Nicole Danna| Special to the Palm Beach Post
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A popular Palm Beach County restaurant with a devoted following — and some big plans to expand just now unfolding — recently caught the attention of a seemingly under-the-radar restaurant rating service that spotlights both national and global establishments.
Last month, an independent restaurant ranking service known as Opinionated About Dining, or "OAD," released its 2024 lists featuring establishments across Europe, Asia, and North America.
More than 50 Florida establishments were selected for the 2024 OAD guides, among them names that may sound familiar to Palm Beach County diners, including Miami favorites The Salty, Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza, and Stubborn Seed from chef/owner Jeremy Ford, who opened The Butcher's Club at the PGA National Resort in 2022.
A total of 26 Miami restaurants were named Top Restaurants in North America, while 23 Florida establishments made OAD's 2024 North American Casual restaurant guide.
More dining in Lake Worth Beach: Here are the 18 best waterfront restaurants in central Palm Beach County
Jeremy and Cindy Bearman, the James Beard-recognized chef/owners of Oceano Kitchen in Lake Worth Beach, are listed at 488. Their's is the only Palm Beach County restaurant to make the cut. The list also included Rustic Inn Crabhouse in Fort Lauderdale; Bern's Steakhouse and Columbia in Tampa; and Louie's Backyard in Key West.
Hadn't heard of OAD rankings, but Oceano Kitchen is in fine company
The couple, best known for their daily changing curated menu, says they were unaware of the recognition, but were pleasantly surprised to be among OAD's picks for South Florida's best restaurants.
"There are a lot of really great restaurants there…many we know and have been to, as well," says Cindy.
There are a variety of respected food ranking lists, from the revered Michelin Guide and World’s 50 Best Restaurants to the New York Times' The 100 Best Restaurants and food-focused magazines like Food & Wine.
Over the years, the OAD has aimed to do the same, serving to spotlight some of the nation's best restaurants, many of which are located outside major US cities.
OAD was founded in 2004 by Steve Plotnicki, according to a press release. Originally conceived as a blog to document his dining experiences, the self-described restaurant aficionado and native New Yorker later pivoted to include the perspective of outside experts by creating a survey-style guide.
In 2012, OAD published its first top 100 restaurant list based on over 70,000 reviews contributed by more than 3,000 people who registered to take the survey. The platform has since evolved to include more than 4,500 reviewers who offer picks in categories like "cheap eats," "casual," "casual gourmet," and fine dining.
The guide has been criticized for reviewers not dining anonymously, listing restaurants that are closed (the 2024 North American "Top Restaurants" list includes two shuttered Miami restaurants, Juvia and The Bazaar), and publishing the names of its reviewers on its website.
The 2024 OAD reviewers include South Florida-based restaurateurs Max Lipton, Javier Ramirez, and Terry Zarikian, as well as Miami food blogger David Rosendorf. Steven and Linda Plotnicki also contributed to the results.
Despite the criticism, nabbing a spot on the OAD list could mean more traffic for Oceano Kitchen, which doubled its capacity when it relocated from its original Lantana location to 512 Lucerne Ave. in November.
"Going through our first season in our new space was amazing for us. We were welcomed with open arms from both our regulars and a lot of new people that had never dined with us," says Jeremy.
Oceano Kitchen closing for renovation, launching catering service
More change is on the horizon for Oceano Kitchen, however, when the restaurant closes on Saturday, June 22, to undergo a complete renovation. During that time, the couple will keep staff on board to launch their private event catering service later this month, and have several pop-ups in the works. The restaurant is expected to reopen in the fall.
"Our original plan was to renovate before we moved, but things don't always go according to plan," says Cindy. "It ended up being a good move for us. The only hard part will be closing for longer than we wanted to."
When Oceano reopens, expect to find the return of a wood-fired pizza, all-new equipment, an open kitchen nearly three times the size of the current one, a full bar, and additional outdoor seating.
"Most people don't know we also have a huge, covered outdoor garden patio almost the same size as the restaurant itself," adds Jeremy. "We'll also be expanding the front of the restaurant with a raised patio."
Perhaps the biggest change: the longtime cash-only restaurant will also begin accepting credit cards.
"If you're a fan, or have never been, we encourage everyone to come experience Oceano Kitchen before we close," sums up Jeremy.
Oceano Kitchen in Lake Worth Beach
If you go:
Oceano Kitchen at 512 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth Beach. It will be closing for renovation June 22, 2024. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday.
Nicole Danna is a journalist atThe Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network.You can reach her at nicoleadanna@gmail.com. Help support our journalism.Subscribe today.
