{"id":2835,"date":"2026-08-21T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jvdbosch.com\/?p=2835"},"modified":"2026-08-27T09:12:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T09:12:47","slug":"the-most-exciting-place-to-eat-in-the-us-is-somewhere-youd-never-expect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.jvdbosch.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/21\/the-most-exciting-place-to-eat-in-the-us-is-somewhere-youd-never-expect\/","title":{"rendered":"The most exciting place to eat in the US is somewhere you\u2019d never expect"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\"A\t<\/div>
It’s more commonly associated with billionaires, but this Florida resort has quietly become the most exciting place to eat in America (Picture: Discover The Palm Beaches)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Palm Beaches oozes a special style of old world glamour. <\/p>\n

With pink oceanfront mansions, cotton-striped pools and elegant, almost theatrical clothing boutiques in storefronts from the Gilded Age, it is every inch the American Dream. <\/p>\n

Don\u2019t mistake The Palm Beaches for Palm Beach, though.<\/p>\n

Both are in Florida<\/a>, but the Beaches<\/em> (plural) is a 47-mile coastal destination made up of 39 distinct communities, from Boca Raton in the south to Jupiter in the north.<\/p>\n

The latter is the ultra-elite island town home to glamorous Worth Avenue and many, many billionaires. <\/p>\n

Considered America\u2019s first resort destination, The Palm Beaches gets its name from an 1878 shipwreck that saw 20,000 coconuts rescued and planted, eventually growing into the iconic trees that line the streets.<\/p>\n

Even now, The Palm Beaches\u2019 tropical climate is the draw for freezing Northerners, mostly wealthy and from New York, who travel down for \u2018the season\u2019 (Christmas until Easter).<\/p>\n

They come for the lifestyle: basking in the sun on sandy beaches, getting a round in on the immaculate golf courses or shopping in the numerous boutiques and malls. <\/p>\n

You know the type. People who use summer as a verb.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
The Palm Beaches is known for its shopping (Picture: Discover The Palm Beaches)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These travellers are affectionately known as snowbirds, bringing with them a taste for sophisticated dining that feels more Manhattan than Florida.<\/p>\n

Their presence has helped to attract a new generation of chefs, restaurateurs and entrepreneurs who are reshaping the culinary identity of The Palm Beaches.<\/p>\n

In short, it’s now a bloody great place to eat.<\/p>\n

While whizzing down Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach on a golf buggy \u2013 it\u2019s known as Florida\u2019s \u2018village by the sea\u2019 for a reason \u2013 I am told that \u2018there are not a lot of rules when it comes to food\u2019 in The Palm Beaches.<\/p>\n

Chefs tend to be more creative and experimental because they have the space to be. <\/p>\n

In practical terms, that means accessible wagyu menus and Cuban restaurants using ingredients they wouldn\u2019t dare elsewhere for fear of straying from their roots.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"Alex\t<\/div>
Natural ingredients take centre stage at The Palm Beaches’ PGA National Resort; guests can visit the hives that are home to some 250,000 bees, then dine at Honeybelle, the hotel’s honey-themed restaurant (Picture: Alex Goldsmith)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Stage Kitchen in Palm Beach Gardens even has a menu featuring Indian, Spanish, Latin American and contemporary US<\/a> dishes.<\/p>\n

It feels less straightforward fusion and more of an exploration of chef Pushkar Marathe\u2019s own experiences of global cooking traditions. <\/p>\n

The tandoori churrasco was a standout dish and a particularly delightful departure from tradition. <\/p>\n

Local restaurateurs often own several restaurant concepts to cater to diverse tastes, especially in downtown Delray Beach where the owners of Mexican spot El Camino also run a steakhouse and tavern.<\/p>\n

And chefs don\u2019t just regard The Palm Beaches as a seasonal output but a serious dining destination. <\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Expect bold flavours from Palm Beaches restaurants (Picture: El Camino Mexican Street Food)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While Caf\u00e9 Boulud – from renowned French chef Daniel Boulud – has been a Palm Beach staple for over two decades, Akira Back in Delray Beach and Seahawk by David Burke in Palm Beach Gardens are relatively new additions to the area.<\/p>\n

So perhaps we\u2019ve found the new culinary holiday port of call for European travellers. <\/p>\n

When the snowbirds have returned home after winter, the summer<\/a> is open for visitors from further afield to feast their way around after a trip to the polo or round of golf. <\/p>\n

Without further ado, here’s where you should eat…<\/p>\n

El Camino Mexican Soul Food <\/h2>\n

Location:<\/strong> Delray Beach<\/p>\n

El Camino Mexican Soul Food<\/a> is a cult-favourite, high-energy eatery known for bold flavours, an extensive margarita and tequila menu and signature hot sauces. Expect towers of nachos and rich, flavour-packed tacos. A real favourite of the trip.<\/p>\n

Favourite Item: <\/strong>Pineapple-Coconut Margarita <\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Try the tacos at El Camino (Picture: El Camino Mexican Street Food)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Akira Back<\/h2>\n

Location:<\/strong> The Ray Hotel, Delray Beach<\/p>\n

Akira Back<\/a> is a stunning dining experience from start to finish. With fresh fish delivered from Japan<\/a> to plate within 48 hours, this is Japanese dining (with a Korean twist) at its best. We had too many melt in the mouth moments to count.<\/p>\n

Favourite Item:<\/strong> AB Tuna Tataki<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"A\t<\/div>
Tuna crudo pizza at Akira Back… a work of art (Picture: Alex Goldsmith)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Caf\u00e9 Boulud <\/h2>\n

Location:<\/strong> Brazilian Court Hotel, Palm Beach<\/p>\n

Just a few minutes from glamorous Worth Avenue, we had lunch in the elegant courtyard of Caf\u00e9 Boulud<\/a>. With a menu packed full of modern French cuisine we spent ages agonising over what to have. Pro tip: don\u2019t skip dessert.<\/p>\n

Favourite Item: <\/strong>Caf\u00e9 Cobb<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Don’t skip dessert at Cafe Boulud \u2013 like this Panna Cotta (Picture: Todd Coleman)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Butcher\u2019s Club<\/h2>\n

Location:<\/strong> PGA National Resort, Palm Beach Gardens <\/p>\n

The Butcher’s Club<\/a> is a classic Michelin-recommended modern steakhouse from Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford. It\u2019s old school and atmospheric with food of an incredible quality. My most-used word of the night was \u2018wow\u2019. <\/p>\n

Favourite Item:<\/strong> A tie between the Tuna-Coconut Ceviche and the Porter House steak. <\/p>\n

Stage Kitchen<\/h2>\n

Location: <\/strong>Palm Beach Gardens<\/p>\n

This felt like the most global menu of the trip – with US, Latin American and Spanish influences all linking back to chef Pushkar Marathe\u2019s Indian roots. There are some really special dishes at Stage Kitchen<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Favourite Item:<\/strong> Plantain Chaat<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Seahawk’s signature steaks are a must (Picture: Palm Beach Influence)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Seahawk Prime by David Burke<\/h2>\n

Location:<\/strong> Lake Park<\/p>\n

Overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, Seahawk<\/a> features signature Himalayan salt-aged steaks and incredible seafood. We were particularly taken by the hanging bacon that you had to snip with scissors to serve.<\/p>\n

Favourite Item:<\/strong> DB’S OG clothesline bacon (and a very, very dirty martini).<\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tThe essentials\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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Getting there<\/strong><\/p>\n

Virgin Atlantic flies direct from London Heathrow to Miami. Return fares from \u00a3483 per person, including complimentary food, drink, inflight entertainment and taxes. For further information visit https:\/\/www.virginatlantic.com\/<\/a> or call 0344 8747 747. <\/p>\n

Where to stay (without breaking the bank)<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Ray Hotel Delray Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton<\/strong>,<\/a> is a mid-range four-star that’s well located in the heart of Downtown Delray Beach, two blocks from the famous Atlantic Avenue.<\/p>\n

Prices vary based on time of year. For shoulder season, rates from \u00a3220 to \u00a3293.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n


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