The Best Restaurants in West Palm

By Brady Jonas

West Palm Beach might be better known for its beaches and retirees, but the restaurant scene is starting to give Miami a run for its money. If you’re here to eat, you’re in luck—these spots are where the locals go to avoid early bird specials and discover the new wave of West Palm’s culinary landscape.

1. Stage Kitchen & Bar

Stage Kitchen & Bar is the brainchild of Chef Pushkar Marathe, a James Beard nominee whose menu reads like a love letter to global cuisine. Located in the northern reaches of Palm Beach County, it’s where I go when I’m feeling adventurous enough to try something like "tandoori octopus" or "duck confit fried rice." The kitchen is open, so you can watch the chefs work their magic while you sip on one of their creative cocktails. You could call it dinner and a show, minus the high heels and bad acoustics.

2. Elisabetta's Ristorante

Elisabetta's Ristorante is where Italian dining gets a fresh twist, thanks to Chef Lisabet Summa. Nestled along the waterfront on South Flagler Drive, this spot offers homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a charming trattoria somewhere on the Amalfi Coast. Their burrata is practically its own food group, and the ricotta cheesecake is worth every calorie. It's the perfect place for a long, leisurely dinner—just don’t ask me to share the truffle pasta.

3. Tropical Smokehouse

Tropical Smokehouse brings a bit of the South to South Florida with a barbecue menu that's anything but ordinary. Run by Chef Rick Mace, who spent years at some of the finest restaurants in the country, this casual eatery offers smoked meats that are as tender as they are flavorful. Whether it’s the brisket, the pulled pork, or the ribs, each bite is a reminder that good barbecue doesn’t have to be messy, but it does have to be delicious. Don’t miss the house-made pickles or the tropical slaw—they're the perfect balance to the smoky richness of the meat.

4. Felice

Felice brings a touch of Tuscany to West Palm Beach with its rustic, Italian-inspired menu. Located in The Square, Felice offers a cozy atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Florentine bistro. The pasta is made fresh daily, and the wine list is curated with selections straight from Italy. I’d suggest trying the cacio e pepe, which manages to be both simple and transcendent—like all good Italian food should be. The tiramisu is also a must, assuming you have room after all that pasta.

5. High Dive

High Dive is a seafood lover’s dream, brought to you by Chef Jeremy Bearman and his wife, Cindy. Nestled in the heart of The Square, this spot is all about fresh, sustainable seafood with a touch of whimsy. The menu changes daily depending on what’s fresh, but if the lobster bao buns are available, don’t even think twice. I once had a halibut dish here that made me question everything I thought I knew about fish.

6. Sassafras

Sassafras is where Southern comfort meets elevated dining. Chef John Thomas has put a modern spin on traditional Southern dishes, and the results are nothing short of fantastic. Think chicken and waffles but with duck confit and a hint of heat. This place has become my go-to for Sunday brunch, mostly because it’s socially acceptable to have a bourbon-based cocktail before noon.

7. Avocado Grill

Avocado Grill is a bright, lively spot that combines fresh ingredients with creative takes on classic dishes. It’s the brainchild of Chef Julien Gremaud, and you’ll find everything from avocado-laced seafood dishes to Mediterranean-inspired small plates. I recommend the avocado toast topped with smoked salmon or the seared scallops—both are revelations. It’s also the kind of place where you’ll want to linger over drinks, especially during their happy hour, which feels more like a festive gathering than a discount deal.