3 Best Restaurants in Delray Beach, Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast

Sustainable seafood is the focus at this airy "sea-to-table" spot that dabbles in sushi rolls, grilled fish, and creative American cuisine. The namesake lionfish (an invasive species that wreaks havoc on the local marine ecosystem) shows up in a ceviche bathed in avocado, key lime, and coconut or can be ordered whole and grilled with lemons, capers, and charred greens. A full sushi menu along with larger mains of lamb chops, roasted chicken, and a grass-fed beef burger round out the eclectic menu. The craft cocktails are best enjoyed at the daily weekday happy hour from 4 to 6 pm and from 5 to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The historic Sundy House, a 1902-built Victorian home with meandering gardens, ponds, and charming gazebo seating, is home to chef James Strine's “New Florida cuisine,” which essentially comprises Caribbean-, Cuban-, and Latin-inspired dishes. The cocktails are refreshing, the lush outdoor setting is downright magical, and the gourmet comfort food has a creative streak. Dishes include fish tacos, poutine, popcorn shrimp, and baked cannelloni stuffed with spinach and Brie. The legendary Sunday brunch, served from 10 am to 5 pm, is a seated buffet of brunch classics that pair with bottomless mimosas or sangria.

Scenesters line the massive indoor-outdoor bar from noon until the wee hours at this cooler-than-thou retro library restaurant, but it's worth your time to stop here for the best burger in town. There's a whole selection, but the Prime CEO steals the show: Maytag blue cheese and Gruyère with tomato-onion confit, arugula, and bacon. Other upscale renditions of comforting classics like nachos (a delicate puff of whipped crab per chip served with jicama slaw), fried green tomatoes (panko-and-cornmeal–crusted with crisped bits of Serrano ham), and "naughty" alcoholic shakes are worth every indulgent calorie.