These Are Palm Beach County’s Michelin-Worthy Restaurants
Stage
By Eric Barton | Feb. 5, 2025
The Michelin Guide announced yesterday it’s expanding to Palm Beach County, and I think most would agree, that just makes fine sense. Ever since Henry Flagler brought his railroad to town, Palm Beach has boasted restaurants and hotel kitchens luring Northerners who know good food. Places like Cafe Boulud and Buccan have been putting out Michelin-worthy plates since way back when. So, Michelin, it’s about time.
As the inspectors begin combing the county, I’m thinking the might need a roadmap to the best restaurants, places deserving of a star or at least a Bib Gourmand, recognizing good restaurants offering food at a value. Here then are the Palm Beach County restaurants deserving of a Michelin Star.
Stage Kitchen
2000 PGA Blvd | Website | Instagram
What is it: Tucked away in Palm Beach Gardens, Stage Kitchen is chef Pushkar Marathe's culinary playground, where global flavors meet his Indian heritage. The industrial-chic vibe sets the tone for Marathe's innovative small plates and wood-fired creations that never fail to surprise.
Why it should be in the guide: Marathe's spice wizardry and unexpected flavor combos, like his tandoori-spiced octopus with turmeric yogurt, are exactly the kind of culinary storytelling Michelin inspectors love.
Although: If Stage doesn’t end up in the guide, I will, I don’t know, do an ice bucket challenge with high-priced champagne. OK, maybe cheap sparkling wine.
What it deserves: One Michelin star.
Cafe Boulud
301 Australian Ave | Website | Instagram
What is it: Daniel Boulud's Palm Beach outpost brings a slice of New York sophistication to the Brazilian Court Hotel. Executive chef Christopher Zabita crafts seasonal menus that marry French finesse with Florida's bounty in a way that makes you forget you're steps away from the beach.
Why it should be in the guide: With Boulud's pedigree and a consistent execution of classic and contemporary French cuisine, Cafe Boulud screams Michelin material.
Although: Being part of a larger restaurant group might raise questions about local focus, but let's be real – the food speaks for itself.
What it deserves: One Michelin star, possibly two if they're feeling generous.
Buccan
350 S County Rd | Website | Instagram
What is it: Clay Conley's Palm Beach hotspot has been my go-to Palm Beach recommendation since it opened in 2011. The buzzy atmosphere might fool you, but make no mistake – there's serious culinary magic happening here, from those addictive short rib empanadas to wood-fired pizzas that haunt my dreams.
Why it should be in the guide: Conley's innovative approach to American cuisine, coupled with his James Beard nod and commitment to local sourcing, makes Buccan a strong contender.
Although: The lively vibe might be a bit much for the traditionally staid Michelin experience.
What it deserves: One Michelin Star.
Honeybelle
400 Ave of the Champions | Website | Instagram
What is it: Nestled inside the newly renovated PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Honeybelle is James Beard Award nominee chef Lindsay Autry's love letter to Southern-inspired cuisine. The restaurant blends classic Florida fare with Southern charm, offering an indoor-outdoor dining experience that feels like a chic beach café.
Why it should be in the guide: Autry's culinary prowess shines through in dishes like her legendary fried chicken and dishes that showcase local, sustainable ingredients. Her three-time James Beard Award nomination for "Best Chef: South" speaks volumes about her culinary credentials.
Although: The restaurant's resort location and casual vibe might make Michelin inspectors hesitate.
What it deserves: One Michelin star.
Tropical Smokehouse
3815 S Dixie Hwy | Website | Instagram
What is it: Rick Mace's West Palm Beach barbecue joint is rooted in Florida's culinary history. Where else can you find smoked mullet and alligator sausage sharing menu space with more traditional barbecue fare?
Why it should be in the guide: Mace's innovative take on regional barbecue, infusing it with distinctly Floridian flavors, is the kind of unique perspective the Michelin Guide uncovers.
Although: The casual, counter-service format might be a tough sell for fussy inspectors.
What it deserves: A Bib Gourmand.
Oceano Kitchen
512 Lucerne Ave | Website | Instagram
What is it: This gem from Jeremy and Cindy Bearman was recently reborn in a 140-seat Lake Worth spot and offers a daily-changing menu that keeps rabidly loyal customers coming back. The open kitchen and intimate dining room create an immersive experience that feels like you're part of something special.
Why it should be in the guide: The Bearmans' commitment to hyper-seasonal cooking and Jeremy's Michelin-starred past (at Rouge Tomate in New York) align perfectly with what Michelin seeks.
Although: Is there a reason Oceano shouldn’t be in the guide? I haven’t found it.
What it deserves: One Michelin star.
Driftwood Restaurant
2005 Federal Hwy | Website | Instagram
What is it: This seafood-focused gastropub in Boynton Beach was founded by husband-and-wife team Jimmy Everett and Ilia Gonzalez. The restaurant blends comfort food with innovative culinary techniques, showcasing locally sourced seafood and creative American fare in a relaxed, neighborhood setting.
Why it should be in the guide: Everett, with his impressive culinary background from WD-50 in New York, brings a nuanced approach to familiar dishes. His commitment to sourcing local fish directly from fishermen and creating subtle, surprising flavor combinations demonstrates the kind of culinary creativity Michelin appreciates.
Although: The casual atmosphere and suburban location might make Michelin inspectors initially hesitant.
What it deserves: A Bib Gourmand.
Buccan Sandwich Shop
350 S County Rd | Website | Instagram
What is it: An offshoot of Clay Conley's Buccan, this daytime spot elevates the humble sandwich to an art form. From a Vietnamese-inspired banh mi with char siu pork to a lobster roll on house-made brioche, each sandwich is a masterclass in flavor and texture.
Why it should be in the guide: The attention to detail and quality of ingredients in what appears to be simple fare makes this a Michelin-worthy spot.
Although: Its limited hours and casual concept might not fit the traditional Michelin mold.
What it deserves: A Bib Gourmand.
MIA Kitchen & Bar
7901 W Atlantic Ave | Website | Instagram
What is it: This modern American restaurant in suburban Delray Beach is helmed by chef Jason Binder and offers a fusion of French and global influences. The buzzing, chef-driven spot has been creating waves since its opening in 2016 with its craft cocktails and innovative cuisine.
Why it should be in the guide: Binder's commitment to culinary creativity is evident in dishes like the lobster bisque flatbread, short rib gnudi, and pork belly fried rice.
Although: Sharing a strip mall with a mattress store might make it harder for Michelin inspectors to find it.
What it deserves: A Bib Gourmand.
Aioli
7434 S Dixie Hwy | Website | Instagram
What is it: This West Palm Beach sandwich shop and bakery, run by Michael and Melanie Hackman, has become a local institution. Everything from the bread to the mayo is made in-house, elevating each sandwich to a gourmet experience.
Why it should be in the guide: The Hackmans' commitment to scratch cooking and locally-sourced ingredients, even in a casual setting, aligns with Michelin's appreciation for quality and craft.
Although: The counter-service format and focus on sandwiches might not fit traditional Michelin criteria.
What it deserves: A Bib Gourmand.
The Butcher's Club
400 Ave of the Champions | Website | Instagram
What is it: A sleek, 1950s-inspired steakhouse nestled inside the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, masterminded by Top Chef winner and Michelin-starred chef Jeremy Ford. The restaurant exudes a seductive elegance with warm golds and woods, offering a modern take on the classic steakhouse experience.
Why it should be in the guide: Ford's culinary pedigree is impeccable: he earned his first star in 2022 for Stubborn Seed on Miami Beach and is a James Beard Award semi-finalist. The menu showcases Royal Cuts of wagyu and prime steaks, alongside innovative dishes like tuna-coconut ceviche and truffle-jalapeño poppers that demonstrate Ford's creative prowess.
Although: The restaurant's resort location might make Michelin inspectors slightly hesitant about its standalone culinary identity.
What it deserves: One Michelin star.
Cholo Soy Cocina
3715 S Dixie Hwy | Website | Instagram
What is it: Clay Carnes' tiny West Palm Beach taqueria is a testament to big flavors in small packages. The James Beard-nominated chef combines his Andean culinary heritage with local ingredients to create tacos that are both familiar and revolutionary.
Why it should be in the guide: Carnes' innovative approach to tacos, using high-quality, often locally-sourced ingredients, exemplifies the kind of culinary creativity Michelin often recognizes.
Although: The extremely casual setting might be a challenge for Michelin recognition.
What it deserves: A Bib Gourmand.
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