By Jules Aron

As one of America’s top resort destinations comprised of 39 cities and towns spanning Boca Raton and Delray Beach to the south, West Palm Beach in the center, and Jupiter to the north, there’s no denying the region’s dynamic and diverse dining scene.

Here is my list of Palm Beach County’s best dining experiences to enjoy this summer and all year round.

JUPITER, JUNO & TEQUESTA

Aquagrille

Top Chef’s Stephen Asprinio’s Aquagrille is a beautifully chic coastal restaurant with a menu to match.

Located just several blocks from the ocean in Juno Beach, AquaGrille offers a dining experience set in modern, beach house-inspired décor. Sophisticated yet serene, the restaurant offers an engaging level of service that highlights locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and playful flavor combinations.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Try the Caribbean Chicken, Miso Soy Salmon or the Filet Au Poivre.

Aquagrille, 14121 US-1, Juno Beach, FL 33408, (561) 355-0438

The Parisian Restaurant & Wine Bar

Owned and operated by a native Parisian, this charming, unassuming classic French brasserie tucked away in a Jupiter shopping center, serves modern French cuisine, and offers a slice of Paris without the costly airline ticket.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Start with the tarte flambee, a puff pastry topped with caramelized onions, lardons, cheese and crème fraiche. Then enjoy the mussels mariniere in a creamy white wine and shallot sauce with pomme frites or the steak tartare. Don’t sleep on the dessert crepes.

The Parisian Restaurant & Wine Bar 201 N US Highway 1, Jupiter, FL  (561) 360-2224

Blackbird

This modern Asian concept brought to you by culinary partners Scott Frielich, Cleve Mash, and Angelo Abbenante, brings the flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine to Jupiter. Featuring a two-story, 5,500-square-foot space with three distinct dining areas, two cocktail bars, and an outdoor mezzanine that overlooks both the Jupiter Lighthouse and the Loxahatchee River.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Standout dishes include the Korean cauliflower, Rangoon bites, salmon with “everything bagel”, the smoked brisket ramen, and sweet and sour pork made with twice-cooked pork belly.

PRO TIP:

Try The Emperor’s Selection, which serves up to four people, and includes Peking duck, Chinese pancakes, Beijing garnish, hoisin sauce, and a 32-ounce Australian Wagyu rib eye with truffle-soy butter.

Blackbird, 1511 N Old Dixie Highway, Jupiter, Fl 33469

Little Moir’s Food Shack

Don’t let its unassuming location fool you,  Little Moir’s has been serving the freshest local seafood with global accents since 2002, with much local acclaim.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Order the house favorites, the tuna basil roll and sweet potato-crusted fish, and don’t forget the coconut flan for dessert.

Little Moir’s Food Shack,  Jupiter Square, 103 South US Highway 1 D3, Jupiter, FL,  561 741 3626

PALM BEACH GARDENS

Stage Kitchen & Bar

With innovative dishes by James Beard Foundation Award-nominee Chef Pushkar Marathe, this Indian-inspired restaurant captivates diners with an orchestra of big flavors and was chosen among USA Today’s Restaurant of the Year 2024!

WHAT TO ORDER:

Whether it’s the ceviche mixto, the plantain chaat or the duck confit rolls, you’re in for a world of flavors. Try the short rib, served with bone marrow korma; or the newest item on the menu, the Tom Kha flavored fish stew.

Stage Kitchen & Bar, 2000 Pga Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL  (561) 500-0061

HoneyBelle

Embracing the mid-century deco style surroundings of the PGA National Resort, Celebrity Chef Lindsay Autry’s Honeybelle, is a charming mix of fresh Mediterranean fare with the chef’s own southern touches blended in.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Delight in Honeybelle’s famed Fried Chicken, Grilled Scottish Salmon with crawfish succotash and the Mediterranean Bowl.

Honeybelle, 400 Avenue Of The Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL (561) 627-7015

The Butcher’s Club

Helmed by “Top Chef” Jeremy Ford, The Butcher’s Club at the PGA National Resort offers guests a high-end dining experience in a sleek 1950s setting with black marble tables beneath polished chandeliers.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Enjoy anything from the raw bar as well as select dry-aged meat cuts paired with house made sauces and sides.

The Butcher’s Club, 400 Avenue Of The Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL (561) 627-4852

PALM BEACH

LoLa 41

Helmed by restaurateur Marco Coelho, “Lo” standing for longitude; “La” standing for latitude, LoLa 41 features fare inspired by countries on the 41st parallel. The signature restaurant of the White Elephant hotel, the airy coastal indoor/outdoor bistro serves local seafood as well as Mediterranean and Asian influenced dishes.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Indulge in the grilled branzino with Meyer lemon, herbs, ramp pesto and crispy chickpeas, the beef carpaccio served with avocado, smoked soy, puffed wild rice or the salmon carpaccio accented by chives, and pickled daikon.

LoLa 41 at White Elephant Palm Beach, 290 Sunset Ave, Palm Beach, FL 561) 599-5652

Buccan

Located on South County Road, walking distance from the beach, acclaimed Palm Beach chef Clay Conley’s Buccan modern bistro serves up small plates with big flavors.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Don’t sleep on the Short Rib Empanadas and Porcini Mushroom Tart. For larger plates, try the Grilled Local Swordfish or the Maine Lobster Arrabiata.

Buccan, 350 South County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480  (561) 833-3450

Café Boulud at The Brazilian Court Hotel

Housed in the Brazilian Court Hotel, the award-winning Cafe Boulud is a contemporary French-American brasserie. Enjoy a craft cocktail at their sleek designed bar followed by dinner alfresco on their lush courtyard patio.

WHAT TO ORDER:

B.C. roasted black cod, or the Beef Duo with Canadian prime striploin and short rib ravioli. Make sure to leave room for the apricot and olive oil sorbet, with caramelized Piemonte hazelnut, lime jello, and mascarpone Chantilly.

Café Boulud at The Brazilian Court Hotel 301 Australian Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480 (561) 655-6060

Flories at The Four Season

Enjoy Mediterranean fare at its finest at this exceptional restaurant by three Michelin star Chef Mauro Colagreco, where the focus is on his unique live fire cooking and earth-conscious dishes.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Savour the Lobster Ceviche, the Crusted Black Sea Bass, or the Santa Barbara Sea Urchin Risotto.

PRO TIP:

For a more casual, beachy vibe, head to Seaway. Hidden past Florie’s and the resort’s beautiful pool area, Seaway is an oasis like no other, with ocean views to match. Here you’ll enjoy a Latin-inspired lunch or brunch with the freshest seafood.

Florie’s at the Four Seasons Palm Beach, 2800 S Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach, FL  (561) 533-3750

Mizu at Tideline

For the most impressive Omakase experience, head to Mizu. This chef led sushi tasting expertly prepared by Head Sushi Chef Gary Mawu and his seasoned chefs, provide a signature experience you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

WHAT TO ORDER:

You can’t go wrong with any of the sashimi platters or signature rolls but for the most unique experience, splurge on the seasonally inspired chef tasting and allow the chef to regale you with tales of his catch.

Mizu at Brandon’s, Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa 2842 S Ocean Blvd Ste 100, Palm Beach (561) 540-6444

WEST PALM BEACH

Sassafras

At this charming restaurant in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, Executive chef John Thomas prepares his southern dishes with a playful twist on classics and highlights the restaurant’s traditional southern roots with fresh, local ingredients.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Try their award winning fried chicken or smashed-patty double cheeseburger, or choose the fresh catch or butchers cut specials.

Sassafras, 105 S Narcissus Ave, West Palm Beach, FL  (561) 323-7007

Spruzzo at The Ben

If its views and a pool party you’re after, look no further than Spruzzo at The Ben. This open air lounge with expansive Intracoastal views attracts a spirited crowd.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Keep it simple at this busy hot spot. The Ben Burger with wagyu beef and aged cheddar, didn’t disappoint.

Spruzzo, at The Ben, Autograph Collection251 N Narcissus Avenue 8th Floor, WPB (561) 461-0050

Queen of Sheba

Located in the historic Northwest neighborhood of WPB, Queen of Sheba serves up authentic Ethiopian fare prepared with rich flavors and spices. Chef-owner Lojo Washington’s open kitchen and small dining room invites you to take a trip to Southwest Ethiopia where she grew up.

 WHAT TO ORDER:

Start with sambusa, a pastry filled with lentils or meat, then enjoy the heartier Doro Wat, a fiery chicken stew and Ethiopia’s national dish. There is also marinated beef with cardamom and chili and many veggie-centric dishes to try like sauteed cabbage with turmeric, and roasted ground flax seed and the red lentil stew.

Queen of Sheeba, 716 N Sapodilla Ave, West Palm Beach, FL  (561) 514-0615

Fern Street Wine Bar & Kitchen

Anchored by a wood-burning oven and surrounded by colorful murals, Fern St Kitchen is devoted to changing the standard of dining and providing a true farm to table experience. Located in West Palm Beach’s Art District, their forward-thinking culinary team focuses on sustainable cuisine and hyper locally sourced produce.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Indulge in the king trumpet mushroom appetizer prepared with fingerling potatoes, green peas and heirloom tomato, their wagyu burger, the Cobia in a coconut curry or their select cuts of rancher’s reserve wagyu steaks from their very own cattle ranch.

Fern Street Wine Bar & Kitchen, 501 Fern St, West Palm Beach, FL  (561) 328-9745

Tropical Smokehouse

For a truly unique take on BBQ, head to Tropical Smokehouse. Located in the Antique Row district of West Palm Beach, the restaurant and it’s owner and Pitmaster Rick Mace,  takes advantage of South Florida’s unique flavors and produce to create Southern fare with Latin and Caribbean influences.

Chef Mace’s delicious BBQ has earned him a recent James Beard Award nomination.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Start with the Spicy Wahoo Dip, then move on to the Mojo Pulled Pork, Smoked Mahi or Cajun Gator Sausage. There is also a BBQ Jackfruit sandwich on the menu.

Tropical Smokehouse 3815 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL (561) 323-2573

LAKE WORTH BEACH

Oceano Kitchen

Located just off Federal Highway on Lucerne Avenue in Lake Worth Beach, Oceano Kitchen specialize in creative daily menus. Grab a table on their open deck or a seat at their chef’s counter for delightful coastal American and global shareable dishes by the James Beard Nominated Jeremy Bearman and award winning desserts by his wife, Cindy.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Menu changes daily. Order one of each and share with your party.

Oceano Kitchen, 512 Lucerne Ave, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460

BOYTON BEACH

Driftwood

Chef Jimmy Everett’s Driftwood in Boynton Beach is the epitome of casual fine dining. His constantly evolving menu showcases his dedication to working with local fishermen and farmers to source his ingredients.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Enjoy the sweet and sour cauliflower, smoked lions mane mushrooms, braised short ribs, and the local fish of the day served with smoked corn, mushrooms, conch peas, and cornmeal-crusted avocado.

Driftwood, 2005 S Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, FL (561) 733-4782

Sweetwater Bar & Grill

Sweetwater in Boyton Beach is a fine dining spot and one of the true cocktail-driven bars in the county. Sean Inglehart, bartender and co-owner boasts the largest spirit selection in the Southeast and the largest whiskey bar in the state with an estimated 1,175 whiskeys on hand.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Besides outstanding craft cocktails, standout dishes include the cauliflower hush puppies, the loaded pierogies, and short rib stroganoff.

Sweetwater, 1507 S Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, FL (561) 509-9277

DELRAY BEACH

Le Colonial Delray Beach

This sultry French Indochine inspired restaurant, right off Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue is helmed by National executive chef Hassan Obaye who mingles old Asian tradition, with Florida’s freshest coastal ingredients, for irresistible flavor.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Don’t miss the ca song, a spicy yellowfin tuna tartare dotted with soy caviar and served with rice crisps. other signature dishes include the Bo Luc Lac, a caramelized filet mignon, garlic confit, kaffir lime; Tom Chay Toi, Tiger Prawns with sauteed garlic, sriracha, tamarind jus and crispy rice noodles; and Bahn Uot, grilled sesame beef rolled in flat rice noodles, in a lime garlic sauce.  

PRO TIP:

For a veritable showstopper, order the Crispy South Florida Yellow Tail Snapper, presented whole and shareable for two. It’s carved tableside and accompanied by freshly tossed greens, dill pickles and toasted garlic chili lime dipping sauce

Le Colonial, 601 E Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL (561) 566-1800

Drift at Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa

With water views and ocean breezes, Drift at the Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort in Delray Beach, boasts flavorful, innovative fare, inspired cocktails and an energetic atmosphere, alongside its classic coastal vibes.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Choose between the Wild Mushroom flatbread, Pappardelle Bolognese, Crispy Branzino or the Lobster Cobb.

Drift Kitchen & Bar, 10 N Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483 (561) 274-3289

Deck 84

Arrive by boat or by car to this outdoor waterfront restaurant on the Intracoastal. Situated adjacent to the Atlantic Avenue Bridge, Deck 84 offers casual American fare.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Order from Deck 84’s new sushi menu, cucumber kimchi bowl, tuna poke bowl, wahoo tiradito, salmon crudo, ceviche roll and spicy tuna roll.

Deck 84, 840 E Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL (561) 665-8484

Akira Back at The Ray Hotel

At The Ray Hotel in Delray Beach, Michelin star chef Akira Back, serves a blend of modern Japanese cuisine with authentic Korean flavors, at his first namesake restaurant in Florida.

WHAT TO ORDER:

You can’t go wrong with the AB Tuna Pizza, laced with umami aioli, micro shisho and white truffle oil, the Lobster Tempura, with Korean pear, serrano, beetroot and Amazu ponzu or signature sushi roll, the Pop Rockin’ with spicy crab, cucumber, asparagus— and watermelon pop rocks!

Akira Back, 233 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444 (561) 739-1708

BOCA RATON

AlleyCat Izakaya

Chef Eric Baker’s and Sushi by Bou partner, David Bouhadana;s new Japanese Izakaya brings a traditional Japanese pub experience to Boca Raton. The menu is split up into cold and hot plates, rice and noodles, meat, fish, and sushi.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Try the king crab tacos, the spicy scallop roll or the surf and turf roll with lobster and seared wagyu. The Japanese-style bacon, wagyu beef dumplings, or grilled short rib with black garlic are also stellar choices or let the chef choose with the house omakase option.

AlleyCat Izakaya, 297 E Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL 561 353-5888

Marisol at The Boca Raton

Transport yourself to the Mediterranean at the historic Boca Raton’s seaside dining destination, Marisol.

WHAT TO ORDER:
Choose a sampling of Greek spreads, or mezze to start. Enjoy the freshest oysters and the pesce del giorno, a daily choice of sustainable fish or a selection of grilled kebabs.

Marisol at the Boca Raton, 501 East Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL (561) 447-3000