[As published in WPB Magazine, Digital Edition.] Photos by Maritza Cosano
What could be better than enjoying delicious, casual Italian food and wine by the water? If you’re searching for a hotspot in West Palm Beach, look no further than Bar Capri on Flagler Drive. Perched high above, this magnificent rooftop venue offers awe-inspiring vistas of the marina along the Intracoastal Waterway and a coastline that bears the colors of the sea and sky.
In this setting, especially during the fall, when temperatures in South Florida cool somewhat, the water’s cool breeze is a must. It adds to Bar Capri’s ambiance, full of nature, fun, and vibrant energy.
Bar Capri is not just a restaurant; it’s a social hub. Whether it’s a romantic date night or a casual hangout with friends, this rooftop spot above Elisabetta’s Ristorante is the perfect setting for a memorable and enjoyable time.
The culinary and mixology choices are abundant. From humble yet flavorful dishes like pizza with San Marzano sauce to indulgent caviar and chips, and from refreshing Palm Beach Martinis to classic Italian Limoncello Spritz, the options are diverse and delightful.
Other Bar Capri favorites include the Limoncello Spritz, a champagne cocktail popular among the younger crowd, and any of the Italian classics like Cinque Terre, the bar’s take on a spiced margarita-infused tequila with Fresno peppers, pineapple, oranges, fresh Florida citrus, and that secret ingredient—you guessed it—simple syrup.
Recently, I invited some friends to hang out at Bar Capri. After finding a comfy couch in a corner, we perused the pizza choices: Giardino, Quatro Carni, Yellow Tomato Pesto, Tartufo, Capricciosa—so many options!
After much discussion, we started with a glass of wine and a classic cheese pizza—the Italian way! This pairing tasted like an authentic, all-Italian evening. As our friendly server explained, the choice of wine to pair with a pizza depends on the type of toppings you choose.
I found this fascinating, including the basic rules: If the pizza is topped with tomato and mozzarella, a fruity, dry, fresh white wine with a rich aroma is the perfect pair because the tomato and herbs in the sauce have a marked acidity. On the contrary, red wine and a tomato pizza might leave a bitter aftertaste on the palate.
Now, if the pizza is topped with strong flavors like pepperoni, it’s better to opt for a red wine or a cold beer, which is another Italian tradition and the quintessential combination for many people, especially in Italy!
Italians often pair beer with their pizza, which complements the thicker crusts and more decadent toppings, such as pepperoni and salami. As for our table, we tried both wine and beer, but nothing upstaged the pizza, delivered hot, golden, and crispy to our plates straight from the wood-fired oven. Whether it was the delicious pizza and refreshing drinks, the view of the waterfront, or the company of old friends chatting about anything and everything, nothing topped this experience, and Bar Capri played the perfect host.
Bar Capri’s Dolci (dessert) menu includes Sorbetto Al Limone (lemon sorbet) and Tiramisu—no translation needed.
Bar Capri, with its name inspired by the beautiful island of Capri in Italy, offers what we’re missing in most bars around the city—a never-ending waterfront view from the rooftop.
Below the rooftop bar, Elisabetta’s Restaurant serves stylish, classic Italian dishes created by chef and corporate culinary director Lisabet Summa. Her travels in Italy, her Italian heritage, and her cookbook collection have inspired her to make the most exquisite dishes based on authentic Italian food traditions—making everything by hand, including pasta, bread, sauces, and baked goods. Bar Capri guests can also order from the restaurant’s menu, which includes an impressive wine and cocktail list.
Bar Capri’s unique location adds to its charm. Nestled gracefully along Flagler Drive and facing Lake Worth Lagoon, this popular place offers excellent al fresco dining with a cool vibe and an extraordinary waterfront view.
Bar Capri is located at Banyan Square, 185 Banyan Blvd. It is open weekdays from 4 p.m. and weekends from noon until late. They feature Bottomless Brunch every weekend until 4 p.m. Happy hours are usually from 4 to 7 p.m. On Wednesdays, it’s a Roman Holiday with half-price bottles of wine under $99 with food purchases. Before you visit, check out its website: barcapriwpb.com.
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