This is where Palm Beach society comes to see and be seen.
Wear your Manolos (you're seated by your shoes,
though they'll never admit it), and try for a spot on the packed patio at lunch,
where you'll rub elbows with aging rock stars like Rod Stewart,
or late evenings at the bar, when the face-lift set gives way to the young and beautiful.
Though not really the draw, the northern Italian food (risotto, veal chop) is consistently good, and the airy,
classic-modern decor affords unobstructed views of the socialites and dealmakers. � JN
Always terrific, this 15-year-old classic underwent a renovation last year and is now better than ever.
There's nothing pretentious about Chez Jean-Pierre, except perhaps its trompe l'oeil wall murals.
The clientele is upper-crust, but they come for the food, not to be seen.
Chef-owner Jean-Pierre Leverrie serves classics like sole meuni�re and roasted duck, in understated, impeccable preparations.
A top-shelf French wine list and capable, sophisticated service are perfect complements to the experience.
Put away the diet, and take out the credit card � you'll be glad you did. � JN
Denizens of tucked-away Juno Beach, including baseball stars down for spring training,
are loath to share info about this seafood spot about 15 miles north of Palm Beach.
The prices and decor � paper menus and no tablecloths � are boat-shoe and shorts favorable,
but the Caribbean-inflected food, and especially wines (served in Reidel stemware), are Rolls-worthy.
If you can name a fish, it'll likely be on the menu sooner or later, simply prepared and outstandingly fresh.
For more unusual fare, try something off the lengthy apps list, such as grouper cheeks with garlic cream.
N.B.: A sister branch is in nearby Jupiter. � JN
The stunning ocean views and sumptuous decor (tropical flower arrangements,
The latest from restaurateur John Spoto is already attracting crowds with its oak-grilled meats and seafood,
yummy sides like garlicky spinach (in an unusual steakhouse move,
sides are included in the price of the entr�e), and massive, well-balanced wine list.
The stylish decor features fabric ceiling baffles, subdued lighting, dark woods,
and oversized chairs, and the crowd � a mix of well-heeled couples from nearby country clubs,
the newly retired, and golf notables � is free-spirited if middle-aged.
If the wait's too long, head for Spoto's casual and lively Oyster Bar, a block east. � JN
Chef Nick Morfogen is on the move constantly: Each day, he shops for and
composes his ever-changing menu based on the season, then prepares it in
sight of diners behind a glass kitchen wall. His innovative New
American creations might include an appetizer of fresh cavatelli with
mushrooms and pork in a sherry-oregano tomato sauce or a main course of oak-grilled grouper with crispy yucca and a mandarin orange mojo. The jazzy
ambience � black and white floor tiles, wood panels, black-clad waiters � pairs well with Morfogen's creative cooking,
and a well-trained staff sees to the Boomer-age guests without the attitude prevalent in other eateries along this strip. � JN