Like most beach towns and the last three tourist traps on the Space Coast, most seafood spots in Melbourne are clustered along the main drags. So if you were feeling particularly adventurous, you could just wander A1A and hope you stumble upon something decent. But if you want to know where to find the freshest catches for your specific craving, just read this guide.
Rustic Restaurant & Bar 9
$$ | (321) 768-0200 | WEBSITE
Rustic Restaurant & Bar 9 shares its building with a popular local market. So you could theoretically spend your whole Sunday here (and you should, it’s very worthwhile). The inside of the dining space is cozy and pretty spacious, but there’s enough room to gather with a large group or enjoy a quiet meal with a partner and share that salmon with yellow curry sauce.
El Mojito restaurant ,Bar & Lounge
$$ | (321) 327-7692 | WEBSITE
Another great spot to enjoy authentic Cuban flavors without breaking the bank is El Mojito, a vibrant restaurant and lounge in downtown Melbourne. In addition to fantastic Cuban-style food, El Mojito offers excellent service with attentive bartenders and friendly servers. There’s a warm, inviting atmosphere where you can sit and savor finger-licking appetizers like garlic mussels and tostone relleno, all while Spanish flair music plays in the background.
The owner personally ensures guests receive their orders and even offers discounts for future visits, making it a highly recommended spot for special evenings featuring dishes like the must-try churrasco skirt steak, tamale, empanadas, and gambas al ajillo.
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
$ | (321) 242-8898 | WEBSITE
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant first opened many years ago, and they have been serving authentic Chinese food there ever since. It’s fully a takeout spot (if you order anything with curry shrimp, it may come in a plastic container), but unlike most takeout places, Great Wall has amazing food quality without any compromises, as well as tons of loyal customers who have dined there and may or may not still crave the chef’s special hot mustard to this day.
Island IX
$ | (321) 305-5946 | WEBSITE
If you want to experience exceptional seafood with a creative twist (or brag about how much you already appreciate it), this is the best place in Melbourne to do it. Island IX serves a lot of crowd-pleasing dishes, specifically from their popular Wagyu Wednesdays and unique soda fountain made with cane sugar.
And if you don’t really care about the different flavor notes in their acai bowls, you’ll appreciate the casual and welcoming atmosphere – it has a laid-back vibe where you can enjoy shrimp tacos and sweet potato tots with cinnamon. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a good meal, you’ll find friendly service and options for various dietary needs like gluten and dairy-free choices.
Just be prepared to think outside the box if their soda machine happens to be out of order – they encourage trying sodas or water from nearby places, which adds to the relaxed, adaptable experience.
Chef’s Table
$$$ | (321) 255-5377 | WEBSITE
Chef’s Table is one of the most acclaimed seafood restaurants in Melbourne (and all of Florida). It provides an exceptional dining experience, and it’s where the chef’s table concept truly shines. These are good enough reasons to warrant a visit, but in case you need some more, they have a beautiful ambiance with low lighting, stone walls, and black tablecloths.
Also – this place features an open kitchen, in case you want to watch the culinary team at work while enjoying dishes like scallops with risotto or snapper with lobster risotto.
Crafty Crab
$$ | (321) 312-4288 | WEBSITE
Crafty Crab is a seafood lover’s paradise that serves up juicy oysters, onion rings, and an abundance of crab and other seafood options. So if you’re looking for a spot to indulge in flavorful seafood boils with medium spice that’s just right, this is where you should be. It’s a popular, often fully packed space with attentive waiters and a manager who ensures everything is to your liking, and it’s a good spot for a lively meal with a group of people you want to share some crab with.
Favorites include the snow crab, lobster tail, shrimp, and spicy ‘The Boom, Fire’ mix, and sides like red potatoes, corn, and Hush Puppies are also highly recommended. The aromas are tantalizing, and the first bite is always a delight, though some customers have found portions like the blue crabs too small, leaving disappointed after paying around $100 and feeling still hungry.
Despite some mixed experiences with inconsistent service, the food and customer service make Crafty Crab a place worth trying for seafood lovers.
Chart House
$$$ | (321) 729-6558 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’ve been dreaming of a special anniversary dinner with ocean views, or perhaps your family is visiting and you need a reliable spot with great service. Plan to dine at Chart House. It’s a spacious restaurant with large windows overlooking the ocean, fantastic ambiance, and stunning dolphin sightings while you eat. The food here is both consistently praised and occasionally inconsistent.
The Prime Rib is excellent, while the Bouillabaisse broth sometimes lacks strong seafood flavor and could use clams, but if you’re looking for a beautiful setting where you’ll feel welcomed for celebrations, this place is worth it. The staff is amazing, friendly, and professional—they even have personalized cards for special occasions. During happy hour, you get good value, and valet service is efficient with cars ready quickly.
It can get busy, so reservations are recommended, especially for those thoughtful touches that make you feel special.
Long Doggers
$ | (321) 751-4448 | WEBSITE
On any given afternoon, there will probably be families gathering at Long Doggers. This is a seafood spot on the Space Coast with beach-inspired vibes and outdoor seating everywhere. The indoor area is pretty clean, but there’s a patio section that has perfect lighting for enjoying your meal and/or sunshine.
Melbourne Seafood Station
$$ | (321) 327-3393 | WEBSITE
Melbourne Seafood Station is in an old gas station just off the main road, and it’s a no-frills space with simple tables, a straightforward counter, and paper towels stacked by the register. It’s about equal parts takeout spot and casual eatery, and while you don’t need to plan a fancy dinner here, there’s a bunch of food like the garlic bread soaked in seafood boil, fried shrimp baskets, and some pretty solid lobster bisque.
The next time you need to grab a quick bite with family, some friends, or someone who just wants messy, delicious seafood without breaking the bank, get a table inside or take your feast to go.
Mr. & Mrs. Crab – Melbourne
$$ | (321) 220-0838 | WEBSITE
Much like a hidden cove and the mall it calls home, Mr. & Mrs. Crab is mostly remarkable because of its freshness. It has a lovely seaside atmosphere inside with nautical decor, lots of tables, and some charming seashell accents, and it also has a separate entrance out front that’s about as convenient as finding a parking spot right by the door. So if you’re looking for a spot to feast with a big group on a budget, this is your best option in the area.
And if you get hungry, there’s a huge variety with crab legs, seafood boils, soups, and just about anything else you’d ever want to eat from the sea. We love the crab legs, and we also love having a seafood boil for two with that amazing house seasoning whenever we’re celebrating a regular visit.
