When a restaurant delivers an exceptional experience, it deserves enthusiastic praise. What may have been the best meal I’ve ever enjoyed in Florida fell on my birthday, making it even more memorable. Pasta And in Margate achieved perfection in every aspect: atmosphere, service, and most importantly, the food. It is a special place defined by outstanding hospitality and remarkable cuisine.
With three of us celebrating, we decided to order generously. Guided by our server, we enjoyed a multi-course journey that showcased the kitchen’s range and finesse in this centuries-old Piedmontese cuisine.
We began with two appetizers. The first was an off-menu suggestion from the server (thank you) that instantly secured its place among my top ten dishes of all time, Bison Tartare with poached egg and black truffles. A large, cylindrical mound of impeccably seasoned chopped bison was crowned with a poached egg and generously adorned with slices of black truffle. The bison was surprisingly mild and paired with some of the finest truffles I’ve ever tasted, the dish transcended description. Those opening bites were moments I will remember forever. And set the tone for the evening.
Next came the Caprese di Burrata. The burrata was exceptional, its delicate outer shell encased an irresistibly creamy center. It was joined on the plate with generous slices of sweet, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and finished with a drizzle of balsamic. The balance of the creamy burrata, the sweet tomatoes and the freshness of the basil were flawless.
We then moved to three distinctly different pastas, each memorable in its own way.
Our favorite was the Pappardelle al Sugo di Cinghiale. This timeless preparation started with long strands of house-made egg pappardelle covered with a rich, deeply flavored sauce studded with tender shreds of boar. We carefully twirled the silky pasta around our forks and carefully added a generous portion of meat to enjoy this traditional classic. The combination was outstanding; each bite delivered comforting richness and depth. The luxurious sauce elevated the dish, making this time-honored preparation over-the-top delicious.
The boldest of the trio was the Agnolotti di Carne al Sugo di Brasato al Barolo. House-made pasta parcels, stuffed with beef, pork, and rabbit, were served in a deeply savory braised meat sauce. This was not a dish for the faint of heart, each bite was intense, hearty, and deeply satisfying, with soft textures and pronounced flavors. For those seeking richness and complexity, this dish delivered in full.
On the more aromatic end of Piedmontese cuisine was the Ravioli Romagnola al Burro, Salvia e Salsiccia. Filled with pumpkin and amaretti, the ravioli were dressed in a butter and sage sauce and finished with a sprinkling of sausage. The pumpkin filling was outstanding, rich and velvety, and paired beautifully with the subtle sweet nuttiness of the amaretti. While the butter and sage sauce would have been perfect on its own, the addition of sausage elevated the dish to another level.
For the entrées, we selected two very different preparations.
The first dish was the Ossobuco alla Milanese (photo above), the classic veal shank presented upright atop a bed of saffron risotto. The risotto was excellent, with just the right resistance and a fragrant saffron aroma and flavor. The slowly braised veal shank itself was tender, moist, and effortlessly fell from the bone, clearly treated with great care in the kitchen. My only disappointment was the portion size of the shank, which felt a bit light on the amount of meat in my portion, it left me wanting more.
The second entrée was the Branzino con Salsa di Limone e Vegetali, served with lemon sauce and mixed vegetables. A large swath of buttery lemon sauce formed the base and was first topped with sautéed tomatoes, zucchini, and beans, and then finished with two beautifully sautéed branzino fillets. The fish had a delicate crispness to the exterior that gave way to soft, moist flesh, cooked to perfection. The bright sauce complemented the fish beautifully, while the vegetables added sweetness and earthiness. This was one of the best fish preparations imaginable, simply focused on letting the ingredients shine.
We finished the meal with luscious Tiramisu and a decadent chocolate bombe. Both were exceptional.
Pasta And was an experience rather than merely celebrating a birthday at a restaurant. Every element of the evening felt thoughtfully refined, from the guidance of our server to the kitchen’s unwavering respect for ingredients and tradition. The menu balanced reverence for classic Piedmontese preparations with moments of indulgent creativity, resulting in dishes that were both deeply comforting and quietly thrilling. The evening reminded me why dining out can still feel special, why a meal can linger in your memory long after the plates are cleared. Celebrating my birthday here was a stroke of good fortune. Pasta And is not just one of the finest meals I’ve had in Florida, it is a restaurant I will return to with anticipation, confidence, and high expectations, knowing they will almost certainly be met.
4990 W Atlantic Blvd
Margate, FL 33063
954.977.3708
Jfood Eats 