Counter Culture Beachside Vero Beach | Restaurant Review
Counter Culture Beachside Restaurant Review —Step inside Counter Culture Beachside, and you’ll find a close-knit team of chefs creating bold, globally inspired dishes with local heart. Owners Chef Anthony and Chef Lisa Damiano bring over five decades of culinary expertise to their Vero Beach restaurant. Trained in France, they’ve worked at Mar-a-Lago, cooked alongside Jacques Pépin at The Russian Tea Room, served as presenting chefs at the James Beard House, and earned national recognition in Bon Appétit and Gourmet magazines. Together, they’ve opened more than sixteen restaurants and even appeared on the Food Network’s Ready Set Cook.
Yet, it’s their commitment to community and inclusivity that truly sets them apart. The Damianos teach cooking classes, mentor young chefs, support local farmers who supply their produce, and sponsor local nonprofits. At Counter Culture Beachside, it’s all about choices—whether you prefer gluten-free, dairy-free, or plant-based dishes, or crave something rich with meat and cheese. Every guest is free to eat the way they love, without compromise.
Location and Atmosphere
Step into Counter Culture, and you’re immediately greeted by the aroma of fresh garlic and the lively buzz of friends catching up over colorful, well-balanced meals. Now at their new location at 3225 Cardinal Dr in Vero Beach, just steps from the beach and 1 block west of Ocean Drive, Chef Anthony and Lisa continue to serve up their signature plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free dishes with a personal touch. The menu is all about choices—from gluten-free pizza crusts and house-made cashew ricotta to beloved classics like the Margherita pizza, topped with mozzarella, a fluffy gluten crust, and a rich tomato sauce.
Though the space is smaller than their previous location, it feels far more intimate and authentic. As Chef Anthony and Lisa have gotten older, they’ve envisioned a restaurant that’s more casual, personal, and true to who they are. With just one air fryer, one oven, a few induction cooktops, their cozy kitchen captures exactly what they hoped to create in this new location.
Half Chicken Salad Sandwich & Half Tuscan White Bean Soup
New to Counter Culture’s menu is a simple yet satisfying option: choose two of soup, salad, or sandwich. I went for a classic, the chicken salad sandwich, which was bursting with flavor, perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness, a little crunch, and a savory finish. But the Tuscan soup truly stole the show. It was hearty yet light, with a rich, flavorful broth and creamy beans. You can mix and match, but if you go, do yourself a favor and get the Tuscan soup.
Pollo Damiano
This sandwich was stuffed with chicken, arugula, red peppers, tomatoes, burrata, basil pesto, all on a ciabatta roll. The burrata was creamy, and each bite was full of freshness. Prefer a plant-based version? You have the option to get gluten-free bread and dairy-free, homemade cashew mozzarella, and plant-based chicken.
Yogi Bowl with Shrimp
This power bowl is packed with nutritious ingredients like ancient grains, sautéed kale, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, zesty peanut sauce, and flavorful, garlicky shrimp. You can choose your own protein, but the shrimp did not disappoint. Seasoned with the trending spice Tajín, it had incredible depth of flavor. For someone whose first choice on the menu usually isn’t shrimp, this dish was a pleasant surprise.
Go Mexicana!
One of the most unique and delicious dishes on the menu was the flatbread topped with herb-infused hummus, avocado, elote corn, sweet onion, black beans, and Pico de Gallo. Think of it as a taco bowl in pizza form: zesty, fresh, and just a little sweet. But the crust was the real star. We ordered the gluten-free version (you can also get regular crust), and it was thin and crunchy like a tortilla chip, yet soft and chewy like any good pizza crust.
Why Counter Culture Beachside is Worth a Visit
Overall, Counter Culture Beachside is the kind of place where you can enjoy a meal that feels uniquely yours—personalized and delicious every time you visit. From the moment you walk through the door, it’s clear that Chef Anthony and Chef Lisa pour genuine care into every dish they create. Their passion goes beyond the plate, as they share their knowledge and philosophy with the next generation of chefs. It’s a reminder that food should always be personal, fresh, and enjoyable—because life is too short to eat any other way.
Know Before You Go
Cuisine: Plant-Based, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, American, Pizza, Bowls & Sandwiches
Best For: Lunch, Healthy Eating, Casual Dates, Small Groups
Atmosphere: Bright, intimate, and welcoming — just steps from the beach. The new location offers a cozy, open-concept kitchen where guests can watch the chefs at work, creating a dining experience that feels both personal and relaxed. It’s the perfect spot to grab a nourishing meal after the beach or unwind with friends over fresh, flavorful dishes.
Address: 3225 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: (772) 321-3315
Website: https://www.counterculturevero.com
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