Discover All Michelin-Starred Chefs and James Beard Award Semifinalists in Palm Beach County.

With its diverse flavors and a wealth of local ingredients, The Palm Beaches have become a haven for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. In the past few years, Palm Beach County has attracted a remarkable lineup of award-winning chefs who have left an indelible mark on the area’s gastronomic landscape. Learn more about our award-winning culinary maestros.

Lindsay Autry

As a native of North Carolina, Chef Lindsay Autry’s cuisine combines Mediterranean flavors with her Southern roots, resulting in soulful dishes. After graduating from Johnson & Wales University, she has held esteemed positions at notable restaurants on the East Coast and in Mexico.  Under the mentorship of James Beard Award winner Chef Michelle Bernstein, Autry honed her expertise at Azul in Miami, MB in Cancun, and Las Brisas in Playa del Carmen. She served as Executive Chef at Michelle Bernstein Restaurant at the Omphoy Ocean Resort in Palm Beach and the historic Sundy House in Delray Beach.

Autry co-owns and founded THE REGIONAL, a culinary hotspot in West Palm Beach that offers a blend of traditional American cuisine and contemporary innovation where she has earned three James Beard Foundation semifinalist nominations in 2018, 2019 and 2020. In early 2022, Autry opened Honeybelle at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, where you can experience the perfect blend of timeless Florida style and southern allure.

Restaurants in The Palm Beaches: THE REGIONAL & Honeybelle

Awards

• Best Chef South 2020, 2019, 2018 – James Beard Award Semifinalist
• Finalist on Season 9 – Bravo’s Top Chef

Cindy Bearman & Jeremy Bearman 

Cindy Bearman began her career in NYC working at renowned restaurants like Gotham Bar & Grill, Daniel Boulud’s Bistro Moderne, Café Boulud, and Le Cirque.  Her time in Las Vegas with Chef Bradley Ogden, a farm-to-table advocate, sparked her passion for sustainable, well-sourced ingredients.  Upon returning to NYC, Cindy was hired as the opening pastry chef for Jean-Georges’ ABC Kitchen which was awarded best new restaurant by the James Beard Foundation.  Cindy has also worked as a food editor for Martha Stewart Living and Weddings, as well as a freelance food stylist and recipe developer for projects including The Today Show, Food Network Magazine, and New York Magazine.

After honing his skills at a few small restaurants, Jeremy Bearman joined the opening team at Daniel Boulud’s Bistro Moderne in NYC, eventually becoming the executive sous chef under Jean Francois Bruel.  He later went on to hold positions as the executive chef for the Ritz Carlton in Las Vegas and the executive sous chef at Joel Robuchon’s L’Atelier in the MGM.  Bearman then relocated to San Francisco where he opened Lark Creek Steak which was named one of the best new restaurants by Esquire Magazine.  Upon returning to NYC, Jeremy took on the role as opening Executive Chef at Rouge Tomate which earned several accolades, including a Michelin star for six consecutive years under his leadership.  

In 2017, this husband-and-wife team opened Oceano Kitchen, a casual, open kitchen, neighborhood restaurant where they create a new dinner menu each day inspired by what is local, fresh, and can be wood fired.  The contemporary American menu highlights only the best ingredients from area farmers, fisherman and purveyors.  Their simple, seasonal, and clean cooking style earned them their first James Beard Award semifinalist nomination in 2023. 

Restaurants in The Palm Beaches: Oceano Kitchen

Awards:

• Best Chef South 2023 – James Beard Award Semifinalist (Cindy and Jeremy)

Daniel Boulud 

Originally from Lyon, Daniel Boulud has established himself as one of America’s leading culinary authorities. Since his arrival in New York City in 1982, Boulud has continuously evolved his cuisine and expanded his culinary empire to various locations across the U.S. and around the world, including Toronto, Montreal, Dubai, Singapore, and The Bahamas. His flagship restaurant, DANIEL, is a culinary landmark, and his other establishments reflect his contemporary approach to soulful dishes rooted in the French tradition. Boulud’s accomplishments include being named the “Best Restaurateur in the World” by Les Grandes Tables du Monde, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Elite Traveler, and winning multiple James Beard Foundation Awards. He has also opened numerous successful restaurants, launched delivery concepts, authored cookbooks, and participated in prestigious culinary events.  

Café Boulud Palm Beach is Chef Daniel Boulud’s award-winning restaurant at the heart of the historic Brazilian Court Hotel, steps from Worth Avenue and stretches of white sandy beach. Since opening in 2003, the restaurant has become one of Palm Beach’s most coveted dining destinations, earning four stars in the Forbes Travel Guide and Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence.”

Restaurants in The Palm Beaches: Café Boulud

Awards:

• Michelin-star restaurant – DANIEL 
• James Beard Foundation Awards
• Best Chefs in America, 1992
• Outstanding Chef, 1994
• Outstanding Restaurateur, 2006
• Outstanding Service, 2009 
• Outstanding Restaurant, 2010 – DANIEL

Clay Conley

Raised in rural Maine, Chef Clay Conley’s rustic upbringing influenced his wood-fired cuisine, known for its seasonal flavors. After working for Todd English in Boston, he became the Executive Chef at Azul at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami before relocating to Palm Beach County. Conley’s philanthropic efforts led to the creation of Buccan Provisions, a non-profit organization created in an effort to support and address community food insecurity, and he has showcased his talent on shows like Emeril’s Florida and The Today Show.

In 2011, Conley and his team opened Buccan, revolutionizing the Palm Beach dining scene with his complex yet balanced small plates concept.  He followed this with Imoto (Buccan’s next-door little sister), a Japanese/Asian concept that expanded his small plates with big flavor, Grato, a neighborhood restaurant featuring a multi-cuisine menu of seasonal, chef-inspired dishes, and his fast-casual concept – the made-to-order sandwich and grab-and-go lunch spots in both Palm Beach and West Palm Beach- Buccan Sandwich Shop.  Chef Conley is a seven-time James Beard Award Semifinalist and Forbes has acclaimed Buccan as one of the best restaurants in Palm Beach.

Restaurants in The Palm Beaches: Buccan, Grato, Imoto, Buccan Sandwich Shop

Awards:

• Best Chef South 2024, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2013, 2012 – James Beard Award Semifinalist

Jeremy Ford

Jeremy Ford, known for winning Bravo’s Top Chef Season 13, developed a passion for cooking through his grandmother’s teachings on Italian cuisine. A native Floridian, he moved to California and trained under renowned chefs in Los Angeles, mastering French techniques and seafood preparation.  Upon returning to Florida, he worked with Chef Dean Max before landing the executive chef position at Matador Room, earning rave reviews and subsequently winning Top Chef.  He also serves as a co-host for the popular cooking show Fast Foodies.

In 2017, Ford opened his own restaurant in Miami, Stubborn Seed, receiving accolades such as a James Beard Foundation semi-finalist nomination and a Michelin Guide one-star rating, and opened a second Miami restaurant, Beauty & The Butcher in Coral Gables, which quickly gained Michelin recognition and is featured in the Guide. Ford expanded his ventures into The Palm Beaches with The Butcher’s Club at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, where you can expect an unforgettable culinary experience at this modern shared-style steakhouse restaurant, featuring succulent cuts served in a timeless atmosphere.

Restaurants in The Palm Beaches: The Butcher’s Club

Awards:

• Michelin-starred (Miami restaurant – Stubborn Seed)
• Best Chef South 2022 – James Beard Award Semifinalist
• Winner of Season 13 – Bravo’s Top Chef

Pushkar Marathe

Chef Pushkar Marathe, born in Nagpur, India, cultivated his culinary skills by cooking with his parents and embracing the diverse flavors of his homeland. After training in Switzerland, he embarked on a global culinary journey, exploring cuisines from India to California. He gained valuable experience working under mentor Dean Max and at various restaurants worldwide. In 2017, Marathe, along with Niven Patel, pushed the boundaries of Indian cuisine at Ghee Indian Restaurant.

In 2020, he opened Stage Kitchen & Bar in Palm Beach Gardens, combining his culinary experiences. He recently opened a second restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens, Ela Curry Kitchen, showcasing refined Indian cuisine with street food and thali-style dishes. Chef Marathe’s talent earned him a James Beard Foundation semifinalist nomination in 2023. With deep roots in India and inspiration from his travels, Marathe continues to create seasonal and regional dishes nurturing his culinary passion.

Restaurants in The Palm Beaches: Stage Kitchen & Bar & Ela Curry Kitchen

Awards:

• Best Chef South 2023 – James Beard Award Semifinalist