Waterfront restaurants in Vero Beach offer something most coastal towns can only dream of: genuine waterfront dining that doesn’t compromise on quality. You’re not just settling for mediocre food with a nice view. These restaurants deliver exceptional cuisine alongside their oceanfront and riverfront locations.
Whether you’re watching dolphins swim past during dinner or catching a spectacular Indian River sunset over cocktails, waterfront dining in Vero Beach provides experiences you won’t find inland. This guide covers the top spots where the water views are as impressive as the food on your plate.
Why Vero Beach Stands Out to Waterfront Diners
Vero Beach sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. This geography creates two distinct waterfront dining experiences in one small town.
Ocean-side restaurants offer dramatic wave views and fresh sea breezes. River-side establishments provide calmer waters perfect for watching boats drift by. Both options deliver that essential Florida feeling: dining with water stretching out before you.
Top Waterfront Restaurants in Vero Beach
Ocean Grill Restaurant
Ocean Grill Restaurant stands on the same sand dune where Waldo Sexton built it over 80 years ago. This isn’t a restaurant trying to look historic. It actually is historic.
Our Tip: Arrive before 5:30 PM to avoid waits. Don’t miss the duck, red snapper Oscar-style, or the onion rings; they’re customer favorites that consistently deliver.
📍 Location: 1050 Beachland Blvd, Vero Beach, FL 32963
⏰ Hours: Dinner: Sunday 4:30 PM-close, Monday-Saturday 5:00 PM-close; Lunch: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 AM-2:00 PM; Bar: Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 AM-close, Sunday 3:30 PM-close, Monday 4:00 PM-close
The dining room sits roughly 200 yards from the Atlantic. You’re eating above the waves, watching them roll in throughout your meal. Sexton constructed the building from pecky cypress, mahogany, and Spanish antiques. Multiple hurricanes have battered this building, but it survives.
Cobalt
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Cobalt delivers contemporary waterfront dining in Vero Beach style. The restaurant sits steps from the sand with sweeping Atlantic views. Chef Matt Lange builds his menu around fresh Treasure Coast ingredients.
Our Tip: Request outdoor seating even on cool days, staff provides space heaters without asking. Those scheduling brunch in Vero Beach will want to consider this establishment. The smash burger is the best in town, according to regulars.
📍 Location: 3500 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
⏰ Hours: Brunch: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-2:30 PM, Saturday-Sunday 8:00 AM-3:00 PM; Happy Hour: Daily 4:00 PM-5:00 PM; Dinner: Daily 5:00 PM-9:00 PM; Bar service until 10:00 PM daily
Nearly every table offers water visibility through thoughtful design. Service stands out with servers noticing details like water refills before you ask. The extensive wine list and craft cocktail menu complement Chef Lange’s menu perfectly.
Waldo’s Restaurant and Bar
Waldo’s Restaurant and Bar operates from another Waldo Sexton creation. Built in 1935 and later expanded into Driftwood Resort, this landmark maintains its distinctive rustic character.
Our Tip: The burgers surprise everyone with their quality. Order the blackened shrimp quesadilla and ask for Joe as your server—his personality makes the experience even better.
📍 Location: 3150 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
⏰ Hours: Restaurant: Daily 11:30 AM-9:00 PM; Bar: Sunday-Thursday 11:30 AM-10:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 11:30 AM-midnight
Despite a limited menu, the food exceeds expectations for typical bar fare. Peel-and-eat shrimp arrive well-seasoned with drawn butter. Prices remain reasonable for the waterfront location with genuine personality from the staff.
Riverside Cafe
Riverside Cafe sits directly alongside the Indian River Lagoon. This location offers plenty of outdoor seating and calmer waters than the ocean-side restaurants, with boat traffic adding visual interest throughout your meal.
Our Tip: Time your visit for sunset from the bar; it’s spectacular. Arrive by boat and use the free dockage. Even during packed Sunday afternoons, service stays sharp and wait times remain reasonable.
📍 Location: 3341 Bridge Plaza Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
⏰ Hours: Lunch: Daily 11:00 AM; Dinner: Daily 4:00 PM; Sunday Brunch: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
The menu spans from finger foods to semi-formal entrees with fresh fish and steaks. Thirty-five high-definition TVs with Bose sound systems make this a prime spot for watching sports. It’s one of the most active waterfront bars in Vero Beach, with 33-degree tap lines that ensure perfectly chilled beer every time.
Squid Lips Overwater Grill
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Squid Lips opened in January 2004 with a clear mission: deliver quality food and friendly service in a unique casual atmosphere. The restaurant grills food over an open oak wood fire for a subtle oak flavor.
Our Tip: The new design is stunning, and prices stay reasonable. Sit between speakers rather than next to them for easier conversation during live music.
📍 Location: 1660 Indian River Dr, Sebastian, FL 32958
⏰ Hours: Daily 11:00 AM-last seating 9:00 PM; Happy Hour drinks: Daily 2:00 PM-5:00 PM; Happy Hour food: Monday-Friday 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
The open-air deck includes plenty of fans keeping the space comfortable. Nautical-themed interior stays tasteful rather than overdone. It’s one of the best seafood options in Sebastian, and the setup works great for live bands while keeping good sound quality.
Citrus Grillhouse
Citrus Grillhouse operates as an American bistro-style oceanfront restaurant. Executive Chef Scott Varricchio creates dishes described as approachable comfort food bursting with flavor.
Our Tip: Ask for the red snapper done flounder-style with added shrimp. It’s a server recommendation that never disappoints. Request Henry as your server if available.
📍 Location: 1050 Easter Lily Ln, Vero Beach, FL 32963
⏰ Hours: Lunch: Monday-Saturday 11:30 AM-1:30 PM; Dinner: Monday-Saturday 5:00 PM-8:30 PM; Happy Hour: Daily until 6:30 PM ($2 off all cocktails, beer, and wine)
The menu changes seasonally, using regionally grown produce. The high-energy, lively atmosphere suits various gatherings with ocean views enhancing every meal.
Mulligan’s Beach House
Mulligan’s Beach House Bar & Grill opened in 1997 with George Hart’s vision of bringing fresh, affordable seafood to Floridians in a beautiful waterfront setting. The restaurant sits right on the beach, serving breakfast, lunch, a great happy hour, and dinner year-round.
Our Tip: Thursday nights are family nights where kids 10 and under eat free with an adult meal purchase. The burgers are surprisingly large with quality ingredients. Ask for Jessica if she’s working—her service is top-notch.
📍 Location: 1025 Beachland Blvd, Vero Beach, FL 32963
⏰ Hours: Sunday-Thursday 7:00 AM-10:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 7:00 AM-midnight
The casual indoor decor feels like a Jimmy Buffett island song. Outside seating puts you right next to the beach with fantastic atmosphere and beach vibes. Tables overlook the outdoor deck, beach, and Atlantic Ocean.
Heaton’s
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Heaton’s operates as an oceanfront bar and grill steps from the sand. Sea breezes flow through outdoor dining areas where Chef crafts seafood-focused coastal fare.
Our Tip: Request corner tables for the best ocean views and breezes. The smash burgers and strip steak with chimichurri both earn consistent praise. Try the truffle fries as a starter.
📍 Location: 3500 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
⏰ Hours: Lunch: Friday-Sunday 11:00 AM-3:00 PM; Dinner: Friday-Saturday 5:00 PM-9:00 PM; Happy Hour: Daily 3:00 PM-4:00 PM; Bar service with food: Daily 11:00 AM-9:00 PM
The menu works for various occasions from casual lunches to fancy dinners. Lead Bartender Jacob Turner creates inventive cocktails alongside curated selections of beers, wines, and spirits.
Crab Stop of Vero Beach
Crab Stop Seafood Bar & Grill represents the Buckner Family’s passion for coastal flavors. The casual restaurant focuses on quality ingredients and inventive recipes in a laid-back atmosphere.
Our Tip: Start with crab balls and conch fritters. The Caribbean rice and garlic potatoes make perfect sides. Save room for the homemade key lime pie—ask for Lori as your server.
📍 Location: 89 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach, FL 32960
⏰ Hours: Monday-Thursday 12:00 PM-9:00 PM; Friday 11:00 AM-10:00 PM; Saturday 11:00 AM-10:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM-8:00 PM
Signature crab dishes anchor the menu, but the kitchen’s range extends to daily fish specials and crab cakes. The comfortable atmosphere lets the food take center stage.
Seaside Grill
Seaside Grill operates with high-top tables on a patio overlooking the water and boardwalk. The restaurant serves from early morning through evening, very popular for lunch, with a focus on fresh ingredients and welcoming service.
Our Tip: The coconut shrimp earns rave reviews as the best customers have ever had. Don’t skip the coconut cream pie with its thick cookie crust—it’s even better than homemade. Ask for Ciara, Gabby, Marissa, or Luke for great service.
📍 Location: 4200 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
⏰ Hours: Monday-Sunday 7:00 AM-7:00 PM
Fresh coffee and Mediterranean sandwiches showcase wonderful flavor combinations with great ingredients. The friendly, welcoming vibe makes mornings here memorable. The patio setting creates perfect views for casual meals throughout the day.
Planning Waterfront Dining
Timing matters when you’re eating by the water. Sunset reservations fill up fast at ocean-facing spots. Getting there 30-45 minutes before sunset usually works better than trying to time it perfectly.
Weekend evenings need reservations at upscale places like Ocean Grill, Polo Steak & Sea, and Cobalt. Weekday lunches are easier with shorter waits. Tuesday through Thursday dinners give you the best of both worlds—full menus without the crowds.
Weather plays a bigger role at waterfront restaurants in Vero Beach than in indoor spots. Afternoon storms usually clear by dinner, but outdoor seating might stay damp. Cooler months make outdoor dining more comfortable, though restaurants provide heaters when you need them.
Dress Codes & Atmosphere Expectations
Vero Beach waterfront dining runs more casual than you might think. Even upscale restaurants like Ocean Grill accept smart casual clothes. You don’t need jackets or formal wear.
Riverside Cafe, Squid Lips, and Waldo’s operate at the most casual end. These spots welcome people coming straight from boats or afternoon beach time. Citrus Grillhouse and Cobalt lean slightly dressier. Think country club lunch rather than fine dining.
FAQ
Do Vero Beach waterfront restaurants accept reservations?
Most upscale restaurants accept and recommend reservations. Ocean Grill, Cobalt, and Citrus Grillhouse all take reservations online or by phone.
Which waterfront restaurants in Vero Beach have boat docking?
Riverside Cafe provides free boat docking for diners. Squid Lips and Skipper’s Cove also accommodate boaters with dockside access.
Are waterfront restaurants in Vero Beach family-friendly?
Yes. Riverside Cafe, Squid Lips, Waldo’s, and Crab Stop welcome families with children and offer relaxed atmospheres.
