(UPDATED MAY 2022) 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.
Here is my 42 restaurant guide to eating in Vero Beach, Florida, (in alphabetical order), as suggested by a local.
Ay Jalisco
Ay Jalisco is the town favorite when it comes to Tex-Mex eats. Choose from traditional burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and other Mexican plates, while sipping on a cold beer, glass of wine, or house margarita. Of course a bowl of Queso Dip or guacamole is always a great place to start your dining experience.
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.
Beach Bum Bagel Cafe
When you are in the mood for a tasty sandwich or a delicious homemade bagel with cream cheese, plain, or dressed up with meats and cheeses, Beach Bum Bagel Cafe is for you. This casual eatery on 14th Avenue has great price points, tasty food, and friendly service. The Club Sandwich is top-notch, and the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich is big enough for two meals. Don’t skip the old-school crinkle fries.
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.
Cafe 66
Located in the Southern part of US-1 is Cafe 66, a tasty eatery serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an emphasis on hungry appetites and barbecue. With prompt service and a friendly vibe, Cafe 66 has great breakfast selection, such as the 3-Egg Cowboy Omelette with smoked pork (or beef), green onions, and Cheddar cheese. The biscuits are huge and homemade. Other favorites include biscuits and gravy, The Southern Slam, BLTs, burritos, and Benedicts.
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.
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. The burrata and fresh peach salad is incredible for a light choice, or if you are hungry enough, go for the steak, potatoes, and green beans dinner. Save room for a delectable house-made dessert.
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.
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.
El Sid Taqueria
Beachside with a small patio facing Ocean Drive is El Sid, part of the Countryside Citrus building serving uber fresh street tacos and some delightful breakfast options. We love to have breakfast (available 7 to 11 daily) and sit outside. I go for the Morning Migas (scrambled eggs with chunky salsa and house made queso), while my hubby always picks Pigs in Paradise with bacon. For lunch, try the Mexican street corn, short rib empanadas, or varieties of tacos and burritos.
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 Grill
One thing Vero Beach is not missing out on, and that is a shortage of fabulous Italian eateries. One in particular, away from the beach traffic and that mostly locals frequent is Italian Grill. You’ll love everything about this local gem, from the complimentary bread and olive oil to the tasty homemade pasta dishes, crisp salads, and savory soups. I recommend the Chicken Messina and Manicotti. Italian Grill also has a sampler platter if you want to try a few different pasta dishes. Ask for Vanessa for exceptional service.
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.
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.
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.
Kountry Kitchen
If you want to know where the locals go for breakfast, Kountry Kitchen, it is. This old-school eatery has a following like The Rock’s Instagram channel. We go for breakfast and sit in the back room (there’s a back entrance, too) for perfectly cooked eggs and omelets, delicious biscuits, and amazing service. You’ll feel like family from the moment you walk in the door. Don’t skip the hash browns. Mmm, mmm, good.
Kountry Kitchen is open daily for breakfast and lunch.
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.
Mrs. Mac’s Fillin Station
This Old School eatery has whimsical filling station memorabilia and yummy breakfast options. The biscuits and gravy at Mrs. Mac’s 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.
Pizzoodles
Staying with the Italian food theme, Pizzoodles, on the mainland, has an arsenal of tasty eats. We go there for the pizza, or for the pasta dishes and creamy sauces. Garlic knots are a must, too. Pizzoodles offers house made dressings and sauces, which you can also buy to take home. Regardless of which pasta dish you choose, add a side of asiago cream sauce. It’s mind-blowing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Station 49 Pizza
Located in downtown Vero Beach, Station 49 Pizza has a fresh menu with salads, sandwiches, a handful of appetizers, pasta, and great wood-fired Neapolitan pizza selections. Dine indoors or on the enticing patio. The NY Caesar and Cobb salads are both excellent lunch choices, or my favorite dish is the Chicken Griddle sandwich with mozzarella cheese, basil, arugula, and aioli on a billowy ciabbata roll.
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.
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, boba drinks, and superb Vietnamese coffee. You can also check out the international grocery located next door to stock your kitchen pantry. I love the hot bowl of pho; perfect for any day of the week!
Vincent’s Pizzeria
Serving up amazing pizza to the Vero Beach area since the late 1970s, Vincent’s is a town staple. You’ll find this friendly restaurant in the Miracle Mile Shopping Center. Enjoy dining in or grabbing a slice for the road, in and out within minutes, which is something we often do for lunch. There are three to four different pizza creations to choose from and the prices are just right. Though the pizza and pasta dishes are wonderful, my go-to item is the ricotta and mozzarella filled calzone. They are the best in town!
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.
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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