Discovering the Flavorful Gems: A Foodie's Guide to the Best Restaurants and Bars in Cocoa Beach & the Space Coast

Cocoa Beach Florida — Cocoa Beach, Florida

Heading to Cocoa beach and looking for the best options? You're in the right place!

A Foodie's Guide to the Best Restaurants and Bars in Cocoa Beach & the Space Coast.

Best Restaurants & Bars in Cocoa Beach & the Space Coast: Bars on the water

Cocoa Beach - Sunset Cafe 'Waterfront Bar & Grill: Looking for a place to see the sunset? Then this is one of the best options. Located in Cocoa beach, this restaurant in front of Banana River will ideal if you want to catch a sunset. It has a big terrace or if you are more of an indoor person then you can also go inside. There was live music which made it even more magical!

We loved the atmosphere and the food was also very nice. You have a huge variety of choices, from some appetizers like onion rings, chicken wings, and shrimp cocktail, to some nice salads and soups. We ordered a grouper Caesar salad and some french fries. I saw the table next to us ordering a sandwich and it looked delicious, so something to try for next time!

I really recommend this restaurant, one of the best locations to see the sunset, plus, if you are lucky you might see some dolphins swimming around!

Cocoa Beach - Squid Lips Cocoa Beach: Amazing views to the Indian River, nice food, live music and great staff. Regarding the food, you could find plenty of choices, from different kinds of sandwiches and wraps to some salads or even for those looking for veggie options you will find a veggie burger.

We ordered a pulled pork w/cole slaw sandwich and a pineapple & teriyaki Mahi sandwich. Both were delicious! Really recommended to try them.

Pineda Inn Bar & Grill (Rockledge): If you are around the area of Rockledge and want to have a cocktail or a beer facing the Indian River then this is a must for you. I tried this restaurant when there was a live concert and it couldn't have been better. We only tried some mozzarella fingers and drunk some beers but everything on the menu looked amazing.

You can choose either to sit inside or outside with beautiful views to a pier. Some days they have live music, so check their calendar and don't miss this place.

Cocoa Beach - Island Time Marina: Nice bar to enjoy the happy hours and see the sunset. The view from their upper deck is to the marina and the Banana River. It has live music and it is very well known in Cocoa Beach.

Happy Hour: 11am - 7pm Monday - Friday and Saturday-Sunday 11am-3pm.

The Rising Tide (Cape Cañaveral): It’s a waterfront bar/restaurant, conveniently located near Port Canaveral. The food was delicious and the drinks were good. We had a pleasant dining experience and would highly recommend this to any guests who plan to visit this area. Beautiful sunsets!

Dolphins Waterfront Bar (Merritt Island): This place is a hidden gem! Food was fantastic and delicious! The service was amazing! The fish is fresh and tasty. Good menu with nice choices with good drink menu as well.

Marker 24 Grill (Merritt Island): Super cute brand new restaurant on the water! Nice simple menu with good quality food choices. Cold beer and wine list. Also a marina attached with gas, bait and extra boating items needed. It's a must go to place.

Opening Hours: Monday & Tuesday closed. Wednesday - Sunday 11AM-8PM

Restaurants for lunch/dinner

Cocoa Beach - The Tiny Turtle: A Puerto Rican-Caribbean fusion restaurant in downtown Cocoa Beach. A restaurant that offers different choices, but our favorites are their quesadillas, just amazing.

Cocoa Beach - Mangia & Bevi: The best Neapolitan pizza in Cocoa Beach. Family restaurant, Italian owners and incredible pizzas. The place looks small but has a section with more tables where you can enjoy a good dinner. The only bad thing I would say is the hours, they close early: 21pm.

Cocoa Beach - Papa Vito's: Their menu is very complete with a lot of choices. This has become our favourite italian restaurant to eat pizza slices. I always order the traditional margarita and it's the biggest slice I've ever had - A MUST!

Cocoa Beach - Nosh: A sushi/thai restaurant that offers many options like fresh sushi, seafood, meats and vegetarian options. A great variety of noodles and pho. If you are in the area you should definitely try this gem. It was delicious.

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 4pm-9pm

Pueblo Mágico Merritt Island: Authentic mexican restaurant in Merritt Island. If you like mexican food then this is the place to go. Family business with friendly staff which are happy to help you. Delicious food for a good price.

Merritt Island - Pacific Rim: This restaurant was recommended by many people and of course we had to try it out. Nice place to eat sushi, the quality of the food is great and prices are not too high. If you are looking for a nice place to eat sushi, I highly recommend this one. The wait is normally long (everything is freshly done) and there are no reservations so, be patience!

Opening hours: Tuesdays-Saturdays 11am-3pm and 4.30pm-9.30pm

Vine & Olive (Titusville): A very classy place with good food and nice atmosphere. The place is welcoming and decorated beautifully. Wonderful food with vegan and gluten free options. There's a great outdoor dining area in the rear of the restaurant. We ordered different types of pasta and a tiramisu for dessert.

Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 4pm-9pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm

Titusville - Shiloh's Steak & Seafood: The food, the service and the building are magnificent and highly recommended to eat well in the area. It is a place to go and repeat. The interior has a very homey "lodge" style with two floors of dining with great views of the water (plus a nice place to watch rocket launches).

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday

Space Coast Bars on the beach

Cocoa Beach - Coconuts on the beach: A casual restaurant and bar located downtown Cocoa Beach. The location is amazing with ocean view. It offers happy hour, lunch and dinners. There's a bar outside but it has the possibility for indoor as well. The food is good, with fresh seafood, burgers, sandwiches and salads. I recommend Caesar salad with chicken grill. It was very good!

Sand on the Beach (Melbourne Beach): A restaurant with a fantastic view of the beach from the top deck, this is a great place for drinks and food with a stunning view.

Bars in Cocoa Beach

Fish Camp Grill: One of the newest places in Cocoa Beach. Their decoration and atmosphere is very cool. They have a big menu with a lot of different choices. The bar has an outdoor terrace to enjoy the nice weather or if you prefer being inside you'll be entertained by live music or a games area with poll tables.

4th Street Fillin Station: A former gas station, converted into a bar with an outdoor garden/patio with old trees and fire pits. Great variety of food, beers and cocktails.

Cocktail Bars in Cocoa Beach

The Dunes on the Beach: The Dunes is a Vibrant & Inclusive Bar with delicious locally influenced drinks. Great decoration specially in the terrace with surfboards as tables!

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3pm-7pm on select drinks and every Sunday $5 Margaritas.

Images from @thedunescb Instagram

The Alibi: The Alibi Cocktails & Bites is an upscale cocktail bar and restaurant specializing in handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, craft beer and chef-driven small plates.

The original Alibi Bar was opened in the same location in the 1950’s. It was the first business to be given a business license in Cocoa Beach and was a popular hangout for astronauts.

Happy Hour: Every Monday – Friday from 4pm-6pm. Classic cocktails and a selection of small plates are half price. It’s one of the best happy hours in CB!

Images from @thealibicocktailsandbites Instagram

Space Coast Brunch

Flavour Kitchen & Wine Bar: Located in the heart of Cocoa Beach, is a must if you are visiting this area. They have an extensive menu from around the world and delicious weekly specials. It is well known for it's incredible brunch (only Saturday's and Sunday's) with it's mimosas included in the menu. However, you must make a reservation if you want to try it out. There are options for everyone, so don't hesitate to try it out.

The Surfinista: Located in Cocoa Beach Downtown - 86 N Orlando Ave

My favourite place for breakfast/lunch with healthy, vegan and gluten free options.

Not only is the food amazing, but they also have a super decor with surfboards all over the place with a retro style. They also have a ping p

ong table.

⏱Opening hours: 8am-2pm

📍They have another SURFINISTA in Indialantic.

Merritt Island Pancake House: This place is a must if you are in the area. A great place for breakfast and good prices for what you get. You won’t leave the restaurant hungry!

Friendly service and what I loved the most are the pancakes 😋 they are over 1/2” thick. The restaurant is also gluten friendly.