Rapoport's New Mediterranean Concept Apeiro Now Open in Delray

Delray’s Atlantic Avenue has become one of the densest restaurant areas in all of South Florida, but the west end of the street was always a culinary wasteland until recently.

Two of the area’s top restaurateurs — Burt Rapoport and Dennis Max — teamed to help pioneer West Atlantic, opening Burt & Max’s in the new Delray Marketplace in 2013.

Now Rapoport is at it again, opting this time for Mediterranean concept, Apeiro, helmed by chef/co-owner David Blonsky, who last opened Siena Tavern in Chicago.

The room’s contemporary design featuring stainless steel chandeliers and black globes of light is warmed by wooden beams and a wood-burning oven.  Small plates like Moroccan-spiced lamb ribs and forest mushroom flatbreads can be enjoyed in the lounge area or al fresco along with one of its international sangrias.

Among the salads are combos like shaved squash and carrot with broccolini or smashed beets with local ricotta and pickled radish. There is a section for kebobs, such as sirloin and swordfish, and another for sandwiches that includes steak burgers with smoked bacon sauce and lamb burgers with tzatziki sauce.  Of course there are more traditional Mediterranean offerings, like grilled octopus and whole branzino.

Rapoport is definitely behind this concept: he and Blonsky already have plans to roll out a second Apiero at The Shops at Midtown Miami this summer. Apeiro is located at 14917 Lyons Road, Delray. Reservations can be made by calling 561-501-4443.

— Beth Landman