About Jimmy

Jimmy Mills was born in New Jersey but spent his childhood on a farm in West Virginia. His mom taught him to cook using locally sourced ingredients and baking bread before it was a “thing.” As a result, Jimmy learned the value of homemade, farm-to-table cooking early on.

Following culinary school in New Jersey, Jimmy worked under Chef David Ruggerio at Le Chantilly in New York City and Chef Charlie Palmer at Aureole.

After 10 years in NYC, Jimmy’s wanderlust hit, and he left to live and work abroad. He first moved to Paris, where he learned, among other things, the French's respect for dining. After that, he lived and worked in Israel, where the spices and flavors enthralled him. Jimmy then traveled to Africa, South America, and Asia. He took cooking classes in Thailand at the Mandarin Oriental. Always drawn to the ocean, Jimmy landed in Delray Beach, where he opened Jimmy’s Bistro in 2009.

Jimmy always did things his way. He avoided (and despised) “trendy” food, and his refined use of ingredients earned him critical acclaim and a huge following. His humble relationship with cooking and respect for simplicity resulted in the delicious, understated, sophisticated dishes served nightly at Jimmy’s Bistro.

Jimmy was an original, unlike anyone else. To taste his food is to feel his love, infectious energy, and incomparable generosity. Jimmy loved three things most—freedom from bullshit, butter, and his daughter, Charley. He is always in our hearts.

(Chosen) Family operated

On the very first day he opened in 2009, Julie Shannon walked in and asked about a job. This was one of those serendipitous moments where the stars aligned. All these years later, as locals and regulars know, Julie is the heart of Jimmy’s Bistro. Originally from Michigan, Julie brings Midwestern hospitality, kindness, and wit to the restaurant every night, whether she’s there or not (though she almost always is!).

As a result, people come for the food but stay for the company, community, and fun. The entire staff prides itself on personable service and genuine warmth. We want you to be part of our family (as long as you’re cool!).