Divietos Restaurant in Coral Springs. {Photos by Han Okcuoglo}
Divieto Ristorante opened its fourth location a few weeks ago in Coral Springs. This American-Italian fusion brings steaks and signature pasta (and gorgeous outdoor seating) with plans to continue north through Florida with more Divieto branches to come.
Having never dined at the original location in Doral, I was eager to sample some original dishes and learn the origin story from the general manager and our wonderful server, Debbie.
The owner is from Mexico City and has run 15 very successful taco stands since 1995. He was very hands-on, busy washing dishes, busing tables, and helping in the kitchen.
Hearing all this begs the question: Why come to America to try opening an American-Italian restaurant? Apparently, he brought his CEO and chef with him from Mexico. So, this endeavor spawned from trusting the vision of his executive chef, who trained overseas in Italy in Italian cuisine.
Bar area at Divieto
Everything here is homemade, except for the bread made in a local bakery using the Divieto formula. It was very fresh, pillowy inside and firm on the outside.
We wanted to try some exclusive dishes.
The Citrus Pear salad ($18.95) was striking. There was so much going on: the crunchy liveliness of the pear, the smooth salted goat cheese, a candied walnut dusted with just the right amount of cinnamon, and citrus vinaigrette, which connected all three to enjoy each bite.
Citrus pear salad
The Carpaccio Di Manzo ($19.95) was enormous. It was served on what looked like a sushi boat plate. It was a bit underseasoned, and I would have liked to see some more lemon, salt, or even capers to add that extra layer. Nonetheless, the quality of the meat was definitely there. The cuts were thicker than usual, drizzled in white truffle oil, and served with focaccia bread. We still cleaned the plate despite its size.
Carpaccio Di Manzo
I loved the Divieto Steak ($40.95). The juicy skirt steak unfurled from the toothpick they used to secure the waves of moist meat. It had this rich Madeira sauce that was surprisingly and enjoyably sweet. There were these pepper drops scattered with bursts of slight bitterness and satisfying crunch. The mashed potatoes and sliced mushroom rounded it out perfectly.
Divieto Steak
The Lemon-Butter Sea Bass with risotto ($46.95) was another unique dish we had to try. Most entrees were not this expensive, but we were here for the experience of the signature items. The lemon-butter sauce was so buttery and delicious. This enormous portion of the well-seasoned and perfectly cooked risotto and mushrooms sat next to this beautifully seared and crisped sea bass that was super flaky and moist on the inside.
Lemon-Butter Sea Bass with risotto
For dessert, we tried the tuxedo bomb ($14.40). It was really the opposite of a lava cake. The homemade creamy dark chocolate shell, which I thought was made by a chocolatier, was delicious. Inside the “bomb,” there was vanilla and chocolate mousse, like ice cream, over a raspberry compote. Debbie didn’t hesitate to recommend this one, and she was right.
The tuxedo bomb
Despite it just recently being opened and specials still not available, the food, service, and ambiance were great.
After Mother’s Day, there will be new chef’s specials every three months. I imagine they will be as special as the rest of the menu.
Outdoor seating area.
Divieto Ristorante
2729 N University Dr
Coral Springs, FL 33065
754-310-2077
Business Hours
Mon – Thurs 11:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fri – Sat. 11:00 a.m – 11:00 p.m
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Author Profile
- Han Okcuoglu is a curious foodie, Turkish-American and resident of South Florida for over 35 years. He graduated from FAU with a degree in Information Systems Management. He also writes food reviews on various websites and social media groups. He loves to see new restaurants and mom and pop shops get the attention they deserve and flourish.
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