City Guide: Where to Eat in Delray Beach
One thing that 2020 taught me is that I am SO lucky to live in the most fabulous little beach town called Delray Beach. Not only is it full of incredible humans that care about each other, but it is also home to some of the greatest restaurants and bars. Most people think of Atlantic Ave as the place to go when looking for amazing food, but I have to say that I am obsessed with so many places in Pineapple Grove and off the beaten path too. It’s super hard to narrow it down to my favorites, but here are the places that I go to regularly and what I LOVE there!
Breakfast-
Sande's Restaurant-
*NOTE IT IS CASH ONLY.
This unassuming little place is ALWAYS crowded on the weekends and for good reason. It is delicious diner food when you just want something not fussy, but tasty. I always get the Corned Beef Hash (which I acquired the taste for thanks to my Grandfather) and the cheese grits. Back in my 20s, this was the spot we went to after we had a bit too much fun downtown the night before.
Photo by Alesia Kozik
Best Deli- Bagels With-
I will fully admit that I became a bagel snob after living around the corner from so many incredible delis when I lived in NYC. I judge them based on do they need to be toasted to be delicious. Not at Bagels With! They have the perfect amount of firm, chewy outside with a soft, incredible inside. We get these a lot on the weekend, and we LOVE their lox cream cheese.
By Mint_Images
Brunch-
Sundy House-
Their Sunday Brunch is what they are most famous for. It is on the pricier side at $75 per person plus tax & gratuity and is Each & Every Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm with a 2.5 hr limit. The price really is worth it though especially if you get to sit outside in the gardens among the beautiful trees and koi.
Our daughter Stella with our Sundy House Take-out. Photo by Solomon Strul
Park Tavern-
With $9 Bottomless Mimosas & Bloody Marys an $ cocktails, this is always a crowd pleaser! They have sweet, savory and delicious pastries from the local old School Bakery. Their Chicken & Waffles is one of my favorites because of the cornbread waffle and the sriracha honey lime . They have your typical brunch items but all done a little bit differently.
Photo by Park Tavern.
Gary Racks Farmhouse Kitchen-
Most of their dishes are a bit on the lighter, healthier side which I love! I cant get enough of the Avocado Burrata Toast and the Quinoa Chop Chop Salad. This is one of my favorite places to take friends that are visiting and want delicious flavor but want to keep it healthier.
Photo by Gary Racks Farmhouse Kitchen.
Snacks-
Two Fat Cookies-
This is by far one of the most incredible bakeries ever! The owners and staff are always super friendly, make the most beautiful and delicious treats. if you go to a kids party in town and they have an epic cake, chances are it is from here! Bonus- they also have delicious breakfast with Two Fat Breggfast and their constantly sold out Death by Pizza! Definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a sweet treat or a delicious bite!
Photo by Two Fat Cookies.
Lunch-
Yama- In Pineapple Grove-
Not ashamed to say we eat lunch here probably 3 times a week. I always get the Chicken Yaki Niku steamed with sauce on the side. You get SO MUCH food in the bento that the little one and I share one bento. Girls on my team LOVE the fried rice lunch special, and the lettuce wraps. It is off the ave in Pineapple Grove and walking distance from my Atelier so we are definitely regulars here!
Photo by Yama.
Brule- In Pineapple Grove-
Everything here is amazing! This is my go to when I want a twist on the classics. I have never had anything here that I didn’t like. If I am there on the weekend, I always get the Lady Rules to drink. The truffle fries are one of my favorite ever, and their burger is extra amazing. Kale & Brussels Sprouts Salad is always a go to with dates, Pecorino, Candied Pistachio, Garlic Oregano Vinaigrette. Its right next to Yama, so you have two of the best lunch spots back to back.
Photo by Brule.
Ceasar's Famous Ribs-
If you like real bbq like I do then you will love it here! We love to order takeout for weekends that we watch sports at home! I became a bbq snob after having the real deal while at The University of Alabama, but this my friend is it! Their fried okra is the best that I have had in a long time and their bbq is fall off the bone delicious!
Drinks-
Death or Glory is always my go to whenever I am meeting friends for creative cocktails and a fun environment. The best part is they are always giving back to the community! The best part is that the food is also delish. If you are lucky enough to be in town during a holiday (especially Halloween and Christmas), these ladies transform this place into a wonderland. For those of you that are like me, this bar is Women Owned which makes me extra excited to spend my money with them! Make sure you get the chickpeas- you will thank me later!
New to Delray, in the beautiful, newly renovated Opal Grand, the monkey bar is sure to delight. I went for the first time with a group of friends and we had a blast. The space is gorgeous! There is a living plant wall, and the entire space is designed to perfection. The food was just as wonderful! I loved everything I had and so did my friends. I had Truffle chips that were thin, crispy and actually tasted like truffle (you know thats not always the case), the crab cakes and the creme brûlée. I will definitely be back!
Photo by Monkey Bar.
Dinner-
Rose’s Daughter-
In Pineapple Grove-
Growing up with two Italian Grandmothers, I am suuuuuper picky about Italian food. Rose’s Daughter is sure to delight even the fussiest pasta eaters. Anytime I am craving delicious Italian, but don’t want to make it myself, this is where I go. You have to start with Wood Fired House Bread, its not your basic free bread at a table it is 48-Hour Fermented Dough, Ricotta,Balsamic & Olive Oil. Then we always get either Mushroom Arancini or the Roasted cauliflower (sometimes both). I love love their Mushroom & Galloni Prosciutto Pizza, Mediterranean Branzino & Short Rib Pappardelle. If we dine in I love their Aperol Spritz, its always the perfect balance of ingredients.
Photo by Roses Daughter.
The Grove-In Pineapple Grove-
This is a wonderful date night spot! We have gone here quite a few times with friends and we love sitting out on the back terrace. The menu is always changing which is nice, but if they have the Brioche Crusted Chicken , I highly recommend it! For dessert I love the Heath Bar Bread Pudding, and since I am a gin kind of girl I love their Gin Blossom.
Photo by The Grove
I included this in dinner, but it is great for any meal. I am obsessed with everything on this menu. It’s wonderful for both dine in and take out. The Baba Ghanouj is out of this world. We also love love the Sheikh El Mehc, Tahini Dark Chocolate Cake.
Photo: Amar Delray
Dessert-
Proper Ice Cream-
Not your basic ice cream parlor! With an extensive list of incredible gourmet flavors and even vegan options, this is perfect for the whole family!
Photo by Proper Ice Cream
Gramma’s Bakery-
Off the beaten path on Military Trail, but worth the drive! Its an old school Italian bakery right next to The Girls. We go there anytime my grandma is coming over for dinner. My family also goes here every year to get me a Cassata Cake for my birthday. Great prices, home made, and sure to please everyone.
Photo from Gramma’s Bakery Facebook
Local Market-
Bender’s Market-
In Pineapple Grove- It’s around the corner from my studio so we pop in regularly for lunch or groceries to make for dinner. I love that they give you gloves to help you feel extra safe. They have delicious pre made soup, salad, and sandwiches for a quick lunch on the go.
Photo by Lynn Kalber