Dining
Dining on the Space Coast.
Dining suggestions in Cocoa Beach, Port Canaveral, Merritt Island and Historic Cocoa Village.
Dining in Cocoa Beach and the surrounding areas has so much to offer. Be it seafood, pizza, Mediterranean or pub fair there is something for everyone. Below are just a few of our selection’s that always provide a great meal, top notch service and are local favorites. Please note that restaurants are listed by area, not by any sort of ranking system..
Beachside
Jazzy's Mainely Lobster
Jazzy’s is a family operated seafood restaurant near downtown Cocoa Beach. They have been a local favorite for years. They offer both New England style seafood as well as local fresh catch.
Jazzy’s has both outdoor and indoor seating, full bar and the best oysters in the area (northern cold water).
Florida's Seafood
Florida Seafood has been a popular establishment with both locals and tourists alike. They offer a enormous menu so everyone will find something they like. It should be noted that if our local shrimp boats are getting rock shrimp it’s a good bet Florida’s seafood will have them.
Mangia & Bevi
Want some really, really great pizza or pasta look no further. This is authentic Napoletana style pizza, not your giant NY style delivery pizza. The owners are from Naples Italy and put a lot of pride into the pizzas and pastas. This is a must try for Italian food lovers.
Florida's Fresh Grill
Looking for a more fine dinning experience or a special occasion meal, this is your place. This family owned and operated restaurant has a beautiful interior, absolutely fantastic food, killer drinks and great service. As this restaurant sits in a plaza, don’t let that fool you, they did a amazing job with the interior and the food. Even though we say finer dinning you can still dress casually without worry. Do keep in mind they are only open for dinner and get quite busy, no worries though arrive early and get a specialty cocktail and appetizer at the bar.
The Fat Donkey
Ice Cream! Need I say more. The Fat Donkey is a small walkup Ice Cream joint in the heart of Cocoa Beach. They are a huge local favorite for a reason, killer ice cream and deserts. Don’t miss this one.
Cloud Parlor
Cloud Parlor coffee shop and Kava bar, Offerings include coffee from high quality drip and Cuban to all of your hot and cold fancy drinks, exotic tea’s and tea drinks, kava and light food menu. If you or the family love coffee or tea this is a must visit. Locally owned and built the owner put a lot of passion into his product and the build and design of this speak easy coffee house. Skip the chain coffee joints and check this place out, the clever entry way is worth it on it own.
Merritt Island
Pacific Rim
Just a few miles west of Cocoa Beach in Merritt Island lies Pacific Rim. If you love some sushi make the short drive. One of the most popular restaurant with locals on the Island their specialty rolls are as tasty as they are artwork, and huge! If you swing into Pacific Rim be sure to try the Monkey Brain appetizer (spicy crab/tuna stuffed fried avocado).
Historic Cocoa Village
Time Out Sports Bar
Time Out Sports bar used to be in a smaller location on the beach now they are located in Historic Cocoa Village. The new location has a massive outdoor patio as well as indoor table and bar seating. For years they have been know for a few things 1. Best specials in town. 2. Great food and drinks. 3 A unbelievebable abount of tv’s for sports.
Don’t let the term Sports bar fool you, the food is fantastic. The owner and staff put a lot of thought into the menu and quality. With lunch specials and daily specials on both food and drink you will not be disappointed.
Hogan's Irish Bar
Looking for some good old Irish food, this is the place. Hogan’s built a beautiful Irish bar with some really good Irish food. If you check out there events you may even hit a night with some live Irish music. Stop in grab a pint and some fish & chips or banger & mash, you will be sure to have a good time.
Port Canaveral
Rusty's Seafood and Oyster bar
Located in Port Canaveral Rusty’s is among a small handful of restaurants all situated on the water with outdoor decks and tiki bars. All the establishments are popular with both local and tourist crowd.
If you are looking to grab a bite in Port Canaveral, our choice is Rusty’s. As far as quality of food and service you won’t be disappointed.
If you happen to be there around 4:00 to 4:30 most days you will have a great view of the Giant cruiseships leaving port.
“Give me oysters and beer, for dinner every day of the year, and I’ll be fine...”
Jimmy Buffet