Palm Beach’s Most Approachable Restaurant 

By Ava Bourbeau 

If Palm Beach residents had a neighborhood “go-to,” we imagine Buccan would be it. The American eatery has been credited with revolutionizing the dining scene on the island, and yet, it maintains its humble nature.

“With Buccan, our main priority always was, and still is, to serve exceptional cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Sophisticated in substance and service yet relaxed in attitude. Our menu was once described as ‘world casual,’ and I think that still fits. We utilize techniques, tools and flavor combinations from all over the globe, sourcing the best ingredients we can find, and the small plate format encourages sharing, camaraderie and community. We always wanted it to feel like a neighborhood restaurant; that will always be just as important to us as upholding our culinary standards,” said Clay Conley, executive chef.

Chef Clay Conley of Buccan in black and white, scrubbing the grill in the kitchen at Buccan.

It’s this welcoming energy that draws in sandy beachgoers — though we do suggest showering off any sand — and buttoned-up executives alike. Of course, it’s the food that keeps them coming back.

Inspiration for the innovative dishes on Buccan’s menu starts with ingredients and emphasizes sourcing the best on the market. “Ingredients inspire me. That’s why our menus are focused on produce that is in season and native to the region. After more than 12 years in the market, we’re grateful Buccan has become a place where people come to not only enjoy their favorite dishes, but also to try something new and innovative. The menu is ever evolving,” Clay said.

First timers should try a classic like the Short Rib Empanadas or one of the vegan dishes. As a vegan himself, Clay shared that plant-based dishes are some of his favorites to dream up. “It is super gratifying to use plants in creative ways to produce something surprisingly complex for guests,” Clay said.

Buccan may run the corner, but it is flanked by its sister establishments: Imoto (“little sister” in Japanese) and Buccan Sandwich Shop. Diners not satisfied with that hat trick should know that the family also extends just over the bridge with Grato and a second Buccan Sandwich Shop in West Palm Beach.

Close-up of Chef Clay Conley plating dishes at Buccan in Palm Beach.

Clay, along with partners Sam Slattery and Oliver “Piper” Quinn, have also announced an exciting new venture for later this year. Coral Gables will be the location of a new restaurant conglomerate made up of all three Palm Beach staples. Buccan, Imoto and Buccan Sandwich Shop will occupy 9,600 square feet on the ground floor of a new construction building at 100 Miracle Mile.

Each restaurant will have its own entrance, all under one roof. Diners will find an exhibition kitchen open to a chef’s table, a “living room” lounge, and spacious dining room inside Buccan’s portion. Imoto will feature a sushi bar, dining room and a cocktail bar. Buccan Sandwich Shop will maintain its casual nature with a pickup window and limited seating for order pickup waits.

“The vision for Miami is the same as in Palm Beach… a warm, welcoming, neighborhood place. Exceptional cuisine and service, enjoyed in a casually sophisticated ambiance. Buccan is lively and energetic, Imoto is sexy and intimate, and the Sandwich Shop is just damn good,” Clay said.

Definitely something for which to leave our Palm Beach County bubble.

350 S. County Road, Palm Beach
@buccanpalmbeach

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