There are dinners you have, and then there are dinners that make you sit back in your chair, loosen your belt a little and say, "Okay, I am officially done for the night."
My early dinner at Del Mar Mediterranean in West Palm Beach was exactly that kind of experience.
I walked in expecting a good meal. I left feeling like I had just been properly fed for the next several years.
From the moment I settled in, the ambiance was on point. There is something about a restaurant that understands how to create a mood before the first plate even hits the table. Del Mar has that feeling. It is polished without feeling stiff, inviting without trying too hard, and the Mediterranean influence gives the entire experience a warmth that makes you want to stay awhile.
Then came the filet.
The 8 ounce filet mignon was absolutely fantastic. Grilled beautifully and served with grilled broccolini, escarole, pearl onions, romesco and za'atar butter, this was not a steak that needed much introduction. It arrived looking like dinner had officially become an event.
And that za'atar butter? Let's just say I understand the assignment.
The richness of the filet alongside the vegetables, the romesco and those Middle Eastern inspired flavors made every bite feel layered and intentional. This was the kind of dish where you find yourself slowing down because you don't want the plate to disappear too quickly.
Of course, it eventually did.
I have always believed that food is one of the best ways to experience a destination. You can learn a lot about a place through what people cook, how they serve it and how a restaurant makes you feel while you are sitting at the table. My return to travel in 2027 will be about seeing the world through the lens of culture, difference and destination, but experiences like this remind me that the travel story can begin right here in South Florida.
And if you are looking for a place to start your own food story, put Del Mar Mediterranean in West Palm Beach on your list.
Trust me.
Go hungry.
I went for an early dinner and came home full for years to come.
That, my friends, is what I call Food & Dining gone right.
