For an afternoon birthday celebration you want sparkle without the disco ball.

Glimmer, an intimate breakfast and lunch place tucked  into Delray Beach close yet far enough away from the insanity of Atlantic Avenue (the epicenter of Delray Beach), is exactly what the name promises…polished, pretty, and just luminous enough to feel like an occasion without requiring sequins or emotional preparation.

The first thing that hits you when entering Glimmer is the decor, brought to you by co-owner and renown interior decorator, Nick Alain.

He is a Miami-based designer known for his Romantic Industrial style, creating unique, handcrafted lighting, furniture and home goods that blend vintage and contemporary aesthetics.

One of Alain’s noteworthy projects is Lisa Vanderpump’s new Las Vegas restaurant in the Paris Hotel as well as Wolf by Vanderpump in the Harvey’s Hotel in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Alain’s Glimmer partner, Estuardo Mira, is the restaurant’s executive chef.

There is so much to digest at Glimmer…delicate lattice iron work, chandeliers, a carved fireplace, a tree in the midst of the restaurant.

The Marvelous Mermaids, my daily swimming posse, stripped off their fins and hit dry land to celebrate one of the water nymphs’ birthday.

Upon assessing the interior fabulosity we stepped up to the counter and made our selections from a bevy of appealing offerings.

The young, affable staff delivers the delicious selections to the table on lovely tableware.

I jumped in head first and selected the Steak Salad. The meat was delectably tender. The salad included cherry tomatoes, fire roasted corn, avocado, red onions, blue cheese, romaine lettuce, and an outstanding cilantro aioli dressing ($24).

Mermaid Fran dove right in and ordered the Lobster Roll comprised of tender Maine lobster, lightly dressed with mayo and finely chopped celery, served in a warm, buttery roll ($33).

Swimming tandem comprised of Iris and Sue split the Chicken Salad Wrap made with housemade grilled chicken salad, red onions, celery, mayo, lettuce, and spinach in a herb flour tortilla ($16).

Birthday girl, Nanci, went with the Carpaccio sandwich prepared with raw tenderloin, homemade garlic sauce, arugula, red onions, capers, Parmesan cheese on toasted ciabatta. This is the chef’s favorite item on the menu ($19).

There is a small outdoor patio, but sit inside as the interior is captivating.

The menu features a variety of delectable options, from signature coffee drinks and matcha lattes to freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and bowls.

With the success of Glimmer the restaurant group is opening a dinner establishment across the street which will, hopefully, open in 2026.

Glimmer lives up to its name. It doesn’t scream. It shines quietly and sometimes, that is the most elegant move of all.

Glimmer 325 NE 3rd Ave 1st Floor, #C, Delray Beach, Florida. Open daily 8am-5pm. No reservations. Street parking.