Each Palm Beach season brings back more than sunshine and soirées — it brings back tradition. The familiar faces at lunch, the hum of conversation over cocktails, and the return to our favorite places — the spots we simply can’t imagine Palm Beach without.
As longtime Island residents and Realtors, we know that when the season begins, Palm Beachers return to their favorites — those timeless establishments that define island life. From elegant dining rooms to hidden Vias and boutiques that have been here for generations, these are the places that make Palm Beach, Palm Beach.
Blue Provence
Tucked along South County Road, Blue Provence is a beloved local treasure — part gourmet market, part café, and entirely Palm Beach. Its pastries, cheeses, and fine European goods are handpicked with the same care that goes into their exquisite presentation. Locals stop in for a morning croissant, pick up charcuterie and imported delicacies, or browse French linens and tableware. When the line forms at Blue Provence, you know the season has officially begun.
Swifty’s at The Colony
Few places capture Palm Beach’s blend of elegance, social energy, and timelessness like Swifty’s, tucked inside The Colony Hotel. The Colony Hotel itself opened in 1947 and is a historic landmark, and Swifty’s is its modern reinvention — a nod to famed New York boîtes brought poolside to Palm Beach.
The atmosphere is unmistakable: ambient lighting, lush hanging gardens, and spontaneous energy make it feel like Palm Beach’s living room. Menu favorites like Billionaire’s Bacon and Meatloaf keep longtime patrons coming back, making each visit a social and culinary event. Over the years, Swifty’s has become more than a meal — it’s a destination where old Palm Beach charm meets new-season vibrancy.
Café L’Europe
For over four decades, Café L’Europe has defined Palm Beach dining with its timeless menu and impeccable service. Known for elegant luncheons, celebratory dinners, and society gatherings, it remains a fixture for those who appreciate classic European cuisine served with polish and grace.
Renato’s
Hidden in Via Mizner, Renato’s is pure Palm Beach romance. Its ivy-covered courtyard and soft music set the tone for a refined evening beneath the stars. The menu blends classic Italian dishes with understated luxury — the kind of restaurant where anniversaries, celebrations, and quiet conversations all find their perfect place.
Pizza Al Fresco
Steps away from Renato’s, Pizza Al Fresco is as casual as Palm Beach gets — and that’s exactly the point. Locals gather under the umbrellas for pizza, salads, and rosé, surrounded by Mediterranean architecture and laughter echoing through the Vias. It’s a must for every Palm Beacher, whether dressed for dinner or fresh from the beach.
Kassalty’s
A Worth Avenue treasure since the 1920s, Kassalty’s is synonymous with timeless elegance. Known for its exquisite hand-embroidered linens and luxurious nightgowns made in Portugal, it represents the quiet refinement of old Palm Beach. Each piece feels like an heirloom — delicately detailed, beautifully made, and beloved by generations who value craftsmanship and grace.
Trillion
Trillion, another Worth Avenue icon, epitomizes Palm Beach fashion — soft pastels, exquisite cashmeres, and Italian craftsmanship. Known for its luscious color palette and beautifully made pieces, Trillion offers effortless sophistication for every season. It’s where locals go for refined island style — timeless, elegant, and unmistakably Palm Beach.
Travini
Under the twinkling lights just off South County Road, Travini serves timeless Italian cooking in one of the most charming settings on the island. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming — a place where you’re as likely to see old friends as new ones. With every candlelit table and every glass of Chianti, Travini captures what Palm Beach dining is meant to be: relaxed, elegant, and enduring.
The Four Arts
No Palm Beach season is complete without a visit to The Society of the Four Arts. From art exhibitions and classical concerts to literary discussions and the famed botanical gardens, The Four Arts is where Palm Beach’s cultural heart beats. It’s an oasis of learning, beauty, and creativity — a beloved institution for locals and visitors alike.
Worth Avenue & The Vias
More than a shopping destination, Worth Avenue is an experience — where historic architecture meets world-class boutiques and hidden courtyards. The Vias, with their European charm, invite you to wander, linger, and rediscover something new every season.
The Royal Poinciana Plaza
Where old Palm Beach sophistication meets modern vibrancy, The Royal Poinciana Plaza has evolved into the island’s gathering place — with its signature mix of luxury boutiques, cafés, and curated events. It’s the perfect stop between appointments, lunch dates, or an afternoon of browsing and conversation.
Club Colette
And finally, for those in the know, Club Colette remains the pinnacle of Palm Beach society — where charity galas, dinner parties, and elegant gatherings mark the rhythm of the season. Private, polished, and perfectly Palm Beach.
Where Tradition Meets Today
These are more than just restaurants, boutiques, and landmarks — they’re part of Palm Beach’s story. They define the season, celebrate the past, and remind us why life here feels so effortlessly timeless.
As Island insiders and longtime Palm Beach residents, we love sharing not only the homes that make this community so exceptional — but also the places that give it heart and soul.
— Jacqueline and Adam Zimmerman Island Residents and Palm Beach Realtors for Over 20 Years
Visit us at DistinctivePalmBeachProperties.com and JacquelineAdamPalmBeach.com
