The Regional Kitchen & Public House

The Regional Kitchen & Public House is an absolute gem of a restaurant located at CityPlace in West Palm Beach.  We stopped in to check it out nearly a year ago, impressed with the elegant yet rustic feel of the place.   We agreed it would be worth a meal there.  Regrettably, we didn't partake until our two day's late Valentine's Day dinner last month. 

From the front entrance there's a decent side bar off to the left and a large private room to the right, past the dining area.  It was packed.  Reservations seem to be necessary.

We began the meal with the tomato pie (seen above).  A generous layering of roasted tomatoes are supplanted by sharp cheddar, caramelized onions, and herb aioli.  It was even better than it looks or reads.  Way better than what in print might sound like a mere flatbread.  Our very helpful waiter recommended this "From the Pantry" starter and remarked that it is their most photographed offering.  So, hence...

My entree: the grilled snapper, which is served atop a large banana leaf.  Salsa verde covers the fish and an assortment of market veggies.  Very good.  My wife ordered the cobia, which was surrounded by gnocchi, ham, pea greens, and oyster mushrooms.  Many dishes have a Southern bent, such as the pickled shrimp and low country boil.  Old Bay seasoning can be found in some of the broths.  The ingredients are farm to table.

Dessert? Dark chocolate pie with a side of citrus sorbet.  It was small but "mighty" as our waiter promised.

As its name might suggest, The Regional does in fact have the local feel of a homey yet upscale neighborhood eatery.  Carolinian Lindsay Autry is the house chef, previously a finalist on the T.V. program Top Chef.  She quite successfully blends Mediterranean and more domestic styles seamlessly in combinations that might sound iffy but by all reports have been delightful.  We'll be back to try more of 'em.

The Regional Kitchen & Public House
651 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL  33401
(561) 557-6460
eatregional.com