Dock and Dine: Cocoa Beach, Florida Restaurants to Visit by Boat

Jonathan Timianko

Jan 14, 2022 — 2 min read

Today’s installment of dock and dine takes us to Cocoa Beach, home to natural attractions, relaxing stretches of sand, scenic waterfront restaurants and unique boat docks for rent. The Space Coast destination, located between New Smyrna Beach and Vero Beach, is a boater’s paradise along the Banana River, Indian River and Atlantic Ocean. With all that water, it just makes sense to jump in the boat and grab a bite. Let’s get going!

The Island Waterfront Bar and Grill

Photo: The Island Waterfront Bar & Grill (Facebook)

Located just off the Cocoa Beach Causeway - on the west side on the Banana River as you’re leaving Merritt Island and cruising over to Cocoa Beach – the Island Waterfront Bar & Grill has a covered waterfront deck for outdoor dining and sunset viewing. Pull up by the docks and enjoy live bands, fresh seafood and tropical cocktails before heading back to a private boat slip for rent.

Sunset Café Waterfront Bar and Grill

Photo: Sunset Café Waterfront Bar & Grill (Facebook)

Sunset Café Waterfront Bar & Grill is just across the river from The Island on the east side. There’s daily live music, happy hour from 4 to 7 and indoor and outdoor seating along the Banana River. Sit by the docks and watch the sunset as well as dolphins and manatees. The menu features chicken sandwiches, prime rib, burgers, mahi, grouper, shrimp alfredo and key lime pie. There’s also a cool kids’ menu for the little ones.

Island Time Marina & Restaurant

Island Time Marina & Restaurant, located by the causeway, features a wide selection of wings, tacos, soups, and pasta as well as fish and chips, hand-cut NY strip and tuna bowls. Enjoy live music with waterfront boat views. Tie up at one of several available slips along the sea wall of the back parking lot.

Old Florida Grill & Oyster House

Photo: Old Florida Grill & Oyster House (Facebook)

If you’re craving Apalachicola oysters, motor out from the private boat lift for rent and check out the Old Florida Grill & Oyster House. Sit inside, at the 50-foot-long bar on the outdoor deck or at the waterfront tiki bar where you can enjoy excellent views of the Indian River Lagoon. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu features burgers, wings, sandwiches, farm-raised tilapia, fresh seafood, a raw bar and specialty bloody Marys. Live bands perform at the tiki bar on weekends.

Whether you’re staying at a private boat dock rental, trailering your boat or just passing through, we hope you’ve found a few new restaurants to try. Happy boating (and eating)!

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