THE PALM BEACHES — When visiting The Palm Beaches, it’s a good idea to come hungry. 

The Florida hotspot is home to a vibrant culinary scene that includes over 2,000 dining venues, five celebrated chefs, five food and drink tours, more than 19 breweries, one organic winery and four operating distilleries – enough to offer dining options for any type of palate. 

Visitors can savour the culinary skills of Chef Lindsay Autry, a finalist on Bravo TV’s ‘Top Chef’ and three-time James Beard nominee, at her popular eatery The Regional, or her newest outpost, Honeybelle at PGA National Resort. For more exotic fare, Chef Pushkar Marathe marries cultural cuisines at Stage Kitchen & Bar as well as at his new restaurant, Ela Curry Kitchen, voted the best new restaurant in The Palm Beaches for its traditional Indian recipes served thali-style. Other must-try spots include Buccan and Imoto in Palm Beach, and Grato in West Palm Beach, all part of Ember Group, headed by six-time James Beard award nominee Chef Clay Conley. 

Seafood lovers can arrive by boat or by car at Guanabanas in Jupiter, known for its fresh Florida seafood dishes and thatched tiki hut. They can also join the locals for small plates and an ultra-fresh raw bar at the always-packed Avocado Grill in downtown West Palm Beach, a restaurant by local sensation Chef Julien Gremaud.

To satisfy their sweet tooth, visitors can participate in high tea at Serenity Garden Tea House & Café in West Palm Beach. And for those who prefer all things chocolate, free tours and tastings are available at the Hoffman’s Chocolates Factory, Shoppe, and Gardens in Greenacres.

In addition to a plethora of restaurants and eateries, The Palm Beaches are also home to several world-class foodie events, including The Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival. Known for being a ‘summer camp’ for the food industry’s biggest names, including Michelin-star chef Daniel Boulud, the festival takes place in December and serves up everything from gourmet comfort cuisine to five-course dinners with wine pairings.

And lastly, Boca Bacchanal in Boca Raton, where the worlds of food and wine collide, welcomes gourmands to indulge in vintner dinners in private homes, a Grand Tasting with wine pairings, and a five-star dinner and auction, with proceeds benefitting the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum. Look for 2024 dates in the spring.

For more information about The Palm Beaches, go to www.thepalmbeaches.com/travel-trade-professionals.