France in Florida: Exploring the French Food Scene in Palm Beach

Visit these standout restaurants and you’ll feel transported right back to France

Escaping the frosty, gloomy weather at home, I embraced the New Year in style with a trip to Palm Beach, Florida — a sunny destination known for beautiful beaches, Mediterranean mansions and tropical blooms. Just minutes after arriving, I was sipping rosé under magenta bougainvillea vines, reminiscing about a recent trip to the Côte d’Azur.

Pistache Restaurant

I kicked off my vacation with dinner at Pistache, a longtime favourite known for great food in a vibrant atmosphere — red leather banquettes, brass trim, and vintage French art posters. The best part? A friendly, familiar vibe with all the classic French dishes to choose from. I started with Le Puy lentil salad with mustard vinaigrette and crispy fingerling chips, and tartare de saumon with grapefruit and avocado mousse — both dishes were light yet quite satisfying. Other favourites include coq au vin and a hearty Provençal lamb loin with white beans, fennel and pesto. “Bistro P” is a casual seating area near the bar offering a raclette burger, seared tuna crudo or cheese and charcuterie boards, with a good wine list. Try for a table on the covered patio and you’ll have a view of Lake Worth … sublime!

Loïc Bakery Café Bar

Loïc Autret honed his culinary skills at the esteemed École Grégoire-Ferrandi school in Paris, and then worked as the pastry chef at the Four Seasons Hotel in Palm Beach. He has opened his own bakery and his creations are heavenly — fruit tarts, chocolate “Passion” cookies, or the white chocolate and pistachio croissant with almond cream. You’ll appreciate Loïc’s savoury dishes, too: focaccia bread with tomatoes, herbs, cheese and truffle oil, or avocado toast with his own special walnut raisin bread, orange zest, and cilantro. He rounds out the menu with sandwiches, quiche, and salads — perfect for dining in or take-out.

Café Boulud Palm Beach

Forget the notion that Palm Beach restaurants cater only to conservative crowds in stuffy dining rooms, and treat yourself to this chic, sophisticated spot from celebrity chef Daniel Boulud. Set in the Brazilian Court Hotel, Café Boulud Palm Beach offers fine French-American fare with a touch of Florida flavour. You’ll enjoy super fresh, local seafood in a variety of dishes here, including Florida stone crab claws with key lime aioli, and yellowtail snapper with cilantro pesto. Heartier plates include roasted squash risotto with Meyer lemon and pecorino, or cider glazed duck with Granny Smith apples. The interior features light, neutral tones and contemporary furniture — a perfect setting for the colourful artwork. Or dine outside and enjoy the splendid courtyard terrace surrounded by palm trees, perfect for lunch or dinner. The ambiance and food are quite special – a real treat!

If you go:

Pistache Restaurant
101 N. Clematis St
West Palm Beach, FL
561-833-5090

Loïc Bakery Café Bar
480 Hibiscus St. #116
(Entrance on S. Dixie Hwy)
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561-570-1425

Café Boulud Palm Beach
The Brazilian Court Hotel
301 Australian Ave,
Palm Beach, FL 33480
561-655-6060