Buccan

For a restaurant located roughly 70 miles from Miami—quietly ensconced in posh Palm Beach—Buccan has quite the fanbase here. It only makes sense that Buccan’s second outpost, on Miracle Mile, is already bustling. Helmed by James Beard–nominated chef-restaurateur Clay Conley, Buccan is an upscale neighborhood restaurant serving creative, ingredient-driven global cuisine.

The vibe: The term “neighborhood restaurant” is relative when those neighborhoods are among Florida’s most affluent. That said, Buccan isn’t stuffy, and large glass windows and an open kitchen make the space feel warm and cozy. There’s a sizable bar near the entrance and a handful of high-top tables for a more casual meal.

The food: Seasonality and local sourcing are central to the menu, with many of Buccan’s recognizable classics adapting accordingly. We tried the snapper (Palm Beach reportedly gets a different fish), served over a Zellwood corn and Sungold tomato salad that was spectacular in its simplicity, showcasing a perfectly crisp pan-seared crust. The lobster aguachile featured tender chunks of Maine lobster and sweet seasonal mango, which balanced the sometimes-too-spicy dish. Pastas are available in half portions, though ordering Buccan’s famed corn agnolotti as anything less than a full dish would be sacrilege. No matter how many times you’ve had it, the combination of warm ricotta filling, fresh peas and salty bacon continues to impress.

The drink: You’ll find both classic cocktails and reimagined favorites, many featuring seasonal fruit such as watermelon, Florida peach and guava. The N.A. selection is worth checking out, too: The spicy tepache margarita delivered all the flavor without the hangover.

Time Out tip: The chocolate chip cookies are an if-you-know-you-know dessert—unassuming, perfect and impossible to resist. Even if you’re full, order a batch to go (you’ll get five).