brought out complimentary right when you arrive to the consistent service throughout- it was a great place to spend an anniversary dinner. Quality all the way through We started off with the octopus appetizer, moved on...

Thanksgiving day.  Mrs. G. and I had just finished a walk on the beach.  Had a hankering for oysters & beer.  Il Mulino is not the first place one would think of, but it was open. The oysters were a solid offering, so we had a couple of appetizers -- Pomodori Bio (tomato salad) and Torre di Melanzana (eggplant parm). That salad -- elegant, refined, subtle -- you could not improve upon it.  And the Torre -- it was the highest and best use of an eggplant.  Rich, savory, satisfying. The service was perfect -- attentive, but not hovering or obsequious. An absolutely delightful lunch.  When the opportunity presents itself, we'll be back for dinner.