In 1971, Luigi Esposito moved to South Florida from Italy to bring the true culinary tastes of Italy to South Florida. In 1981, Luigi and his wife Wilma opened Il Girasole in the heart of Palm Beach county. Il Girasole features superb pasta, veal and seafood dishes with a Northern Italian flair; as well as an excellent selection of wines.
Over the last 30 years, their dedication to quality and culinary tradition has survived the come and go competition in the local dining scene. Along with their son and chef, Gian Esposito, and daughter Kristy, their Zagat rated ambiance and entrees befit the establishment, and has been hailed as bringing fine dining to Delray Beach.
Over the last 30 years, their dedication to quality and culinary tradition has survived the come and go competition in the local dining scene. Along with their son and chef, Gian Esposito, and daughter Kristy, their Zagat rated ambiance and entrees befit the establishment, and has been hailed as bringing fine dining to Delray Beach.
Reviews (27)
Michael Belmont
Oct 31, 2021
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My Mother has been dining here for 25 years. Reminds me of being in Manhattan. Staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Food was outstanding, from steamed clam appetite, REAL Ceasar Salad nooo bottle dressing right down to the Anchovies and Shaved Regiano Parmesan! Had 2 glasses of Amarone along with my Veal Chop, again outstanding. She had Veal with mushrooms, tasted very good. Unfortunately we had zero room for dessert. Definitely will return on my next visit.
Jeff W.
Jul 16, 2021
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Seth Shortlidge
Jul 16, 2021
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Jim Young
Jun 16, 2021
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Patricia Rivera
Jun 10, 2021
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Eric T.
May 23, 2021
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You have to promise to keep it a secret, but if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path, refined Italian dining experience at an honest price, look no further than IL Girasole on Federal Highway, just south of Litton Blvd in Delray Beach.
Located in a small and unpretentious strip mall the past few years, this little culinary hideaway has been serving a loyal and knowing circle of diners in this neighborhood now for 40 years. It was my first visit, and the commotion of Atlantic Avenue felt about a million miles away.
We started with an extraordinary appetizer of ossobuco stuffed ravioli
Located in a small and unpretentious strip mall the past few years, this little culinary hideaway has been serving a loyal and knowing circle of diners in this neighborhood now for 40 years. It was my first visit, and the commotion of Atlantic Avenue felt about a million miles away.
We started with an extraordinary appetizer of ossobuco stuffed ravioli
Jay Levinson
Apr 21, 2021
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Rob C.
Apr 10, 2021
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Tom E.
Mar 21, 2021
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I ate BRAINS! Growing up, I loved Indiana Jones movies. Temple of Doom was definitely a classic for me. I feel like I was the only kid my age to watch the scene where they eat Monkey Brains out of the skulls and say "yum!" Im just weird like that. So you can imagine when I do a quick glance of the menu here thinking this was just another typical Italian restaurant and my eyes come across the word "Brain", I immediately perk up.
It was Calves Brain, sautéed in butter, lemon, capers, and sun dried tomatoes. The texture was pretty much unlike anything I've ever
It was Calves Brain, sautéed in butter, lemon, capers, and sun dried tomatoes. The texture was pretty much unlike anything I've ever
Christian G.
Dec 09, 2020
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If you haven't - this is THE restaurant you must dine at - before Covid claims another victim!
A foodies jealously guarded secret for over 20 years.
Perfectly camouflaged in a mild mannered strip mall off Federal Hwy, lurks this gentle giant. Once inside you are graciously looked after by a professional and famile staff rarely found on this "side of the pond".
The food is superlative. Only rivalled once, by the sadly gone, 32 East.
If dining and casual intimacy is your intention, than this is your spot!
If you require a see and be seen environment, with a whooper of a bill, to
A foodies jealously guarded secret for over 20 years.
Perfectly camouflaged in a mild mannered strip mall off Federal Hwy, lurks this gentle giant. Once inside you are graciously looked after by a professional and famile staff rarely found on this "side of the pond".
The food is superlative. Only rivalled once, by the sadly gone, 32 East.
If dining and casual intimacy is your intention, than this is your spot!
If you require a see and be seen environment, with a whooper of a bill, to
Daniel K.
Oct 18, 2020
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Denise Silverman
Oct 18, 2020
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Went to Girasole last evening with four friends and was extremely pleased. We ordered the Branzino, Lamb Chops,Chicken Franchise, and everything was delicious. The service was excellent and the desserts especially the homemade Apple strudel were awesome. Can’t wait to go back. I highly recommend this restaurant.
Iris L.
Dec 25, 2019
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Marcello A.
Dec 10, 2019
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Carlos C.
Nov 05, 2019
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Katie L.
May 10, 2019
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Joseph A.
Jan 28, 2019
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Food is good quality and dishes are well prepared. Service is very slow. Waitress was rushed and attempted to take our orders and didn't tell us about the specials until we asked. Salads were good but portions too small to split. Only Caesar salad was large enough for two. Pasta with clam sauce and cannelloni were delicious. Chicken cordon bleu and veal saltimbocca were excellent. As an Italian restaurant, it would be nice if a side of pasta was provided with the meat dishes instead of the potatoes and string beans. Cappuccino was excellent and provided a perfect ending to dinner.
Cathy VerSchneider
Dec 19, 2018
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Excellent service and food. I enjoyed the cannelloni appetizer with a side of spinach. Saved room for decadent lemon mousse with fresh berries (photo). Also had fresh made tiramisu at the table (photo). Top notch food. Quiet surroundings that became noisy as the meal progressed due to increasing customers. Arrived 5:30 pm and left at 7pm.
Michael B.
Jul 17, 2018
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Located in a small shopping mall this restaurant is unpretentious, but the subdued neon sign implies something special. You enter into a world far from Florida - an old world of white tablecloths, polite and efficient wait staff and personal service. Every dish was a standout - from the succulent tender veal to the freshest snapper. The sauces were light but flavorful. The fettucini melted in our mouths. This is a world class Italian gem in an unpretentious and unexpected place.
Ron S.
Apr 30, 2018
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Grenville E.
Apr 25, 2018
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Larryteresa Staab
Oct 12, 2017
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Wendy S.
Jun 15, 2017
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They moved into their new location one block south (in the West Marine plaza) and boy what a great move!! It has the same charm but with a fresh, updated look!! The food has remained delicious and consistent! With the new look, I can see some younger clients coming here to avoid the touristy Atlantic Ave which has far less-par food. If you want authentic, fresh Northern Italian food in a cozy setting, come here!! I will, that's for sure!
Kat S.
Mar 17, 2017
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Hands down the best Italian restaurant in South Florida. The atmosphere is warm, intimate, and inviting, and the service has always been so personal and genuine. I usually pick a favorite dish, but everything I've had here has been a knock-out, the frog legs, the mussels, the bolognese, the veal... it's all incredible!
Serge B.
Dec 24, 2015
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Haven't been there for 2 years but waitresses still remembered my favorite dishes! That's what I call SERVICE! The food was superb, the veal saltimboca was great as usual, too bad they didn't have my favorite sauteed liver.
Good and bad news for wine geeks.
The new crystal glasses eliminate the need to bring your own as we used to
The corkage fee went up to $20
Good and bad news for wine geeks.
The new crystal glasses eliminate the need to bring your own as we used to
The corkage fee went up to $20
Mariam W.
Jun 05, 2015
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I have to answer back Mr Joel K. review regarding IL GIRASOLE RESTAURANT, I am not sure where did you come with the idea or the information that IL GIRASOLE RESTAURANT does have a pizza and is terrible too, so please check your information clearly, before you talk about that restaurant. because they don't do pizza's.
Just for your own info, IL GIRASOLE RESTAURANT, has been in business for 35 years, same owner, same location, and it is a northern Italian restaurant...... but for you to say all sauces come out of a can, it is not nice.
Thank You
Just for your own info, IL GIRASOLE RESTAURANT, has been in business for 35 years, same owner, same location, and it is a northern Italian restaurant...... but for you to say all sauces come out of a can, it is not nice.
Thank You
Minoo H.
Jun 11, 2014
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Their food was SOOOO GOOD!
I loved the linguini carbonara!
The restaurant is cozy and cute, but a little stiff. The restaurant is freezing and the water was mostly ice, but really, i'm not complaining.
The food is great, location fine, and service was great! I plan on coming back next time I'm in town!
I loved the linguini carbonara!
The restaurant is cozy and cute, but a little stiff. The restaurant is freezing and the water was mostly ice, but really, i'm not complaining.
The food is great, location fine, and service was great! I plan on coming back next time I'm in town!
