When dining out, it’s easy to succumb to the big-name chains that dazzle us with their ever-changing deals and flashy advertisements. Not everyone realizes just how many locally owned gems are hiding right under our noses.
Antonia & Vittoria Italian Tavern
Whether you’re craving a hot lunch or stocking up on hors d’oeuvres for an antipasto platter, this mom-and-pop shop on Wickham will be sure to please. They offer cheeses, wines, pastas and more imported straight from Italy. They also offer Italian favorites like lasagna, paninis and cannoli made in-house every day.
586 Florida A1A, Satellite Beach, FL 32937
Visit Antonia & Vittoria Italian Tavern
Oh Biscuit
Does a trailer count as a hole in the wall? Creamy grits, cinnamon rolls dripping with piping hot frosting, and, of course, fresh-baked biscuits appear on the menu of this cheerful indoor-outdoor comfort food spot off Eau Gallie.
846 W Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935
Bacco’s
Cozy and classy, Bacco’s is just right for date night. The owners are a wife and husband team- Raffaella crafts authentic Italian dishes and Loris curates the wine and ambiance. This Italian gem is nestled next to Publix in the Post Road shopping plaza.
4100 N Wickham Rd #108, Melbourne, FL 32935
Mucho Mahalo
Tucked in between a Shell station and a barber shop, no one would expect Mucho Mahalo to serve up the ideal beach day burrito bowl. One step inside transports you from the streets of Wickham to a tropical beach hideaway. Fuel up for a day in the sun with their decked-out burritos, tacos and nachos.
3676 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935
Indian River Coffee Co
The friendly, knowledgeable staff at Indian River Coffee roasts their wide selection of beans in-house. Although you can have coffee beans delivered to your house or purchase their full menu from the drive through, it’s worth it to step inside just to breathe in the earthy aromas of freshly-roasted coffee.
2112 Sarno Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935
Paisley Vegan Kitchen
What’s so great about this unassuming yet elegant Cocoa Village cafe is that the point is not vegan food – the point is good food. Paisley offers a menu of comfort food from lasagna to barbecue sliders, all fully delicious and plant-based.
630 Brevard Ave A, Cocoa, FL 32922
Beachside Creamery
Stop by this Melbourne Beach shack on a hot day to cool off with succulent soft serve. Although you can’t go wrong with chocolate-dipped vanilla soft serve or a “Brr-icane” candy-infused milkshake, Beachside Creamery also offers limited-time special soft serve flavors such as peanut butter or mango.
2990 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Heather Motro
In addition to writing and serving as Assistant Managing Editor for Space Coast Magazines, Heather Motro writes the sustainability blog The Blergh, manages social media for the Marine Resources Council and was co-Editor-in-Chief of Holy Trinity High School’s award-winning yearbook, The Tigrium. She is a member of Clemson University Honors College Class of ’24 (go Tigers!).
