5 Best Restaurants in Palm Bay, Florida to Try

Stretched along the Space Coast, Palm Bay is easygoing, quietly diverse, and full of understated local flavor.

Here, Caribbean kitchens meet classic seafood shacks, pizzerias, and the best “mom and pop” breakfast stops you’ll find in Florida.

1. The Shack Riverfront Restaurant & Bar

Locals and weekends bring a packed deck on the Indian River, salty breezes, and a parade of plump fried shrimp, fish tacos, conch fritters, and Key lime pie.

Sunburned boaters, dinner-dressed retirees, and groups of laughing families all crowd the best tables at sunset.

Signature: blackened mahi sandwich, a pint of craft Florida beer, and a serenade of seagulls.

2. El Ambia Cubano

This colorful Cuban house turns out pressed sandwiches, camaron enchilado (shrimp stew), slow-cooked ropa vieja, and mountain-sized croquetas.

Latin music drifts from the speakers, domino games in the back, and trays of café Cubano are endlessly poured.

The clientele is a blend of old-timers, transplants from Miami, and first-timers—all greeted like visiting family.

3. El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant

Palm Bay’s answer to authentic, big-portion Tex-Mex—and hands-down the city’s taco king, with handmade tortillas, saucy enchiladas, and carnitas that taste like a family celebration.

The house margaritas pack a zing, and the Sunday crowd is a swirl of Spanish, English, laughter, and stories over the salsa bar.

4. Yellow Dog Café

A lush, river-facing gem that trades in Southern comfort and creative fare. Crab cakes, duck with cherry compote, and Kobe beef burgers share the menu with classics like blackened catfish and decadent desserts.

The patio is a favorite for special occasions, including birthdays and proposals under Florida’s pink sunsets.

5. Goodrich Seafood & Oyster House

Part fish camp, part throwback diner, Goodrich plates up hush puppies, fried oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, and grilled grouper at picnic tables with a river view.

Cold beer, local music, and fried catfish baskets mean the line runs out the door on Friday.

Staff may offer local fishing tips—or save you an extra slice of pie at the end of the night.