5 Best Restaurants in Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast, Florida

An antidote to the sometimes stuffy and "jackets-encouraged" atmosphere of most restaurants on the island, chef-owner Clay Conley's ode to eclectic American cuisine neatly straddles the line between fine dining and exciting gastropub. The restaurant attracts both old money and the younger set, with a buzzing bar-and-lounge scene and an open kitchen showcasing the culinary acrobatics on display. The cooking here is flavorful and sophisticated with globe-trotting influences apparent (confit Rohan duck pancake) and upscale renditions of comfort food (sweet corn agnolotti with ricotta, bacon, and Espelette butter) along with straightforward classics (Prime NY strip with chanterelle mushrooms). Success has bred more delicious gems: The chef's sandwich shop, also on the premises just next door, draws beachgoers who want to pack a picnic lunch. An Asian spot next door called Imoto churns out izakaya-style dishes to rave reviews.

This laid-back food hall and community-centric market complete with colorful murals is a crowd pleaser. There's plenty to taste, with 12 vendors selling everything from tacos to fried chicken to rolled ice cream. There's also a unique event space and weekly curated programming for all ages. Check out the small farmers' market on the weekend and live jazz that accompanies brunch, along with community yoga and kids activities. Standouts include shrimp po' boys from Roux Cajun Cuisine, bowls of ramen from Ramen Lab Eatery, and cold brew from Pumphouse Coffee. A full bar serving wine, beer, and cocktails is also available.

A charming cottage restaurant west of Ocean Drive prepares some of the best food around—not just in Vero Beach, but all of South Florida. The chefs, classically trained, give a nod to international fare with disparate dishes such as tuna tataki, Asian-inspired carpaccio with satay, penne quattro formaggi, and classic lobster bisque. The setting is effortlessly elegant (think pale-blue, coral-printed fabrics and a brick fireplace) and the service top-notch. An appetizer's two jumbo crab cakes have scarcely anything but sweet, fresh flesh; a Southern-inspired corn-and-pepper sauce naps them. Floridian fish are a focus, testament to the chef's commitment to local sourcing. Adventurous eaters may want to book the chef's table, where the chef's choice menu is paired with wines from an impressive list.

This cozy spot is as good as it gets on the Treasure Coast. Soft music and a friendly staff set the mood in the antiques-filled dining room of this old house, which holds only 21 tables. An extensive list of small plates can be ordered as starters or mains and includes tasty treats like Arbol chili roasted chicken thighs and Wagyu hanger steak with onion rings and salsa verde. Many of the vegetables are grown by the chef. The limited but superb selection of entrées includes wood-grilled elk with roasted faro and Wagyu rib eye with port wine. All desserts are made from scratch and are also seductive, including white-chocolate custard with blackberry sauce.

In downtown West Palm Beach's waterfront district, this hot spot is an alternative to the bar food, tacos, and burgers more common in the area. "Green" cuisine---seasonal salads, vegetarian dishes, and sustainably produced meats and seafood---is making waves at the avocado-theme restaurant. Small plates of stuffed zucchini blossoms, octopus with chorizo and fingerling potatoes, or a mushroom fricassee with grits and truffle oil are examples of plates designed for sharing. A raw bar, specialty sushi, a vegetarian list, and inspired sandwiches are included among the pastas, salads, meats, and fish also listed. A brunch here with an extensive menu is popular. Craft cocktails, a nice wine selection, and beers are served at the long bar in the bistrolike eatery with casual-chic decor. Dine inside or out.