The Palm Beach International Boat Show is one of the premier events in the yachting world, having launched back in 1982. It returns March 25-29, 2026, along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach—right across from Palm Beach Island. Over my 20+ years in the yachting industry, I’ve spent countless hours at the show… and just as many enjoying the incredible dining scene in the area.
Sure, I’ve strolled up Clematis Street and grabbed bites at spots like Rocco’s Tacos, but there are some hidden gems and consistent standouts that deliver every time—especially when you’re juggling meetings, clients, and show schedules. This guide shares my personal playbook: quick, reliable spots during a busy show day, plus where I’d head if I had more time to relax and indulge (often on Palm Beach Island, which has never disappointed me).
Andrew’s Show Playbook: Quick & Reliable During the Boat Show
Pistache French Bistro
When the schedule is tight (and it usually is), I stick to places that keep me fueled without wasting time. One absolute favorite I’ve been returning to for longer than I can remember is Pistache French Bistro in downtown West Palm Beach. It feels more like Monaco than Florida—classic Parisian vibes with a Mediterranean twist, great service, and food that hits every time. It’s conveniently located near the action at 101 N Clematis Street.
Here are my go-to dishes:
- Wagyu Steak Salad — Grilled, sliced Wagyu with endive, radicchio, watercress, Bleu D’Auvergne, herb croutons, and red wine vinaigrette. Perfect for something hearty yet light.
- Steak Frites — 10oz center-cut NY strip with Maître d’ butter and crispy pommes frites. Classic and satisfying.
- Grilled Atlantic Salmon — Served with signature ratatouille, arugula, and balsamic drizzle. Fresh and flavorful.
They offer happy hour daily (4:30–6:30 pm) with 2-for-1 drinks and 2-for-$25 small plates (excluding holidays/special events), plus specials like Moules Mondays and Unlimited Rosé Brunch on Saturdays. Complimentary valet parking makes it easy. Highly recommend for a power lunch or quick dinner—it’s earned awards like “Best Brunch” and “Best Power Lunch” from The Palm Beach Post.
Check out more about Pistache French Bistro at https://www.pistachewpb.com/
Pistache: 101 N Clematis, West Palm Beach, FL
Phone: 561-833-5090
When time is really crunched, I also love utilizing the private lounges often sponsored by IYBA, YATCO, or Robert Allen Law. These are lifesavers for quick meetings, broker breakfasts, a glass of wine, or just an air-conditioned spot to regroup. Big thanks to everyone who provides these spaces—they make the show run smoother.
Where I’d Eat If I Wasn’t Working: Palm Beach Island Favorites
If I’m off the clock or treating clients to something special, I head straight to Palm Beach Island. The restaurant scene here is top-tier—elegant, consistent, and always impressive.
Best Brunch on Palm Beach Island: La Goulue Palm Beach
I’m a huge fan—you’ll often find us here on Sunday mornings. The service, quality, and chic Parisian atmosphere are unbeatable. It transports you with classic French dishes in a beautiful, intimate setting.
Dishes worth trying:
- Le Soufflé au Fromage — Their award-winning signature since 1972: Gruyère, Parmesan, white truffle oil, and garden salad. Absolute must.
- Ratatouille & Goat Cheese Omelette — Fresh and flavorful.
- Les Escargots de Bourgogne au Beurre d’Ail — Garlic-herb butter with grilled French baguette.
- Salade Niçoise — Seared tuna, lettuce, hard-boiled egg, green beans, tomato, fingerling potatoes, house vinaigrette (Beth says it’s the BEST).
- Le Cheeseburger Maison — 10oz grilled Black Angus with Comté, sautéed onions & mushrooms, house sauce, and fries.
They also feature specials like tableside-carved prime rib on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Check it out at https://lagouluepalmbeach.com
La Goulue Palm Beach: 288 South County Road, Palm Beach, Florida 33480
Phone: 561-284-6292
Italian Excellence: Renato’s Palm Beach
For classic Italian fine dining on the island, Renato’s (at 87 Via Mizner, Palm Beach) is a longtime go-to. It’s elegant, with indoor/outdoor seating near Worth Avenue, and known for outstanding pastas, seafood, and unique dishes you won’t find everywhere. The vibe is refined yet welcoming—perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
Standout categories from their lunch menu include:
- Per Iniziare (appetizers) — Great starters to share.
- Insalate (salads) — Fresh and vibrant options.
- Zuppe (soups) — Like their highly praised stracciatella.
- Pasta and Risotto — Highlights include Rigatoni Alla Vodka, saffron lobster risotto, mushroom ravioli with truffle sauce, linguine ai vongole, pappardelle, and more.
- Secondi (mains) — Osso buco, filet mignon au poivre, Dover sole, veal chop, soft shell crab, and pan-seared scallops.
Reviews rave about the pasta dishes, seafood like linguine with clams or spaghettini fra diavolo, and desserts like lava cake or tiramisu. It’s consistently excellent for Italian lovers.
Visit https://www.renatospalmbeach.com/lunch-menu for the full details.
Renato’s: 87 Via Mizner, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Phone: 561-655-9752
Chic Lounge of Palm Beach: Honor Bar
One of my favorite spots on the island (with locations in Dallas and Beverly Hills too—if you know, you know). Great for a relaxed yet upscale vibe, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Standouts:
- Deviled Eggs with Ding’s pickle relish and scallions.
- Shrimp Louie — Jumbo Gulf shrimp, iceberg wedge, avocado, Thousand Island dressing, fresh tarragon.
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich — House-made torta, Swiss, tomato, spicy slaw.
The portions are generous, drinks are excellent, and the atmosphere is spot-on.
Sushi Lovers: Imoto by Buccan
We can’t get enough sushi, and Imoto delivers big time. Inspired by Buccan next door, it brings small plates with big Japanese/Asian flavors—fresh sushi, sashimi, dumplings, tempura, and wood-fired selections using top local and global ingredients.
Start with:
- Peking Duck Tacos and Miso Cod Lettuce Cups.
- Rolls we love: Daimyo Roll (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, masago, scallion, cucumber, wasabi aioli), Super Salmon Roll (spicy king salmon, cucumber, topped with avocado, seared salmon, miso sauce), Surf and Turf (A5 Wagyu, snow crab, scallions, asparagus, fried shallot).
It’s inventive, high-quality, and always a hit.
Check out Imoto at https://www.imotopalmbeach.com/
350 South County Road, Palm Beach, Florida 33480
Phone: 561-833-5522
New Favorite: The Polo Room Palm Beach
A stylish addition to the island scene at 251 Sunrise Ave, this spot is led by polo icon Nacho Figueras and brings Argentinian-inspired flair to a continental menu. It’s got a cool, family-friendly vibe with a nod to polo culture (“After the last chukker, we play here”)—great for dinner or a relaxed meal.
Highlights include handcrafted empanadas, fresh raw bar and crudos, seasonal salads, house-made pastas, premium seafood (like Lobster Frite with hand-cut fries and Béarnaise), exceptional steaks, fish, shellfish, and asado-style options. Bold flavors, high quality, and consistently delicious according to reviews—staff is top-notch too.
Check it out at https://www.thepoloroompalmbeach.com
251 Sunrise Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Phone: 561-655-5558
Let’s Connect
Whether you’re rushing between yachts or savoring a longer meal, these spots make the Palm Beach Boat Show experience even better. See you on the docks—drop me a line if you’re around!
Enjoy the best that Palm Beach has to offer!
Andrew Troyer, Owner, Consultant, Broker
Phone: (954) 732-0339
Email: info@troyeryachts.com
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