There’s simply nowhere else quite like Palm Beach. The seaside enclave has garnered the fascination of the world (not to mention the many newcomers who moved from up north during the Pandemic) thanks to its luscious tropical breezes, glitzy shopping, and a level of Old Florida class and glam that won’t be duplicated. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that the island has some of the best dining in Florida, with chic options for everyone no matter your tastes. Since we keep an office on the island (stop by and say hello at 113 North County Road), we decided to let you know where we like to eat when we are on dry land.
If you’re arriving by boat—which, of course, we recommend you do—take advantage of one of the top-notch marinas recommended by our yacht experts, including The Palm Beach Marina, Brazilian Docks, Peruvian Dock, or Rybovich in West Palm. Once your yacht is safe and sound, a fitting place to make your entrée into the scene is Le Bilboquet, which serves delectable French dishes in a see-and-be-seen atmosphere with an emphasis on chicness and romance. But sometimes at IYG, we are hot off a plane from Pisa and still craving an expertly crafted pasta dish, and that’s when we head to Renato’s for the rich pappardelle vitello or spicy spaghettini diavolo in their alfresco courtyard. For special occasions—like signing the papers on a new yacht—we recommend the fine dining at Cafe L’Europa. An ice-cold martini paired with something off the restaurant’s impressive caviar menu should start the festivities off right.
After dinner, we recommend checking into one of the island’s many excellent hotel options, approved by our team of yacht experts of course. These accommodations run the gamut from historic and fabled to modern and trendy. Perhaps no establishment is more synonymous with Palm Beach than the Breakers hotel, famous for its incredible views of the Atlantic. If you’d like something a bit more boutique-y, The White Elephant offers a cozy and fun vibe, and has a very convenient partnership with the Barton & Gray fleet as well. The Brazilian Court offers 1920s-style glam and expertly done Spanish Colonial architecture that defines the Old Florida feel. Lastly, The Colony boasts revamped rooms and a poolside brunch at its restaurant, Swifty’s, that won’t be beat. Locals know that the Monday trivia night at Swifty’s is also the place to swig an Aperol spritz while showing off your intellectual merits.
After lazing pool- or beach-side all afternoon, you’ll certainly work up an appetite. No trip to Palm Beach would be complete without stopping by Buccan, a staple eatery on the island that serves up inventive dishes like sweetcorn agnolotti and short rib empanadas, as well as a bustling bar scene. Fancier options for your second night in town are plentiful. The white-tablecloth Italian restaurant Trevini is charming for its pomp and circumstance, while La Goulue is an upscale French bistro with a traditional menu. Try the buttery and garlicky escargot with grilled French bread and thank us later. Lastly, for those staying at the Breakers who don’t feel like leaving the premises for a meal (we don’t blame you, the Breakers is lovely), try the onsite HMF, which boasts one of Palm Beach’s hottest bar scenes as well as a delicious seafood-heavy menu.
For those not staying directly on the island, West Palm Beach offers a vibrant alternative just on the other side of the ICW. Harry’s does the old-school steakhouse thing right, with perfectly cooked, dry-aged cuts complemented perfectly by a rich and masculine ambiance. Felice is another exceptional option on this side of the bridge. Its name means “happy” in Italian, and that’s exactly what you’ll be after a hearty bowl of pasta paired with a glass of juicy red wine, and served by a warm and convivial staff.
Wherever you go in Palm Beach with a hungry belly you are sure to find what you are looking for. Nowhere else in South Florida offers this wide an array of restaurants matched with a vibe that is unapologetically elegant and indescribably timeless. If you are looking to elevate your yachting experience in Palm Beach, contact our team today for expert guidance on luxury living!