Food is a very important component of culture because it helps bring people together from all walks of life and connect on a more intimate level with their family and friends. Comfort foods, for example, frequently show who we are and where we come from because they are deeply rooted in tradition, and they help nourish, not only our bodies, but our souls as well. Sharing meals, exchanging recipes, and sharing food photographs are all wonderful ways that food brings people together.
Now let’s dive right in and check out what these culturally diverse restaurants have to offer and what I had to eat!
Crab Stop of Vero Beach
Owners Ellis & Brandy Buckner opened this place over 6 years ago and business has been booming ever since. Their menu features king crab, snow crab, peel & eat shrimp, scallops, crawfish, fried shrimp, garlic red potatoes, sliced sausage, garlic eggs, all dusted with their secret spice blend, and then lots of garlic butter ladled over the top. When they bring your order to the table, the aroma of the garlic butter is intoxicating! Be sure to wear your “crab eat’n” clothes, this is a full contact sport and it’s gonna get messy!
Crab Stop of Vero Beach
Address: 89 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 257-5221
https://crabstoptc.com/
Mo-Bay Grill – Sebastian, FL
Owner and Executive Chef Wesley Campbell has created a very diverse menu with an influence on Caribbean and Jamaican flavors. He uses only the freshest spices to create the perfect balance of sweet and spicy in his dishes. His menu also features international cuisine so there is something on the menu for just about everyone. The atmosphere is very laid-back with an island vibe and murals on the wall of life in Jamaica and the Caribbean. You can find Chef Wesley in the dining room nightly greeting his customers, making sure they have an exceptional dining experience.
Mo-Bay Grill
Address: 1401 Indian River Dr, Sebastian, FL 32958
Phone: (772) 589-4223
https://mobaygrill.com/
Phatz Chicken Shack – Vero Beach, FL
Phatz Chicken Shack originally started in Fort Pierce, FL. After much success at that location, co-owner Tessa Adams decided to expand to Vero Beach with a second location in the fall of 2017. Their first location was originally at 43rd and 60th, but they quickly outgrew that location and moved into the old Hurricanes location right off US Hwy 1. I’ve had the pleasure of dining here a few times and I’m a big fan of their burgers and wings. In fact, their classic Chubby Burger made it to my list of the Best Burgers on the Treasure Coast! With a menu that includes chicken & waffles, fried shrimp, chicken wings, burgers (greedy style), hot dogs, milk shakes, dirty rice, and French fries, they definitely have something for everyone!
Phatz Chick n Shack
Address: 1555 US-1 #104, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 925-0336
https://phateatz.com/
Zafè’m Caribbean Restaurant – Vero Beach, FL
Vero’s newest Caribbean / Haitian-inspired restaurant just opened about 7 months ago and is located off of US Hwy 1 on 45th Street, just north of the Cumberland Farms. The name is pronounced “Zaff emm” which means mine, or MY Caribbean restaurant. The owners, recently moved to the area from Tampa to be closer to family who live in Port St Lucie. During my visit, I got a chance to try several different items from their menu, which were all quite delicious! I especially loved the fried red snapper and the Haitian coleslaw! It’s made like a traditional coleslaw, but they do add sliced-up habanero peppers for a spicy kick!
Zafè’m Caribbean Restaurant
Address: 2190 45th St #105, Vero Beach, FL 32967
Phone: (772) 584-3886
https://zafem-caribbean-restaurant.business.site/
Mo-Bay Grill had the very best parmesen haddock.