Best Restaurants in Melbourne 

If you are looking for the best places to eat in Melbourne, Fl, you need to consider dining at one of these ten great restaurants in Melbourne! 

Known as one of the best places to live in Florida, this city southeast of Orlando along the Indian river has much to offer that attracts new residents and visitors daily. With a population of over 83k, living in Melbourne provides residents with a dense suburban feel with easy access to top-notch schools, exciting things to do, beautiful beaches, a vibrant art district and downtown area, and, best of all, amazing resturants. 

Recognizable by its period buildings, including the Rossetter House and Gardens with its large gated white porches and double front door that was common when built in the 1900s, the architecture in Melbourne keeps with its southern Florida ties but with a mix of more modern designs with its Eau Gallie Arts District and the downtown area now having a contemporary flair. 

When looking at homes near the more populated areas such as the Eau Gallie arts district and downtown area, there are still a few homes with older architectural pieces, but due to the area growing immensely over the last few years, you will also find many luxury homes scattered throughout the city as well with multiple floors, big lawns, and sometimes private beach fronts. Many townhomes, condos, and single-family homes have also been built or renovated over the years, making it an affordable oasis for many. 

With over 137 million visitors traveling to Florida each year, the tourism scene in Melbourne remains flourishing and dependent upon this influx of people each year. Being conveniently located near the Melbourne Orlando International Airport as well as the Kennedy Space Center, there is a ton of traffic traveling to and from Melbourne each year, bringing business and attraction to its mouth-watering resturants, crystal-clear beaches, store fronts, and more. 

With a lower cost of living, especially when compared to surrounding areas, while obtaining high-quality amenities, housing options, neighborhoods, and job markets, this is a wonderful place to live and work. 

Before moving or visiting Melbourne, FL, make sure to know the best resturants located throughout the city. Whether you are wanting a classy night out with top-quality cuts and cuisine or just looking for a relaxing place to grab a bite after being out on the water all day at a local spot, there is something for anyone. 

Check out these top restaurants in Melbourne, FL! 

Crush XI

Looking for an exciting contemporary eaterie with American and international fare paired with a fun contemporary farm-like vibe? This restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Melbourne and is best known for its delicious brunch on the weekends and dinner during the week. 

Crush XI turns the term farmhouse style into a new contemporary look with its large wooden tables paired with rustic wooden chairs and topped with beautiful fresh flowers in an open-lit space. This charming little spot is a must-visit with its plant-related wall artwork, large artistic lighting fixtures hanging from the ceiling, and even more artistic craft cocktails and beautifully plated dishes. 

Best known for its fresh crab cake benedict, french fry salad, and tip & grits during brunch or the peanut bomb chicken, smoked duck fettucini, and market fresh catch for dinner, the chefs here put delicious twists on classic dishes. Raising the bar in service, drinks, and food, this is a wonderful spot to check out after spending the day downtown or starting your day before heading to the beach on the weekends. 

La Crepe de France

Wanting to support a local family-owned restaurant while also enjoying some of the best crepes you have ever had? This delightful family-owned spot has been serving its community since 2016 and remains busy for breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily. 

Located downtown, La Crepe de France is a very homey and hospital restaurant bringing the freshest ingredients into every one of their delicious dishes. Serving both sweet and savory crepes, galettes, and salads, this is the spot to stop if you are just looking for a casual bite or a sweet treat in a cozy environment. 

Patio seating greets visitors to this charming cafe, offering both outdoor or indoor seating paired with southern farm decor hanging on the walls creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy some coffee, espresso, wine, or beer paired with your dish while catching up with friends, enjoying the sunshine, or just filling your stomach with good food. 

Hemingway's Tavern

Named after the American novelist Ernest Hemingway, this relaxed eatery serves some of his favorite foods, libations, and experiences from Key West. Rated the #1 restaurant from Trip Advisor with "can't beat" happy hours, events, electric meals, and more, this lively spot is a must-visit in Melbourne, FL. 

Located near Erna Nixon Park and the Melbourne Orlando International Airport, this large tavern, cafecito, and courtyard offer a large and extensive menu for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With a large shaded patio and an interior that resembles a beach antique store with many random photos, signs, models, and more, this relaxed establishment has something for everyone to enjoy.

Rainy day and nothing to do? Hemingway's Tavern is also conveniently located next to the Premiere Theatre, the best in Melbourne. This makes for a perfect night and an easy treat for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. 

Best known for its crazy happy hour deals from 3:29 pm- 6:29 pm Monday through Friday or daily specials such as two-for-one margaritas on Mondays, this spot has become a local hangout for many of its residents. Its cafecito also offers grab-and-go coffee, pastries, and sandwiches in the morning for an easy and convenient breakfast or snack before hitting the road or the beach. 

Meg O'Malley's Restaurant and Irish Pub

Easily recognizable from its bright red exterior, this restaurant and Irish pub is a downtown Melbourne favorite. Serving its community for over 23 years with amazing food, drinks, and service, this is the place to be if you want to catch a game, enjoy a pint and pretzel with a friend, or have a lively night out. 

A traditional Irish pub with a large wooden bar topped with multiple beer taps surrounded by red-backed booths and wooden tables, this restaurant has ample seating for large or small parties to enjoy their time here. With a mix of a relaxed rowdy environment depending upon the day, to keep up with the weekend crowd, there is even live music on Fridays and Saturdays as well as happy hour Monday-Tuesday 11 am-6 pm, and Wed-Fri 3 pm-6 pm.

Meg O'Malley's is open all week, including brunch on Sunday serving its mimosa carafes and bloody mary quarts paired with delicious omelets or a full traditional English breakfast. During the week, its nighttime crowd also enjoys its giant soft pretzels and mouth-watering sliders that help to soak up the beer in your stomach while watching the game or catching up with friends and family.  

Ember & Oak

This restaurant radiates class and elegance even from its exterior. Located in downtown Melbourne, this modern tapas-style steakhouse serves hand-selected cuts, freshly caught seafood, a raw bar, fresh vegetables, pasta, and delicate desserts. 

Ember & Oak lives up to its hype and cost with a stunning contemporary interior and five-star quality dishes. The interior is spectacular and modern, with walls covered with large and colorful artwork paired with disco-ball-sized light fixtures hanging over bright blue velvet seating and marble tables. On nice days, the courtyard lounge is also a fan-favorite, with string lights providing a twinkling atmosphere along with fire-blazing heaters, keeping you warm no matter the temperature. 

If you are eating here before sunset, the large windows also provide you with a sun-soaked experience while enjoying a charcuterie board with friends or a filling upscale lunch. On some nights, the atmosphere is also aided by live music, playing gracefully while dinners enjoy their meals. 

This spectacular restaurant is a great excuse to dress up and enjoy amazing food for a wonderful date night spot or an elegant meal. 

Ichabod's Bar & Grill

Feeling beachy? Head to Ichabod's location near Howard E Futch Memorial park over the bridge for Ichabod's Beachside Bar & Grill with ocean views, or stay on the mainland on the river at Ichadbod's Dockside Bar & Grill. With two locations providing a different experience, you might as well try both during your stay in Melbourne. 

This casual restaurant serves simple seafood in an open aired environment with river or beachside views. Great for a bite after spending your day out on the water with sand in your hair or just looking to relax after a day of shopping and walking around the downtown area. 

Known as one of the best places to eat to catch the sunset over the marina or beach, this relaxed atmosphere has been a local favorite for years. Serving delicious Florida favorites from bacon-wrapped scallops, swordfish wraps, a large menu of burgers and sandwiches, fresh catch entrees, and classic fish and chips, there is something for the entire family to enjoy. 

Considered to be "off the beaten path," this secluded area is wonderful for also walking along the water before or after your meal to look at the boats docked on the river or spot manatees spotting the surface. With amazing dishes at a lower price and a welcoming atmosphere of great staff, this is a must-stop during your visit or stay in Melbourne. 

The Salty Fox

Want to try the restaurant where all the local artists go? The Salty Fox is a long-time favorite in Melbourne with its quirky interior and relaxed environment. Located in the Eau Gallie Arts District, this is the spot where you can meet many of the shop owners, artists, or just local residents that make up what is now the arts district of Melbourne. 

This restaurant has a great atmosphere with live music, happy hours, Sunday brunch, and being dog friendly, welcoming people from quite literally all walks of life. If you are looking for a laid-back chill vibe, though, definitely come earlier in the day because, at night, this place can get a little packed and rowdy with karaoke and pool tables for anyone to enjoy. 

Known for its delicious menu of soups, salads, appetizers, wings, paninis, sliders, and unique meals such as the pizza roll wrap or buffalo mac & cheese, this is truly a unique experience as soon as you walk through the colorful front door. Want to go back in time? The menu also has an interesting selection of "vintage" items, such as Spaghetti O's and Choco Taco's or the "My Girlfriends Not Hungry," which is your choice of one slider and a side of mac and cheese or one basic taco with a miniature side of chips and queso. 

Best Restaurants in Melbourne, FL- Final Thoughts 

Melbourne, FL, is a charming, tropical, pleasant, and vibrant town in central Florida, offering lots of fun and exciting things to do, wonderful restaurants, stunning beaches, lush outdoor recreational spaces, a colorful arts district, and wonderful schools. With a lower cost of living compared to the rest of Florida, you get the benefits of the warm weather year-round and beautiful beaches without the outrageous prices. 

Whether you want to live here just for a while or make this a more permanent stay, there are many different housing and rental options available! 

If you or anyone you may know would like to make this beautiful oasis a permanent stay make sure to contact us here so that we can connect you with one of our Realty Specialists.  No matter your budget, home preferences, and preferred neighborhood, we will work with you to find the perfect fit. 

For more information about moving, the best places to live, and things to do, make sure to refer to our other local area guides below! 

• Things to Do in Melbourne 
• Best Neighborhoods in Melbourne 
• Moving to Florida
• Best Places to Live in Florida
• Moving to Orlando
• Best Neighborhoods in Orlando
• Moving to Bonita Springs, FL