Michelle SpitzerFlorida Today
Looking for some new food to try this summer?
There’s a handful of new restaurants that opened recently on the Space Coast. From bakeries to waterfront dining, Asian to Italian, there’s plenty to pick to satisfy your palate.
Here’s the dish on seven of Brevard County’s newest restaurants. Which ones will you be trying?
Brevardian Riverfront
2459 Pineapple Ave., Melbourne
321-600-4030
Situated right on the Indian River Lagoon, this new establishment provides beautiful views while dining. Located one mile north of Eau Gallie Causeway, Brevardian Riverfront is described as “upscale casual dining,” that serves “classic Florida cuisine.” Diners can enjoy dishes like fried gator, oysters, conch fritters and more. It’s open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Reservations are recommended. Brevard foodies may recognize executive chef and co-owner, Patricia Rieger. Her previous restaurant was Cypress Table in Cocoa Village, where she earned a reputation for her creative, flavorful dishes.
Dumpling King
3826 Murrell Road, Rockledge
321-338-7278
This growing chain opened its third Florida location in Rockledge. It’s known for its Northern China cuisine, including handmade dumplings and Shanghai Style steamed soup. According to its website, all chefs are trained in the art of Northern Chinese dumpling making, which includes perfectly folded edges. Dumplings are fried, boiled or steamed. The restaurant also serves scallion pancakes, fried wings, fried rice and wide variety of bubble tea.
The Italian Fisherman
5890-A U. S. 1, Grant Valkaria
321-895-6283
Theitalianfishermangrantfl.com
The Italian Fisherman is described as a “complete dining experience,” with live music, table side magic and of course food, lots of it. What’s unique about this restaurant is that there’s no menu. Owner David Muranoand his crew curate a meal that serve a minimum of 12 different dishes, as well as beer and wine. They do their best to accommodate those with dietary restricts, whether that be pescatarian, vegetarian or gluten-free. He does admit his establishment may not be the best place for those who are vegan or allergic to garlic. He also advised those who don’t want to have a good time to stay away. “If you are into white tablecloth quiet or you're just a person that doesn't have fun, maybe you sit there with a puss on your face, this place is not for you,” Murano said. There are two seatings Wednesdays through Saturday, 4:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Availability may vary through the summer. Reservations are needed for all seatings.
NOMAD'S Canteen
617 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne
321-600-4353
This two-story restaurant with a patio rooftop is located in the heart of the Eau Gallie district. Employees warn “The good things in life take time – at NOMAD’S it may take a little longer.” There is no fryer at the restaurant, as well as no cans, no grease and no preservatives. Menu items are prepared on an open grill with fresh, available ingredients. Dishes range from ceviche to poke bowls to tacos and lots more. Allow extra time to explore the restaurant and its funky, eclectic décor. The bar is inside of an old Airstream and local artist Derek Gores created murals that decorate the restaurant.
Wake and Bake Bread Company
74 S Orlando Ave., Cocoa Beach
321-429-8404
Be prepared for a heavenly, fresh-baked bread smell when you walk in. This locally owned bakery prides itself on meticulously executing to ensure the highest quality bread. Its motto is “The people who give you their food, give you their heart.” Owner Kristie Stock is so dedicated to her craft, she offers pickup at her home if diners can’t make it to the Cocoa Beach establishment during business hours. There are a variety of sourdough breads available, including chocolate, blueberry and garlic and herb. There’s a double cheddar rustic round loaf, a caramelized onion rustic round, a sundried tomato and mozzarella rustic round. You also can get scones, babka, Bundt cakes and plenty more.
Willow's Gluten-free Bakery
1609 N. Wickham Road, Unit C, Melbourne
321-334-9924
Willow’s Gluten-Free Bakery opened late last year after Owner Sarah Muro spent the last two decades experimenting and baking gluten-free treats for her five children. The small bakery packs its cases each morning with offerings like breads, cookies, breakfast pastries, cheesecakes, cupcakes, custom special occasion cakes. They recently started having hot options like pretzels, pizza and donuts. The Signature Classic Cinnamon Roll is the bakery’s big hit. Every six weeks there are new cinnamon roll flavors to try, including peach cobbler, triple chocolate cookies and cream and maple-glazed bacon. Each day the Classic Cinnamon Roll is usually gone by noon. The bakery occasionally offers special group events, such as cookie decorating classes and tea parties.
Wonder Waffle
2263 W. New Haven Ave., West Melbourne
321-408-1915
This Swiss-inspired chain restaurant is slowly expanding the United States and recently opened its first Brevard location. The restaurant is known for classic, sweet waffles that include powdered sugar as well as savory waffles that can include items like cheese and bacon. This isn’t your typical breakfast-type waffle joint. In fact, it doesn’t open until 11 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday (it's closed Wednesdays) doors don’t open until 4 p.m. This is more of a dessert place as it’s open until 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. depending on the day. If waffles aren’t your thing, they also offer over-the-top milkshakes and gelato topped with a variety of candies.
