The Best Port Canaveral Restaurants: A Local Guide

Whether you’re visiting Port Canaveral in Florida for the day, before a cruise, or to watch a rocket launch, this bustling port is a popular tourist and local destination. As the busiest cruise port in the world, Port Canaveral has a range of restaurants and bars where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, locally crafted beers, ocean views and local Space Coast cuisine. Read on to discover what is on offer and the best restaurants to check out. 

Port Canaveral Restaurants on the Water

Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar

Grills has been a restaurant at Port Canaveral since 1997 and is likely one of the most well-known restaurants on this list. Customers visit for the fresh local seafood dishes, but you can find all sorts of Florida fare on the menu like burgers, ribs and chicken. One of their signature dishes is shark kabobs, but they’re only available at certain times. I always opt for one of their Mahi Mahi dishes as they’re all delicious.

Its waterfront location sits directly next to one of Royal Caribbeans cruise ship ports and fishing charter docks, so there is always something to see. The tiki bar on the outdoor deck has a lively atmosphere with live music. It can get busy, but worth waiting for a seat if you have the time. I highly recommend sitting on the outdoor deck or in the tiki bar for the best water views and ambience. 

Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill

Fishlips also has a beautiful waterfront location with scenic views from the covered outdoor patio and bar area. Visitors can choose to sit inside on the first floor or upstairs. I recommend sitting upstairs to make the most of the views and enjoy the live music at the weekend. 

The menu at Fishlips has a great range of fresh seafood and American options. From pasta, salads, sandwiches, soups, burgers and steaks, there is something for everyone to indulge in. They also have dedicated gluten free and vegetarian menus with multiple dishes available. I highly recommend trying out their tuna poke bowl and bacon wrapped shrimp! 

Tip: look out for the SpaceX rocket booster. It can often be seen on the barge across the water after returning from a recent rocket launch.  

Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar

Located right on the water, Rusty’s has a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy the cruise ships making their way in and out of port, watch dolphins and pelicans in the water and like Fishlips above, catch a glimpse of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. They also have daily live music on the outdoor deck, so check out their event schedule to see who is playing. 

With daily specials and popular items such as clam chowder and oysters, Rusty’s come in at a slightly more affordable price point compared to other restaurants at Port Canaveral.   

Seafood Atlantic

Seafood Atlantic is both a restaurant and local seafood market in Port Canaveral. They sell and serve locally caught fresh seafood alongside items from other suppliers. Grab a seat in their restaurant and enjoy waterfront views. If you’re staying locally, buy something from the market to cook at home. The staff will prepare any seafood for cooking, so you don’t have to. 

Port Canaveral Restaurants Lakeside

Exploration Tower Observation Deck Café

Exploration Tower offers a unique visitor experience. It’s an architectural landmark in the area that includes seven floors of exhibits, interactive displays and observation decks. The decks have incredible 360 views of Port Canaveral and the surrounding space center. It’s a great place to watch a rocket launch or check out the cruise ships. There is also a cafe inside with a simple menu featuring sandwiches, salads, and snacks. It’s an ideal spot for a quick bite or coffee break during a day out exploring.

IMPORTANT: Exploration Tower is currently closed as it is undergoing a maintenance project, so please check the status on their website for opening hours.  

Rising Tide Tap & Table

Rising Tide has a different vibe from the restaurants directly on the waterfront, less old Florida and more of a contemporary brewery style. It’s set back from the ocean but offers views of Exploration Tower from its large lakeside deck. The view is particularly stunning during sunset with their live music on the weekends.

They have a scratch kitchen, and some of their specialities include tacos, stone-baked pizzas and burgers. They also have over 60 craft beers on draft, featuring many local breweries, as well as handcrafted cocktails.

Best Cape Canaveral Restaurants

Located a few miles south of the Port is Cape Canaveral, which also has a tasty range of restaurants and bars to discover. Check out my recommendations below.

Southern Charm Cafe

Southern Charm Cafe is a favourite local spot for breakfast and lunch. As the name suggests, the restaurant serves Southern food with menu dishes like biscuits and gravy, shrimp n grits, eggs benedict and French toast. They don’t take reservations, and there will be a wait time on the weekend, but it’s worth it. If you’re a large group, call ahead and see if they can accommodate you. 

Carib Brewery USA & 321 Lime House

Carib Brewery USA & 321 Lime House is a local taproom and brewery in Cape Canaveral. They have daily happy hours, live entertainment, brewery tours and food trucks. It’s a perfect spot to try out a local beer, grab some free popcorn and enjoy the chill atmosphere. I enjoy their craft cider options for something different.

For a full list of bars in the area check out my Cocoa Beach Bars guide!

Preacher Bar

Preacher Bar in Cape Canaveral is a relaxed family-friendly restaurant and bar located in a strip mall. It has quirky decor with a unique menu, and items such as scotch eggs, chicken pot pie, and bacon mac and cheese get glowing reviews. They also serve a selection of local beers and craft cocktails.

Sage Bistro

Sage Bistro is where I recommend heading for a casual yet upscale dining experience in the area. They pride themselves on being a scratch kitchen and offer daily specials on the menu. It is a higher price point, but the food is delicious. Make reservations as the restaurant isn’t large and quickly fills up. We’ve been able to grab a seat at the bar if we’ve dropped in by on a whim.

Papa Vito’s Italian Restaurant

If you are in the mood for Italian food, check out Papa Vito’s Italian Restaurant. Making their dough and sauces fresh each day (closed on Mondays), you can grab a slice or a whole pizza pie and enjoy. The menu features garlic knots, pizza, salads, wings and subs with daily specials and happy hours too.

Best Cocoa Beach Restaurants

Cocoa Beach also offers multiple dining options. I’ve highlighted some of my favourite places in the area below.

Sunrise Diner

Sunrise Diner is a family-owned retro-style diner serving up wholesome breakfasts, lunch and dinner. I’ve only visited for breakfast and highly recommend their omelettes. The portions are large, and I could share my plate and be satisfied. There are unique Mediterranean and Greek-style dishes on the menu due to the heritage of the owners.

Tiny Turtle & The Fat Donkey

Tiny Turtle is one of my favourite options for a casual bite. Their food is a Caribbean fusion mix featuring quesadillas, Cuban sandwiches and burrito bowls. Afterwards, head next door to The Fat Donkey for an ice cream treat. Alternatively, check out Café Surfansita. With its surf-themed decor, this organic café is a perfect place to enjoy a healthy breakfast or lunch.

Coconuts on the Beach & Florida Fresh Grill

Coconuts on the Beach is a great choice if you want some beautiful ocean views, live music and a relaxed casual vibe. The menu offers Florida-style bar food such as seafood, sandwiches, salads and burgers. Florida Fresh Grill is another recommendation for an upscale seafood restaurant. It’s one restaurant I return to time and time again for their seafood plates. The swordfish with bacon jalapeno cream is the best. They offer a great happy hour bar menu from 4.30 pm – 6.00 pm, so check it out. The grouper bites are so tasty!

Check out this detailed guide to Cocoa Beach Restaurants!

Thanks so much for reading. I hope this guide helps you plan which restaurants to eat at in Port Canaveral, and along the Space Coast of Florida. Let me know in the comments if there are any other spots I should visit or add to this list. Alternatively, find me over on Instagram. 

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