A client new to Boca Raton recently asked where he should go for fresh fish. We are surrounded by water and this should be easy... He couldn't believe how hard it was to find quality food items around town. Of course, he asked Ms. Boca. Here I offer you are a few cures for the supermarket blues -- a handful of specialty markets that sell quality meat, fish, produce, and packaged goods.
Boca Oriental Market
2431 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton
This is where local chefs go to find even the most obscure Asian products. A small, friendly, spotlessly-clean space jammed with virtually everything the professional or amateur cook needs, from produce and packaged goods to woks and utensils. The market's focus is on Chinese food products, but other Asian cuisines are represented there too. Pick up some eel, flying fish roe, Japanese fish cakes, or milkfish and enjoy the fact that you're getting a deal on the real deal.
7000 N. Dixie Highway, Boca Raton
Do yourself a favor and swing by this cute little fish market ASAP! The stone crab claws and fish dip are outstanding. Nothing is frozen, much of the seafood is locally caught, all of it is of impeccable quality. You can tell it's fresh because the only smell is of the sea. Live lobsters and soft shell crabs, fresh mahi-mahi, several species of clams and terrific Cape Canaveral shrimp are just some of the impressive selection.
Pop's Fish Market has been serving South Florida since 1957! They have their own personal fisherman and divers that only fish and dive for them specifically, while their Northern Fish are delivered to them at least three times a week! It's a fish market but they also have a lunch menu. Be sure to order the fish sandwich. You select the fish you want, how you want it cooked, with a side and beverage. I went with the yellowtail snapper-fried with fried okra -YUM!
5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton
Who doesn’t love an Italian specialty food market? Joseph’s new location at Town Center is larger than the old one, but its personal touch still shows, from the 60-some entrees/side dishes presented daily (everything from pastas to chicken parm and stuffed artichokes) to pizza from scratch, produce, seafood, wines and cheeses, the works.
2800 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL
This small market, which also serves sandwiches and quiche, is a Francophile’s dream, with imported cheeses like Brie de Meaux Alba Truffle, foie gras and, yes, a large selection of truffles (French and Italian) fresh during the season. They are also rumored to have the best French baguettes—baked fresh daily—in addition to hard-to-find French brands of mustards and other goodies. Use promo code BOCAFREE for free same-day delivery on Boca Raton! ($55 minimum purchase)
277 East Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, Florida, 33432
The Meeting Place has been around since 1967. I can't say enough good things about this place. Meat selection and quality is far above anywhere locally. Staff is beyond friendly and they take really good care to adhere to social distancing and building capacity limits. The ribeye is to die for and definitely try their roasted chicken!
9101 Lakeridge Boulevard, Boca Raton, Florida 33496
Doris Italian Market is a very authentic Italian grocery store with a TON of imported goods (specifically Italian, but international as well). The butcher section always has cases of fresh meats. The butcher will do custom cuts and they will always ask you if you want your meat freezer wrapped, which is convenient. My favorite area of the store is the bakery — I never leave without getting some delicious Italian bakery items. There's also a nice produce section that I love where the fruits and vegetables are displayed like art work.
1880 NW 2nd Ave Boca Raton, FL 33432
This is a wonderful little jewel tucked away in plain sight. As an aficionado of Arabic food, I really like this small Turkish/Syrian specialty grocery store. They have all of the essentials I always want but can never find. For example, Turkish coffee, zaatar, Turkish delight, sahalab, honey with nuts, good pita, good halva and exotic sweets like the ajweh from Al Sultan that is ridiculously addictive.
14378 S Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33484
Best sprouts of every kind imaginable. Only better if you are growing them at home (and maybe not even then). This place has everything, seriously every inch is crammed with something I want to try. They have a great selection of fresh produce, an Italian bakery, deli, cheese counter, coffee bean area, gardening department, butcher shop, and ready-made foods including Italian specialties and fresh baked pies.