01-08-2025
New Palm Beach County essential restaurants come with Hell's Kitchen chefs, waterfront views
Starting in November 2024 — just as season kicked off and I moved to the area — a wave of new restaurants began reshaping the dining scene across the Palm Beaches. From coastal destinations to off-Island neighborhoods worth seeking out, chefs are drawing on global influences and their early cooking stints to create experiences that linger long after the final bite.
Those earning spots on this list bring stories, style and a strong sense of place to the table. And while some may require a bit of a drive, each one rewards the journey with something memorable.
Whether you're in the mood for a breezy waterfront escape in West Palm Beach, a public golf course's luxe take on comfort food, or a passport-free Mediterranean getaway, the buzziest newcomers are worth exploring.
From new outposts of popular concepts to polished debuts, here's where to eat now.
3Ms: Malka, Milos, Motek
The Palm Beaches are savoring a Mediterranean moment. Newcomers Malka, Milos and Motek all have roots in other cities and a rep for vibrant flavors, wholesome fare and a taste of the Mediterranean coast. From Motek's Tel Aviv soul food to Malka's kosher creativity and Milos' upscale Greek seafood, these spots deliver sunshine, storytelling and serious food.
Malka: 209 Sixth Street, West Palm Beach, 561-559-0901,
Milos: 170 Lakeview Ave. at One Flagler, West Palm Beach, 561-437-8889,
Motek: 5377 Town Center Road, Suite 300, Boca Raton, 561-922-3319,
North County finds worth the drive
AquaSan
AquaSan swapped AquaGrille's coastal calm for a luxe tiki fever dream; think gyoza tacos, salmon poke cones and General Tso's chicken-waffle sandwiches, all served with a wink and a splash of tropical punch-fueled fun served in scorpion bowls.
: 14121 U.S. Highway 1, Juno Beach, 561-355-0438,
LĪLA
At LĪLA, Chef Sunny Oh, a longtime Nobu and Juvia alum, blends coastal French vibes with nods here and there to his culinary career, plating crudos, lobster linguine and yuzu-kissed hamachi in a relaxed, chic space that channels the energy of St. Tropez.
:187 Tequesta Drive, Jupiter, 561-406-6509,
The Salty Zebra
The Salty Zebra blends quirky charm with serious culinary chops from chef David Chapman, a Paul Bartolotta alum and a name to remember. Tuna tartare channels steakhouse classics, while playful décor make this modern American bistro a cozy, flavor-forward standout.
: 377 Tequesta Drive, Jupiter, 561-250-6350,
North Palm Beach, Singer Island
The Buccaneer
After a 20-year hiatus, The Buccaneer is back, blending nostalgia with flair. Hell's Kitchen champ Chef Paul Niedermann's elevated-yet-playful menu stars lobster-topped street corn pizza, pan-roasted mahi and the hilariously named Fruity Pebble pudding in a nautically chic, mural-kissed space that honors its legendary past.
: 142 Lake Drive, Palm Beach Shores, 772-405-0020,
The Clubhouse
The Clubhouse at North Palm Beach Country Club blends burgers and filet mignon with country club ease and breezy views. Love Street pros Lessing's Hospitality deliver a menu that swings from signature salads and sandwiches to Peking duck tacos and craft cocktails. Inside, you'll find relaxed elegance that feels and tastes pricier than it is.
951 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach; 561-691-3430;
Leonardi's
Leonardi's slings Brooklyn-style pies with crisp crusts, house-made sauce and serious slice swagger; think burrata, Calabrian chili and grandma slices that taste like a New York homecoming. Readers who've asked where to get pizza in this part of the county always send thank you notes.
: 11575 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach, 561-815-1513,
New in West Palm Beach, TripAdvisor's trendiest city
Lamarina
The one restaurant friends from all circles can't stop buzzing about is Lamarina at Safe Harbor Rybovich Marina. Mixing Mediterranean, Latin and Asian influences, this refined waterfront spot offers coastal cuisine, a sushi bar and sunset cocktails to create a breezy, elegant escape surrounded by megayachts and serene ocean views.
: 4050 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, 561-371-8380,
Moody Tongue Sushi
Moody Tongue Sushi fuses Michelin finesse with playful omakase artistry. This curated 13-course experience with seasonal sushi and premium beer pairings in elegant stemware is a prix-fixe sitch starting at $145, though a few summer deals can be found. With just 23 seats, it's an intimate, immersive journey into flavor, rooted in culinary innovation and a Chicago-New York pedigree.
Details: 600 Okeechobee Blvd. at the Hilton West Palm Beach,
Mr. B's Tavern
channels Old Florida feels with elevated tavern fare, retro cocktails and laid-back charm. Created by the team behind Kitchen (where you'll find my favorite chicken schnitzel), it's a stylish, soulful hideaway blending vintage cool with modern hospitality.
5201 Georgia Ave., West Palm Beach, 561-838-7186,
South County finds
105
105 brings luscious Peruvian flavors and dramatic décor that feels like a movie set (or perhaps Janet Jackson's 'If' video — in a good way) to mall dining. Chef Juan Chipoco's vibrant ceviches, sashimi and lomo saltado shine in a visually stunning space. A ceviche bar and theatrical kitchen entrance elevate this Miami favorite's newest outpost into a must-visit dining destination. Since opening in January, it's zoomed to TripAdvisor's No. 1 restaurant in Boca Raton.
Town Center at Boca Raton, 6000 Glades Road, 561-221-0940,
Grooves
Grooves blends soulful/soul food brunch and dinner with vacation vibes. Expect lobster waffles, gospel brunch, karaoke and daiquiris. Chef-driven dishes and a welcoming covered patio make it a vibrant, community-focused spot.
: 404 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-265-5599,
Novecento
Steak with a side of history: Novecento's Argentine-Italian cuisine is the reason to head to the area's historic Falcon House. Signature dishes at this Miami-founded chain include parrillada, house-made pastas and gnocchi, eaten for good luck on the 29th of every month. The cozy, refitted space feels like dining at someone's home if that person was an expert preparing grass-fed beef from Argentina and Snake River Farms with style.
: 116 NE Sixth Ave., Delray Beach, 561-450-6101,
Three cross-category essential restaurants
Gabriella's Modern Italian, ROK Prime Korean, Stage in South County
These new South County restaurants also earned spots in our essential Asian, Italian and Michelin-recognized roundups.
Gabriella's Modern Italian brings house-made pastas and a high-energy vibe to Delray Beach.
ROK Prime Korean offers premium tableside barbecue rooted in tradition.
Stage expands to Boca Raton with globally inspired small plates under Chef Pushkar Marathe.
Eddie Ritz contributed to this story. Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post's new food & restaurant writer. Care to share news tips about the local dining scene? Please send them to dbiederman@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: New restaurants near West Palm Beach include waterfront, comfort food
