Where to find good restaurants, bites on PGA Boulevard dining corridor

Liz Balmaseda, Palm Beach Post
Updated ·11 min read

Editor's note: We assembled this list to coincide with the Cognizant Classic golf tournament, which took place at PGA National from Feb. 29 to March 3, 2024.

There are tasty reasons to gravitate toward PGA Boulevard when you’re in the Palm Beach Gardens area. The city’s main drag offers a nice variety of restaurant options, from indie to chain.

The Gardens’ unofficial dining corridor is where you’ll find al fresco patios that are perfect for leisurely bites and drinks, higher-end restaurants fit for special occasions, casual counter-service spots good for quick meals and everything in between.

So where to eat and drink along this bustling dining hub? Here’s a glance at the restaurant offerings on the PGA Boulevard strip and close surroundings. We’ve listed the restaurants from west to east, from PGA National’s golf greens to Highway U.S. 1.

The Butcher's Club

On the menu at The Butcher's Club, a 44-ounce dry aged porterhouse steak. The high-end steakhouse by acclaimed chef Jeremy Ford opened at the PGA National Resort in 2022.
On the menu at The Butcher's Club, a 44-ounce dry aged porterhouse steak. The high-end steakhouse by acclaimed chef Jeremy Ford opened at the PGA National Resort in 2022.

Also at the PGA National Resort, you'll find this swanky steakhouse by Michelin-starred chef and food TV star Jeremy Ford. Open since January 2022, the restaurant offers luxurious touches like caviar service and "Royal Cuts" of USDA Prime Grade Certified Angus Beef.

With a mid-century luxe decor, the space can make any evening seem like a special occasion.

The Butcher’s Club: at the PGA National Resort, 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-627-4852, PGAResort.com

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Honeybelle

A crispy chicken sandwich at Chef Lindsay Autry's Honeybelle restaurant at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens.
A crispy chicken sandwich at Chef Lindsay Autry's Honeybelle restaurant at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens.

If you visit Chef Lindsay Autry's sunny restaurant at the PGA National Resort is a great first stop if you’re visiting the resort during the Cognizant Classic (formerly Honda Classic). Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner or snacks, you’ll find excellent dishes at Honeybelle.

With a Mediterranean-meets-Southern menu and a vintage, Palm Beach-pastel look, the all-day restaurant offers a lush, green setting for diners.

Don’t miss Autry’s famous fried chicken, either in sandwich form (lunch) or platter form (dinner) and her Honeybelle pie. The sweet-salty citrus pie is an ode to the star chef’s childhood summertime favorite pie in coastal North Carolina. What makes it salty is the saltine cracker crust and the light sprinkling of flaky salt atop the pie’s whipped cream crown.

Honeybelle: at the PGA National Resort, 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-627-7015, PGAResort.com

Sushi by Bou

Sushi by Bou, a Japanese-inspired omakase bar, recently opened a 12-seat location at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens.
Sushi by Bou, a Japanese-inspired omakase bar, recently opened a 12-seat location at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens.

The latest addition to PGA National Resort is a 12-seat sushi counter that’s part of a chain of popular Sushi by Bou omakase spots. Chain founder and longtime sushi chef David Bouhadana takes an approach he describes as “sushi for the people,” offering a more affordable option to the sometimes astronomical omakase prices.

Sushi by Bou omakase options start at $60 for 12 courses.

Sushi by Bou: at the PGA National Resort, 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-627-4852, PGAResort.com

Ebisu Japanese Restaurant

A sashimi sampler is served at Ebisu Japanese restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens.
A sashimi sampler is served at Ebisu Japanese restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens.

A Gardens go-to sushi spot, Ebisu has served authentic Japanese bites since 1992. The restaurant also offers excellent happy-hour deals from Wednesday through Saturday from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Ebisu Japanese Restaurant: 7100 Fairway Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-622-4495, EbisuRestaurant.com

Plant Based Mafia

The Plant-Based Mafia's "Long G'Islander" sandwich stacks a fried vegan chicken cutlet with fixings on a toasted garlic hoagie bun. The vegan restaurant is in Palm Beach Gardens.
The Plant-Based Mafia's "Long G'Islander" sandwich stacks a fried vegan chicken cutlet with fixings on a toasted garlic hoagie bun. The vegan restaurant is in Palm Beach Gardens.

The Cosa Nostra references are as over-the-top as the menu at this friendly neighborhood spot. “We don’t whack animals, we whack plants,” goes the motto at Plant Based Mafia, the vegan restaurant that proves meatless doesn’t have to mean demure. The menu here 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.

Plant-Based Mafia: 7100 Fairway Dr., Suite 52, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-223-2432, PlantBasedMafia.com 

Cucina Palm Beach Gardens

Cucina Palm Beach Gardens serves pizza as well as an extensive range of main plates near the PGA National Resort.
Cucina Palm Beach Gardens serves pizza as well as an extensive range of main plates near the PGA National Resort.

This pizzeria offers a menu that goes well beyond its specialty and customizable pies. 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 Tanger Outlets) and Jupiter. Must try: the customizable pizza. With 31 toppings to choose from, you can dream up a masterpiece. Gluten-free fans will find two crust options made without gluten.

Cucina Palm Beach Gardens: 7100 Fairway Dr., Suite 61A, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-557-9510, CucinaPBG.com

Salute Market

Salmon succotash, on the menu at Salute Market, features seared salmon, garlicky white bean puree, sautéed asparagus, bacon, roasted corn, onions and jalapeños.
Salmon succotash, on the menu at Salute Market, features seared salmon, garlicky white bean puree, sautéed asparagus, bacon, roasted corn, onions and jalapeños.

This popular restaurant and bar is a terrific stop for a happy-hour (or any hour) cocktail or wine by the bottle or glass. There's delicious food here to pair with those drinks. Salute offers a 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

La Masseria's ricotta cheesecake is rich and luxurious.
La Masseria's ricotta cheesecake is rich and luxurious.

A fancy, regional Italian restaurant, La Masseria is an outpost of a popular New York theater-district spot. Expect homemade pastas, a fine wine selection and what may be the best ricotta cheesecake on the strip. A prix fixe menu is offered during weekday lunch.

La Masseria: 5520 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-660-8272, LaMasseriaPBG.com  

Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar

Rocco's Tacos' signature guacamole is made table-side at the chain's Mexican-inspired restaurants.
Rocco's Tacos' signature guacamole is made table-side at the chain's Mexican-inspired restaurants.

There’s always a fiesta in this lively Mexican eatery, where the décor seems plucked from Merida and the tableside guac is addictive.

Rocco’s: 5090 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-623-0127, RoccosTacos.com

Kabuki Sushi and Thai Tapas

Sushi rolls and Thai tapas are offered at Kabuki restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens.
Sushi rolls and Thai tapas are offered at Kabuki restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens.

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 more than two dozen 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. (And your sweet pup is more than welcome on the patio.)

5080 PGA Blvd., Suite 105, 561-776-8778, KabukiWPB.com 

The Cooper

Since opening in spring 2014, The Cooper has been a bustling spot. The American brasserie draws crowds for cocktails, dinner and Sunday brunch.

The Cooper: 4610 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-622-0032, TheCooperRestaurant.com 

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. (Swap out the prosciutto for crispy bacon for the win.)

Prosecco Café: 4580 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-622-3222, ProseccoCafe.com 

Spoto's Fish & Oyster

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. 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.

Saito’s: 4675 PGA Blvd., (at Midtown), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-202-6888, SaitoSteakhouse.com 

Christopher's Kitchen

Asian Noodle Salad at Christopher's Kitchen.
Asian Noodle Salad at 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. Expect fresh juices and nut “mylks,” abundant salads, soups, pizza, bowls and decadent desserts. A nicely curated selection of wines and craft beer is served.

Christopher’s Kitchen: 4783 PGA Blvd., (at Midtown), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-318-6191, ChristophersKitchenFl.com

Prezzo

On the menu at Prezzo, an arrabbiata pizza is topped with Calabrian chili tomato sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, basil and basil-infused extra-virgin olive oil.
On the menu at Prezzo, an arrabbiata pizza is topped with Calabrian chili tomato sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, basil and basil-infused extra-virgin olive oil.

An outpost of a Boca Italian restaurant with iconic roots, Prezzo opened at the PGA Commons in 2021 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 upscale chain serves a variety of American classics. The nicely priced 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

Bonefish Grill's "Angler's Catch" platter.
Bonefish Grill's "Angler's Catch" platter.

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

Texas de Brazil

Texas de Brazil's signature cocktail, the tangy caipirinha, is made with premium cachaça liquor.
Texas de Brazil's signature cocktail, the tangy caipirinha, is made with premium cachaça liquor.

This Brazilian-inspired steakhouse, part of a national chain, had served picanha steaks and tart-sweet caipirinha cocktails at the Downtown Palm Beach Gardens plaza from 2012 to 2021. Then it relocated to this Midtown plaza location on PGA Boulevard. The new Texas de Brazil took over the space where III Forks steakhouse had operated for 14 years.

Texas de Brazil: 4645 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-293-7478, TexasdeBrazil.com

Café Chardonnay

Guests gather outside Café Chardonnay in Palm Beach Gardens for the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival in December 2023.
Guests gather outside Café Chardonnay in Palm Beach Gardens for the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival in December 2023.

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.

Café Chardonnay: 4533 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-627-2662, CafeChardonnay.com

Paddy Mac's

Paddy Mac's restaurant is the go-to spot for delicious Irish favorites in Palm Beach Gardens.
Paddy Mac's restaurant is the go-to spot for delicious Irish favorites in Palm Beach Gardens.

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

Lili's Café

This breakfast-and-lunch spot opened in 2019 but it has that vintage feel of a 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

Birria tacos are served at Avocado Cantina restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens.
Birria tacos are served at Avocado Cantina restaurant in 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 Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Voodoo Bayou, Yard House, Avocado Cantina, Sweetgreen 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.

Downtown Palm Beach Gardens: 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens (just off PGA Blvd., east of I-95), Palm Beach Gardens, DowntownPBG.com

THE GARDENS MALL

Tommy Bahama's signature Grapefruit-Basil Martini is on the cocktail menu at the new Marlin Bar in Palm Beach Gardens.
Tommy Bahama's signature Grapefruit-Basil Martini is on the cocktail menu at the new Marlin Bar in Palm Beach Gardens.

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 newish Marlin Bar by Tommy Bahama, the wine-centric Cooper’s Hawk restaurant, 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 and Brio Tuscan Grille for Italian bites and good happy-hour deals.

The Gardens Mall: 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, TheGardensMall.com 

LEGACY PLACE

The bone-in Kona-crusted dry-aged sirloin at the Capital Grille is topped with shallot butter.
The bone-in Kona-crusted dry-aged sirloin at the Capital Grille is topped with shallot butter.

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, Five Guys, The Great Greek and Gelato Grotto.

Our picks: The Capital Grille for a sophisticated drink and steak. The Great Greek for fresh, tasty gyros and bowls. Sal’s for pizza and Parm that hits the spot.

Legacy Place: 11290 Legacy Ave., (on PGA Blvd., east of I-95), Palm Beach Gardens, ShopLegacyPlace.com 

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza

Anthony's signature coal-fired pizzas are made in a 900-degree coal fired oven.
Anthony's signature coal-fired pizzas are made in a 900-degree coal fired oven.

There’s standout pizza — and some of the best house salad on the boulevard — at this popular spot. Try Anthony's 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 toppings 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 delicious 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 tasty and authentic 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

Flavorful toss: Despite its name, Just Salad offers more than just salad. Hearty bowls, wraps, soups and more are listed on the menu.
Flavorful toss: Despite its name, Just Salad offers more than just salad. Hearty bowls, wraps, soups and more are listed on the menu.

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

A sumptuous antipasto plate is served at Carmine's La Trattoria in Palm Beach Gardens.
A sumptuous antipasto plate is served at Carmine's La Trattoria in Palm Beach Gardens.

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 select nights. Next door, Carmine’s market offers excellent prepared dishes for takeout.

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 has 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

The River House restaurant is at 2373 PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens.
The River House restaurant is at 2373 PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens.

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.

The River House: 2373 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-720-2595, TheRiverHouse.com 

Seasons 52

This popular national chain serves judiciously portioned, nicely prepared dishes in an upscale 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

Guests dine at Stage Kitchen and Bar in Palm Beach Gardens.
Guests dine at Stage Kitchen and Bar in Palm Beach Gardens.

Named as one of the best restaurants in the country by USA Today, buzzy Stage Kitchen offers a captivating, vegetarian-friendly menu by acclaimed South Florida chef Pushkar Marathe, a 2023 semifinalist for a James Beard Award for "Best Chef" in the South. 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 and smoky roasted carrots. Actually, try whatever your palate desires, and expect to be wowed by the flavors. There’s a full bar and small lounge area, plus an outdoor dining patio.

Stage: 2000 PGA Blvd. (Suite 5506, facing PGA at City Centre complex), Palm Beach Gardens, 561-408-3685, StagePGA.com

Liz Balmaseda is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network. She covers the local food and dining beat. Follow her on Instagram and Post on Food Facebook. She can be reached by email at lbalmaseda@pbpost.com. 

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Best restaurants for Cognizant Classic on PGA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens