Epicurean Excursion: The Central County Tour

The journey around the county's culinary highlights continues through West Palm Beach and Palm Beach

Photo by Tara Koenke Photography

Avocado Grill, West Palm Beach

Funky-fresh flavors await at this hot spot from St. Tropez–born chef Julien Gremaud. Open for lunch, dinner, and a bustling weekend brunch, Avocado Grill excels in its dedication to upscale modern dining without any of the pomp and circumstance. Pick up a handcrafted margarita before savoring a Mediterranean-style appetizer of curried cauliflower or luscious lamb sliders topped with cucumber feta yogurt and paprika aioli. While the menu abounds in shareable plates, the light-yet-lovely entrees—from citrus-glazed salmon to a fantastic chicken paillard—are too good to pass up. Beginning November 2, chef Gremaud will introduce his latest concept, Avocado Cantina, in Palm Beach Gardens.

Echo, Palm Beach

Who’s up for fresh-from-the-ocean sushi? Operated by The Breakers, Echo caters to those with an appetite for only the best in sushi, sashimi, and other Asian fare, from noodles to stir fry and all the dim sum in between. This sleek eatery is also home to Palm Beach’s best happy hour, featuring half-priced specialty sushi rolls—including the eponymous Echo roll with tempura shrimp, cucumber, avocado, and red tobiko—and couture cocktails like the Pink Bamboo made with ginger-infused gin, elderflower liqueur, blueberries, and lime juice.

Hidden Gem: Cuban Cuisine 

A taste of cuba can be found in West Palm Beach, where you can stop by three different eateries for all three meals. For a café con leche and drool-inducing pastries at breakfast, go to Tulipan Bakery. Craving that oh-so-decadent Cuban sandwich for lunch? Secure it at Havana. Come evening, stop by Don Ramon for dinner and a side of dancing.

Courtesy of Buccan

Buccan, Palm Beach

For a night of epic flavor, head straight to Buccan, operated by chef superstar and James Beard Award nominee Clay Conley. The buzzing ambience in the bar and main dining room—where you’re likely to rub elbows with the who’s who of Palm Beach—is second only to the stellar cuisine. Try one of the veggie apps, like broccolini with hummus and black garlic harissa, before tucking into a variety of small bites such as short rib empanadas and tuna crisps. The menu changes frequently, but Buccan’s large plates always include certain favorites, such as wood-grilled steak, fresh fish, and handcrafted pasta. 

Courtesy of Pistache/Photo by South of Southern

Pistache, West Palm Beach

In the mood for a gourmet combination of French flavors and South Florida flair? Then allons y to Pistache on Clematis Street. Start your Paris-meets-Palm Beach party with a bottle from the  Euro-centric wine list along with a plate of charcuterie, which should include at least one French cheese (we suggest Comté) and cured meat (house paté, please). Then, select a sizzling steak au poivre with pommes frites or a chargrilled swordfish caught earlier that day.

Looking for something more akin to a laid-back Parisian bistro? Pistache has you covered with its newest dining option, Bistro P. This section of the restaurant caters to those eager for quirky cocktails, raclette-topped burgers, succulent small plates, or, if you’re with a group, a luscious bowl of fondue.

Cholo Soy Cocina, West Palm Beach

Let’s talk about tacos—better yet, let’s eat them! Located in the heart of Antique Row, Cholo Soy Cocina is where to go when you’re short on time but have a hankering for Ecuadorian-esque street food. Chef Clay Carnes (yes, that’s his real last name) is a wizard when it comes to meat, and the chancho pork tacos are his masterpiece. The dish imparts a mixture of slow-smoked, spicy, earthy flavors heightened by the bright punch of pickled pineapple salsa and the creamy addition of his secret Cholo sauce.

Courtesy of Florie’s/Photo by Emily Hawkes

Florie’s, Palm Beach

World-renowned chef Mauro Colagreco is putting Palm Beach County on the global foodie map with Florie’s at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. All of the offerings reflect Colagreco’s multicultural background and commitment to celebrating Floridian ingredients. Begin with his sharing bread—inspired by his grandmother’s recipe—before moving on to the heirloom tomato carpaccio, seared snapper, or a hearty meat entree that hints at his Argentinian heritage. 

Steam Horse Brewing, West Palm Beach

Nestled in the Warehouse District, Steam Horse brewing—part of the Tequesta Brewing and Twisted Trunk family—is the ideal spot to grab a beer and a bite from nearby Grandview Public Market. Pair a divine chicken sandwich from Clare’s Kitchen with Steam Horse’s refreshing Off the Rail pale ale. 

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