Novello Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Boca Raton

I found a promotion on a local web dining site and decided to give Novello a try. The restaurant sits in a mini strip Plaza along Federal Highway in Boca Raton. First impression upon pulling up was that the location did not immediately hit me as a fine dining spot and would have otherwise been unnoticed if I was just driving by.

I arrived at about 7:30 p.m. on a Wednesday night, and as I approach the door, the owner was saying goodbye to a group of six and everybody was telling him how delicious the food was as they were leaving.

He introduced himself as Marco and welcomed to me to the restaurant with a handshake. I love small service touches like that!

There is ample outdoor patio seating for Alfresco dining, but I opted to eat in the air conditioned restaurant as did everybody else. Inside the restaurant, there were two tables of two and one table of four already dining.

I was by myself and seated at a four top along the wall. My waiter, Noah, came over to take my drink order. Sodas come in a bottle with a per bottle charge, and they also offer fresh-brewed iced tea with free refills. I opted for the iced tea so I didn't have to take a mortgage for all the soda I drink. :-)

Noah came over to offer and describe to me three appetizer specials and three entree specials. A busboy delivered one piece of Bruschetta and a basket of garlic bread made from focaccia and sliced into lengthwise finger sized pieces. I guess I could have asked for more of the bruschetta as they only delivered one piece, but the garlic bread was delicious.

I ordered the eggplant rollatini appetizer ($10) and not wanting another dish with marinara, I asked for something off the menu - Chicken Francese for my main course. They had veal francese on the menu and chicken parmesan so I didn't think it was that much of a stretch. Without question, Noah said they could do it but later Marco, the owner, said it would be more difficult if it were busier like a Saturday night. So I would call it 50/50 if you want something that's not on the menu depending upon how busy they are. They were nice enough to charge me the same price as the chicken parmesan ($26).

The eggplant rollatini was absolutely delicious but missing a little salt which once added brought out the creaminess of the Ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Is served in a square cast iron baking dish hot out of the oven. They do not deep fry the eggplant but rather pan-fry it which made a total difference.

As the meal progressed, my iced tea glass was promptly refilled and after the first refill, a fresh glass was provided. Very nice touch, Noah!

The chicken francese arrived with three medium-sized thin cut chicken cutlets nicely egg battered with a very sharp lemon sauce. I prefer a little bit more butter in my francese sauce, but this was very good nonetheless. For my side, instead of the included Pasta Pomodoro, I ordered angel hair with butter. The salt that was missing from my eggplant Parmesan was used in my pasta but not so much that I had to have it redone.

I finished dinner with a cup of American coffee with heavy cream as they did not have half and half. With my coffee came a little square Italian cookie. Noah offered me a little mouth full of Limoncello on the house to freshen my palate. That was very much appreciated!

The restaurant itself on the inside is relatively small and definitely intimate. There is a bar with four or five high-top chairs as well.

This is definitely a restaurant I will return to regardless of whether I find an online promotion again or not. I would consider this a strong four-and-a-half star contender but the extra half star was not an option...

"Novello: Where Culinary Mastery Meets Heartwarming Hospitality"

Sunday nights at Novello have become a cherished ritual, a delightful culmination of flavors and warmth that encapsulate the true essence of Italian cuisine. As we step into Novello's intimate ambience, the elegant décor and soft lighting embrace us, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey.

Under the guidance of the affable maître d', Marco, Novello transforms into more than just a restaurant; it becomes an extension of one's home. Marco's infectious warmth and genuine passion for Italian gastronomy set the tone for an evening of impeccable service and genuine camaraderie. His presence, like a maestro conducting a symphony, elevates the entire dining experience to new heights.

Novello's menu is a masterful ode to the rich tapestry of Italian flavors. Each dish, meticulously crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients, tells a story of tradition and innovation. From the delicate handmade pastas to the robust, aromatic sauces, every bite is an ode to the culinary craftsmanship honed over generations. The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked pasta is enough to transport one straight to the heart of Italy.

One cannot help but marvel at the delicate balance struck between classic Italian authenticity and innovative culinary finesse. The artful presentation of each dish reflects the chef's commitment to both visual and gastronomic perfection. The flavors dance on the palate, leaving an indelible mark that lingers long after the meal has concluded.

Among the myriad of delectable options, the signature dish, the Bronzino stands out as a testament to Novello's dedication to excellence. Cooked to perfection enveloped in a symphony of fragrant herbs is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that leaves one longing for more.

In the world of fine dining, Novello is a rare gem that effortlessly marries culinary artistry with heartfelt hospitality. Whether it's a romantic evening for two or a gathering of close friends and family, Novello's allure remains unmatched, drawing patrons back time and time again.

In the embrace of Novello's impeccable service, tantalizing flavors, and the warm charisma of Marco, every visit is not just a dining experience, but a celebration of life itself. Novello has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of our lives, making Sunday nights a beacon of joy and contentment. For those seeking an unforgettable journey through the flavors of Italy, Novello is an essential destination that promises to leave a lasting imprint on the...

Thanksgiving dinner with a party of 10. Disgusting event that took place was with the minor request that the Shrimp Francese side which was potato and vegetable be substituted with a more “normal” pasta side. Server was not apparently allowed to authorize any substitute. Escalated to the manager/ owner ( who btw was earlier seen attempting to flirt comically with one female after another. And the attempt at it was nearly pathetic) So he came over, talks loud and made the request very uncomfortable. He said he can bring as Al la carte I told him in frustration… please, only make it happen. Fast forward, the bill was $950 which included a pasta charge of $18 for this pasta btw that was only a “side” portion on my plate only. The request was made by several at the table. I shared w my daughter. I told them I had no intention of paying the $18 ( to the waiter). He again summoned the mgr/owner. And now at this point with knowing the size of the bill you would think he would had brushed it off and said “don’t worry about it “ even instead stood there and argued with me about it in front of my family friends . With my family n friends AND attract ing much attention from the other guests. He then said he would begrudgingly remove from bill, and I said PERFECT, take it off!!! He looked at me like he was caught in a situation that lost him hundreds of dollars!! I would never return to this pathetic, awfully run “business “ mostly due to the extraordinary lack of professionalism on the owner/ mgr displayed and have to mention that ALL the food was so salty. Too much. Some of the guests left their food. They were too fearful of having a confrontation had they asked to return. I tipped at 20% and later thought I was probably being too kind to the staff but in hindsight thought….they probably go out for drinks together with the mgr/ owner. Less than 1 star. Worst...