Downtown Cellars Restaurant Review – Fort Pierce, FL

Located at 121 Melody Square in Downtown Fort Pierce, Downtown Cellars brings a fresh culinary and wine-focused experience to the waterfront. This stylish eatery, which opened on June 1, 2024, now occupies the former home of 121 Tapas on the Water. With its prime corner location and an inviting outdoor patio overlooking the Indian River Lagoon, it offers the perfect setting for a relaxed yet refined dining experience. Owners Trina Angelone and Chef Kenneth Gibson have created a space that balances casual comfort with an upscale touch, serving thoughtfully crafted dishes alongside an exceptional wine selection.

Everything served is made in-house from scratch, with a commitment to farm-and sea-to-table dining. The kitchen operates without deep fryers or frozen ingredients, relying instead on daily deliveries from local fishermen and farms to create thoughtfully curated dishes. Bread is delivered fresh from a local provider, while just-picked microgreens and the day’s freshest catches ensure each plate is both seasonal and full of flavor. Alongside the food, the restaurant boasts an impressive wine selection, featuring a carefully curated mix of domestic and international bottles, with many available by the glass. Whether stopping in for a small plate, a curated charcuterie board, or one of their savory chef specials, guests will find that the standout experience here isn’t just the food—it’s the seamless pairing of exceptional cuisine with an expertly chosen wine list.

Now let’s dive right in to see what this place has to offer, and what I had to eat!

I kicked off my meal with their signature Crab Cake Feast, and they certainly lived up to the hype. Made with jumbo lump crab and just a touch of filler—only 5% to hold them together—they were nothing short of exceptional. Perfectly tender and packed with fresh, sweet crab flavor, each bite was elevated by a zesty rémoulade that delivered just the right amount of heat. A fantastic way to start the meal!

Next, I decided to try the Tuna Sandwich, admittedly wondering how special a tuna sandwich could really be. Chef Ken quickly proved me wrong. Made entirely from scratch with fresh, never-canned tuna, the difference was undeniable. The natural richness of the tuna stood out, complemented by crisp, vibrant veggies and high-quality bread from a local baker that tied everything together. Simple yet elevated, this sandwich was a standout in its own right.

Up next, I went for the Shrimp Scampi, and it did not disappoint. A generous portion of jumbo shrimp, paired with locally made fresh pasta, made this dish shine. The shrimp were perfectly cooked—tender and juicy—while the pasta had that ideal al dente bite. If I had one minor critique, it would be that the sauce could have used a bit more garlic punch, but even so, the dish was wonderfully balanced and full of flavor. A solid take on a classic favorite!

For my final dish of the night, I went with the Filet Tenderloin. I’ll admit, I usually lean toward fattier cuts like a ribeye, but this filet turned out to be one of the best I’ve had in quite some time. Hand-cut in-house by Chef Ken, the steak was cooked to a flawless medium-rare, revealing a perfectly warm, rosy center. The bacon wrap added a subtle smokiness that complemented the filet’s natural tenderness. As for the mashed potatoes? They were just as impressive—rustic with hearty chunks of potato and a rich, buttery creaminess that made them the perfect side. An exceptional way to round out the meal!

DOWNTOWN CELLARS
Address: 121 Melody Ln, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Phone: (772) 828-3408
https://downtowncellars.com/

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