Riverside Cafe Restaurant Review – Vero Beach, FL
Riverside Cafe Restaurant Review – Vero Beach, FL. If you are a local, you’ve probably heard of Riverside Cafe, but did you know a new chef recently joined the team? Chef Jared Case, a longtime friend of the owners, David and Ellen, has been the new talented chef for the past few months. From serving as an executive chef in Chicago to opening five restaurants in and around St. Louis, he has now made his way to Vero Beach to share his passion for food. Working alongside the culinary team, Chef Case is enhancing the dining experience by adding his own thoughtful touches to the well-known menu. During our visit, we noticed improvements across several dishes, making it a great time to come back and experience them for yourself.
Location and Atmosphere
Located right on the Indian River near the Barber Bridge, the Riverside Cafe truly lives up to its name, offering a charming and peaceful waterfront setting. With both indoor and outdoor seating available, it’s an ideal spot to relax, take in the views, and enjoy a flavorful meal along the water. For those looking for nightlife, the cafe takes on a whole different vibe later in the evening, offering a fun crowd and live entertainment.
Tuna Nachos
If you’ve been here before, you probably know this unique appetizer, the Tuna Nachos. The dish starts with a base of crispy wontons, topped with seaweed salad and a generous portion of fresh raw tuna, then finished with a drizzle of wasabi aioli. The combination creates a great mix of flavors and textures. It was my first time trying it, and I can honestly say I loved it!
Calamari
The Calamari is made with both rings and tentacles, lightly battered and fried to a perfect golden crisp, then served with a rich, flavorful marinara sauce that’s been updated by Chef Case. This was easily some of the most tender calamari I’ve ever had—crispy on the outside, perfectly tender on the inside.
Classic Reuben
The Classic Reuben is another standout dish. One of the noticeable changes introduced by the new chef is the homemade corned beef, slow cooked for hours and served on toasted rye bread with sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing, using his mom’s recipe. It’s the kind of sandwich you order when you’re craving something familiar, comforting, and filling—and it delivers exactly that.
French Dip
The French Dip sandwich is a classic done right. Thinly sliced rare roast beef is piled high on a fresh French roll and served with au jus for dipping, along with a side of clam chowder. The meat was perfectly tender, the roll was super fresh, and the au jus had a rich, beefy flavor that really took this sandwich over the top.
Pan Seared Snapper
They’re known for their fresh seafood, so I went with the Pan Seared Snapper. It starts with a base of their house rice, recently updated by Chef Case, topped with a sautéed vegetable medley, then finished with the snapper filet and crab meat. The fish was fresh, light, and flaky, and everything on the plate worked well together. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you are craving seafood.
Key Lime Pie & Crème Brulée
To end the meal on a sweet note, there are several dessert options to choose from. If you enjoy the bright, tangy flavor of lime, the Key Lime Pie is a great choice—it was extra creamy with just the right amount of that classic key lime flavor that makes it so good. The Crème Brûlée was my favorite and really hit the mark, with a creamy custard base and a perfectly caramelized sugar topping.
Why Riverside Cafe is worth a visit?
Between the riverside setting, relaxed atmosphere, and quality of the food, this was a great first visit. The menu blends familiar favorites with thoughtful updates from Chef Jared Case, resulting in comforting, flavorful dishes served in generous portions. Add in the waterfront views and welcoming vibe, and it’s easy to see why this spot has such a loyal following. I’m already looking forward to coming back to try more of the menu!
Know Before You Go
Cuisine: Seafood, entrées, sandwiches, salads, and soups
Best For: Lunch, dinner, brunch, happy hour, families, sports, and live music
Atmosphere: Casual and family-friendly with indoor and outdoor seating
Location: Located along the river near the Merrill P. Barber Bridge
Address: 3341 Bridge Plaza Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: (772) 234-5550
Website: https://www.riversidecafe.com/
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