A 42 Restaurant Guide to Vero Beach, Florida

Vero Beach, Florida, is a town on the Atlantic Coast between Melbourne (to the North) and Palm Beach (to the South). It is split between full-time residents and snowbirds (seasonal occupants). One of the best things about living in Vero Beach, besides the obvious, is that we have delicious eats and access to incredibly fresh seafood. Here is my 42 restaurant guide to Vero Beach (in alphabetical order), as suggested by a local. 

Barefoot Cafe

My favorite deli/sandwich shop in Vero Beach is the casual Barefoot Cafe on 14th Avenue. Come in, order at the counter, and relax while browsing local newspapers and regional flyers. The Barefoot Cafe has impressive sandwiches, crispy salads, and excellent homemade side dishes that are priced just right. Best choices? The Sesame Seared Tuna Salad (shown below), Caliente Sandwich (it’s spicy perfection!), and Caribbean Shrimp Salad.

Big Shots Golf

While you might not think of a golf attraction as somewhere to go just for food, but Big Shots Golf has a menu to please even a refined palate. My daughter swears by the Calamari Tower with sweet ginger aioli, the best in town, and the Duck Confit Flatbread. Soups, salads, sliders, and sandwiches are also on the menu, plus warm cookie skillets topped with vanilla ice cream.

Bobby’s Restaurant and Lounge

Bobby’s Restaurant and Lounge is a dining spot mostly for the locals of Vero Beach. The restaurant caters to an upscale clientele, and I’ve never seen anyone order anything that they said no to, even if it was not on the menu! Bobby’s is inside the Reef Ocean Resort, and the food quality is superb. I recommend the Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad, Turkey Reuben, and Belly Buster Hot Dog, which you have to see to believe.

Casey’s Place

The most-relaxed Old Florida dining spot in Vero Beach is Casey’s Place, a window-service restaurant. Dine on the patio at wooden picnic tables, as you enjoy your eats along with locals, tourists, professional athletes, and maybe the rich and famous. Casey’s Place has the best BBQ Sandwich in town, fresh salads, yummy cajun fries, and juicy char-broiled burgers.

Citron Bistro

Citron Bistro has stellar lunch and dinner options with both indoor and courtyard seating. They serve incredible dishes with top-quality ingredients, such as the Kale Caesar, Cobb Salad, and Fish Tacos, my favorites. Save room for the Lemon Meringue Pie, one of the best desserts in Vero Beach. Citron Bistro is in the Village Shops on A1A and has a cozy atmosphere.

L to R: Casey’s Place, Citron Bistro, Big Shots Golf, Barefoot Cafe.

Citrus Grillhouse

One of the premier dining spots in Vero Beach is the Citrus Grillhouse, located at Humiston Park. Oceanfront dining with chef-inspired dishes, including a special tasting menu, will delight your taste buds. Go for the daily special; if Miyazaki beef is on the list, it is a must! You will thank me. Save room for Citrus Grillhouse’s scrumptious dessert trio with your pick of 3 (how about Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Torte, and Cheesecake?) from the yummy, sweet selections list.

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CJ Cannon’s Restaurant & Lounge

Would you like to watch private planes fly in and out of the Vero Beach Airport while you eat? You can do just that at vintage CJ Cannon’s. One of the locals’ favorite dining spots, CJ Cannon’s has an impressive menu serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the dishes I am most fond of are the California Benedict, Breakfast Casserole, and Tuna Melt. Oh my, you are in for a treat!

Cobalt

Cobalt is an upscale dining spot inside of the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa. The restaurant has oceanfront dining and is a wonderful place to enjoy Florida Shrimp Benedict while watching the sunrise. Weekend brunch includes Red Velvet Pancakes. Happy hour is a big draw at Cobalt, with drink specials and discounted ($4-$5) trendy appetizers.

Crab Stop

Crab Stop is a restaurant that has won the hearts and taste buds of the locals. This eatery is no joke when it comes to incredible yet straightforward seafood dishes. Try the Snow Deluxe Table Combo (it’s great to share): one pound of potatoes, two corn coblets, three clusters of snow crabs, a lobster, and a dozen jumbo shrimp. Finger-licking good! It is fashionable to wear the plastic bibs at the Crab Stop… and to have butter dripping from your chin.

L to R: C.J. Cannon’s, Crab Stop, Cobalt, Citrus Grillhouse

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

This hidden gem, a Disney resort nestled on the oceanfront (A1A) of Vero Beach, is truly paradise. The Disney Vero Beach Resort has multiple restaurants for your dining pleasure. I would be lying if I said that the Mickey waffles were not the hottest item on the weekend brunch menu. Be sure to check out the Resort’s seasonal and character meals. While you are there, check out the hotel gift shop for all your favorite Disney souvenirs.

Eva’s Polish Kitchen

Vero Beach is excited to have a place for Polish food, and they offer delivery through all of the local services, too. Choose from your favorite Polish items such as Goulash, Pierogis, Stuffed Cabbage, or Cutlets, to name a few. Eva’s Polish Kitchen has inexpensive lunch menu items, and each dish comes with two side items. I could make a meal on the delicious side items alone!

Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse

My favorite Japanese steakhouse in Vero Beach is Fujiyama, located between I-95 and downtown Vero Beach. I recommend going for lunch (lower prices, smaller portions), but anytime you choose will be a tasty experience. Select from dining on the Japanese steakhouse side or the cozy sushi bar. Order the Hibachi style Shrimp or New York Steak that comes with vegetables, fried rice, salad, and soup. You may opt to make it a combo with two proteins.

Green Marlin Restaurant and Raw Bar

Green Marlin is a Vero Beach restaurant with a wide array of food, a fantastic salad bar, and a Sunday brunch you won’t want to miss. The seafood is super fresh (they have a raw bar, too) and changes daily, and the menu is packed with yummy items such as Tuna Poke Nachos, fresh Mahi Tacos, and Homemade Meatloaf. On Mondays, from 11 to 3, enjoy a buy-one, get-one salad bar.

The Italian Kitchen

When I am craving a quick Italian meal, The Italian Kitchen is my go-to choice. Delicious pasta dishes, affordable and flavorful New York-style pizzas, buttery garlic knots, and excellent service make this restaurant one that I gladly recommend. My family loves the pizza while I opt for the Chicken Parmesan (sub-Alfredo for red sauce) or the Combo Special with a little bit of everything (cheese ravioli, lasagna, stuffed shell, ziti, and meatball). Bonus, Italian Kitchen sells pizza by the slice.

Izziban Sushi

Vero Beach has many tantalizing Asian-inspired restaurants, and Izziban Sushi is another one with the most stunning contemporary decor. The restaurant is in the heart of town and has freshly rolled sushi and traditional favorite Japanese classics such as grilled meats and noodles. Chicken Teriyaki is my favorite, the best in town, and super filling. Don’t skip the creamy and flavorful Wonton Soup and the salad with fresh ginger dressing.

Johnny D’s Market & Bistro

I discovered Johnny D’s Market & Bistro during a book club luncheon, and it quickly became my favorite spot to bring home tangy Chicken Caesar Salads for a quick and easy meal. Johnny D’s has fresh salads, sandwiches, and casual foods, plus pizza and calzones. The Albacore Tuna Salad and Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad are my other favorites. If Johnny D’s happens to have Pasta E Fagioli on the menu, do not miss it. What an honest-to-goodness, wonderful soup recipe.

Kata by Sake

One thing that Vero Beach is not lacking is delicious Asian restaurants, and this Japanese and Thai one is delicious. Kata Restaurant, in the heart of downtown, has yummy, fragrant dishes and hand-rolled sushi. The Pork Laab, Curry Puffs, Vegetable Tempura (the best tempura I’ve ever had!), and Lobster Panang Curry top my best eats list from Kata. At lunch, Kata offers Bento boxes. The sushi and rolls are hand-rolled right in front of you at Kata.

Kelley’s Irish Pub

One of the best sandwich options in town is Kelley’s Irish Pub, nestled in the corner of a Miracle Mile enclave. Known for Irish eats and overly-stuffed sandwiches, this locals’ hangout has a beautiful wood bar and great beer selection. Kelley’s has the best pastrami and reuben sandwiches in town. They also have live music on weekends.

Kilted Mermaid

The Kilted Mermaid has the coolest, most original menu options in Vero Beach. This artsy eatery has live music, poetry, craft beer, wine, and fondues plus kilted servers. I do not think it looks like an upscale restaurant, but the Kilted Mermaid’s food quality proves otherwise. Start with Mushroom Empanadas or Cuban Flatbread and finish off the evening with a Coq au Vin Sandwich. Fondue lovers should try the Spicy Sausage Fondue and then move to the Heath Bar option for dessert.

Kilwin’s

Kilwin’s is a chain (108 at the moment) that is everything you want in an ice cream parlor and ten times more! This palate-pleasing specialty ice cream shop serves typical cones and sundaes but also has fresh baked cookies, apples, fudge, gourmet candies, truffles, and gift items. Kilwin’s caramel sauce (you can purchase in a jar) is to die for, and when in season, the Caramel Apple Pie Sundae will knock your socks off. My favorite flavors are the Salted Caramel (tiny chocolate-covered pieces of ooey gooey caramel inside) and New Orleans Praline Pecan.

Lemon Tree

Lemon Tree is a favorite spot, only steps from the beach on Ocean Drive. The upscale comfort food and tasty breakfasts keep the crowds coming back. I recommend the Eggs Benedict and Chicken Pot Pie, but the Lobster Salad is quite intriguing as well. Lemon Tree is a restaurant you can take friends or family for a special occasion with high-end food in a casual setting.

Michael’s on 7th

One of Vero’s newest dining options is Michael’s on 7th, a chef-owned artsy space with amazing farm-to-table culinary dishes. Chef Michael Lander’s menu is small but mighty, and the restaurant has several daily specials, mostly seafood creations. The French Onion Short Rib Melt is enough to make your eyes roll in the back of your head, while the Deviled Eggs are a must to whet your appetite. Save room for the homemade desserts, such as bread pudding and tiramisu.

L to R: Kilted Mermaid, Kilwin’s, Michael’s on 7th

Mrs. Mac’s Fillin Station

This Old School eatery has whimsical filling station memorabilia and yummy breakfast options. The biscuits and gravy are some of the best in town, while the pancakes are light and fluffy. Omelets are named after cars, such as the Doozy, G.T.O., Hot Rod, and Sportster. Mrs. Mac’s Fillin Station also serves lunch and dinner.

Mulligans Beach House

Perhaps the most significant tourist draw in Vero Beach is Mulligans Beach House, an oceanfront eatery with American cuisine, great bar drinks, and kickin’ breakfasts. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, dinner, or cocktails you are craving, Mulligans has them all. Sip cocktails while sitting in a colorful chair on the beach or dine on the covered patio. My food picks are the huge and perfectly fried Fish & Chips and Mulligan’s Spinach Benedict, topped with a creamy and cheesy spinach dip spread rather than sautéed spinach.

Nino’s Cafe

The tastiest Italian gig in Vero Beach is beachfront and has quality pasta dishes with side salads for less than $20. Nino’s Cafe’s menu consists of NY style pizza and Italian entrees. I love Nino’s Fried Ravioli, while the decadent Cannelloni is an ultimate dinner choice. Gnocchi Gorgonzola and Veal Parmigiana are other fabulous choices. The drawback: they only take cash. There are two other Nino’s locations in town, with slightly different menu options, but this one is the best.

Ocean Grill

The Ocean Grill is a classic steakhouse with fresh seafood on the oceanfront. It is a must-visit while vacationing in Vero Beach. Go for lunch to have Lobster Rolls or Quiche and stay for dinner to feast on succulent steaks and a meal of fresh fish dishes. A small bar is located at the back of the Ocean Grill restaurant if you want to escape the crowds. The Crab Dip and Peel & Eat Shrimp are the perfect accompaniment for a cold beer or glass of wine.

Orchid Island Brewery

A popular happy hour and hang out spot in Vero Beach is at the Orchid Island Brewery. OIB serves craft beer, cider, and delicious farm-to-table fare from a gourmet chef. The brewery’s atmosphere is relaxed, not one bit pretentious as many craft breweries are. I love the Pimento Cheese and MT’s BLT Salad, while the ciders are toothsome and satisfying. A live band plays most nights and they have a limited Sunday brunch, featuring Crab Cake Benedict.

L to R: Ocean Grill, Mulligan’s Beach House, Orchid Island Brewery

Penny Hill Subs

Another crowd-pleasing sandwich shop is Penny Hill Subs, found at the beginning of our famous Miracle Mile. Billowy bread, choice cold cuts, homemade sauces, and friendly staff make this an excellent option for grabbing a quick lunch or dinner. The Rancher (roast beef & bacon) and Monte Carlo (turkey, bacon, Swiss) are my go-to items with an extra slather of their excellent cherry-pepper relish.

Red Onion

The Red Onion, on Ocean Drive, serves up fresh and tasty sandwiches, salads, and the best lobster rolls in town. This eatery is always bustling with a crowd because they continually serve tasty quality meals. The Crunchy Grouper Reuben is a superb choice, paired with their hand-cut chips. Fancy a side of bleu cheese dressing for dipping or fresh bleu cheese crumbles on your chips? Go for it!

Riverside Cafe

Located on the Indian River Lagoon and under the Merrill Barber Bridge, this popular and lively eatery has the best burgers in town. Riverside Cafe has a late-night DJ, big-screen TVs, and serves as country music star Jake Owen’s stomping grounds when he visits his hometown. The best things to order, other than burgers, are the Chicken Quesadilla, Catch of the Day (I prefer mine blackened), and Ahi Yellowfin Tuna. Riverside Cafe has plenty of free parking and is very relaxed, but in need of a good dusting.

Sammy’s Mediterranean Cafe

Another delicious choice for Greek eats (and Lebanese, too!) is Sammy’s Mediterranean Cafe in downtown Vero. Sammy’s cooks up crowd-pleasing dishes and serves a decent selection of wines, finger-licking pastries, and daily specials. The staff is super friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Dishes that I recommend are the Caramelized Cauliflower, Fatoush, and Beef or Chicken Shwarma. I enjoy the shabby chic decor of this restaurant.

Savor

If you want a decadent meal with an affordable price tag and even better happy hour prices and discounts, Savor is the place for you. The bar and restaurant are equally packed and offer different atmospheres. I like to sit at the bar for discounted happy hour appetizers, such as the succulent Wagyu Beef over a bed of roasted Brussels sprouts, topped with a rich, creamy Bearnaise sauce. Savor’s bar staff is attentive and makes you feel comfortable, while the restaurant’s wait staff is knowledgable and provide impeccable service.

Sean Ryan Pub

Dine on traditional Irish fare, have a proper pint, and partake in special activities at Sean Ryan Pub in downtown Vero Beach. Guests love playing Tuesday Trivia and Wednesday Bingo, both 7 to 10 PM. Happy hour features x at the bar. Be sure to try the Irish Nachos, Sausage Rolls, and Reuben Fritters. For lunch or dinner, the Fish & Chips is on point. Sean Ryan Pub is closed on Mondays.

L to R: Sean Ryan’s Pub, Riverside Cafe, Savor.

Southern Social Kitchen & Bar

Our trendy and hipster eatery in downtown Vero Beach is Southern Social Kitchen & Bar. The impressive cocktail presentation and fantastic Southern-inspired appetizers will have you salivating in no time. The food at Southern Social is the most Instagram-worthy in town. Don’t miss the upscale Deviled Eggs (candied bacon and chives!) and Chicken and Waffles. Make a reservation. If you don’t have one, and tables appear to be empty, you are just out of luck. I cannot figure out their reserving tables system after three attempts to dine there.

Spiro’s Taverna

Spiro’s Taverna serves zesty Greek eats. The menu includes all of the traditional Greek favorites (such as Gyros, Moussaka, and Spinach Pie) as well as non-Greek dishes (wraps, salads, and more). Spiro’s Lemon Soup is a real treat; thick and tangy goodness. I recommend the Souvlaki and Greek salad. Spiro’s is open for breakfast on weekends and has the most reasonable prices anywhere in town. Go for the Eggs Benedict or Greek Omelet, both perfection.

Sumo House

If you are in the mood for Asian food, the Sumo House serves some of the best in town. It is incredibly popular for lunch because the restaurant offers lunch pricing for smaller portions. I Sumo House’s Thai menu, but recommend the Red Curry Chicken, Wahoo Miso Salad, and exotic Salmon Roll. Brown rice is available upon request. Try a Thai Tea (non-alcoholic) for a sweet and delicious drink choice.

Taco Dive

The Taco Dive in Vero Beach is THE place for tasty dishes at affordable prices. The street tacos (Pork & Pineapple shown below) are filling and less than $5 each. My favorite thing on the menu is the Smothered Tots—a sinful dish—drowning in queso fondue with fresh jalapeños. The hand-held tacos are all packed with flavor and ingredient combinations that are complementary to one another.

L to R: Spiro’s Taverna, Southern Social, Taco Dive.

TooJay’s

A popular local chain eatery, TooJay’s is an original gourmet deli with a huge menu. The on-site bakery and deli bar are great options for taking home a meal or sandwich essentials. I find their omelets to be some of the best in Vero Beach. Replace your side dish (fruit, home fries, grits) with TooJay’s crispy potato pancakes (with applesauce and sour cream) or try the yummy Tuna Salad Melt for lunch.

Viet Bowl

Get your Vietnamese fix with warm bowls of Pho and other favorites at one of Vero Beach’s newest eateries: Viet Bowl. Choose from rice or noodle dishes, vegetarian fare, and superb Vietnamese coffee. You can also check out the international grocery located next door to stock your kitchen pantry.

Waldo’s Restaurant

Waldo’s is the on-site restaurant at the historic and funky Driftwood Hotel on Ocean Drive. The restaurant decor is exciting and unparalleled, while the food is fresh and consistently delicious. Waldo’s is a great spot to take large parties for oceanfront dining and live music on weekends. My go-to dish is the Travelers Shrimp: coconut, fried, and Monterey Jack stuffed shrimp, fries, and your choice of coleslaw or pasta salad. The rum bucket drinks are a must!

Wave Kitchen and Bar

Wave Kitchen and Bar is the farm-to-table fresh restaurant at the Costa d’Este Resort, the brainchild of Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Inspired by Latin cuisine and cultures, this tasty restaurant has palate-pleasing dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The setting is stunning, and the food packs a powerful punch. Enjoy views of the hotel’s swanky pool and outdoor bar area while you dine on Ocean Drive.

L to R: Wave Kitchen & Bar, TooJays, Waldo’s at the Driftwood Resort.

Wilke’s 14 Bones Bar-B-Q

Vero Beach is not without a finger-licking’ Southern-style style barbecue establishment. Wilke’s 14 Bones Bar-B-Q has all of your barbecue needs, including pulled porks, ribs, Texas beef brisket, and smoked chicken. Tasty side dishes include green beans, cheese grits, Texicorn, corn-on-the-cob, and collard greens. Try the Garlic Parmesan, Formula 14, or Sweet Old Fashion BBQ sauces.

Vero Beach, Destined to Please Your Palate

Vero Beach has a culinary offering for every taste you desire. Whether you crave authentic Italian food, fresh seafood, or gourmet deli meats, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to check out our restaurant guide to Vero Beach, Florida, often as we add new restaurants as they come to town.

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Article Written by Melody Pittman of Wherever I May Roam

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