If you’re anything like me, you see dining out as an experience. A time to break bread with the ones you love or grab a bite for a quick business meeting. I’m not talking the run of the mill places that you wouldn’t miss if they closed up shop. This list is carefully crafted with the foodie in mind. The menus made up of salivating and tantalizing dishes you dream about, until you can make it a reality the next time you have a bite. Take it or leave it, I’ve drummed up my tops in Palm Beach County in no particular order, alphabetical in fact so as not to show favorites. So, whether you’re looking for a quickie, a date night or even the chance to explore what eating vegan is like. Bon Appetite.
Buccan Sandwich Shop: Ok, so any Palm Beacher knows all about Buccan, the restaurant…it’s the top of the heap, the best of the best on yelp and the place to see and be seen. But what about its little sister? This quintessential walk-up window with now 2 locations (one on the island and the other in the up and coming el-cid district), makes you feel as if you’ve taken a little trip to Sorrento. Their fresh baked breads are made in house daily and no matter what sandwich you pick, you can’t go wrong! I’ve had the turkey club and the steak bomb, which are both in fact phenomenal, but I have to say the Beef Carpaccio is the one I literally dream about. Carefully constructed to make what would be a casual lunch a tad more fancy, this sammy comes with arugula, parmasean and crispy & balsamic onions. I can’t wait to give the Cubano and the meatball a try next time! Grab your sandwich and plan for a picnic, on your next day out exploring Palm Beach!
Elisabetta’s: Anyone who knows me, knows I love a good Italian meal and it’s no wonder after recently finding out I’m 60% Italian (thanks Ancestry! This is not a plug!) However, I will make a plug for one of the most amazing freshly made pastas and pizzas on this side of Palm Beach. The ambience is a step onto the isle of Capri and the food backs it up. Don’t sleep on their freshly made ricotta on literally any dish and my favorite pasta is the Alla Radiatore. Tuesday’s they serve up an Italian Market Street sandwich that gives many a run for their money and any of their perfectly crafted salads put your homemade ones (at least mine) to literal shame!
Grove Hobe Sound: So staying with the Italian theme, this little, but so mighty restaurant should be on your list if it isn’t yet. Yes, it’s in Hobe Sound, but who doesn’t love a little day trip? It’s located in a totally understated shopping plaza, but the two adorable owners serve up quite the experience. The wife a former blogger and both world travelers, The Reyneri’s open their hearts and their restaurant as if it is their own home. From a wine club to monthly themed dinners, the menu is packed with traditional faves along with some adventurous eats. You’re going to fall in love. We attended one of their monthly wine dinners and it was incredible! From Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!
Jupiter Grille: Now this place may not be an Italian joint, but it sure used to be! The Jupiter Grille underwent a pretty hefty renovation replacing Bravo Cucina at Harborside and opened its doors this summer to offer a modern twist on American Fare. We decided to go for my husband’s birthday and took the kids to this coastal steakhouse and it was quite the treat! We started with the deviled egg flight and tuna sashimi, followed by the mint and pesto crusted lambchop and cauliflower roasted snapper. For sides we opted for the harissa carrots and the “Billionaire Baked,” (ever had caviar on your baked potato? I have! So mouthwatering good!). The kids menu was surprisingly a hefty one and they oped for the amazing mac n cheese which I may or may not have had a few bites of. The night ended with the owner’s secret recipe from grandma, “Captain Crunch bread pudding, peanut butter pie and chocolate layer cake. The hubby washed it all down with an Old Fashion and I opted for the Lavendar Margarita. Cannot wait to come back for their Sunday Brunch, which I hear is a real treat!
Mood Tequesta: Calling all veggie lovers! I don’t know about you, but I think people who eat vegetarian and vegan have to be the MOST creative and believe me when I say Mood is it! When you enter their restaurant it screams Palm Beach, Florida which is exactly my vibe! Adorned with plants and palms at every turn, white wicker bar stools and flowery wallpaper, I feel like I could sit there and curl up with a good book! Mood is for everyone not just those who subscribe to Veganism. We had the hearts of palm tater tots and the macho nachos. So many fun and fruity drinks to choose from and the best part is their happy hour runs daily from 11:30a to 6p, such a great way to celebrate their one year anniversary coming up!
Sushi By Bou: The latest sushi craze is the 12-course Omasake experience and Sushi By Bou has it nailed! Each location has a specific theme, from 80’s hip-hop to gatsby (the Boca location) and typically has limited bar seating. The whole vibe is to have an open mind and tell the chef “I’ll leave it up to you.” This was music to my ears, since I’m always worried about what I’m cooking for dinner. David Bouhadana’s Boca roots run deep and he got his start in the sushi world right here in Palm Beach County, before opening up his multiple locations in NYC, Jersey City, Chicago, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. From yellowtail to tuna, spotted prawn and salmon roe, albacore and charred tuna, scallop, miso cod, fatty tuna, salmon, wagyu uni and eel! Tops for me were the charred tuna, spotted prawn and scallop. The drinks were just as good as the food! I got a tequila, pineapple, dragonfruit called “The Boca Bang,” and “The Lady Marmalade,” made with mezcal, strawberries and jalapeno was a definite hit! Don’t sleep on their mochi ice cream, which made me rethink that I didn’t like mochi and their sake icee dessert. Looking forward to trying the other locations in addition to Alleycat and Sunset Sushi in Boca Raton! Grab your chop sticks and your zest for adventurous cuisine and give it a try!!
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