Palm Beach County favorite named one of USA TODAY'S best restaurants of 2024

Stage Kitchen, the buzzy, modern Indian-inspired restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens, has once again made national news: Stage is one of 47 restaurants to earn a spot on the 2024 USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year list.

“It’s a blessing," said chef/co-owner Pushkar Marathe. "When we decided to open in Palm Beach Gardens, we didn’t know what to expect. It was very adventurous and challenging what we were doing.”  

But the chef and his partners believed in his food and in Stage’s small plates concept.

“A lot of passion went into what we did and what we do. Things came together for us,” Marathe said.

What's the best restaurant near you?Check out USA TODAY's 2024 Restaurants of the Year.

USA TODAY's Restaurants of the Year 2024How the list of best restaurants was decided

What makes Stage Kitchen stand out 

With its innovative small plates, stylish setting and lively vibe, Stage not only transformed an unadventurous patch of northern Palm Beach County, it did so despite the pandemic. Marathe and business partner Andy Dugard opened the upscale-but-approachable restaurant just days before the Covid-19 shutdown of early 2020. Marathe’s India-meets-world dishes sparked a following, even when the restaurant’s dining room was closed. 

Marathe’s way with spices and meat-grilling techniques and Dugard’s knack for ambiance-setting and top-notch service turned Stage into a destination restaurant. It all comes together in a space that combines a cocktail bar, an open kitchen (offering views of Marathe and his chefs’ quick-fire cooking), an airy dining room and a more intimate outdoor patio. 

It is easy to see why Marathe’s work at Stage earned him a 2023 James Beard Award semifinals nod for the prestigious “Best Chef” in the South award.  

What to order at Stage

A dip and a spread. Must have starters: Marathe’s brûléed chicken liver pâté, which he spices with cardamom, green ginger and fenugreek and serves with grilled sourdough bread. Stage’s smoked local fish dip is a delicious reminder that you’re in South Florida, not too far from the ocean. For a luxe touch, order warm, house-made naan (garlic, black truffle, spicy cheese or plain) on the side. 

Local fish. At Stage, you can have the daily catch served in Bengali-style sauce with shishito peppers and potato foam.

Fried chicken. Marathe’s spiced fried chicken is served with a Malvani-style coconut curry and lime. Speaking of chicken, don’t miss Stage’s popular Indian butter chicken.

Veggies! Stage’s menu is a vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free wonderland. Grilled delicata squash is served with herbed tahini. Baked saag gets pops of queso fresco, corn and fried shallots. 

See Stage’s full menus.

Did you know?

Stage’s sister restaurant, the former Ela Curry Kitchen, has just moved into more spacious digs (also in Palm Beach Gardens, at 4650 Donald Ross Rd.) and made its debut as Ela Curry & Cocktails. At Ela, Marathe’s menu takes a more traditional approach to Indian classics. With an outdoor bar and dining patio that’s adorned with a large fountain, the restaurant offers a spirited cocktail scene as well.  

Details: 2000 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-408-3685, StagePGA.com