Looking for the best restaurants in Cocoa Beach?
Known for its impressive surfing and expansive views, Cocoa Beach Florida is more than just an island town, it’s a way of life. And, if you’re planning a trip to the Space Coast, you’ll want to be sure and enjoy some of their unique, fresh dishes and local cuisine, too. From quaint and tasty breakfast spots to classy, top tier steakhouses, you’ll be eating good all day!
Here are 19 of best places to eat in Cocoa Beach.
19 Best Restaurants in Cocoa Beach
Florida’s Fresh Grill
No list of Cocoa Beach’s best restaurants would be complete without Florida’s Fresh Grill. Aside from the fact that they won the Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” Award in 2021, they continuously receive high reviews from both residents and visitors. From savory steaks to fresh seafood, there is something on their menu for everyone, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. One of the best seafood restaurants in Cocoa Beach!
The lobster bisque is one of their most popular appetizers with generous amounts of lobster and seasoned to perfection. Fans regularly rave over their crab cakes, too. Located on north Atlantic Avenue, Florida’s Fresh Grill is open daily from 4:30pm – 9:30pm or go in for a refreshing Cucumber Collins cocktail during happy hour from 4:00pm – 6:00pm.
Comfortable indoor or outdoor seating are both available with incredibly friendly and attentive service. Reservations aren’t accepted but they do, however, offer call ahead seating which you’ll want to take advantage of.
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Florida’s Seafood Bar & Grill
Located in the heart of Cocoa Beach and only a mile from the pier, this family oriented, nautical themed restaurant is one of the most well-loved spots in all of town. With fresh, local catches and quality ingredients, seafood lovers will definitely want to check this place out.
It’s consistently a favorite of locals and tourists alike. In fact, they also won the Travelers’ Choice Award last year. From some of the best fried oysters in town to perfectly prepared crab legs, you’re sure to find genuine, authentic seafood here.
They’re open 7 days a week serving lunch, dinner and early bird menus without a reservation, but they do stay very busy. Worth the wait, though, they also have a full liquor bar with tasty cocktails. So, even if you can’t get a table right away, grab a cocktail and have a seat in their relaxing lounge area.
Brano’s Italian Grill
For the best Italian food not only in Cocoa Beach but in all of Florida, look no further than Brano’s Italian Grill. Family owned and operated, chef Brano Kunik prepares fresh, authentic Italian dishes that keep everybody coming back.
In perfect Italian classic style, this warm and cozy spot is known for its family friendly atmosphere with scrumptious food and impeccable service. From traditional pizzas and pastas to unique seafood and steak dishes with a twist, Brano’s has a variety of delicious choices on their menu. Start with their tasty Bruschetta Flatbread with tomato, onion, fresh basil and mozzarella or the Smoked Mahi Spread served with ciabatta chips.
For a delicious pizza, the Sweet Caroline is a popular and unique choice with ham, pineapples, cherries and mushrooms. Beautifully platted dishes with generous portions at affordable prices make Brano’s an excellent choice for dining while at Cocoa Beach.
Gregory’s Steak and Seafood Grille
One of the best restaurants in all of FL, located on Atlantic Avenue, is Gregory’s Steak and Seafood Grille. Locally owned and operated for three decades, Gregory’s is also home to the only professional comedy club in the area.
Offering dinner and a show every weekend, they bring in top notch comedians from around the world. And, with vast menu options to choose from, there’s something for everybody. The Caribbean Lobster Tail is a local favorite, served with fresh warm butter, or try their delicious Lobster Ravioli. They also have incredibly juicy burgers and premium, hand-cut steaks too.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it cooed to perfection at Gregory’s. As the winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 7 years running, you’ll easily pair any of their mouthwatering entrees with a sensational wine. Open daily from 5:00pm – 9:00pm except for Sundays and Mondays, reservations are required.
Fat Kahunas
While you’re on Cocoa Beach, eating at Fat Kahunas is a must! This is one place that locals and tourists both rave about! They’re serving up some unique, signature dishes in a fine dining but casual atmosphere. Chef and surfer Dewey Siljestrom has traveled the world tasting some interesting dishes and bringing that authentic knowledge back to put into his own kitchen.
Fat Kahunas really captures the essence of that in both their food and their vibe. Here, dishes are dressed up and topped with Chef Dewey’s secret wasabi aioli sauce and wasabi peas. Or, if you’re in the mood for a burger with a twist, try the Hawaiian burger, prepared with two burgers at a pound each, a fried egg , applewood bacon and sauteed garlic mushrooms and topped off with an onion ring!
That’s not something you’re likely to find anywhere else! Open 5 days a week from 5:00pm – 9:00pm and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, reservations aren’t required but they do take a limited number of them.
Nosh Restaurant & Bar
The term “don’t judge a book by its cover” really resonates at Nosh. This hidden little gem is serving Japanese, sushi and Asian inspired cuisine with fresh, clean ingredients for some incredible dishes that are full of flavor. While the outside may not look like much, the inside is sleek, modern and inviting.
Located just a mile from the pier, this restaurant has an amazing selection to choose from and their kid’s menu even includes broccoli! Try the crispy tuna appetizer first and then move to their tasty fish tacos, both favorites across the board.
And, what’s even better, Nosh has tabletop games that you can play while you wait on your meal. They’re open daily from 4:00pm – 9:00pm except for Mondays and Tuesdays, which they’re closed. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are all available, as well, and reservations are only accepted for 8 or more.
Simply Delicious Café & Bakery
This simple, casual American eatery and bakery aren’t somewhere you’ll go for dinner but they serve a delicious breakfast and lunch worth mentioning. Located on Orlando Avenue, they open at 8 am daily, except for Mondays when they’re closed.
With largely portioned options like their warm, fluffy French toast with powdered sugar, hearty Eggs Benedict served with fresh fruit and perfectly cooked omelets that you can fill with more optional ingredients than you can imagine, what more can one ask for in a breakfast? Definitely have a slice of quiche, though. Add a side of delicious roasted red peppers and fruit salad for a scrumptious little lunch.
Not planning to stay for a full meal? That’s okay. Pop by for a tasty pastry and a coffee instead. The pistachio muffin is a beloved favorite. With reasonable prices and prompt service, regardless of what you’re looking for, you should let Simply Delicious get your day started off right.
Beachside Grill & Deli
Another local favorite for breakfast and lunch is Beachside Grill & Deli. For tasty and inexpensive American deli favorites, stop by Beachside. Tucked away in the rear of the Cape Royal Office building of Atlantic Avenue, they can be easy to miss – but don’t!
They have great service and friendly staff that make you feel right at home and the atmosphere is simple and cozy with counter ordering, paper plates and plasticware. Beachside is easily a “go to spot” for locals and a “repeat spot” for tourists.
Come hungry, though, because plates are plentiful here! For breakfast, try the breakfast burrito or, for lunch, try the Philly with fresh lean meat and soft baked bread. They’re open Monday through Friday from 7:00am – 2:00pm but the space is small so both indoor and outdoor seating are limited. Take out and delivery are both options, though, if you can’t get a seat. Just don’t miss out on this little hidden gem of a diner!
Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster & Seafood Company
Jazzy’s is an authentic New England style, family-owned restaurant serving lobster and chowder so incredible you’ll think you’re in Maine!
They also have some pretty delicious fried seafood baskets, too. An eye-catching mural is painted on the building in the front with a sleek, modern and inviting interior. Outdoor seating is available, too, under an island style grass hut. Jazzy’s Crab Cakes is a tasty appetizer to start off with or try their homemade French Dip.
For dinner, if you’re not having their famous Maine Lobster for some reason, their blackened Mahi Mahi or seared Ahi Tuna are also delicious choices. Between locally sourced seafood and fresh catches from Maine, there’s no shortage of amazing options at Jazzy’s.
It’s no wonder they have one of the largest, most diverse seafood menus on the beach! Well-loved with reasonable prices, Jazzy’s is worth a visit. Check them out – they’re open daily from 11:00am – 10:00pm.
Pita Paradise Mediterranean Grill
Owned and operated by a native Lebanese family, Pita Paradise is platting some incredibly authentic Mediterranean and Greek cuisine. Small and easily missed, this simple and quaint little spot sits in the White Rose shopping center off Cocoa Beach Causeway.
True to heritage, though, romantic live music plays softly throughout your dinner. Extremely large portions, also true to Mediterranean style, are incredibly full of flavor and seasoning too! For a well-loved dish by many, try the Paradise Grill Platter, their signature combination of regular and spicy chicken kabobs with beef tenderloin and served with rice.
For vegetarian options that are just as delicious, try the Falafel Platter or the Eggplant Lover. Make sure to save room for dessert, though, because here you’ll also find Turkish favorites like traditional baklava and fresh Lebanese coffee. They’re open 7 days a week and gluten free options are available.
Heidelberg Restaurant
For more of a fine dining scene, Heidi’s Jazz Club and Heidelberg Restaurant is an experience in itself! Here you can enjoy dinner and a show with live music every Wednesday through Sunday, including featured artists performing on selected weekends.
Located on Orlando Avenue, Heidelberg’s is preparing some delicious dishes from across Europe. You’ll find German and Austrian flair on the menu in this trendy spot, with goulash flavoring so perfect it will have you thinking you’re in Hungary!
Start with their double cream French brie appetizer, baked in a warm crumb crust and topped with raspberry sauce and walnuts, add in some traditional schnitzel and an impressive wine selection, and you have the recipe for a truly authentic European dinner.
Consistently cooked and prepared to perfection, you’re guaranteed to leave this five-star restaurant feeling full and satisfied every time. Only closed on Mondays and Tuesdays they, otherwise, open daily at 4 o’clock.
Pompano Grill
Serving fresh local seafood, premium angus beef and delicious pastas is what Pompano Grill is famous for. (And Jackie’s desserts!) This casual, fine dining spot is both charming and swanky. Here you’ll find beautifully prepared, hefty portions from both land and sea.
Choose a juicy grilled salmon or a mouthwatering steak. Their signature filet is a favorite near and far. Cooked to perfection with a garlic pepper corn crust, this delicious dish is topped off with a sweet fig onion jam. In addition to an eclectic and extensive wine list,
Pompano’s also offers exclusive wine sampling. With so many great wines, it’s the best way to taste as many as you can. All desserts are made in house so be sure to save room for one of Jackie’s homemade “sweet endings.” Some of her desserts are on the menu but she usually does something different every night and requests are welcomed.
The Fat Snook
For contemporary American seafood with a Caribbean twist, you’ll want to head over to The Fat Snook, located on Atlantic Avenue. In this charming, modern and relaxed atmosphere, you’ll find delicious foods uniquely prepared and eclectically platted. That and their friendly, knowledgeable and prompt wait staff keep patrons coming back year after year.
Go see what the fuss is all about! Try their house-made Caribbean cornbread with pineapple and sweet butter or the seared scallops with banana polenta and bacon maple marmalade. After that, their delicious catch of the day is a guaranteed fresh choice, paired nicely with one of their fine wines! Looking from something from land?
In spite of so many fresh, organic seafood options on their menu, they also have some pretty tasty turf choices, too, like their savory filet of beef, served with mashed potatoes and a tasty hollandaise sauce. Regardless, the mouth-watering dishes over at The Fat Snook will make you feel like you’re on the Caribbean Island!
Coconuts on the Beach
This laid back, relaxed restaurant is a local favorite. Offering a beach view and live music, Coconuts is a must. Here, a tiki head greets you out front and an interesting underwater sea theme awaits you inside with even more tiki heads throughout the restaurant.
Try the reef tacos, made with either fresh mahi, tuna or shrimp or have a go at their delicious sauteed shrimp and scallops with house-made roasted red pepper sauce. Not looking for seafood? With certified angus beef and several pasta dishes, there’s no shortage of great tasting foods at Coconuts.
But you’ll want to make sure to save room for their pineapple crème brulee! It’s incredible! They’re open daily from 11:00am – 10:00pm with their bars being open until 11pm during the week and midnight on the weekends. With a generous 9 ounce wine glass pour, why not treat yourself to a relaxing glass with a view!
For sure one of the best restaurants in cocoa beach.
The Tiny Turtle
What saw its beginnings as a humble food truck has now turned into an incredible and famous eatery at Cocoa Beach, located on Minutemen Causeway. This casual, family friendly environment serves up some incredible Caribbean Fusion and tasty Puerto Rican cuisine.
All of their dishes are lightly seasoned and cooked with only the freshest of ingredients. Enjoy sofrito nachos, bowls and burritos or scrumptious empanadas and quesadillas. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Tiny Turtle will have. For a unique spin on a classic sandwich, try the Grilled Mahi BLT or, for some truly authentic flavoring, try their signature Ocean Wrap.
No matter what you try, you won’t be disappointed. Sit inside with a hip island vibe or sit outside on their covered patio. For sweet and savory flavors, for lunch and dinner, at affordable prices 7 days a week, pop by the Tiny Turtle any day starting at 8am.
Slow & Low BBQ
If you’re looking for a change from the routine and typical seafood and steak, then you may want to try Slow & Low BBQ. Start with a small cup of Brunswick Stew or an order of onion rings with delicious raspberry habanero.
For an entrée, both the BBQ nachos and hog pulled pork are tasty choices but they’re especially known for their slow cooked and smoked baby back ribs and juicy brisket. And with ample sides and tasty sauces, you can’t go wrong.
This customer-oriented spot is open daily from 11:00am – 10:00pm, except for Sundays which doesn’t open until noon. They also have live music Thursday through Sunday nights so don’t miss out on that if you can help it! Much like other restaurants in Cocoa Beach, this is a casual, island style restaurant with covered, open air dining available. For reasonable prices and a relaxing meal, stop by Slow & Low BBQ.
Squid Lips Overwater Grill
If you want to truly live like a local, then you’ll want to visit Squid Lips Overwater Grill. Located on Orlando Avenue, Squid Lips offers casual waterfront dining with gorgeous views and amazing sunsets!
Choose to dine outside on the deck in a relaxing island atmosphere while feasting on tasty Caribbean inspired dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Squid Lips has everything from sandwiches, burgers and wraps to stuffed flounder and shrimp. The Thai Mahi, which is grilled over an open oak fire and topped with spicy Thai sauce, is a favorite near and far.
More than just excellent food, Squid Lips employs wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable staff, too. Open from 11:00am – 9:00pm Sunday through Thursday and until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, reservations aren’t required but they do offer preferred seating for parties of 10 or more. With two more locations in Melbourne and Sebastian, if you can’t make it while visiting Cocoa Beach, maybe try one of the others some time.
Coasters Taphouse
Located on Atlantic Avenue in the Cornerstone Plaza, less than a half mile to the pier, Coaster’s has some incredible American bar food in a clean, comfortable and family friendly environment.
They have an impressive beer and wine list, as well selection on tap, but more than a top notch gastro pub, Coasters also has an extensive menu of delicious dishes at affordable prices. Start with fresh chickpea hummus with warm pita bread or the tasty fried green tomatoes with their tangy homemade onion sauce.
Then, try their famous “Exotic Burger” in which they’re always changing up the meat. Depending on when you go, it could be venison, bison or even Greek style lamb. Not to worry if you’re vegetarian, vegan or gluten free because there are several delicious menu items for those dietary concerns, too. Oh, and grab a slice of key lime pie for the road! You’ll be glad you did. Coasters Taphouse is open daily from noon to 9pm.
Longboards Tiki Beach Grille
Longboards Tiki Beach Grille is located in the Hilton Resort with direct ocean access. In proper island style, Longboards offers delicious American seafood with outside dining underneath tiki huts and patio umbrellas. Go in during happy hour for a relaxing drink with a view and stay for dinner with more drink specials and live music.
To start, either of the Bavarian soft pretzel with mustard and spicy cheese or the longboards nachos with pulled pork, back beans, salsa and jalapenos are plenty to share between a small table. In addition to fresh salads and sandwiches, entrees include a blackened salmon dish, a chicken teriyaki bowl or an ahi tuna bowl.
They even have a kids menu with basics like sliders, chicken strips, mac and cheese and pizza. And chocolate lovers, for dessert, don’t miss out on their triple chocolate layer cake. Sinful! Longboards is open daily from 11am to midnight and while reservations aren’t required, they are accepted.
For some true culinary sensations created by some amazing chefs, be sure to check out a few of these incredible spots in Cocoa Beach!
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