Palm Beach Meats is a family affair. Founded by husband-and-wife Eric and Meghan San Pedro, the popular spot is Florida's only all wagyu retail shop and restaurant. "People drive from all over to get a taste of our burger,” says Eric. “It’s an approachable way to enjoy wagyu, and you’ll see a schoolteacher sitting next to a billionaire, both enjoying the same meal. That’s what we love—creating a space where everyone can experience this incredible beef, no matter who they are."
Chef San Pedro is native to The Palm Beaches and has watched with excitement as the region's food scene has grown. "As a child, I loved food, specifically Asian food. Unfortunately, area lacked diversity in its food for the better part of my childhood. Now, as a mid-40's, Filipino American, seeing our area being recognized by The Michelin Guide is quite amazing!"
So, where does he go when he's not at his MICHELIN Bib Gourmand spot? Below, discover some of his family's favorite go-to places.
What is your favorite restaurant in the area?
My overall favorite restaurant happens to be the restaurant I've eaten at the longest, A1 Thai. I began eating here in 1986 when most of the kids in school had never heard of Thai food (it was one of maybe three Thai restaurants in the county at the time). We would eat there every Sunday, and I've watched it go from empty, to packed in the 90s, to having three locations, to having to add a sushi bar to compete with the high number of Thai restaurants. The food has remained consistent over the years, and my son now enjoys the same great dishes I enjoyed when I was his age.
Where are your other go-to spots?
For a classic meal, I seek pizza or barbecue, and The Palm Beaches now has some real gems! For pizza, I will drive to eat Death By Pizza, Rosano's and How Ya Dough'n. For BBQ, the Austin Republic (Tex-Mex) and Tropical Smokehouse both have amazing chefs and great food!
Where do you go for lunch?
I think the county has some great sandwiches! The būccan sandwich shop and aioli bakery are perfect lunches for anyone visiting the area. I'd highly recommend that first-timers in Palm Beach grab the carpaccio sandwich (which I'd say is the best sandwich in the county), and take it to the beach to eat!
For something a little bit nicer and full-service I'd recommend Driftwood (Boynton Beach), MIA Kitchen (Delray Beach), and Oceano Kitchen (Lake Worth). These spots offer both creative and classic fare in comfortable settings with great service!
Do you have any favorite comfort food spots?
When it comes to simple comfort foods, I seek out diverse flavors. As a Filipino American, Kanto Asian Fusion offers classic Filipino dishes that remind me of my grandma. Zipitios has great tacos and burritos, but their pupusas are amazing! While it's a food truck and not always in the area, my all-time favorite comfort food is Kaminari Ramen. The ramen is amazing, but their specials are not to be missed. Nothing is more comforting than Chef Kamioka's curry. (You can frequently find him at Copperpoint in Boynton Beach.)
Where would you stay if you weren't a local?
As a native to The Palm Beaches, I don't really stay at hotels, but there is something very special about The Breakers.
Where would we find you on a day off?
On a rare day off, I am typically exploring with my wife, Meghan, and our son, Benny. There are a few less crowded beaches, and there are some nice spots to enjoy nature, such as Riverbend Park in Jupiter.
What are the can't-miss spots?
Probably the two most iconic spots in The Palm Beaches are the Worth Avenue Clock Tower and the Jupiter Lighthouse.
What's something many don't know about Palm Beach County?
One thing people should know about The Palm Beaches is that it is more than the island of Palm Beach and is quite diverse! Also, a little-known fact is that Palm Beach County is the largest sweet corn-producing county in the United States and the corn is the best!
Hero image: @airamdphoto / Chef Eric San Pedro of Palm Beach Meats
