Ben Poremba’s second restaurant in the Delmar Maker District is currently operating as a daytime cafe serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, though Poremba has said he plans to add dinner service and a selection of wines and beers in the near future. Florentin pays tribute to one of Poremba’s favorite Tel Aviv neighborhoods, and not just with the photography displayed on the walls.
If you’re looking for a hot brunch dish, the shakshuka here is a satisfying and richly spiced blend of poached eggs and tomato-based sauce; this isn’t the only dish aided by Florentin’s warm, spongy pita bread. The spinach borekas feature crisp, flaky pastry with a fresh, flavorful filling, while there are also cold items like overnight oats and parfaits with creamy Greek yogurt, topped with a variety of nuts, fruits and more. The menu offers multiple options for sharing, like the irresistible dip trio (mohammara, green tahini and tzatziki), there are fresh juices and all the coffee you could want, while the sorbets are a perfect summer treat – we loved the coconut and mango flavors.
5090 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314.348.1111, bengelina.com/florentin
This article appears in August 2024.
