Palm Beach County is kicking off 2026 with flavor, style and plenty of reasons to celebrate.
From chic happy hours and indulgent wine dinners to seafood festivals and celebrity chef pop-ups, the local dining scene is buzzing with energy. Whether you’re craving a luxe Italian takeover, a sweet donut deal or a zero-proof cocktail that feels like a splurge, this week’s lineup delivers something for every palate.
Scroll for the details on where to sip, savor and make the most of early January’s culinary calendar because your new year deserves a delicious start.
Hive’s new “Happy Hours”
Hive, one of my favorite spots in West Palm Beach, now offers what they’re calling “Happy Hours” running Tuesday to Saturday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Enjoy 50% off beer, wine and cocktails plus $9 to $15 bites like crab cakes, antipasti and truffle potato croquettes. Cheers to a stylish new way to unwind.
Details: 1603 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, 561-360-2196, hivebakeryandcafe.com
Le Colonial launches weekend lunch service
Starting Jan. 9, Le Colonial introduces Friday to Sunday lunch service from noon to 3 p.m. Guests can choose an abbreviated à la carte menu featuring favorites like my favorite Shaking Beef or opt for two- or three-course prix fixe menus priced $35 and $39.
Details: 601 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-566-1800, lecolonial.com
Sweet start to 2026
Dixie Highway Donuts celebrates yet another grand opening Saturday, Jan. 10 with buy-six-get-one-free and buy-12-get-two-free deals (excluding specialty varieties). Kick off the year with a box of classics because donuts make everything better.
Details: 6108 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, 561-838-7737
Reel fun
Boca Raton’s second annual Seafood Festival returns Saturday, Jan. 10, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. Enjoy fresh seafood, live music, chef competitions and family activities. Tickets: $10 advance, $15 at door; kids 10 and under free. For advance ticket deals, visit myboca.us.
Location: 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton
Red sauce goes chic
Mary Lou’s, named a USA Today Best Bar in 2025, hosts a culinary takeover Jan. 12 to Feb. 1 when Chef Joe Isidori brings his viral Italian classics to town. Expect spicy rigatoni, baked clams, truffle pasta and a decadent chocolate dessert. Reserve now via sevenrooms.com as this pop-up will book fast.
Details: 250 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, marylouspb.com
Fashionably Ferragamo
On Jan. 15 at 7 p.m., Elisabetta’s in Delray Beach hosts a four-course wine dinner starring Salvatore Ferragamo, grandson of the founder of the iconic Italian fashion house synonymous with elegance. Enjoy Il Borro estate wines and Chef Lisabet Summa’s menu. Tickets are $285.65 per person and include tax and gratuity. To purchase, visit bigtimerestaurants.ticketspice.com.
Details: 32 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-560-6699, elisabettas.com
Artisans of Wine & Food returns to the Boca Raton resort with celebrity chefs including Mario Carbone and star wineries for a multi-day celebration. Tickets remain for select events including the glamorous gala and charity auction on Jan. 17 plus an indulgent Sunday brunch Jan. 18. To purchase, visit artisansofwineandfood.com.
Dry January, Italian style
Felice elevates zero-proof sipping with the Berry Mule, a limited-time January mocktail crafted with Ghia Berry, cranberry and ginger beer. Bright, bittersweet and built for aperitivo moments, it pairs perfectly with Felice’s Italian dishes (trust me on the lemon pasta.)
Details: 366 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach; 561-421-6036; felicerestaurants.com
Brooklyn Beckham spices up Palm Beach
Forget the family drama — Brooklyn Beckham is cooking up headlines. The budding chef and Cloud 23 hot sauce founder was spotted in Le Bilboquet Market’s kitchen with celebrity chef François Payard, reimagining the iconic Cajun chicken sandwich into a fiery Cloud-Cajun creation.
“It’s been incredibly fun collaborating with Brooklyn in our Market kitchen this week. We’ve had a great time tasting his hot sauces and creating a new spin on our famed Cajun sandwich. We can’t wait to roll it out next week,” Payard said.
Shop it here: 353 Peruvian Ave., Palm Beach, 561-720-2680, c23.com
Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post’s food & restaurant writer. Care to share news tips about the local dining scene? Please send them to dbiederman@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
Dining and Cooking