The Palm Beaches in Florida, a 47-mile coastal destination of 39 communities from Boca Raton to Jupiter, has emerged as a serious dining destination, blending old-world glamour with creative culinary experimentation.
Named after a 1878 shipwreck that saw 20,000 coconuts planted into iconic trees, the area draws wealthy Northerners, especially from New York, during 'the season' from Christmas until Easter. These snowbirds bring a taste for sophisticated dining, attracting a new generation of chefs and restaurateurs reshaping the culinary identity.
Creative Freedom in the Kitchen
According to Alex Goldsmith, Head of Social Video at Metro, chefs in The Palm Beaches tend to be more creative and experimental because they have the space to be. This means accessible wagyu menus and Cuban restaurants using ingredients they wouldn't dare elsewhere. Stage Kitchen in Palm Beach Gardens features a menu with Indian, Spanish, Latin American and contemporary US dishes, described as an exploration of chef Pushkar Marathe's own experiences of global cooking traditions.
Local restaurateurs often own several restaurant concepts to cater to diverse tastes, especially in downtown Delray Beach where the owners of Mexican spot El Camino also run a steakhouse and tavern. While Café Boulud from renowned French chef Daniel Boulud has been a Palm Beach staple for over two decades, Akira Back in Delray Beach and Seahawk by David Burke in Palm Beach Gardens are relatively new additions.
Top Dining Spots
El Camino Mexican Soul Food in Delray Beach is a cult-favourite, high-energy eatery known for bold flavours, an extensive margarita and tequila menu and signature hot sauces. A favourite item is the Pineapple-Coconut Margarita. Akira Back at The Ray Hotel in Delray Beach offers Japanese dining with a Korean twist, with fresh fish delivered from Japan to plate within 48 hours. The AB Tuna Tataki is a standout.
Café Boulud at the Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach serves modern French cuisine in an elegant courtyard, with the Café Cobb recommended. The Butcher's Club at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens is a Michelin-recommended modern steakhouse from Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford, offering a tie between the Tuna-Coconut Ceviche and the Porter House steak. Stage Kitchen in Palm Beach Gardens features a global menu with US, Latin American and Spanish influences, with the Plantain Chaat as a favourite. Seahawk Prime by David Burke in Lake Park offers Himalayan salt-aged steaks and seafood, including DB's OG clothesline bacon that you snip with scissors to serve.
Travel Essentials
Virgin Atlantic flies direct from London Heathrow to Miami, with return fares from £483 per person. The Ray Hotel Delray Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a mid-range four-star located in the heart of Downtown Delray Beach, two blocks from Atlantic Avenue. For shoulder season, rates range from £220 to £293.
