Restaurants Near Vero Beach With Waterfront Views

Vero Beach is one of Florida’s smaller beach cities. It’s where you want to go to see some nature and soak up some sun. It doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of Miami but isn’t quite a quaint beach town either. For your beach trip, it’s just right.

This Post: Restaurants Near Vero Beach With Waterfront Views

Vero Beach has a lot to offer. After a full day of exploring the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, local botanical garden, or simply relaxing on the miles of beach, you’ll certainly have an appetite.

There’s nothing like enjoying a fine meal while gazing out onto the beautiful blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you’re visiting Vero Beach, chances are you want to make the most of the fantastic seafood and Atlantic-facing views this place has to offer.

Best Waterfront Restaurants In Vero Beach

1. Citrus
2. Ocean Grill
3. Cobalt
4. Riverside Cafe
5. Waldo’s Restaurant
6. The Wave Kitchen & Bar
7. Mulligan’s Beach House

I’ve found the restaurants that serve up the best food and water views in this part of Florida. Check out my list of the best waterfront restaurants in Vero Beach below!

Citrus

1050 Easter Lily Ln, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: 772-234-4114
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Citrus’ head chef is Scott Varricchio, who has established himself as the premier culinary force in the Treasure Coast. Varrichio has a “passion for creating approachable dishes with bold flavors in an unpretentious yet refined presentation,” which you will experience at Citrus.

Located right off the Humiston Park Boardwalk, Citrus has a prime waterfront location. I’d recommend going for lunch as you’re more likely to get a table- and you’ll get happy hour pricing on drinks.

The Smoked Salmon Tartine is flavorful and not too heavy, while the Bacon & Cheddar Bratwurst is a tasty non-fish option.

If you go for dinner instead, the Citrus Risotto is delightfully refreshing and not available at lunch.

Ocean Grill

1050 Beachland Blvd, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: 772-231-5409
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Ocean Grill has something of a history in the community – built over 70 years ago, it was a naval officer’s base during WWII.

Now, Ocean Grill serves high-end seafood on white tablecloths in an eclectic yet beachy environment.

This restaurant sits directly on the sand with a wall of windows looking out onto the Atlantic – any closer and this would be overwater dining.

There are no bad options here, so when you visit go with your gut. Ocean Grill has daily dinner and lunch specials, so whichever time you go will have something interesting. Their ​​crab au gratin is rich, so you should order it if you’re extra hungry.

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You can also ask about their daily catch with options on how to have it prepared. All dinner entrees come with a few choices of sides too – they don’t skimp on the servings.

Cobalt

3500 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: 772-469-1060
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Cobalt is a large and upscale dining room located inside the Vero Beach Hotel and Spa. They have several dining areas, all very well-designed, but you’ll get the best water views on their beautiful oceanside patio.

Cobalt is open all day and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. If you go for dinner, you can have a very elegant evening. You’ll lose the water views but not the sound of waves once it gets dark.

From the raw bar, get the famous Cobalt Grand Seafood Tower (which serves 2–4 people and is very instagrammable).

If you aren’t interested in seafood, they offer excellent steaks with the 8oz Wagyu Hanger being my choice. You can have them served with red wine bordelaise, bourbon peppercorn cream sauce, béarnaise sauce, or house steak sauce.

Riverside Cafe

3341 Bridge Plaza Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: 772-234-5550
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Located away from the sandy beaches and out on the fishing docks of Vero Beach (near the Vero Beach Museum of Art), you’ll find Riverside Cafe.

This local favorite has the laid-back atmosphere you would expect of a dockside sports bar. Try to get seated before sundown as the over river sunset is gorgeous.

Come for the food and stay for the entertainment. This lively venue has four bars, televisions, and offers a fun night out.

In Florida, I’m here for the seafood so my top recommendation is the ahi poke wrap and the tuna nachos.

However, they also have classic pub fares like burgers, grilled cheese, and Reuben sandwiches. They also have an all-you-can-eat brunch menu that looked worth checking out.

Waldo’s Restaurant

3150 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: 772-231-7091
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Waldo’s Restaurant is a beachfront National Historic Landmark location. The original Driftwood Inn, where the restaurant is now, was built in 1935 by Waldo Sexton, who has been called “one of the most colorful persons that Florida has ever known.”

Though the structure suffered hurricane damage, much of the original remains. This historic driftwood-like beachcomber atmosphere is a great place to enjoy a great meal.

Food and service are both excellent at Waldo’s. They have casual and small plates as well as full-sized entrees. Get a breezeway basket to start (and share).

The Waldo’s Captain’s Platter includes shrimp, oysters, and mahi-mahi beer battered then deep-fried to a golden brown.

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This also comes with french fries and coleslaw. The crab cake sliders are extremely tasty and (slightly) lighter than that delicious fried basket.

This is a fun place to get a fun drink. They have classic beachside cocktails (like the Pusser’s Painkiller) and six different martini options.

Waldo’s does not accept reservations, so make sure to get there before you’re hangry as you will be waiting.

The Wave Kitchen & Bar

3244 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: 772-410-0100
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The Wave Kitchen & Bar is located inside the beachfront Costa d’Este resort. It’s upscale and modern, with a windowed wall offering views of the hotel pool and beach beyond. With clean, cool interiors, it’s a nice place to retreat after a hot and sandy day.

The Paella a la Costa is the dish to try and can be ordered for 1–2 people. It has everything you could ever want, and it is well seasoned too. In it, you’ll find chorizo, mussels, scallops, shrimp, clams, chicken, peppers, and peas.

The Wave also has an excellent happy hour from 4–6 pm, so you can start with some steeply discounted drinks before moving on to dinner. I recommend the jardin d’este.

Mulligan’s Beach House

1025 Beachland Blvd, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: 772-492-6744
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Mulligan’s is a really fun chain restaurant that offers good food, live music, and of course, ocean views.

It’s right at the end of Beachland Blvd, near a bunch of hotels, so chances are you’re staying within walking distance from Mulligan’s.

If you’re in the mood for a burger, this is a great place to have it. The Southwest Burger packs a spicy punch so wash it down with one of their classic Mojitos.

Though at night it’s something of a party spot, if you just want a water view to enjoy a meal, then I suggest coming in for breakfast.

They have a large morning menu with light (toast) or filling (full breakfast platter) inexpensive items. Enjoy it all steps from the sand, and it’s a perfectly relaxing start to the day.

Final Thoughts

Vero Beach has nothing but good food and good vibes to offer. If you’re looking for elegant or easy waterfront dining, any of these are sure to be a great time.

Just use this guide to point yourself in the right direction for that perfect meal the next time you’re in the mood to go out to eat in Vero Beach.

Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!

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