Nothing caps off a wonderful day exploring new places on vacation then the perfect dinner. With so many great Space Coast restaurant choices to end your day with, we wanted to attempt to whittle the list down to our favorite go-to spots.
- El Ambia Cubano - 950 E Melbourne Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901
Ph: 321-327-8389 W: www.elambiacubano.com
Nestled just south of the Melbourne Causeway (192) on the mainland in historical downtown Melbourne is El Ambia Cubano. El Ambia Cubano is a little slice of Cuba that was brought to Melbourne by Alfredo Hernandez who flew a Cuban airliner to Florida to escape Fidel and the 1994 Cuban Rafter Crisis. Upon opening El Ambia Cubano in 2009, he wanted the restaurant to reflect not only his love of Cuban food and drink but to also allow patrons, who quickly become friends, to step into the rich history, atmosphere and sounds of Cuban culture. With an extensive menu full of made from scratch authentic Cuban food, you’d be hard pressed to not find a dish that will envelope your senses. Note: They are closed from 2:30pm-5pm Monday through Thursday and closed on Sundays. - Skewers Mediterranean Grill - 144 5th Ave, Indialantic, FL.
Ph: 321-7278944 W: www.skewersgrille.com
On the other side of the Melbourne Causeway from El Ambia Cubano just one block off the beach sits Skewers Mediterranean Grill. Established in 1983, it has become an Indialantic dining icon and one not to be missed when in town. What sets this restaurant above others is not only the quality and freshness of the dishes but the vast range in choice. Skewers menu caters to all palates from traditional American such as their Filet Mignon or Sirloin, to authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern such as Kibbeh and Mousakhan. The variety of freshly prepared dishes make it a top choice for groups with varied tastes who all want to be blown away by pure flavor. - Sand On The Beach - 1005 Atlantic St, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Ph: 321-327-8951 W: www.sandonthebeach.com
The name says it all and the view doesn’t get better. Located on the beach in the heart of Melbourne Beach Florida, this bar and restaurant hosts a two story set up. The downstairs has tables under palapa huts with ocean views while the upstairs has inside seating, a circular bar, and an outdoor counter top seating area overlooking the ocean. It’s perfect for sipping on a happy hour cocktail or cold beer and gazing over the horizon. In the eats department, their fresh smoked fish dip is a must do appetizer made from the fresh catches of the day. For a main, you cannot go wrong however their blackened mahi sandwich with mango aioli is a tough one to beat. A true beach bar and restaurant, sandy feet encouraged. - Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster - 210 N Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Ph: 321-613-3993 W: www.jazzysmainelylobster.com
Nestled on the west side of the A1A, just south of the bronze homage to Cocoa Beach’s pride Kelly Slater, sits Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster. Jazzy’s is a locally owned family restaurant with ties to Maine that they bring to the Space Coast by way of some of the best tasting Maine lobster coupled with fresh catch from Cocoa Beaches local fishing companies. With a menu bursting at the seams, Jazzy’s will delight any palate from health conscious to “gimme everything southern fried." For those who prefer to indulge in land-dwelling food sources but may be with a group dying for fresh seafood, they are in luck as Jazzy’s also serves fresh chargrilled burgers, chicken sandwiches and even a veggie burger. It is our go-to stop after flying into Orlando International Airport and one that should not be missed. - Squid Lips - 1477 Pineapple Avenue Melbourne, FL 32935
Ph: 321-259-3101 W: www.squidlipsgrill.com
Dubbed the “overwater grill” due to their waterside dining at all three locations in Melbourne, Sebastian, and Cocoa Beach. Come by car or if you have the means, pull up your boat for lunch or dinner. If the views and the relaxing waterfront Florida lifestyle aren’t enough to pique your interest, maybe their unique cooking style will. All of the grilled dishes at Squid Lips are prepared over an open oak wood fire so the high heat locks in the natural juices while imparting a subtle oak flavor setting their grilled meals apart from other restaurants. A quick rundown of menu offerings will leave your head spinning. Scallops, grouper, redfish, mahi, tuna ,shrimp, lobster and crab cake, salmon, flounder, tilapia, mussels, oysters, essentially almost the entire ocean. If you are fished out, Squid Lips also whips up steaks, chicken, pork, sandwiches and wraps. For an authentic dining experience, be sure to begin your meal like a Florida local with an order of conch fritters. - Villa Palma Ristorante - 847 N. Miramar Ave. Indialantic FL 32903
Ph: 321-951-0051 W: www.villapalmaristorante.squarespace.com/
A staple of the Space Coast cuisine scene, Villa Palma opened in 1987 by Giuseppe Mazzella, an immigrant from Naples, Italy and his son Frank. Located just north of Fifth Ave, this cozy, quaint restaurant boasts some of the best Italian food around. All of their meals, including sauces, are made daily from scratch using fresh ingredients the proper Italian way. Dishes range from filet mignon, chicken, veal, and seafoods all served with a side of pasta and baby green salad with the best homemade vinaigrette you’ve ever tasted. Pasta main dishes range from staples like Penne Vodka, Ravioli, and Fettuccine Alfredo to Fettuccine Carbonara and Tortellini Nona. It’s a locals favorite for a reason.
There are many more terrific restaurants to be enjoyed, but these are our personal favorites.