The best lunch in Palm Beach County is often just a short walk or boat ride from home.
Lunch and brunch are part of the daily rhythm in Palm Beach County real estate. People stop in after the showgrounds, meet clients between appointments, or settle in once the errands are done, often at a familiar table where they’re greeted by name. You’ll see regulars catching up over eggs and iced tea, seasonal residents turning a quick bite into a two-hour meal, and plenty of quiet business being handled without anyone making a show of it. These aren’t just lunch spots. They reflect the quiet routines and social rituals that shape daily life here.
If you want to understand how people live here, start with where they eat. Many of the spots serving the best lunch in Palm Beach County reveal more about a neighborhood than a listing ever could.
LUNCH AND BRUNCH SPOTS TO KNOW
The best lunch in Palm Beach County isn’t just about food. It’s part of how people live, meet, and move.
Fine dining favorites
These are the places where reservations are expected, the service is sharp, and the crowd is a mix of longtime locals, seasonal residents, and people who know exactly where to sit. Each of these restaurants brings a touch of polish without pretense and stays busy no matter the day:
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The Circle: Located inside The Breakers, The Circle is one of the grandest settings for a weekday breakfast or Sunday brunch. Beneath its 30-foot domed ceiling and hand-painted frescos, locals and visitors linger over stone crab claws, eggs benedict, and prime rib, all part of the hotel’s legendary Sunday spread.
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Café Boulud: Inside the Brazilian Court Hotel, Café Boulud is where you want to go when you want a quiet table, polished service, and food that’s consistently great. The space is elegant without trying too hard, with arched windows, soft lighting, and a courtyard that makes it easy to lose track of time. Favorites include the Britany dover sole, poached eggs Florentine, and the wagyu pastrami.
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Sant Ambroeus: Right in the middle of Royal Poinciana Plaza, Sant Ambroeus draws a steady crowd for its espresso bar, Milanese roots, and interiors that feel both retro and refined. It’s an easy spot to slide into for a quick cappuccino or stay for a long brunch with friends. The Sant Ambroeus Eggs Norwegian is a standout, but the avocado toast and pancakes are also regular favorites.
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Henry’s: Just off South County Road, Henry’s delivers comfort food with finesse in a bright, clubby setting. The interiors are tailored but easygoing, with arched windows, warm lighting, and views of palm-lined streets that feel unmistakably Palm Beach. Signature dishes like the lemon ricotta pancakes, Ahi tuna, and chicken pot pie keep regulars coming back.
Casual but stylish
These are the places locals treat like second homes. They’re unfussy, consistent, and quietly serve some of the best lunch in Palm Beach County, especially if you care more about flavor than fanfare:
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Hive Bakery & Cafe: Tucked just off Dixie Highway, Hive features interiors that are airy and bright, with a mix of green tile, natural wood, and fresh florals. Outside, scalloped umbrellas shade a garden patio that’s just as popular as the dining room. Top picks include the breakfast sandwich, sourdough scramble toast, and the avocado toast.
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Avocado Grill: Tucked into downtown West Palm, Avocado Grill has effortless energy that works just as well for a casual weekday lunch as it does for a sunny Sunday brunch. The space is bright and coastal, with green tufted booths, hanging baskets, and pops of color that match the menu’s modern, tropical feel. Regulars go for the grilled fish tacos or grilled octopus.
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The House: One of the freshest additions to West Palm’s lunch scene, The House is airy, polished, and smartly low-key. Natural light floods through oversized windows, and the interiors strike a balance between classic Florida and elevated clubhouse. Their spiny lobster “corn dogs” are a standout.
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Buccan Sandwich Shop: Just around the corner from its fine dining counterpart, this low-key offshoot turns out some of the best sandwiches in town. The vibe is casual and slick, but the food is anything but basic. Regulars swear by the beef carpaccio sandwich, while the turkey club and buffalo chicken are strong contenders.
Coastal lunch with a view
Waterfront dining is one of the perks of purchasing a home for sale in Palm Beach County, and these spots make the most of it, with all offering a front-row seat to the Intracoastal or the Atlantic (as well as some of the best lunch in Palm Beach County to go with it):
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1000 North: Set right on the Intracoastal in Jupiter, 1000 North blends waterfront views with a sophisticated, members-club feel. The space is sleek and wood-toned inside, with an open-air terrace that’s ideal for lingering over lunch. The “Street Corn” Caesar salad and #1 Ahi tuna poke bowl are go-to picks, especially on sunny afternoons when the water is far too inviting to walk away from.
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Waterway Cafe: A true dock-and-dine staple in Palm Beach Gardens, Waterway Cafe is casual and consistent. With plenty of outdoor seating, colorful umbrellas, and boats coming and going throughout the day, it’s the kind of place that works whether you’re in flip-flops or heading out from a showing. The Caribbean conch fritters are a must, and the seafood gumbo and jumbo lump crab cake are both longtime favorites for a reason.
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Benny’s on the Beach: Sitting right on the Lake Worth Pier, Benny’s is the definition of casual beachfront dining with zero pretense and full ocean views. The deck stretches over the sand with striped umbrellas, salty air, and a constant hum of activity from beachgoers and surfers. It’s a local favorite for laid-back lunches and weekend brunches, with go-to dishes like the French toast, lobster, calamari, and conch fritters.
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Al Fresco: Overlooking the Atlantic from the Palm Beach 3 Golf Course, Al Fresco offers a relaxed coastal setting for some of the best lunch in Palm Beach County. The terrace is perfect for a breezy midday meal or an early sunset dinner after a round of golf. The menu blends Italian and American favorites, with wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood dishes, and a classic Caesar salad being among the standouts.
Equestrian-class institutions
These are the places that anchor the Wellington lunch circuit. The crowd is a mix of riders, trainers, owners, and sponsors, many of whom treat these pots like an extension of the showgrounds:
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Oli’s Fashion Cuisine: Just a few minutes from the showgrounds, Oli’s draws a steady stream of riders, trainers, and polo sponsors looking for something a little more refined without feeling formal. The interiors are clean and modern, with white tablecloths, first-class service, and horse-world art that nods to the local crowd. The tuna tacos and boneless short rib are favorites, especially after a long morning at the barns.
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Kaluz Wellington: Just off Forest Hill, Kaluz brings a sleek, modern energy to the local dining scene with its dramatic lighting, deep booths, and indoor water features. The Hatfield Farms pork chop and Colorado lamb burger are both standouts.
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Sushi Moto: This Wellington favorite brings a polished yet relaxed take on pan-Asian dining, with fresh sushi, creative rolls, and stir-fry dishes that keep regulars coming back. It’s a go-to for equestrian visitors looking for a light lunch or dinner between events. Signature picks like the pad Thai, spring rolls, and California rolls pair well with the casual setting that suits the local crowd.
LIVING WELL IN PALM BEACH COUNTY STARTS HERE
The best lunch in Palm Beach County isn’t just about food. It’s about how people connect, take a beat between commitments, or catch up on the latest over a second cappuccino. From stylish terraces to waterfront tables, these restaurants offer a glimpse into the neighborhoods they belong to — how they move, who lives there, and what matters to them.
If you’re considering a move here, it helps to work with Palm Beach County Realtors who understand the full picture. The Drahan-Keiser Team is known not just for their market insight, but for how they live here. They’ve guided clients from first coffee to closing table, parking smart investments with real lifestyle. For expert advice and tailored support, reach out at 561.318.1208 or via email.
