Michelin Guide Shines on Palm Beach: New Stars and Hidden Gems!

7434 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA - In an exciting development for food lovers, Palm Beach County has stepped into the culinary spotlight. The Michelin Guide has officially recognized this vibrant area for the first time, showcasing an impressive array of restaurants from West Palm Beach to Boynton Beach. Among this culinary celebration, Aquasan, the new tiki-themed restaurant in Juno Beach, is making waves with its luxurious Polynesian vibe inspired by legendary spots like Hawaii Kai and Trader Vic’s. This restaurant replaces AquaGrille and adds a unique flavor to the local dining scene. The illustrious Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, commented that the guide plays a vital role in spotlighting distinctive culinary scenes, further raising Palm Beach County’s culinary profile, as reported by Palm Beach Post.

But not all is rosy in the culinary landscape. The area’s sole Michelin-starred restaurant, Konro, renowned for its omakase menu prepared at the counter, has temporarily closed due to the arrest of its chef, Jacob Bickelhaupt. Konro served sumptuous cuisine that commanded a price of $440 per person for dinner. As residents and visitors alike mourn this unexpected turn of events, the mix of anguish and anticipation for better days continues.

Embracing Quality and Value

Amid the ups and downs in local dining, Aioli has emerged as a beacon of budget-friendly dining. This West Palm Beach cafe and bakery has been awarded a Bib Gourmand for its exceptional quality and value. Offering a delightful range of menu items—from breakfast sandwiches priced between $9 and $11 to a delectable six-layer chocolate cake for $7.50—it’s easy to see why Aioli has garnered attention in the local food scene. The restaurant attracts diners looking for good food without breaking the bank, with highlights including their renowned black bean and tomatillo soup and roasted veggie sandwich with goat cheese on ciabatta. Aioli’s success story, growing from a modest sandwich shop established in 2014 to a culinary destination complete with an in-house bakery and open kitchen, is nothing short of inspiring, as Niners Wire outlines.

In total, nine restaurants within Palm Beach County received accolades from the Michelin Guide for 2025, indicating a robust culinary environment. Alongside Aioli, establishments like Palm Beach Meats, Coolinary, and The Butcher’s Club have also secured Bib Gourmand awards. The local Michilin movement is part of „Project M,“ aimed at highlighting quality dining that won’t stretch the wallet, showcasing dishes that do a good deal and tantalize the taste buds.

A Culinary Map Expansion

The recognition doesn’t stop with the accolades. Discover the Palm Beaches played an essential role in promoting these gastronomic gems, having contributed $180,000 to boost restaurant rankings across the tri-county area. This investment reflects a growing awareness of the culinary potential that Palm Beach County holds. The guide will even expand to include more Florida regions next year, promising more exciting culinary journeys for locals and tourists alike. The inclusion of restaurants like Buccan, run by Chef Clay Conley, and Moody Tongue Sushi, steered by chef Hiromi Iwakiri, proves that the area’s culinary diversity is thriving, as detailed by Stet News.

As the culinary scene continues to evolve, locals are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and explore the rich tapestry of flavors available in Palm Beach County. Whether you’re dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant or indulging in a Bib Gourmand award-winning establishment like Aioli, there’s clearly something to be said for the burgeoning food culture here. Here’s to more delicious adventures on the horizon!