15 Best Restaurants in Vero Beach, FL

A historic city in Florida called Vero Beach draws many tourists year-round for its unparalleled beaches and historical sites.

As the county seat of Indian River County, the city serves as one of the main tourist destinations on the east coast and as a part of Florida's Treasure Coast.

It was officially chartered in 1919, and the name was changed to Vero Beach in 1925 after being transferred from St. Lucie County to the newly created Indian River County.

The city is known for its dynamic lifestyle offering outstanding watersports activities, flourishing small businesses, and warm weather.

The restaurants, for instance, have all received positive feedback from locals and tourists, making the city one of the most visited places in the Sunshine State for its delicious food.

Home to the best seafood restaurants in Florida's Treasure Coast, you should take time to try out these restaurants in Vero Beach, Florida.

Ocean Grill

Ocean Grill is a talk-of-the-town restaurant that has earned a reputation for offering dedicated lunch and dinner meals.

Located on Beachland Boulevard, the light-filled spot is decorated old-school style with a wall of windows and sits by the beach, which adds to the restaurant's ocean vibes.

One of the most popular crowdpleasers is their Coquilles St. Jacques, a seafood casserole filled with scallops, crab, scallops, and mushrooms.

Their main menu is seafood, but if you're up for meat, you can have their delicious New York Strip Steak, Kurobuta Berkshire Pork Chop, or Panko Chicken Sandwich.

These and their other specialties have all fancied every customer's needs.

The restaurant also offers Beyond Burger, a plant-based patty for vegans.

Kids also have their specialty menu, making the spot a family-friendly restaurant.

Ocean Grill was established in 1965 by the Replogle Family in the 80+ years old building, which was built on the sand dune by the Atlantic coast.

Bob Evans

Bob Evans on 20th Street passionately serves homecooked and family-style meals, which comprise a fine day in Vero Beach.

Founded in 1948, the restaurant is known for its hearty signature breakfast meals, such as the Whole Hog, Banana Nut Farmers Choice, and The Original Farmer's Choice.

They also offer Steaks, Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad, and other family meals to enjoy with your kin, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Robert Lewis Evans, also known as Bob Evans, first established the restaurant he named after his own in Gallipolis, Ohio.

It then grew into a corporation and has seen many acquisitions, including Owens Country Sausage.

Today, Bob Evans restaurant is owned by Golden Gate Capital, with more than 400 locations in the U.S.

Crab Stop of Vero Beach

They say there's no such thing as eating too many crabs, especially when you're in Crab Stop of Vero Beach.

This spot specializes in Maryland-style garlic crabs that customers are raving about.

Don't miss out on their King Crab Special because it's what this spot is all about!

Of course, they have other signature seafood offerings that all hit the nail on the head, including Robbie Special, Fried Shrimp Dinner, and Sea Scallop Snack Pack, among others.

If you're also up for their delicious wings, you're doing the right thing.

To top it off, try their specialty cocktails, such as Bloody Mary, Martini, and Kiss on the Lips, as well as their beer.

Couple Ellis and Brandy Buckner franchised Crab Stop of Vero Beach in 2014 and opened another branch in Sebastian, Florida.

You can get hooked on the King Crab with its Vero Beach location on Royal Palm Pointe.

Riverside Café

An unparalleled spot on the water with delicious seafood and tasty Bloody Mary, the historic Riverside Café has been hitting the nail on the head.

You can have their famous Classic Sandwiches, fresh seafood such as Steamed Clams, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, and many more.

All these delectables are served right on the dockside spot with breathtaking views of sunset right on the water.

Riverside Café was established away from the sandy beaches of Vero Beach, but it sits pretty on the Indian River Lagoon on Bridge Plaza Drive.

If you're out on a boat, they have a dockside to welcome you!

Southern Social

If you're all for the southern classics, head to Southern Social to treat yourself to their diverse southern-style cuisine with a modern twist.

Established in 2016, the restaurant is famous for its Fried Green Tomatoes made with bacon jam and pimento cheese.

You should also try their delicious Buffalo Cauliflower Bite or their Brisket Fried Rice.

When you step in, a rustic farmhouse-style spot will greet you with warm smiles from the servers and excellent handcrafted cocktails.

Try not to miss their Wicked Walnut, Vote For Pedro, or The Devil's Lettuce cocktails, which customers have been raving about.

This spot offers reputable vegan options such as Beyond Burger and Vegan Ramen for vegans.

They also have a rotating Cocktails for a Cause with proceeds donated to local groups and charities.

Southern Social is located on 14th Avenue.

Waldo's Restaurant & Bar

Located in The Historic Driftwood Resort on Ocean Drive, Waldo's Restaurant & Bar gives you that "ocean in a rustic setting vibe" with mouth-watering food offerings.

Three of its dishes, Mahi Mahi, Coconut Shrimp, and Crab Cake Sliders are the best sellers and popular among locals and tourists.

If you're there at a great time, you get to have a table with an umbrella by the beach or dine inside the restaurant's rustic ambiance.

Yes, you could smell the ocean as soon as you step in.

If you're up for lunch or dinner by the pool, it's also a great spot at the restaurant with a great view of the ocean.

Waldo's Restaurant & Bar was established in 1947 after the inn's founder Waldo Sexton's wife started cooking for their guests.

The resort was built in 1937 as a family home and eventually became a resort hotel, as there were no hotels or restaurants close to the area at the time.

Cobalt

With breathtaking ocean views, Cobalt doesn't disappoint when it comes to its food offerings in a spacious, warm spot with friendly servers.

The spot is famous for its locally sourced organic ingredients, made from scratch and cooked to treat any hungry soul that steps into the restaurant.

If you're there for breakfast, their gluten-free Steak & Eggs, Cobalt Breakfast, Smoked Salmon & Everything Bagel, or Sunrise Sandwich are all crowd-pleasers.

But their brunch or lunch and dinner are nothing but satisfaction, such as Challah French Toast, Burrata, or Crab Cake for brunch.

Filet Mignon, Grilled Cheese, Crispy Calamari, Prime New York Strip, or Ora King Salmon for lunch and dinner are highly recommended.

If you wonder about their meat, it's all-natural and hormone-free.

You can choose to dine inside the restaurant, at the lounge, or enjoy the sweeping views of the ocean on their patio!

Cobalt is located at Ocean Drive.

The Tides

If you're up for Floridian and New American cuisine with Caribbean, Latin, Southern, and classical French twists, The Tides got your back!

The restaurant offers fresh and locally sourced seafood, organic fruits and veggies, fine meats, and an award-winning selection of wine.

They offer an extensive dinner menu by Chef Leanne Kelleher in a romantic, fine-dining atmosphere with superb wines and craft beers.

Their Pan Seared Grouper, Conch Fritters, Filet Mignon, Flash Fried Calamari, Herb Crusted Chicken Saltimbocca, Grilled Pear, and Arugula Salad are all top-rated.

And, of course, their extensive wine selection is unmatched. In fact, it has been awarded the Award of Excellence for 22 years by The Wine Spectator.

How cool is that?

The Tides was established in March 2000 at its present location on Cardinal Drive.

Trattoria Dario

Italian fare, anyone?

At Trattoria Dario, you get to feel and taste first-class authentic Italian cuisine on the beautiful Ocean Drive, offering unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Their Beggar's Purse is talk-of-the-town, deliciously stuffed with cheese and pear, and served in sage, brown butter, sundried tomato, and truffle cream.

Also, you shouldn't miss their Grilled Octopus, Oysters Rockefeller, Pepata Clams or Mussels, and Pollo e Vitello menu.

They have a fine wine selection to pair with your sumptuous supper at their trattoria-style spot with a family-friendly atmosphere.

Trattoria Dario was established in 2013 by Dario Bordoli, an Italian immigrant living his American dream.

C.J. Cannon's

It's always nice to have your comfort food when traveling, right?

On Cherokee Drive, with stunning airport runway views, sits C.J. Cannon's, which offers Southern-style fare in a quaint spot filled with airport memorabilia and local history.

They offer top-rated Prime Rib, one of the most popular dishes among locals and tourists.

Their Eggs Benedict, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Coconut Shrimp, Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Oysters, and Signature Steaks are also famous for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The restaurant's extensive American fare menu has a lot to offer, so you may need a reservation before visiting.

Otherwise, you'll have to be there earlier than their usual busy times.

C.J. Cannon's was established in 1984.

Taco Dive

If you have a taco in each hand, one can guess that you're at Taco Dive!

This casually inviting hole-in-the-wall on 14th Avenue is famous for its taco offerings, including its "Thai it, you’ll like it!” pork taco, drunken burrito, and veggie tacos.

If you're a steak person, you won't regret having its bestselling Steak Tacos, as well as its Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Tater Tots, and many more!

Taco Dive was established in 2016.

Feel the vibe and get your favorite gourmet tacos!

Green Marlin Restaurant & Raw Bar

While most restaurants in Vero Beach almost offer seafood, each has a unique style of cooking, including Green Marlin Restaurant & Raw Bar.

This nautical-themed spot on US-1 offers all the delectable and sumptuous dishes you could ever ask for.

From their popular Oyster Menu at the Raw Bar to their Mahi Mahi Menu, Coconut Shrimp, and more, the spot is something to write home about.

Green Marlin Restaurant & Raw Bar was established in 2017 by Lou Kolbauer.

Get your fresh seafood for lunch or dinner at one of the best spots in town!

Fishack

Another competitor when it comes to fresh seafood is Fishack, which offers New England-style of cooking seafood.

In a bright, airy, and tropical vibe atmosphere, you'll find the best Clam Chowder, Fish & Chips, Conch Fritters, Shrimp & Grits, Seafood Stew, and a lot more!

Pair them with the restaurant's delicious house made dips and sauces, and you're good to go!

Fishack was founded by Chef Mitchell Weiss and his wife JoAnn in 2011.

You can find it on Old Dixie Highway.

Italian Grill

A hearty Southern Italian food is all you need at Italian Grill, which has one of the best authentic and fresh treats in town.

If you want pizza, they offer a delicious Pizza Margherita made with homemade pizza crust and fresh toppings.

Otherwise, their Veal Menu, Chicken Picatta, Marsala, Calamari, Baked Italiano, or Grilled Menu are to die for!

It also features a beautiful patio for outdoor dining.

Italian Grill was founded in 1993 on 58th Avenue.

Chez Frenchie's Steaks and Seafood

Formerly known as Di Mare Vero Beach, Chez Frenchie's Steaks and Seafood offers delicious gourmet French and Italian cuisines.

Inspired by his hometown in Nice, France, Chef Jean creates an Old World style of cooking that produces the finest in town.

Choose from their delectable Scottish Salmon Francaise, Shrimp Parisienne, Seared Scallops, Goat Cheese Salad, and much more.

They also have a vast selection of wine served in a glass, or you can get a bottle to cap a great day off.

Take a trip across the Mediterranean and the Atlantic seas just by dining at Chez Frenchie's Steaks and Seafood!

Chef Jean and his wife Edyta have operated the restaurant for almost 40 years.

You can find it on Ocean Drive.

Final Thoughts

Vero Beach houses the best seafood restaurants in Indian River County, with lots of unique styles of cooking to enjoy.

It's great for those who are into seafood fare.

Take a trip to Vero Beach, Florida, and experience the beautiful warm weather of the east coast!