About Jimmy

Jimmy Mills was born in New Jersey but grew up on a farm in West Virginia. His mother, Margy, taught him to bake bread, make homemade pasta, and use locally sourced ingredients long before it was trendy. Jimmy quickly learned the value of farm-to-table, elegant yet straightforward cooking—and he loved it.

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 moved to Paris, where he learned the French respect for dining and food. Next, he lived and worked in Israel, where the 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 considerable following. His humble relationship with cooking and respect for simplicity resulted in the delicious, understated, and sophisticated dishes served nightly at Jimmy’s Bistro.

Jimmy was an original, unlike anyone else. He loved these things most—freedom from bullshit, cooking, sharing and eating real food, good music, the mountains he grew up in, his friends and family, and his daughter, Charley. In his food and at his restaurant, you can feel his love, infectious energy, and incomparable generosity.

Jimmy died unexpectedly in March of 2024 from an accidental drug interaction. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health, please know there is help and hope.

Jimmy is always in our hearts.

(Chosen) Family operated

On the 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 good time. 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).