Cocoa Beach is home to beautiful shores, surfing spots, island boutiques, and delicious food. In fact, there are actuallytons of delicious restaurants in Cocoa Beach – it’s definitely a good spot for foodies who enjoy casual ambiance!
If you’re looking for yummy restaurants in Cocoa Beach, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, you’ll find our favorite upscale American comfort food spots, Mexican cuisine, Hawaiian/Island food, delightful fusions, and unique vegetarian/vegan options in the heart of this amazing Florida vacation destination.
Cocoa Beach is located on a barrier island between the Banana River (lagoon) and the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Orlando. If you’re planning a trip to the area, check out these delicious restaurants in Cocoa Beach – you won’t be disappointed!
Keep in mind that most restaurants in Cocoa Beach are on the casual side. The vibe is very local, so expect hole-in-the-wall restaurants with amazingly fresh seafood, or shacks on the beach serving delicious sandwiches. It’s a vibe that everyone should experience once!
18. Florida’s Fresh Grill
Florida’s Fresh Grill is one of the best spots in Cocoa Beach for steak and classic seafood deals. It’s one of our favorite Cocoa Beach restaurants for a reason!
If you plan to go here, definitely get a taste of their famous Angus steak to stir a celebratory mood. Tender, seasoned perfectly, and cooked to perfection is how we would describe their #1 bestseller.
To start your meal, we recommend getting the grouper bites and the avocado crab tower which are both guaranteed to melt in your mouth (even before the main course arrives). The crab tower impressed us with how it was beautifully presented.
For your main course, get their seasoned Corvina fish. Just like their grouper bites, it melts in your mouth, it’s delicious and super light.
Florida’s Fresh Grill is located inside a strip shopping mall which gives the restaurant a hole-in-a-wall vibe, but food-wise, it’s one of the best restaurants in Cocoa Beach. Overall, the ambiance looked elegant, comfortable, and romantic.
Cuisine: Steakhouse, Seafood
Serves: 4:30pm to 9:30pm Daily
Price Range: $8-$50
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Reservations Required: Reservations are available but walk-ins are welcome!
Location: 2039 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931-3312
17. Fat Kahuna’s Beach Side Grill
Fat Kahuna is our favorite go-to for Hawaiian food. It is one of the rare restaurants in Cocoa Beach that offers delicious Hawaiian gourmet cuisine and vegetarian-friendly food. The menu bursts of unique offerings that will make it hard to choose.
Fat Kahuna captured our hearts immediately when they served us complimentary hummus (in replacement of the typical complimentary bread).
Their Ahi Tuna with wasabi aioli, garlic sautéed veggies, and chicken paired perfectly with their popular coconut rice. Their Shark Steak was also nothing like any seafood we have tried before – interesting, delicious, and exotic.
To top it off, get their Maui Wowie Mud Pie with Coffee Ice Cream. Other dessert options include Oreo Crust and Macadamia Nuts and Bread Pudding (made with Hawaiian sweet roll). You’ll surely come back to try everything else on the menu because one visit is not enough!
The atmosphere was quaint, cute, and clean. Seating is quite limited and the area can get a little busy by 6:00 pm, but we saw that as something that truly completes the vibrant experience at Fat Kahuna! If you want a quieter ambiance, you can call ahead to reserve the seats in their outdoor area which overlooks the ocean view.
This is one of the best Cocoa Beach restaurants for a date night out, but it can also be really fun with a group of friends. If you enjoy fresh seafood, you’ll love Fat Kahuna!
Cuisine: Local cuisine, American, Steakhouse, Seafood, Contemporary, Fusion
Serves: 5:00pm to 9:00pm daily
Price Range: Meals start at $17, Desserts start at $6
Outdoor Seating: Available but limited
Reservations Required: Limited reservations but walk-ins are welcome
Location: 8 Minutemen Cswy, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931-2907
16. Oasis Shaved Ice
Oasis Shaved Ice is a spot to bring out the child in you. They offer a wide variation of shaved ice treats including butterbeer (for Harry Potter fans) and frozen yogurt, which are two of our favorites. If you are in the mood for a filling treat, Oasis also offers savory food like hotdogs and burgers that you can indulge in.
Oasis is also particularly known for its stuffed shaved ice, which is basically a shaved ice treat with an ample scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re cutting on the sugar, you can request a sugar-free syrup instead.
Oasis Shaved Ice is the best place to stop by on a warm day at the beach. The interior reminds me of a vintage 90’s diner or smoothie place which contributes to its coziness and nostalgic vibe. It’s a super casual restaurant in Cocoa Beach (really more of a food spot) that’s perfect when you’re looking for a quick bite.
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Serves: 1:00pm-6:00pm on Sundays, 1:00pm-8:00pm on Weekdays, 12:00nn-8:00pm on Saturdays
Price Range: Starts at $2.50
Outdoor Seating: Available
Reservations Required: Walk-ins welcome
Location: 157 N Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931-2914
15. Beachside Grill and Deli
Beachside Grill and Deli is a great spot for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. They serve the best chicken and tuna salad in the area. It is operated by the owner, Mike, who always wears a smile on his face on each of our visits. This is one of our favorite casual restaurants in Cocoa Beach – everyone should come here at least once!
If you’re craving sandwiches, do not hesitate to pick this local favorite. Their chicken salad is made on the house, delicious, and fresh. Their sandwiches are grilled to order and are served in generous portions. For a lighter and healthier option, you can go with their Caesar salad topped with their fresh chicken salad.
You can tell this place is loved by locals, patrons, and long-time regulars by the way Mike is treated by his customers (and vice versa). Beachside Grill and Deli is also true to its name and is located close to the beach.
Cuisine: American, Deli, Vegetarian Friendly
Serves: 7:00am to 2:00pm Daily
Price Range: Breakfast meals start at $3, Lunch sets start at $5
Outdoor Seating: They have 4-5 seats outdoors
Reservations Required: Walk-ins are welcome
Location: 1980 N Atlantic Ave Ste 101 Rear of Cape Royal Office Building, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931-3219
14. Heidelberg Restaurant
Heidelberg restaurant is for romantic evenings and intimate celebrations. Aside from the food, this fancy gem in Cocoa beach has the most relaxing atmosphere – supported by the live piano shows during their Saturday lunch and evening service.
They are loved for their grand-tasting Chicken Rahm and Wiener Schnitzel. Their Wiener Schnitzel was pounded very thin, breaded, and pan-fried to perfection. For dessert, get their cream brûlée along with a shot of espresso to balance the flavors.
For us, the best spot to be was outside the patio. The music was not so loud and we were able to talk comfortably with each other. Heidelberg also gave a fresh change to the typical ‘beach vibe’ atmosphere that other restaurants ventured into. Plus, they have the best German food in the area!
Cuisine: German, Steakhouse, Seafood
Serves: 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Price Range: Starts at $15
Outdoor Seating: Patio area
Reservations Required: Takes reservations but walk-ins are welcome
Location: 7 N Orlando Ave Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
13. Flavour Kitchen
Flavour Kitchen is one of the best places for a glass of wine and charcuterie. They offer quality wine and innovative specials that you will be pleased to explore. Their staff and servers are also knowledgeable about the food, so it isn’t trouble for them to answer questions about a dish’s ingredients.
To start your meal, get their French Onion Soup, a special soup with rich deep broth, topped with delightful Wisconsin White Cheddar Cheese, and large bone marrow to top off the presentation. Enjoy their melt-in-your-mouth Lollipop Lamp Chops, divinely cooked Scallops, and Crab Cake for a more filling treat. If you’re here for the wine, you can get a cheese and charcuterie board with the option to choose between 3-6 variations.
The ambiance is vibrant, trendy, and hip. It induces an energetic vibe which makes it a great place to come with a group of friends.
Cuisine: Wine, Tapas
Serves: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Price Range: Starts at $13
Outdoor Seating: No outdoor seating
Reservations Required: Takes reservations but walk-ins are welcome
Location: 15 N Orlando Ave Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
12. La Catrina
With its name, you can already tell that this place serves Mexican Cuisine. La Catrina is the best restaurant in Cocoa Beach that offers authentic Mexican food, margaritas, and tequilas. They also have fast serving times and engaging servers that can cater to large groups of up to 20 people.
We particularly loved their chunky and filling guacamole served with nachos and their delicious Margaritas. On our next visits, we had quesadillas, tacos, and burritos which were all so good. The queso dip is definitely a must-try. Our friends also loved their Chicken Chimichanga which burst with so much flavor.
Their atmosphere is clean, trendy, and modern. Their patio is also pet-friendly, which is a plus.
Overall, the food is authentic, filling, and flavorful. You will never leave this place hungry!
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 11:00am to 9:30pm
Price Range: Food starts at $12, Margaritas start at $6
Outdoor Seating: Available
Reservations Required: Walk-ins only
Location: 315 W Cocoa Beach Cswy Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
11. The Tiny Turtle
The Tiny Turtle offers Caribbean-Asian options, resulting in a very unique menu. Like Fat Kahuna, the menu can get quite overwhelming and one visit is usually not enough to feed your curiosity.
Their traditional Cuban sandwich was very satisfactory. The bread was crunchy but not hard and the fillers were not overpowering the cheese and the meat.
Their “Superfood” Quinoa Bowl was also a wholesome treat. It is composed of quinoa sautéed w/ a kale mix, green bell peppers, onions topped w/ guacamole, black beans, salsa, & roasted tomatillo sauce along w/ mango caribe – perfect as a pre-workout or post-surf meal.
The Cocoa Beach restaurant has a cozy, beachy outdoor setting with a large tiki hut. The seating also has a shade in front and a couple of fans to keep you cool on a warm day. It definitely has the Florida vibe if you’re on vacation and want a quick bite.
Cuisine: Caribbean, Asian Fusion, Puerto Rican
Serves: 8:00am-9:00pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays, 8:00am-10:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Price Range: $5 to $15
Outdoor Seating: Available
Reservations Required: Walk-ins only
Location: 249 Minutemen Cswy Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
10. Luna Food and Wine
Luna Food and Wine is one of the fine dining restaurants that you cannot miss when you visit Cocoa Beach. You can see how much love they put into the place by their beautifully presented food offerings and their great, appetizing ambiance.
Like most restaurants in Cocoa Beach, they offer fresh seafood appetizers like their best-loved Ahi Tuna. But you are not to miss their phenomenal tender Sirloin Steak Special and their Risotto Pasta with Scallops and Asparagus. Patrons say you also should not miss their perfectly baked ciabatta bread served with olive oil before diving into your meal.
Cuisine: Modern European
Serves: 5:00pm to 8:00pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Price Range: $13 to $38
Outdoor Seating: Not Available
Reservations Required: Reservations are ideal
Location: 9 S Atlantic Ave Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
9. Coconuts On The Beach
Coconuts On The Beach is the perfect place to have co*cktails and sunsets by the beach. Their stall is basically a bar within the Hilton grounds. So if you’re staying within the area, Coconuts On The Beach is the best go-to!
Enjoy their fish tacos served with delicious sauce, cabbage, and a huge piece of Cajun Mahi Mahi and Crab Cakes alongside a glass of Bloody Mary. If you’re in for a more filling treat, ask for their Grilled Maui Maui sandwich.
When you’re at Hilton, you’ll know right away where to find them. Just spot the nice large patio with a bar in the middle.
Cuisine: Seafood, American, co*cktail
Serves: 6:30am to 11:00pm
Price Range: $8 to $16
Outdoor Seating: Outdoor seating only
Reservations Required: No need!
Location: 3700 N Ocean Dr Singer Island, FL 33404
8. The Fat Snook
The Fat Snook is one of Cocoa Beach’s highlighted dining spots known for its fine food offerings and a nice selection of wines. With the food they present, it’s easy to notice that their chefs truly know what they are doing.
The atmosphere in this area is modern, trendy, and classy. It has a boutique-like atmosphere with quaint and cozy outdoor seating, perfect for an intimate dinner.
To start off, ask for their Skillet Brussels served on top of freshly made mashed potatoes. It might be the best one we’ve had yet! Also, give Creole Shrimp and Scallops a try — it’s flavorful, tasty, and seasoned to perfection. If that isn’t enough, go ahead and add a plate of their hot and crispy Rock Shrimp Poutine.
Up-scale, delicious, and classy, Fat Snook is one of the best places to welcome yourself if you’re new to Cocoa Beach. If you’re planning for a visit, call ahead to secure your seats!
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4:00pm to 9:00pm
Price Range: Starters start at $13, entrees start at $26
Outdoor Seating: Available
Reservations Required: Takes reservations (ideal!)
Location: 2464 S Atlantic Ave Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
7. The Green Room Cafe
The Green Room Cafe is the first place we love going to after a heavy night out or a tedious surfing session at the beach. They offer the best vegan and vegetarian salad wraps, salads, and smoothies in the area.
We particularly loved their Tropical Acai Bowl which is packed with a refreshing, fresh, and flavorful blend of fruits (local’s favorite too!). For lunch, we love having their Gold Coast Wrap and their Rick Burger. Their Gold Coast Wrap is made with oranges and walnuts that complimented the delicious ginger turmeric sauce on the side. The Rick Burger was filling too — plus, it’s served with hummus and chips on the side!
Places like the Green Room Cafe complete the beachside dining experience. It makes you full, happy, and re-energized for more fun activities at the beach. The place also attracts a beachy hipster vibe that we definitely love going for.
Cuisine: Vegan, Vegetarian, Wraps, Sandwiches
Serves: 10:30am to 9:00pm (except on Sundays)
Outdoor Seating: Limited outdoor seating
Location: 222 N 1st St Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
6. Long Doggers
If you’re craving hotdogs, there’s no other place to be than Long Doggers! Long Doggers offer the best craft hotdogs in Cocoa Beach, along with other comfort food options like Tuna Bowls, Fish and Chips, Mahi Mahi Tacos, and more.
If you like to try something new, I recommend going for their Vegetarian Hotdog. It’s interesting and flavorful, and I would suggest getting it even if you’re not a vegetarian.
One of their savory bestsellers includes the Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl which you should also consider getting if you’re looking for something light and filling for lunch. For a sweet treat, ask for their hot and crispy Pretzel Bites. When in doubt, you’ll never go wrong with a hotdog!
Cuisine: American, Chicken, Seafood
Serves: 10:30am to 9:00pm
Price Range: $6 to $18
Outdoor Seating: Available
Reservations Required: Walk-ins only
Location: 350 W Cocoa Beach Cswy Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
5. Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier (Pelican’s Bar and Grill)
Pelican’s Bar and Grill at the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier is one of the classic tourist options that you can go during your trip to the space coast. This family-friendly spot offers a great time by the sea where you can enjoy the waves and smell the refreshing breeze of the ocean.
Enjoy the view of the ocean with their popular melt-in-the-mouth Crab Cakes served with their special homemade ranch. Their grouper sandwich is also a star of the show, stuffed with fresh, tender, and mouth-watering fish. Other bestsellers include their Fresh Oysters and Hawaiian Roll.
The only caveat here is having to deal with birds — but that’s what creates the experience. It’s “Pelican’s” Bar and Grill, after all. We love this Cocoa Beach restaurant whenever we want to quite literally sit on the water!
Cuisine: American
Serves: 11:00am to 9:00pm
Price Range: Starts at
Outdoor Seating: Available
Reservations Required: Walk-ins welcome
Location: 401 Meade Ave Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
4. Sandbar Sports Grill
Sandbar Sports Grill is a popular locals’ favorite that offers seafood burritos, gator, shrimp dishes, and co*cktails. The place is also a raving gem at night, perfect for late-night outs and parties.
The best place to be seated is under the bar area covered in raffia. We really loved these details because it’s what gave off the organic, raw, and beach vibe that we look for in a beachside bar. They also have a top seating if you like to sit under the heat of the sun.
For their food, we recommend getting their Fish Burrito and their Tiny Tuna Tacos served with thoughtful little sides like sweet salsa, wasabi, and queso.
It’s also important to note that Sandbar can get a little loud at night. But if you enjoy mingling with the crowd or people-watching, I assure you that won’t be an issue for you at all.
Cuisine: Sports bar, American
Serves: 11:00am to 2:00am
Price Range: $9 to $27
Outdoor Seating: Shaded outdoor seating
Reservations Required: Walk-ins only
Location: 4301 Ocean Beach Blvd Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
3. Mangia & Bevi Pizzeria Napoletana
Pizza on the beach? Why not?
Mangia and Bevi Pizzeria is not your typical thick American-style pizza. The base is thin and the crust is well-proofed, not too dense nor too light. A slice of their classic Margherita or their specially curated pizzas can take you to Italy in the comfort of the beach. Plus, It’s not easy to miss this place — with the smell of basil and baked dough clouding the area, you’ll surely fall in love even before biting a slice!
What we love most about Mangia and Bevi is their delicious wine selections that you can drink along with your pizza. They also have beer for variation. Their bestsellers include Italian Pizza, Margherita, Salsiccia E Friarielli (sausage and broccoli raab.), and Spicy Pepperoni. We usually like to keep it classic by pairing our glass of Pinot with a plate of Margherita Pizza.
The indoor seating can be quite warm because of the oven situated inside the place, but I think it is what gives the place a Napoli Pizzeria feel.
Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
Serves: 1:00pm to 9:00pm
Price Range: Pizzas start at $10
Outdoor Seating: Available
Reservations Required: Walk-ins welcome
Location: 218 W Cocoa Beach Causeway Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
2. The Pig & Whistle
The Pig and Whistle is a British-American pub and diner with a great, laid-back atmosphere. People love being here because of its close proximity to highly-visited tourist spots. They offer breakfast specials and co*cktails by the beach too.
The Pig and Whistle is usually crowded with locals and tourists for its Fish and Chips. Reviewers say that they greatly recommend it and would definitely come back just for their Fish and Chips. Their Haddock and Fish Sandwich is also to die for. For the dessert, you can never go wrong with their staple Key Lime Pie.
Overall, The Pig and Whistle is a fool-proof option for anyone looking for a British Pub in the heart of the Space Coast.
Cuisine: British, Sports bar
Serves: 8:00am to 2:00am
Price Range: $3 to $12
Outdoor Seating: Available
Reservations Required: No reservations are needed
Location: 240 N Orlando Ave Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
1. The Skinny Mermaid
Our last and favorite beachside diner in Cocoa Beach is The Skinny Mermaid. They offer the best healthy island-inspired food in the area and their exciting menu reminds me of Bali, the home for colorful poke and Buddha bowls.
The freshness, selection, and vibrance make this place a must-go spot in Cocoa Beach. Plus, all the items are served in a compostable bowl, cups, and utensils.
The Skinny Mermaid makes it a ton easier to eat clean and healthy. We loved their delicious and fresh Paradise Poke loaded with macadamia nuts and pistachios. You can also never go wrong with a classic Tofu Buddha Bowl. For my drink, I had their Black Tea with Coconut Milk and Vanilla Syrup which was an absolute treat as well.
Overall, I guarantee that you will leave this place satisfied, happy, and full!
Cuisine: Poke, Bubble Tea, Cafe
Serves: 11:00am to 5:00pm (except Tuesdays)
Price Range: Starts at $9
Outdoor Seating: Covered outdoor area
Reservations Required: Takes reservations but walk-ins are welcome
Location: 66 S Orlando Ave Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
