The Best Places To Eat In West Palm Beach

One of the best things about growing up in Florida is that I always have an excuse to return, especially in the winter. I was born and raised in West Palm Beach, a city that is typically overshadowed by Palm Beach, its ritzy neighbor right across the Intracoastal, and Miami, the glittering metropolis about two hours south. But now West Palm (as locals call it) is finally getting its due. Over the past decade, the city has grown and transformed into a destination in its own right, especially when it comes to food. West Palm’s culinary scene is on the rise—here are a few can’t-miss spots, and some local legends. 

Grato

At this hot spot, tables fill up quickly for chef Clay Conley’s wood-wired pizzas and handmade pastas. Although it bills itself as a “neighborhood joint,” Grato’s inviting space and menu make it perfect for date night, or any special meal out. Just be sure to make a reservation.

1901 South Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL; (561) 404-1334  

Grandview Public Market

Grandview might not be as large or as splashy as many big-city food halls, but it’s just the right size for the area’s Warehouse District, where boutiques have replaced industrial spaces. Inside the market you’ll find a diverse mix of food vendors ranging from ramen to pizza to Caribbean fare. A bustling bar and outdoor patio give Grandview a lively feel—it’s the kind of place where you can spend your lunch break, or an entire evening. 

1401 Clare Ave., West Palm Beach, FL; (561) 660-5629

Tropical Smokehouse

“Florida-style barbecue” might seem like a misnomer until you’ve dined at Tropical Smokehouse. At this James Beard-nominated restaurant, chef Rick Mace combines expertly smoked meats and seafood with Caribbean influences and locally-sourced ingredients to create dishes like Mojo Pulled Pork and Brisket Empanadas.

3815 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL; (561) 323-2573

Bud's Chicken and Seafood

Since the 1950s, this local chain has been serving up cardboard boxes and paper-lined plates filled with all things golden, crisp, and fried. Chicken is the star here, although the restaurant offers several types of fried seafood, including scallops and clams. Don’t miss the hushpuppy-like “legendary corn fritters” which are satisfyingly crunchy on the outside and fluffy and studded with corn on the inside.

7912 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL; (561) 588-8595

Havana Restaurant

For Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and coffee with a real kick, head to Havana, a West Palm Beach institution. The restaurant has undergone many renovations over the years—the current building has a 24-hour walk-up window for late-night eats—but the quality of the food at this family-run business remains the same.

6801 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL; (561) 547-9799

Hive Bakery & Cafe

Step into this stylish all-day cafe and it’s no surprise that it was conceived by an interior designer. Hive Bakery & Cafe is part of a group of businesses by Sara McCann of McCann Design Group that also includes shops for home goods (Hive Home, Gift & Garden) and clothing (Hive for Her & Him), among others. But this place isn’t just about aesthetics—in addition to an appealing menu of breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads and soups, the bakery is stocked with an impressive array of rustic loaves, flaky croissants, elegant tarts and cakes, and cookies of all kinds. 

1603 South Dixie, West Palm Beach, FL; (561) 360-2196

The Restaurant at the Norton

It’s worth spending a whole afternoon at the Norton Museum of Art, which is home to works by significant artists including Georgia O’Keefe, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso, among others. The museum’s inner courtyard and exterior sculpture garden are one of the best places in the city to commune with art and nature. (Don’t miss the nearby Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, which is also a beautiful experience.) The Norton’s restaurant is also worth a trip to the museum. The bright and airy indoor-outdoor dining room has a sleek, modern feel and the menu showcases dishes as striking as the space.   

1450 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL; (561) 832-5196

West Palm Beach Greenmarket

Every Saturday from October to April, Centennial Square in downtown West Palm is filled with vendors selling fresh produce, Cuban coffee, local honey, potted orchids and plants, baked goods, and all sorts of prepared foods. It’s a busy scene, but you can find peaceful moments too. Hang out on the large green lawn and enjoy the breeze from the Intracoastal Waterway, which is right across the street.

101 S. Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL