9 Best Restaurants in Palm Beach, Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast

Palm Beach socialites just can't get enough of this prized restaurant by celebrated chef Daniel Boulud. This posh, French-American venue in the Brazilian Court hotel is casual yet elegant with a large and inviting bar that hosts a daily happy hour and a plush dining room that features a seashell-clad ceiling. A prix-fixe lunch menu features homemade charcuterie and entrées of mushroom risotto and smoked brisket sandwich, while dinner is a more formal affair with classic French, seasonal, and vegetarian offerings, plus a rotating roster of international dishes. Sunday brunch in the lush, tropical courtyard is a must in season.

Named after Florida visionary and resort founder Henry M. Flagler, this swanky spot is part of the culinary collection of The Breakers Palm Beach and features elevated comfort food like lobster rolls, chicken pot pie, and a daily homemade pasta, along with sophisticated cocktails. Located just a few minutes from the resort on Royal Poinciana Way, it is situated at Via Flagler by The Breakers and features a handsome bar with a colored mosaic limestone base and plum and gold leather bar stools. Shaded bronze chandeliers and a series of arched, floor-to-ceiling windows along with banquette seating give the space a vintage-but-luxe feel. Brunch is served weekends, and reservations are recommended.

An outpost of the famed New York Italian spot, this chic café churns out crispy pizzas, delicate pasta dishes, and to-swoon-for desserts with polished service. The vibe is '60s era glam meets dreamy Milanese café, making it a hit with both socialites and shoppers, who stop in for an espresso break in between jaunts to the boutiques at Royal Poinciana Plaza. House pastas include a heavenly cacio e pepe, while salads and simply grilled fish are light and flavorful. The gelato is made fresh daily, so make sure to save room for a scoop.

The bougainvillea-laden trellises set the scene at the main entrance on Peruvian Way, off posh Worth Avenue. Even though it's a chain, this is a favorite of Palm Beach society, and both the restaurant and the bar become packed and noisy during high season. Weather permitting, many patrons prefer to dine on the outdoor terrace on the narrow pedestrian walkway, where "walking models" showcase jewelry and apparel from nearby boutiques. The aroma of basil, chives, and oregano fills the air as waiters carry out home-baked pizzaccia (a pizzalike bread) to accompany delectable dishes such as seafood risotto and veal Marsala. 

Since 1980, the favorite spot of society's movers and shakers—and a few celebs—has remained a regular stop on foodie itineraries. Service and consistency are big reasons for its longevity. It's known as one of the most romantic dining rooms in South Florida, thanks to signature floral displays. Bestsellers include Maine lobster risotto and veal chops, along with such inspired creations as crispy veal sweetbreads with wild mushrooms and asparagus. Depending on your mood, the champagne-caviar bar can serve up appetizers or desserts. The place has an extensive, award-winning wine list with many by-the-glass options. A pianist plays nightly from 7 to 9:30 (Billy Joel has been spotted at the keyboard), and the lively crowd gracefully sways to the music.

The hidden-garden setting is the secret to the success of this European-style pizzeria, where you can dine under a canopy of century-old banyans in an intimate courtyard. Specialties are 12-inch hand-tossed brick-oven pizzas with toppings such as prosciutto, arugula, and caviar. There's even a carbonara breakfast pizza (part of a small morning menu) and a Nutella dessert pizza. Piping-hot calzones, salads, and baked pastas round out the choices. Next to the patio, look for the grave markers of Addison Mizner's beloved pet monkey, Johnnie Brown, and Rose Sachs's dog, Laddie (she and husband Morton bought Mizner's villa and lived there for 47 years). Delivery is available at night.

Here, at one of the most romantic restaurants in Palm Beach, guests can dine Italiano. Sit in the beautiful courtyard, with stars above and twinkling lights on the bougainvillea, or in the intimate, low-lighted dining room flickering with candles and enhanced with fresh flowers and quiet classical music. Be sure to try the split-pea soup with small cubes of ham (a meal in itself) and the dreamy tagliatelle with white truffles in season. All are served on pretty, flowered porcelain plates atop crisp white-linen tablecloths. Although pricey, dinner here is worth every penny. Jackets are encouraged.

The tropical incarnation of the fabled Upper East Side boîte frequented by New York’s chicest set, this pop-up takes residency at The Colony hotel during the fall and winter season. Known as “a club without dues,” the restaurant attracts a devoted clientele of socialites and aristocratic types (names like Lauder and Kennedy are on the guest list), who come for straightforward American and European cuisine ("designer" meat loaf, crab cakes, curried chicken salad) with friendly and impeccable service in a sophisticated yet relaxed environment. Al fresco dining is available at Swifty’s POOL, bringing the classic spirit of Swifty’s outdoors, serving lunch and dinner daily.

This Old Florida landmark, which has been in business since 1941, attracts Worth Avenue shoppers looking for a two-hour lunch or weekend brunch and a dinner crowd ranging from tuxed and sequined theatergoers to polo-shirted trust funders on school break. Fillet of sea bass with ginger-soy glaze, snow peas, and jasmine rice and a char-broiled pork chop with crispy artichoke hearts are popular entrées from a changing menu. Don't miss the signature Ta-boo Lust, a coconut-cream pie with a walnut-cookie crust. The Palm Beach martini is the drink to order—with passion fruit and peach nectar and, of course, champagne. Drop in late at night in season when the music is playing, and you'll probably spot a celebrity or two.