Vero Beach Restaurants
Our local professional reviewers visit every restaurant listed here and certify these to be consistently excellent. We are not critics. If we don't write about a restaurant we have either not been there recently or don't find them to be worthy to be listed. Please understand these are not all the restaurants in Vero Beach, just what we consider the BEST!



Cobalt Restaurant $$$$
at Vero Beach Hotel & Spa

Amalfi Grille  is the best fine dining Italian restaurant in Vero Beach, now in it's new location 398 21st Street Miracle Mile . Not only is the Amalfi Grille  the best fine dining Italian restaurant in Vero Beach, Amalfi Grille has the best steaks in town.This is a white tablecloth venue with full bar and an outstanding wine list. Your host and owner is Bob Rose who lights up the room with his warm charm.  Click here to read an article on the MrFiveStar website Click here to go directly to the Amalfi website
Phone for Reservations 772.564.8218
Cobalt Restaurant  is a gem of a restaurant. Casually elegant, the dining room's West Indies-style décor creates an air of timeless sophistication, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean. This alone would be enough to recommend it, but add  warm and skillful service, deliciously fresh and inventive food, an extensive wine list and excellent cocktails and you have a recipe for pure enjoyment.

My wife and I frequently dine here on the terrace for breakfast Sunday mornings. Great service, excellent food.

Cobalt Restaurant's Lounge also features occasional live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings and Happy Hour 7 days a week, 4:30 p.m – 6:00 p.m.
Hours for Cobalt Restaurant:
Breakfast: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Lunch: Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Brunch: Saturday – Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dinner: Monday – Sunday, 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Lounge: Sunday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – midnight


Phone for Reservations 772.469.1060
The Tides  has been defining Treasure Coast cuisine since March of 2000. Leading a team of classically trained culinarians is Chef Leanne Kelleher – graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York. With her distinctively Floridian style, Chef Leanne, uses only the freshest seafood, locally grown, organically raised vegetables and the finest meats to create masterful presentations of both flavor and form. 

Joining her is your host Claudia Arens who directs her front-house staff to ensure that your complete dining experience meets all of your expectations.

Chef Leanne Kelleher: As a child, holidays and Sundays were spent in the kitchen learning and developing the talent of layering flavors and keeping everything simple and authentic. Leanne has also had the privilege of studying under and working for some of the best chefs in the world such a Nino Pernetti of Café Bacci in Coral Gables, as well as Yannick Martin of Café Du Soir and Bruce Turner of The original Black Pearl Restaurant with Ian Greenwood both of Vero Beach. Leanne has also been associated with some of the area’s best restaurants and has contributed to the success of several fine dining establishments on the Treasure Coast.

In 2000, Chef Kelleher introduced her own concept for dining at The Tides. The Tides is one of Vero’s top restaurants and is consistently voted a favorite among the residents of Vero Beach. As one might imagine with The Tides being located at the heart of the Treasure coast, fresh fish is the star of the menu. The Tides offers an array of local seafood as well as local produce and the finest in seasonal offerings. Chef Kelleher incorporates her experience in Miami with her European training and offers a unique dining environment. The Tides is also noted for its superior wine list by The Wine Spectator since 2001. The Tides is an American restaurant offering classical cuisine, unparalleled service, quality ingredients and a warm inviting atmosphere.


Phone for Reservations 772.234.3966
VeroBeachFiveStar.com
Ocean Grill 
right on the ocean $$$
Phone for Reservations 772.231.5409
1050 Sexton Plaza 
Vero Beach, Florida 32963 


Ocean Grill Located on the Beach ,  really on the Beach! Yes, since 1941. This is not a tourist trap. Just because it has been here since I was born is a tribute to it's ability to survive, depressions, hurricanes, and several owners. Since 1965, the Replogle family has been at the helm.   The menu hasn't changed (very much) in 50 years. Perhaps, as the local swamp people say down here, "if it ain't broke don't try to fix it".

I have been ordering ​COQUILLES ST. JACQUES for at least 25 years here and never get tired of it. Their version of this seafood casserole is filled with shrimp, 
scallops, crab and mushrooms, then baked in a creamy sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan. 

Excellent food, great wine list. Open for lunch and If your version of "a day at the beach" includes air-conditioning and Margaritas, they have you covered. Now open Saturday for lunch from 11:30 - 2:00pm. Too early? They have good news! You can order from the bar appetizer menu between 2:00 and 5:00. They open for dinner at 5:30 PM. Make it in on Friday and enjoy $6 house Margaritas!! Casual to fancy depending on how you want to dress.
Citrus Grillhouse  is an American bistro-style casual seaside restaurant.

One of the Special features of this restaurant is the "Veranda by the sea dining". Listen to the surf in the background, smell the salt air. You may dine inside or out, have a drink at the bar inside or the seaside bar on the veranda.

Dishes are simple classics with Italian and Mediterranean inspired origins. Executive Chef Scott Varricchio's creative plates have been described as 'approachable comfort food bursting with flavor'. The menu changes with the seasons using regionally grown produce and specialty meats and seafood.

Citrus Grillhouse is high-energy, lively, and personable, where there is always something going on. Citrus Grillhouse is designed to provide an environment for any gathering of friends, family, business associates, locals and tourists alike. A place where you always feel welcome.

Pictured on lef,t my granddaughter Emily, and my daughter Lisa on the veranda at the Citrus GrillHouse.

2010 Best of Florida Awards by Florida Monthly Readers

1st Place BEST NEW RESTAURANT in Florida
2nd Place BEST RESTAURANT in Florida
3rd Place BEST RESTAURANT VIEW in Florida
Citrus Grillhouse
1050 Easter Lily Lane
Vero Beach Florida 32963
P: 772.234.4114
F: 772.234.4115

Hours Lunch
Monday - Saturday
11:30AM-2:00PM
Dinner
Daily from 5:00PM 
Indoor and outdoor seating. Reservations recommended but not required
Considered by many gourmands as one of the top restaurants in Florida, Café Margaux is renowned for its creative cuisine. Since 1989, they have provided a very special blend of French and European dining along with infusions of Asian and Mediterranean flavors. With 4,000 bottles and 400 varieties, Café Margaux's wine selections will satisfy everyone. Dine inside or on the veranda. We had lunch 12/1/12.Homemade Chicken Crepes are the best! (with Soup or Salad) ..... 13, Be sure to order at least one Award Winning Roasted Tomato & Basil Bisque ..... 7, it's the best anywhere. Cafe Margaux is worth the 45 minute drive from Vero Beach. Open everyday except Sunday Lunch: 11:30 AM to 3 PM, Dinner: 5 PM to 9:30 PM
220 Brevard Avenue Cocoa, Florida 32922 (321) 639-8343 // email: megan@margaux.com

Meg O'Malley's - 18 cent Irish Parliament Bean Soup. You must try this. I's Great!!!!Meg O'Malley's - 18 cent Irish Parliament Bean Soup. 
Meg O'Malley's : This is the best Irish Pub in Florida. If you know a better one please let me know. Drive 30 minutes north on US # 1 from Vero Beach. Turn left on New Haven Avenue. You can't miss Meg O'Malley's on the right. Shepherd's Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, it's all here. Oh Yes, and there is plenty of great Irish Beer. We drive to Meg's at least once a month. Meg O"Malley's is fun, friendly and great food to boot.

Meg always has something going on, lot's of entertainment, many special events. click here to see what's happening and when. Every event is always great fun.

Meg O’Malleys Restaurant & Irish Pub
812 E. New Haven Avenue Melbourne, Fl. 32901
Tel. No. (321) 952-5510
Open Monday thru Sat @ 10:30 am & Sun @ 11.00 am until Wee Hours of the Night. Click here to see a google map,





Yellow Doge Cafe, Malabar , Riverfront Dining - Comfort Food with a Flair. Here is another destination restaurant we don't mind driving 30 minutes north of Vero Beach to enjoy great food with a view.

This Award winning riverfront restaurant's menu offers a wide selection of exquisite appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts to satisfy any appetite. Entrees like roasted duck, lamb, fresh seafood and hand cut steaks.  Click here to see the Yellow Dog menu..

Yes, the Yellow Dog is so great, booking in advance is my strong suggestion.

Each meal is individually prepared in the open kitchen with the flair you would only expect from the Yellow Dog Café.

Enjoy your wonderful meal in one of several tastefully decorated dining rooms or on the outdoor covered porch, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Indian River.

Lunch:Tuesday through Sunday 11:30 to 2:30pm
Dinner:Sunday & Tuesday-Thursday 5 to 9pm
Friday & Saturday 5 to 10pm
 Limited Menu Available 2:30 to 5pm
Closed Mondays.   Need a Map Click here.
Cafe Coconut Cove : What a name for a German Restaurant? There is no question about it, "Cafe Coconut Cove" is really a German Restaurant and an Excellent one at that. This is another destination restaurant we frequent at least once a month. The drive is about 20 minutes north on A1A from Vero Beach.  When you cross the Sebastian bridge start looking for the restaurant on the left. Click here for the map.


Originally known by the name of "Gray's Landing" in 1951, the premise served as a River Landing Site and Dock, which the Locals and Fishermen used as an access to the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout the years it also became known as "Kelly's Landing" a little later as "Charlie's Landing". 

In 1984 the Property sat abandoned for two years. Then in 1986 the Himmeroeder Family fell in love with the quiet and beautiful location and after extensive renovation opened Café Coconut Cove in the Spring of 1987. 

Chef Franz-Peter Himmeroeder daughter Renee and son Dennis all born in Aachen, a city in the Rhineland of Germany right near the border of Belgium and Holland. 

Franz-Peter is the third generation of the Himmeroeder family who founded and operated a famous Meat Market and Sausage Factory in the Heart of Aachen since 1900. 

From 1959 until 1985 Franz-Peter and his American wife Ellen owned and operated the "Sieben Quellenhof" or Seven Springs Restaurant in Aachen, where they developed a widespread reputation for their superior meals and homemade sausages. 

Then in 1985 they passed the Restaurant on to their oldest son and came to Florida to offer you some of the flavors of the Rhineland and Germany. 

Sit back, Enjoy your Meal and the Beautiful Sunset over the Scenic Indian River Lagoon. Click here for the Menu.

One of my favorits is the, Combination PlateA Jäger Schnitzel, Bratwurst, Sauerbraten and Red Cabbage. Served with a House Salad and a Potato Puff.$20.50, I always order some Spaetzle, and Red Cabbage, to share with the table. For desert I always order,  Apple Strudel Ala Mode Golden Brown, Flaky Puff Pastry Filled with Caramelized Cinnamon Apples, Almonds and Rum Soaked Raisins. Dusted with Powdered Sugar, Served Warm with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream.

Phone: 321.727.3133 Open Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

4210 S. Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, Florida.
Phone: (772) 770-2071

Hours of Operation: 
Tuesday-Saturday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
(Closed Sundays & Mondays)

1309 19th Place
Vero Beach, FL 32960
Melody Inn Restaurant,  Downtown Vero Beach (Swiss) $$$$
The Melody Inn  is a true Swiss German restaurant. Switzerland is my second home, therefore I have a good idea how Swiss dishes are supposed to taste. The tests for me are the Rosti Potatoes and the Spatzli.  No question here, I thought I was back in Zermatt.  Chef Margaret has a passion for every detail of fine Swiss food preparation. Unfortunately her husband Chef Hans passed away in 2011. Margaret is carrying the torch and doing a fine job.

If possible, request Gwen to serve you. She is a wonderful English, South African lady with a great personality and a talent for making you feel very special. Our last visit was 5/3/2013.

The Melody Inn Restaurant location can be somewhat obscure for the first time visitor. Click on the address on the left to see a Google map.

Some of our favorites:  Fresh beets vinaigrette Hand cut beets marinated with red wine vinegar and onions.    Swiss Veal Zurich ‘Zuri Gschnatzlets’  finely sliced veal in a white wine, cream and mushroom sauce recommended side: Rösti potatoes,

For desert  Café Glace Tia Maria vanilla bean ice cream blended with coffee liqueur, espresso, and cream. Swiss Chocolate Dipped Strawberries & Champagne Truffles the perfect dessert for people in love & chocolate lovers.

We love the Melody Inn Restaurant, I am sure you will as well.


Double click here to add text.
Trattoria Dario is located in Vero Beach South at 1555 Ocean Drive 32963. You may remember the short lived Will's 55. The restaurant is in the same location. The last two restaurants didn't make it, but as they say "the third time is a charm." Trattoria Dario is owned by Dario Bordoli along with his lovely wife Diana and pitching in are their 6 sons.

This family is no stranger to the restaurant business after owning and operating Mangrove Matties in Fort Pierce for the past 15 years. The Bordoli family has what it takes to operate a great restaurant. They have made some nice changes to the already well appointed venue. They have opened the dining room by removing the center booths as well as uncovering the windows, permitting sunlight in. The bar and lounge area has remained mostly the same.

Now is the perfect time to dine on the covered outdoor patio, where I found Rhett and Barbara Palmer with their secret restaurant detectives checking out the wonderful menu.

Trattoria Dario serves traditional "trattoria" fare. Wonderful pastas, and deserts. Hurry, get there before the rest of Vero Beach discovers this fabulous new addition to Vero Dining.
Dining hours are 4:30 to 10:00, 7 days a week. The bar is open till midnight with lite bar food.

We here at VeroBeachFiveStar welcome Trattoria Dario and the entire Bordoli family to the Vero Beach restaurant scene.
Trattoria Dario, South Beach  (Italian) $$$
Affordable Family Dining   
Phone: (772) 231-1818

Hours of Operation: 
Open 7 days a week
4:30-1:AM or Closing
Dinner 4:30 to 10 PM
Happy Hour 4:30 to 7 PM 10 PM to Closing

1555 Ocean Drive
Vero Beach FL 32963
Restaurant of the Year 2012 & 2013 by VBFS