Fares range from $10 to $35, so the next time you find yourself on the train, begin with breakfast in Miami, continue with lunch or brunch in Fort Lauderdale, and end with dinner in West Palm Beach for the ultimate Brightline dine-around.
Parliament Coffee welcomes train riders at the Brightline Miami station's food hall, Central Fare.
Brightline
Central Fare
600 NW First Ave., Mezzanine Level, Miami305-521-4837
centralfare.com
Central Fare is the Brightline Miami station's food hall, offering a multitude of options. As you reach the top of the escalator, you're greeted by a grand entrance to the marketplace, where Parliament Coffee stands front and center. The shop offers sustainably sourced beans for a morning coffee fix. Enjoy gluten-free buckwheat crepes, including vegan and vegetarian varieties, from Bucks Crepes; a selection of pastries at Rosetta Bakery; and a wide selection of empanadas at Patagonia Flavors by Delicatessen Patagonia. There's also a World Famous House of Mac outpost and La Estación American Brasserie by Juvia Group, both ideal for lunch.
B Bistro + Bakery
600 Brickell Ave., Miami305-330-6310
bbistromiami.com
For a weekend breakfast, B Bistro + Bakery in Brickell is only a ten-minute ride to the Brightline Miami station. A favorite morning spot for a sit-down meal, it offers a large croissant selection that includes an everything "bagel" version, pistachio, charcoal, Nutella, and ham and cheese. There's also a variety of pancakes, sandwiches, and salads. Pro tip: Order online for delivery through Postmates.
Etaru's large spread offers perfectly grilled robata dishes, fresh sushi, and other delectables.
Etaru
Etaru Las Olas
500 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale954-477-8068
etarurestaurant.us
After a quick 30-minute ride to Fort Lauderdale, head to Etaru Las Olas. Weather permitting, the walk is about 17 minutes. Otherwise, Brightline offers a $5 Lyft credit on rides to or from any of its stations with the purchase of a train ticket. An eight-minute ride will take you to Etaru for a savory Sunday brunch at a fraction of the price. The $55-per-person meal includes a welcome drink, followed by bottomless red, white, or rosé wine and a vast buffet of robata-grilled meats and vegetables, gyoza, sushi rolls, and sashimi, plus one main dish and an impressive dessert platter.
The Dalmar
299 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale954-945-9500
thedalmar.com
Stroll around the Las Olas Riverwalk or Flagler Village; then head to Fort Lauderdale's newest boutique hotel, the Dalmar. Just five minutes from the Brightline, this newcomer is brimming with places to eat and drink. Sit poolside at Sip N' Dip, where you can enjoy light grilled fare and refreshing cocktails for lunch. The Lobby Bar and Rose's Coffee Bar offer indoor bites and snacks all day, while the Terrace Grill is a beautifully designed dinner destination. The rooftop bar, Sparrow, boasts panoramic views of the ocean and skyline with a '60s-Palm Springs vibe. The move here is sunset drinks beginning at 5 p.m.
Award-winning chef Lindsay Autry's signature tomato pie makes a trip to West Palm Beach all the more satisfying.
The Regional
The Regional Kitchen & Public House
651 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach561-557-6460
eatregional.com
The ride to West Palm Beach takes about 43 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale station, so feel free to sip one of the train's featured libations from the drink cart as you journey north in the afternoon. Just a ten-minute walk or a four-minute Lyft ride from Brightline's West Palm Beach station, the Regional is where you'll want to stop for dinner. But be sure to make a reservation: This award-winning restaurant is helmed by Top Chef alum and James Beard nominee Lindsay Autry. Her menu is a celebration of Southern cuisine with some Mediterranean influence. Popular items are the tableside-prepared pimento cheese, roasted tomato pie, and sweet tea-brined fried chicken thighs.
Pistache French Bistro
101 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach561-833-5090
pistachewpb.com
Also an easy walk from the West Palm Beach station is Pistache French Bistro. Celebrating ten years in downtown West Palm Beach, this spot instantly transports you to a sidewalk café in Paris. The lengthy menu will satisfy any craving for traditional French cuisine with a twist. From moules frites (steamed mussels with fries) and charcuterie boards to escargots and plenty of seafood, poultry, meat, and salad options, Pistache is sure to please. After a busy day of eating and drinking through the tri-county area, the ride back to Miami runs about an hour and 15 minutes; the last trains on weekends usually depart at 10 p.m. The Breakers is nearby if you opt for a spontaneous sleepover in West Palm Beach.
Brightline tickets cost $10 to $35 each, depending upon the time of day, cabin, and destination. Purchase tickets via gobrightline.com.
