9 minute read
NOTEWORTHY
NOTEWORTHY NOSHABLES
Indian River County is an ever-evolving food lovers paradise. Foodies and travelers of all tastes will be rewarded. Fresh, fearless, and trendy eats are available at every price point with a variety of options: mom and pops, authentic spots, fine dining, and casual eateries. It’s recognizing chefs haven’t forgotten their local roots, allowing visitors to connect not only through their five senses but on a cultural level, too. Local farms and seasonal ingredients are celebrated while honoring traditions and bounty from local waters. It’s food that surprises and delights.
VERO BEACH
From the oceanfront to the downtown district and beyond, Vero Beach offers eclectic eateries that vary from posh dining experiences to casual coastal cuisine and everything in between. It’s a cozy, foody town. Dining in the area, you can feel the devotion and commitment restaurant owners and chefs pour into each dish on their menu. Not to mention craft cocktails and local brewhouses that rule the day.
Citrus Grillhouse
1050 Easter Lily Lane, Vero Beach
An iconic Ocean Drive restaurant with a reputation for plating some of most sumptuous and sophisticated entrees in the area. This chef prides himself on infusing the freshest local ingredients – citrus and freshly caught seafood - while delicately seasoning each dish to perfection. Dine in a place that serves up American, contemporary fusion dishes which consistently rate 4-star reviews on TripAdvisor. Beyond the ever-evolving seasonal menus are spectacular oceanfront views with alfresco or indoor dining options.
Post & Vine
1919 14th Avenue, Vero Beach
This newer addition to the restaurant scene offers indoor and outdoor seating to sip, sup, and savor a delicious wine, craft cocktail, or local brew. Beverages, sandwiches, salads, and a select dinner menu await your ordering pleasure. Locals rave about the skirt steak served with fluffy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans. The salmon bruschetta is a top choice, too.
Ocean Grill
1050 Beachland Blvd, Vero Beach
Set inside a former officers' club, this lightfilled spot joins oceanviews with the best seafood & steaks in town. The dining room is an eclectic mix of wood, stained glass, wrought iron, and beautiful artifacts that the builder, Waldo Sexton, collected worldwide. The restaurant's bar is well-known by locals as the best place to go for potent drinks with a view. The menu ranges from the fresh catch of the day to their roast duckling, Kurobuta Berkshire pork chop, and of course, their stone crab is always a favorite. Served seasonally, Oct. 15th - May 15th chilled, with mustard sauce! A gluten-free menu is also available.
Schacht Groves
6100 12th Street, Vero Beach
During the first months of each year, salute the history of citrus in Indian River County with a Schact Groves farm-to-table feast. Visitors are enchanted by an evening under the stars in lush orange groves that have been yielding delicious, sweet orange orbs since the 1950s. It starts with wine and tapas, then the party moves to a rustic, outdoor pavilion dating back to the 1940’s. A variety of local chefs preside over each event, making them fresh and innovative. After dinner, guests gather ‘round the bonfire, settling in to listen to live music and enjoy raising a glass. This experience is a gala feast for the senses and will be remembered long after the vacation ends.
Countryside Citrus and El Sid Taqueria
3300 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach
Tacos and Ice Cream? You better believe it!
Welcome to the finest taqueria in Vero Beach. A family-owned business, they pride themselves on the details that create a memorable encounter, sure to entice you to return. Welcoming staff, fair pricing, quality products, and innovative recipes will convince you that you're one of the family.
Beyond their excellent tacos, there is nothing better than a delicious ice cream treat after a day in the sun. Countryside Citrus is your number one choice for yummy soft-serve ice cream made with fresh-picked, sweet oranges from the grove. It's a tasty treat wrapped in Florida orange goodness. So start your day, have an afternoon snack, or finish your day with one of these lip-smacking treats. This cute oceanside cafe offers various soft-serve ice cream flavors, slushies, coffee, in addition to tacos, quesadillas, and more!.
Chive
390 21st Street, Suite 104, Vero Beach
This inviting space serves up a fusion of tastes: Asian, barbeque, Cajun, Creole, Greek, Mediterranean, seafood, soul food, southern, Tex-Mex, and vegetarian cuisine. Home to some of the area’s best casual food, Chive is the place to make everyone in the crowd happy. Hits like Korean Beef Tacos, Reuben eggrolls, lobster rolls, and ahi poke nachos keep locals and visitors alike coming back for more.
The Tides
3103 Cardinal Dr, Vero Beach
The Tides has been a fine dining institution in Vero for nearly two decades. On clear nights, they set up additional tables outside under the stars for your dining pleasure. Chef Leanne’s menu features elevated classic new American dishes using only the finest ingredients available. A local favorite for an exceptional “foodie” experience, every time.
Ono Luau
2054 13th Avenue, Vero Beach
This Vero Beach restaurant is one not to miss, according to their 4.5-star rating on Yelp. Customers rave about the authenticity of the menu. Fresh ingredients are a top priority. Bonus: it’s the only place in the area to sip craft brews from Maui Brewing Company. You’ll want to visit more than once because there are too many recommended dishes: Poke tacos, fresh Ahi tuna from Honolulu, fresh macadamia-nut-crusted mahi-mahi, and Huli Huli chicken. Don’t forget to try the coconut rice; it’s heavenly. They also have fire dancers performing on select occasions.
Citron Bistro
6260 Florida A1A, Vero Beach
Tucked away in the Village Shops just a little bit north of Vero on A1A is this fantastic little eatery run by Chef Tibor, who has been with them since the beginning. His dishes are expertly prepared, and the flavor combinations are spot on. Indoor and outdoor dining, in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting, is available. Try the maple balsamic glazed salmon, a fresh Scottish salmon served with fried leeks and fresh veggies.
Station 49
1802 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach
Be dazzled by the pizza throwing master, LeTwain, aka ‘Hamma.’ These pies are amazing! The crisp crust is in perfect balance with toppings. Wood-burning ovens clearly define the flair of these pies. A few to try, NY Classic, White Truffle, The Works, The Garden Pie, and the Arugula Salad. Pitchers of beer along with craft brews, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages are all on tap.
Fire and Wine
2950 9th St SW, Vero Beach
There’s a new trend with high-end restaurants opening in unassuming locations without much signage. They want you to seek them out and feel like you discovered something special. This restaurant is the kind of good you would expect to find in New York City, not in the small town of Vero Beach. Chef Chuck’s dishes are very creative; his use of flavors and textures is truly unique.
Waldo’s
3150 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach
‘The Driftwood’ was opened to guests in the early 1900’s by one of the area’s most prominent citizens, Waldo Sexton. The building is made almost exclusively of driftwood and the restaurant’s name pays homage to its benefactor. The hotel is a landmark. The restaurant is iconic. Sitting a mere few feet away from the ocean, there’s a red flag marking the sunken treasure ship, the S.S. Breconshire. Patrons to Waldo’s may want to order a local favorite, “Waldo’s Captain’s Platter.” Plus, there are plenty of Caribbean-infused dishes and snackables to savor while taking in the gorgeous, rolling seas of the Atlantic Ocean. Tip: If you love a good ‘Happy Hour’, you won’t want to miss this one.
SEBASTIAN
With its proximately to river fishing, deep sea fishing, shrimping, and more, this charming walkable riverfront is known for serving-up the freshest seafood.
Crab Stop
1550 Indian River Drive, Sebastian or 89 Royal Palm Point, Vero Beach
The original Crab Stop in Vero Beach was such a hit, this family-owned restaurant has since expanded into Sebastian. You’ll find the same tasty Maryland-style crabs, which have become a local’s favorite right along with the famous crab bisque soup and oh-so-delish conch fritters. Lobster, crab legs, and a variety of fish are also on the menu in Sebastian.
Crab E-Bills
1540 Indian River Drive, Vero Beach
Definitely noteworthy for having the freshest seafood, all locally or regionally harvested within the state of Florida. Travelers can visit the retail shop. They will pack your purchases in a cooler if you've left yours behind. Eat picnic-style either inside or out. Outside offers panoramic views of the Indian River. Seafood fanatics will want to come back. One visit is not enough! Crab E-Bills offers seasonal menus to ensure everything served is caught fresh and their t-shirt selection is uber cool. Travelers return year after year. Tip: They occasionally have live music.
Taco Mobil
825 Sebastian Boulevard, Vero Beach
Fresh, fresh, fresh ingredients! Their guacamole has a delicate lime flavor enhancing the yummy taste of the avocado. The blend of spicy beans and grilled onion make the burrito uniquely flavorful. Sit inside or enjoy a picnic-style meal.
Café Latte Da
1101 U.S. 1, Vero Beach
Homemade biscotti, avocado and tomato toast, and an array of cold brew coffees should help get your morning off to a great start. The owner of this quaint cafe is diligent about sourcing local ingredients to offer guests the freshest menu items. Linger over your morning coffee in the tea room or on the porch. Café Latte Da is the definition of a small-town coffee bar, and yes, you will run into a bunch of locals who find this place habit forming.
FELLSMERE
This rural wonderland is becoming a hotbed for authentic Mexican food. It offers visitors some of the best in tacos, seafood dishes, and homemade Mexican pastries.
Garcia’s Bakery
2 S. Pine Street, Fellsmere
A notable, authentic Mexican eatery/retailer in the heart of Fellsmere serving travelers the best in Mexican food, pastries and sundries for decades. If you’re craving authentic Mexican food, head to Garcia’s. Tacos are divine, the guacamole and salsa sublime. The ceviche will have you doing a happy dance, and the service is always friendly. One of the best things about Garcia’s is the huge assortment of homemade pastries, priced at 65 cents apiece. Where to start and when to stop are the questions to ask yourself.
Las Tapatias Mexican Restaurant
12798 County Road 512, Fellsmere
This authentic Mexican bistro is affordable, the servings are generous, and the atmosphere is fun and family friendly. You’ll want to try the savory tacos and burritos, the fully loaded barbacoa plates, and quesadillas. If you crave Mexican seafood dishes, try the fresh ceviche and aguachile.
Aztec Mexican Store
24 S. Lime Street, Fellsmere
An original store with a variety of genuine Mexican items. Put some in your cart, take something back to your room, or enjoy a bite to eat on-site. The bakery has homemade pastries, the shelves are stocked with sundries from peanut butter to Budweiser, and the colorful piñatas will have the little ones saying, “Quiero uno,“ “I want one.” Homemade tacos are on the menu as well.
Marsh Landing
44 N. Broadway Street, Fellsmere
Immerse yourself in Florida's rich history, atmosphere, and cuisine. Locally sourced materials make up the unique, old Florida style building built originally in 1926. Since 2002, the restaurant strives to bring you back in time to enjoy the early Florida simpler times when folks lived off the land, hand-made dishes and fine cuisine from scratch, and enjoyed good times together.
