My Winter Bucket List was such a success that I decided to continue committing to and sharing with you another season’s restaurant and bar bucket list. It is going to be a busy spring for me with weddings (including my sister’s!), but that’s no excuse to not go out during the week and on the few weekends I’m around. Some restaurants on this list have been around for ages that I’ve surprisingly never been to. Some are personal recommendations. Some are new and trendy. And others are totally random, I’ll be honest. Starting today, I have 12 weeks to cross off as many of these places as I can. Let’s go!
West Palm Beach area
- Oceana Coffee Lounge & Wine Bar in Tequesta
I’ve heard a few people talk about how great their coffee is, but admittedly I’m more interested in the wine bar & food. I’m a tea girl! - Perk Coffee House in Tequesta
Similar to above, I love the idea of grabbing a bite here and heading to the beach. I’m hoping to explore more of the Tequesta area this season. - Little Moir’s Leftovers Cafe in Jupiter
This long-time popular spot is somewhere I have never ever been and I’m not sure why. It’s time to change that and see what the type is all about. - Lynora’s in Jupiter
I haven’t heard too much about Lynora’s, but since researching top restaurants in the area, I’m intrigued. They also have a location in WPB. - Nitrogen Bar, Grill & Sushi in Jupiter
Despite mixed reviews from family and friends, Nitrogen Bar remains on the list of places I’d like to try out for myself. - 1000 North in Jupiter
Michael Jordan’s exclusive new restaurant and bar is upscale and looks beautiful. Not to mention, my friend went there and saw Derek Jeter! - PGA National’s iBar in Palm Beach Gardens
As one of the few places I didn’t make it to from my Winter Bucket List, it remains on the list for spring. - Limoncello in Palm Beach Gardens
This restaurant has been around for possibly my entire life, if not longer. I’ve driven past it hundreds of times, and more recently, it moved locations. In their original location less than a mile down the road is now Barcello (below). One of our top clients in catering always orders their lasagna for Christmas, so it must be good! - Barcello in Palm Beach Gardens
When I see “craft beer and cocktails,” especially so close to my house, I’m interested. As mentioned above, the Limoncello restaurant has been around for so long and since expanding and relocating recently, they must be doing something right. - Brick and Barrel in Lake Park
I’ve passed this small bar a few times and seen it on Instagram from locals. Recently, I saw it highlighted in Palm Beach Illustrated, so now I’m really curious. It’s rare that Lake Park would make an appearance in the upscale magazine, but regardless, I’ve been interested since they opened. - Loic Bakery * Cafe Bar in West Palm Beach
I spotted this new bakery on Instagram because of their beautiful palm leaves interior design (#basic). Then, I saw their croissants menu. I love a good croissant! - Paneterie in West Palm Beach
Maybe I’m really craving a croissant, but this French cafe on Clematis also looks really cute and yummy! Perfect for catching up with a friend on the weekend, or stopping by while some shopping in the area. There are some nearby boutiques I want to check out! - Palm Beach Grill in Palm Beach
Another place that has been around forever that I’ve passed thousands of times going to my parents gourmet store, and yet I’ve never been! Recently, it’s come up in conversation a lot and I haven’t heard one negative comment. - Honor Bar in Palm Beach
A couple doors down from Palm Beach Grill is this new bar as a part of the Royal Poinciana Plaza revamp & renovations, perfect for before or after dinner. - Sant Ambroeus in Palm Beach
Speaking of Royal Poinciana Plaza, this NYC-based hot spot that opened late last year in Palm Beach remains on the list from my Winter Bucket List. It’s on the pricier end of places and is very busy, so it requires a little extra planning. - Imoto in Palm Beach
After being so impressed by Buccan, I’d love to try the chef’s Asian restaurant next door.
Orlando area
- The Glass Knife in Winter Park
As one of the places I didn’t make it to from my Winter Bucket List, the desire to stop in for a sweet treat remains! - Hillstone in Winter Park
A popular chain, this location is situated on Lake Killarney with beautiful sunsets and from what I hear, delicious food too! - Deadly Sins Brewing in Winter Park
A local, highly-rated brewery that I would love to try out! - New General Store in Winter Park
Fresh food and home goods? I’m in! Plus, I love the aesthetic of their website. - The Coop in Winter Park
I tried to go to this counter-serve Southern joint for dinner, but they’re only open until 8pm most nights. I hope to visit for lunch one day when I’m looking to indulge in fried chicken! Mmm. - Tartine Wine Bar & Eaterie in College Park
Formerly known as Croissant Gourmet, this revamped space will offer many things that I love, such as sharable plates, house-made bread and wine. - King Cajun Crawfish in Mills 50 District
To relive my trip to New Orleans, I’d love to go to this laidback Cajun cafe. - Better Than Sex Desserts in Ivanhoe Village
My mouth is drooling just looking at their menu, even though it is not on my summer diet plan. I consider it a “must go once” place. - Seito in Baldwin Park
I spotted this New Japanese and sushi restaurant when I dined at Osprey Tavern across the street. I’ve been lucky finding great sushi spots in Orlando so far, and am always open to discovering more. - I.CE.NY in Baldwin Park
The trend of rolled ice cream started shortly before I left NYC, but unfortunately I was too busy packing up my life in two weeks to go out for dessert. Now, it is available here in Orlando, as well as in Grandview Public Market in West Palm Beach. One day, one day soon! - Market on South in the Milk District
Located in the up-and-coming Milk District, this market is home to a “savory” plant-based cafe, Dixie Dharma, and a “sweet” bakery, Valhalla Bakery. As a market, it is also home to artisan and locally produced craft goods. - Canvas in Lake Nona
One of my Orlando friends lives in Lake Nona and was raving about Canvas and Chroma in her neighborhood. I love spending a free afternoon somewhere new, similar to how I went to Sanford recently. This restaurant and market will 100% be on my list. The menu features American cuisine influenced by Florida’s Southern and Latin American roots, such as Yuca Fries, Fried Green Tomatoes, Slow Roasted Pork Belly and more. - Chroma in Lake Nona
“A colorful spectrum of small plates with big tastes,” is how the menu at Chroma is described. They also serve specialty cocktails, local and craft beers as well as fine wine on tap. Sold! - Truck Stop Pop-Up Kitchen in Thornton Park
I’m very curious as to how Central Florida’s first permanent pop-up restaurant looks and operates. They also have a bottomless mimosa brunch on Sundays and impressive looking dishes on their Instagram. - Dovecote in Downtown Orlando
This French brasserie remains on my wishlist as it was one of the few places I didn’t make it to from my Winter Bucket List.
In addition to this bold list of places, I will also be traveling to Melbourne/Satellite Beach, Jacksonville and Western Massachusetts that I know of so far this spring. Should I have the opportunity to explore them beyond scheduled events, I will be sure to share any great places with you. Recommendations always welcome, too!
I hope this list inspires you to try new places, or maybe you discovered somewhere locally that you’ve never been to or heard of. I’d love to know what places are on your wishlist, wherever you are! Share in the comments below or on my Instagram @adventuresingourmet!