Discover what’s new in Palm Beach.
By Suzette Lipscomb
Not much has changed on the swanky 16-mile-long island that is Palm Beach, FL since society photographer Slim Aarons snapped his famous “Palm Beach Idyll,” an iconic photo of a couple sunbathing by the sea on a powdery white sandy beach, circa 1955. The Apple TV series “Palm Royale,” set in 1960s Palm Beach, was inspired by Aarons, who took evocative photos of socialites and celebrities in a place that for decades, has included an itinerary of cocktails by the pool at The Breakers, shopping on Worth Avenue, golf at championship courses and dinner at the numerous legendary jetsetter haunts that continue to command long waiting lists to score a table.
The place that railroad mogul Henry Flagler reimagined in 1902 when he transformed a Florida swamp into a tony winter getaway— and later, where architect Addison Mizner defined the Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean Revival style of Southern Florida when he built the Everglades Club, Sanctuary of Riverside Baptist Church, and the private vacation homes for the Vanderbilts and the Singers — continues to reinvent itself. Abuzz with exciting developments, new restaurants, bars, cultural attractions and resorts that attract not just the East Coast elite, but travelers across the world, here’s what’s new in Palm Beach.
Where to Eat
When residents of Billionaire’s Row along South Ocean Boulevard want to get out of the house and mix with the rest of the Palm Beach foodies, they head for Worth Avenue. Full of alleyways called Vias, Worth Avenue’s most famous, via Mizner, (once home to Addison Mizner), contains tucked-away restaurants like Renato’s, an Italian culinary gem that has charmed visitors for nearly four decades and the stylish pizzeria Pizza Al Fresco.
But despite the many classic restaurants still serving up fare in Palm Beach, there are plenty of new establishments ready to make their mark on and beyond Worth Avenue. Grabbing lunch at Bice, an outpost of the popular restaurant in Milan, offers a Worth Avenue fine dining experience in a European courtyard surrounded by antique stores and galleries. And since May of 2024, Bice Group’s Café Med offers a more relaxed version of Bice on South Dixie Highway. Scheduled to open before the New Year is Bice Group’s Bice Cucina, bringing more Italian fare to the Palm Beach Towers.
Ta-boo, the 82-year-old legendary jetsetter haunt that closed in May 2023, is reopening in spring as Ta-Boo 2 with renowned chef Thomas Keller at the helm. The renovated Worth Avenue restaurant promises to preserve the historical charm of the beloved venue while introducing a modern twist to its dining experience.
The almost 40-year-old Waterway Cafe, an iconic landmark and local favorite built by entrepreneurial businessman and real estate developer Jefferson Vander Wolk, has been newly renovated and reopened in mid-January. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach Gardens, the restaurant features Florida’s only floating bar with a one-of-a-kind beverage program and chefs proudly serving a carefully crafted menu of fresh seafood, salads, steak, chicken, pasta and custom-made pizza entrees.
Estiatorio Milos, the celebrated Greek seafood restaurant from Miami Beach, opened in West Palm Beach this past December with a focus on exceptional cuisine and stunning waterfront vistas. Not to be outdone is New York’s beloved Greek restaurant Kama, made its way to Downtown West Palm Beach at the start of the New Year, with Aegean-inspired dishes served between chic indoor seating and inviting outdoor spaces.
Where to Play
The Henry Flagler Museum offers a first-hand glimpse into Palm Beach’s history. Built by the railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, the museum itself is housed within Flagler’s repurposed neoclassical Beaux-Arts mansion, Whitehall. The museum showcases his life and the lavish winter home he created with his vast fortune. Highlights include the Marble Hall, with its massive green Russian-marble table, the intricate trompe-l’oeil ceilings, and the current exhibit, “In the Golden Dreamland of Winter,” which delves into Flagler’s impact on modern Florida.
Another cultural gem lies in West Palm Beach’s Norton Museum of Art, and thanks to Sir Norman Foster’s tireless architectural renovations, it’s not so hard to uncover. The museum’s rolodex spans from amber carvings to Old Masters, with a strong focus on Americana, featuring iconic works by Norman Rockwell and Edward Hopper.
Long have Golf and Polo fully embodied the Palm Beach ethos. At The Breakers, Palm Beach’s most historic hotel, guests can choose between two championship golf courses, including a links that strolls beside the Atlantic coast. And for a truly world class experience, be sure to get a tee time for one of the six fully redesigned courses offered by the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens. After a match, celebrity chef Jeremy Ford boasts a sumptuous eating experience not far from 18th hole, and beyond, the resort offers luxury amenities, including a destination wellness center, a state-of-the-art sports and racquet club, and exclusive membership options.
For polo afficionados, the International Polo Club is the go-to spot for the winter season. If you attend on a Sunday, be sure to experience the champagne brunch at the Pavilion, a perfect vantage point for watching thrilling polo matches. Don’t forget your flat shoes if you plan on joining the half-time divot stomp.
Where to Shop
When you think Palm Beach fashion, you think of the stylish Palm Beach hostess and socialite Lilly Pulitzer, who opened a juice stand in 1959 on Via Mizner and soon after, to hide the juice stains, had a sleeveless shift dress uniform designed with colorful printed cotton in pink, green, yellow and orange that remains a fashion sensation to this day just off Worth Avenue.
Few places embody the essence of architect Addison Mizner’s Mediterranean Revival vision as quintessentially as this iconic shopping street, often hailed as one of the most luxurious retail destinations in the country, with world-renowned brands like Tiffany, Gucci, and Chanel. Mizner, known for his flair for theatrics, designed the street with hidden courtyards and alleyways to evoke an Old-World charm. Mizner has often incorporated quirks like staircases that lead to nowhere, and local lore suggests he even employed unskilled workers to create uneven roof tiles for a more artistic effect.
At the western end of Worth Avenue, the Vias now house a marvelous selection of shops and restaurants. Highlights include a settlement for Bottega Veneta designer Tomas Maier’s iconic line, a branch of the luxury slipper brand Stubbs & Wotton, and an exclusive showroom by interior designer Walker Zabriskie, featuring unique pieces and antiques sourced from Bali.
Despite Palm Beach’s tropical climate, known for harsh winds and heavy rain, the area’s high society winters are marked by glamorous gala events, which lead to an influx of consignment and vintage stores offering top-tier designer labels. One standout is Attitudes, a premier shop for secondhand luxury, which even stocks vintage ski suits from flashier decades. For more designer treasures, savvy luxury thrifters can cross the causeway to West Palm Beach, where Peggy-Sue Middleton’s Avenue Revue boutique offers a collection of fur coats, designer handbags, and runway cast-offs from prior seasons.
ASHA by Ashley McCormick has quickly become a favorite in Palm Beach, known for its brilliant blend of bold, yet refined jewelry collections. The boutique masterfully showcases a splice of McCormick’s most sought-after pieces, including eye-catching cocktail rings, elegant earrings, and statement necklaces, all inspired by art, architecture and travel. ASHA’s unique designs balance sophistication with accessibility, making it the go-to destination for those seeking high-quality jewelry that makes a statement without being overly flashy.
Jenni Kayne, known for an effortlessly stylish, “California” aesthetic, has opened a new boutique in Palm Beach. The brand’s laid-back luxury subtly flaunts in its classic pieces, from fair cashmere sweaters to flexible décor. Situated in The Royal Poinciana Plaza, the Palm Beach location features a thoughtful assortment of apparel, accessories, and home essentials.
Perigold, a luxury home retailer specializing in high-end furniture, lighting, and décor, is making its debut with a physical store in West Palm Beach’s CityPlace. Slated to open in Fall 2025, the 30,000-square-foot space will showcase pristine selections from top designer brands, providing a unique and immersive shopping experience across two floors.
