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Whenever the Honda Classic swings through the PGA National Resort, it carries a great echo effect across neighboring PGA Boulevard as golf lovers fan out across the area’s restaurant row. Which begs the question: What’s to eat and drink along Palm Beach Gardens’ dining corridor?
Here’s a glance at the offerings on the PGA Boulevard strip and close surroundings, traveling west to east, from PGA National’s greens to U.S. 1.
Plant-Based Mafia
The Cosa Nostra references are as over-the-top as the menu at this friendly, lively eatery. “We don’t whack animals, we whack plants,” goes the motto at Plant-Based Mafia, the vegan joint that proves meatless doesn’t have to mean demure. Take “The Italian Coronary”. It stacks two vegan burger patties with peppers, vegan sausage, three vegan cheeses (including house-made ricotta), wraps it all in sweet dough and deep-fries it. “A coronary never tasted so good,” promises the menu that also includes plenty of battered and fried vegan “chicken” cutlets served in a variety of ways, plus pasta, flatbreads and heaps of crispy, loaded tots.
Cucina Palm Beach Gardens
This pizzeria offers an extensive menu that goes well beyond its specialty pies and endless possibilities of pizza. There are classic Italian appetizers, sandwiches, pastas, risottos, large-plate entrees and more. Cucina Palm Beach Gardens is part of a local family of pizzerias that include popular locations in West Palm Beach (at the Palm Beach Outlets) and Jupiter. Must try: the customizable pizza. With 31 toppings to choose from, you can dream up a masterpiece.
- Cucina Palm Beach Gardens: 7100 Fairway Dr., Suite 61A, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-557-9510, CucinaPBG.com
Salute Market
This popular bar/restaurant/market is a terrific stop for a cocktail or wine by the bottle or glass. But it’s also a terrific place to dine. Salute offers a nice, seasonally focused menu of well-presented dishes. The place also offers regular live-music nights.
- Salute Market: 5530 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-425-5651, Salute2U.com
La Masseria
A fancy, regional Italian restaurant, La Masseria is an outpost of a popular New York theater-district spot and its Midtown sibling. Expect homemade pastas, a fine wine selection and what may be the best cheesecake on the strip.
Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar
There’s always a fiesta in this lively Mexican eatery, where the décor seems plucked from Merida and the tableside guac is addictive. And if it’s Tuesday, it’s Taco and Tequila Tuesday all day at Rocco’s, which means $19.99 endless tacos, $4 Mexican beers, $6 Margaritas and shots and $16 Margarita pitchers.
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Kabuki Sushi Thai Tapas
A charming spot to grab a sushi roll or a favorite Thai curry dish. There’s plenty of outdoor seating for enjoying Kabuki’s great happy hour deals, which include 33 hot and cold small plates and a range of nicely priced specialty cocktails, beer, wine and sake, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. daily.
The Cooper
Since opening in spring 2014, The Cooper has been a bustling spot. The American brasserie draws lively cocktail, dinner and Sunday brunch crowds. The menu offers everything from charcuterie and cheese boards to yummy bar snacks to veggie-rich dishes featuring local produce to meatier selections. At Sunday brunch, the Bloody Mary bar is impressive.
Prosecco Café
This homey café, which features a bakery onsite, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus coffee, homemade pastries and gelato. If you’re a breakfast sandwich fan, try the Egg, Meat and Cheese Croissant – a layering of Asiago-sprinkled omelet and prosciutto di Parma on a freshly baked croissant. (Swap out the prosciutto for crispy bacon for the win.)
Spoto’s Oyster Bar
Sit at the bar for a dozen oysters and drinks at this Gardens mainstay, then segue to dinner for seafood classics. The New England clam chowder is delectable, as is the lobster risotto or any of the pasta dishes. Plus, there’s key lime pie for dessert.
- Spoto’s Oyster Bar: 4560 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-776-9448, Spotos.com
Saito’s Japanese Steakhouse
This local chain offers a family-friendly spot for sushi and hibachi.
Panera Bread
This chain café remains a popular spot for a quick lunch on PGA Boulevard.
- Panera Bread: 4540 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-775-3705
Christopher’s Kitchen
Palm Beach County’s premier plant-based eatery, upscale Christopher’s Kitchen has built a regional vegan following, thanks to its creative dishes that will win over even carnivores. You come here to fall in love with cashew cream and macadamia ricotta, fresh juices and nut “mylks,” abundant salads, soups, pizza, bowls and decadent desserts. A small, but nicely curated selection of wines and craft beer is served. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Chipotle
Yes, the national chain that popularized taco bowls has a location on the PGA strip.
- Chipotle: 4655 PGA Blvd., (at Midtown), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-246-3874, Chipotle.com
Blaze Pizza
Part of a national chain of pizzerias partly owned by LeBron James, Blaze shines amid the DIY-meal trend in fast-casual dining. Build your own personal pizza with abandon here.
- Blaze Pizza: 4665 PGA Blvd., (at Midtown), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-246-6692, BlazePizza.com
Prezzo
An outpost of a Boca Italian restaurant with iconic roots, Prezzo opened at the PGA Commons in November in the former Scusi space. With a menu rooted in New York and Northeast-style Italian and a red-tiled, wood-fired pizza oven, Prezzo welcomes you with complimentary roasted garlic and focaccia.
- Prezzo: 4520 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. 561-429-6938, EatPrezzo.com
J. Alexander’s
This popular upmarket chain serves a variety of American classics. The nicely priced, garlicky Steak N’ Fries platter is hard to beat.
- J. Alexander’s: 4625 PGA Blvd., (at Midtown), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-694-2711, JAlexanders.com
Bonefish Grill
Expect a seafood-centric menu and an upscale setting at this national-chain restaurant. Pro tip: Grab a table in the bar area for a more intimate dining experience.
- Bonefish Grill: 4635 PGA Blvd., (at Midtown), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-799-2965, BonefishGrill.com
Café Chardonnay
Expect a nice menu of American-meets-global classics presented with a twist at Chef Frank Eucalitto’s Café Chardonnay. Open and beloved since 1986, this Gardens classic is a favorite spot for a romantic dinner or wine-bar interlude.
Paddy Mac’s
Here’s a welcoming Irish spot with tasty comfort dishes and regular live music. In addition to classic Irish fare, there’s a full menu of starters, burgers and entrees, plus a range of beers, wines and cocktails.
- Paddy Mac’s: 10971 N. Military Tr. (plaza located on PGA Blvd.), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-691-4366, on Facebook @PaddyMacsIrishPub
Outback Steakhouse
Beef and Bloomin’ Onions are served at this national chain.
- Outback: 10933 N. Military Tr. (plaza on PGA Blvd.), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-625-0793, Outback.com
Pizza Girls
This sunny, family-owned pizzeria opened in the spring of 2016, expanding its original West Palm Beach location’s menu to include pastas and other Italian classics, plus a wine and beer bar.
- Pizza Girls: 10965 N. Military Tr. (in Publix plaza at PGA Boulevard), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-812-2400, PizzaGirls.com
Lili’s Café
This breakfast-and-lunch spot opened in 2019 but it has that vintage feel of a trusty, go-to diner, complete with servers who know their stuff. Looking for an old-school tuna salad sandwich or maybe a simply grilled ham-and-cheese on toasty challah? You’ve come to the right place. It’s open every day for breakfast and lunch.
- Lili’s Café: 10961 N. Military Tr. (in Publix plaza at PGA Boulevard), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-508-2914
DOWNTOWN PALM BEACH GARDENS
This shopping and entertainment complex houses movie theaters, a Whole Foods Market (with an extensive prepared-foods section), interesting boutiques and a range of dining and drinking options that include The Cheesecake Factory, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Voodoo Bayou, Yard House, Avocado Cantina and Fro-Yotopia.
Our picks: Voodoo Bayou for scrumptious New Orleans-style dishes and the best warm biscuits (with pear-jalapeño spread and honey butter) in town. Avocado Cantina for Yucatan-inspired bites and live music and salsa dancing on Friday nights.
- Downtown Palm Beach Gardens: 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens (just off PGA Blvd., east of I-95), Palm Beach Gardens, DowntownPBG.com
THE GARDENS MALL
Yes, there’s a food court and a Starbucks at this upscale mall, but the food-and-drink options don’t end there. Eateries include the wine-centric Cooper’s Hawk restaurant, Park Avenue BBQ Grille, The Bistro at Nordstrom and PF Chang’s China Bistro.
Our picks: The Shake Shack at the Garden Cafés food court for addictive smash-style burgers. Try Brio Tuscan Grille for Italian bites and good happy-hour deals, Cooper’s Hawk for a wine bar experience and PA BBQ for pulled pork sandwiches and their signature sweet-spicy pickles.
LEGACY PLACE
Amid the big-box offerings (Best Buy, Total Wine), you’ll find a handful of dining options, including Chili’s, Sal’s Italian Ristorante, Cool’a Fishbar, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Newk’s Eatery, Five Guys, The Great Greek and Gelato Grotto.
Our picks: The Capital Grille for a civilized drink and steak. The Great Greek for fresh, delicious gyros and bowls. Sal’s for terrific pizza and Parm.
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
There’s excellent pizza — and some of the best house salad on the boulevard — at this popular spot. Try the coal-fired chicken wings that are roasted with onions and served with focaccia. And for a truly memorable pie, don’t miss the square, roasted cauliflower pizza that’s sprinkled with pecorino, breadcrumbs and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Anthony’s: 2680 PGA Blvd., (at the PGA Plaza, near Trader Joe’s), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-804-7777, ACFP.com
Olive U Mediterranean Grill
This indie, fast-casual spot serves an array of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes in a build-your-own fashion. Try the chicken shawarma over cinnamon-spiced rice with your choice of veggies and sauce.
- Olive U: 2632 PGA Blvd., (at the PGA Plaza, near Trader Joe’s), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-500-0103, OliveUGrill.com
Flamingo Café
Got a hankering for an old-school egg salad sandwich or a classic diner breakfast? Find them at this daylight eatery, where service is quick and friendly.
- Flamingo Café: 2588 PGA Blvd., (at the PGA Plaza, near Trader Joe’s), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-622-9781
C.R. Chicks
This local chain serves marinated and roasted chicken, plus fixings. Popular for takeout.
- C.R. Chicks: 2582 PGA Blvd., (at the PGA Plaza, near Trader Joe’s), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-626-9868, CRChicks.com
Kao Gang
Find delicious Thai dishes, noodles and sushi here, where they are served in a relaxed setting.
- Kao Gang: 2626 PGA Blvd., (at the PGA Plaza, near Trader Joe’s), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-660-6994, KaoGangPGA.com
Just Salad
A new casual, build-your-bowl salad spot that’s part of a national chain.
- Just Salad: 2660 PGA Blvd., (at the PGA Plaza, near Trader Joe’s), Palm Beach Gardens, JustSalad.com
FireFin Grill
This waterfront restaurant’s name is a tribute to the lionfish. It opened in November 2019 next to Carmine’s market and trattoria. Expect a full surf-turf menu, sushi, happy hour specials and live music nights. The restaurant’s back terrace looks out on the Soverel Harbour Marina.
- FireFin Grill: 2401 PGA Blvd., Suite 160, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-472-7900, FireFinGrill.com
Carmine’s La Trattoria
Find deliciously prepared Italian favorites served in a waterfront setting at this PGA Boulevard classic. (The restaurant’s terrace offers a view of the Soverel Harbour Marina.) There’s live music on Thursdays through Saturday nights.
- Carmine’s La Trattoria: 2401 PGA Blvd. (next to Carmine’s market), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-775-0186, CarminesLaTrattoria.com
Angry Moon Café
This wine bar and café offers a European-style menu daily. The café’s back terrace offers a view of the marina.
- Angry Moon: 2401 PGA Blvd. (near Carmine’s market), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-694-7945, AngryMoonCafe.com
The River House
This stylish restaurant offers fine waterfront dining, a breezy tiki bar and a lovely brunch. The restaurant’s name pays tribute to the Gardens’ original River House, the iconic spot that anchored the PGA Boulevard waterfront from 1984 to 2016. It became BrickTop’s when it was bought by the national chain, but the new owners changed the name back to the River House in 2019. Reservations are a must.
Waterway Café
Take the always-packed parking lot as a sign that this spot has one of the best views in Palm Beach Gardens. Expect waterfront cocktails, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and a large, approachable menu.
Seasons 52
This upmarket national chain serves judiciously portioned, nicely prepared dishes in a swanky setting. Outdoor terrace, which overlooks the waterway, sits across the Intracoastal from the River House.
- Seasons 52: 11611 Ellison Wilson Rd. (at PGA Blvd.), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-625-5852, Seasons52.com
Stage Kitchen
This newish restaurant offers a captivating, vegetarian-friendly menu by acclaimed South Florida chef Pushkar Marathe. Here, he presents Indian-inspired global plates designed to be shared. Some highlights: the chicken liver pâté, the tender pork shank with Kashmiri chili and apple cider, the whole local snapper, the roasted local beet salad and smoky roasted carrots. Actually, try whatever your palate craves — and expect to be wowed by the flavors. There’s a full bar and small lounge area, plus an outdoor dining patio. (The dinner-only restaurant is closed Sundays.)
- Stage: 2000 PGA Blvd. (Suite 5506, facing PGA at City Centre complex), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-408-3685, StagePGA.com
Twisted Trunk Brewing
First, the bad news: They don’t make food here. The good news: They make beer. How often do you find yourself on a boulevard with a brewery? Named for the city’s stately banyan trees, the brewery offers a good range of craft beers on tap, from saisons to double IPAs and stouts. As for the food, the brewery offers a batch of local menus of restaurants that will deliver. Pro tip: Order something nice and spicy from Stage, located a few doors down.
- Twisted Trunk: 2000 PGA Blvd. (Suite 5506, facing PGA at City Centre complex), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-671-2337, TwistedTrunkBrewing.com
