By Ray Rogers
PURIST: Congratulations on the launch of Tutto Mare. Palm Beach is home to some of the culinary world’s heavy hitters and a wave of new Michelin recognition. In such a robust scene, what specific niche do you feel Tutto Mare fills? Why was this the perfect moment for the Tutto family to plant roots here?
Gabby Karan de Felice: Tutto Mare brings something truly unique to Palm Beach: the town’s first and only Intracoastal waterfront dining experience, combined with our signature approach to coastal Mediterranean hospitality. Our goal is not just to be part of the culinary scene, but to offer a place that feels both casually chic and incredibly welcoming—a true extension of our Tutto family. The timing felt natural, as Palm Beach continues to evolve into a year-round destination for a sophisticated yet relaxed lifestyle.
There is such a natural synergy and crossover between your loyal fans in the Hamptons and New York and the Palm Beach community. Do you view this space as a new seasonal home for that community? If so, how have you tailored the experience to satisfy that familiar, “at-home” feeling?
Absolutely. Palm Beach feels like an extension of our Hamptons community. Many of our guests already move between these places seasonally, so creating a sense of continuity was essential. We’ve carried over the warmth, energy and sense of familiarity that define Tutto il Giorno, yet embraced the light, openness and coastal chic of Palm Beach. We want guests to immediately feel at home, whether you’re familiar or new to the Tutto experience. As we do in New York, we offer an Urban Zen shopping experience as well—art, furnishings, objects of desire, and my mom’s [Donna Karan] Urban Zen clothing collection—because who doesn’t love to shop when they’re out?
Beyond business, what are your personal experiences with Palm Beach? What do you love most about the area’s energy, and what does a perfect Palm Beach day or weekend look like for you both when you aren’t at the restaurant?
I love Palm Beach’s energy. There’s such a strong sense of community. What we love most is the connection to the water and the rhythm of the day. A perfect day might begin with a walk by the ocean, followed by time with family, and then transitioning into an evening centered around food, friends and conversation. And you can’t beat the beautiful weather.
You’ve taken over the waterfront space that once housed the John Volk-designed Celebrity Room at the historic Royal Poinciana Playhouse. If those walls could talk! How did you approach the indoor-outdoor design to honor that history while infusing it with your signature aesthetic?
We approached the space with great respect for its historic glamour. The goal was to preserve its spirit while opening it up to the surrounding landscape. The design creates a seamless dialogue between indoors and outdoors, allowing the natural light and waterfront setting to be first and forefront. It’s about honoring memory while creating something that feels fresh, vibrant and timeless for today.
Gabby, as the designer, were there specific materials or aesthetic choices you made—perhaps reflective of the Palm Beach landscape—to ensure the space felt both fresh and deeply rooted in its environment?
The palette was inspired by the light reflecting off the water. We worked with materials like oak, travertine and teak for their texture, softness and timeless quality. We wanted a space that feels both elevated and effortless.
This project was a close collaboration with Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture. Like mine, their approach is one of understated luxury and warm minimalism. Together, we focused on editing each element down to its essence—allowing light, proportion and materiality to guide the experience.
The architecture and interiors were conceived as a dialogue between past and present. We wanted to honor the historic playhouse while opening the space to its waterfront surroundings. It’s an environment that evolves throughout the day—capturing the softness of morning light, the brightness of midday and the warmth of evening—while always feeling intimately connected to the spirit of Palm Beach.
True to its name, the menu is beautifully seafood-centric. What specific dishes are you most excited to introduce, and are there any new additions to the Tutto repertoire that were inspired specifically by the Florida coast?
We’re especially excited about dishes like cioppino and paccheri with frutti di mare, which reflect our coastal Mediterranean roots. At the same time, being in Florida allows us to incorporate a new level of freshness and inspiration, drawing from the local waters and seasonal ingredients to evolve our menu in a way that feels both authentic and place-specific.
For a guest seeking a wellness-focused experience, what is your personal perfect meal at Tutto Mare?
A simple meal that highlights the ingredients: starting with a light Gabriella salad followed by grilled branzino, accompanied by seasonal vegetables, and finishing with fresh fruit or tiramisu. It’s about letting the ingredients speak for themselves. Our drink menu complements the lightness and elegance of the cuisine. It includes a curated selection of wines and cocktails that feel refreshing and balanced—often with citrus and botanical notes—mirroring the coastal Mediterranean palate.
Purist readers value the story behind their food. How are you approaching sustainable sourcing for your seafood in Florida?
Sourcing is extremely important to us. We prioritize high-quality, responsibly sourced seafood. We work closely with trusted purveyors to ensure freshness and integrity. Being in Florida gives us access to incredible local products, and we aim to highlight them whenever possible. tuttoilgiorno.com/tutto-mare/