Smells Like Fish Food Truck Review – Vero Beach, FL
Smells Like Fish Food Truck Review—Vero Beach, FL – has been more than 15 years in the making for Erik and Amanda Swanson. The concept was born long before the truck ever hit the streets, but timing and life circumstances delayed the launch. After moving to Vero Beach to be closer to family, the right opportunity finally came along — and they jumped in with both feet. Like most new food truck owners, they navigated permits, logistics, and the daily learning curve of running a mobile kitchen, leaning on each other and the support of the local community to build momentum.
Today, it’s a true family operation. Their son, currently finishing culinary school, contributes his training and creativity, while their daughter also helps on the truck when needed. The Swansons are committed to serving fresh, thoughtfully prepared seafood while keeping prices reasonable — especially for a seafood-focused menu. Backed by strong support from local churches, schools, and loyal repeat guests, Smells Like Fish isn’t just a food truck — it’s a family dream finally brought to life and shared with the Vero Beach community.
Location & Atmosphere
Guests will also appreciate the setup around the truck, with a shaded tent and picnic table that make it easy to sit down, relax, and enjoy your meal on site, or you can take it to go. The truck itself is hard to miss, wrapped in colorful, eye-catching graphics that reflect the fun, coastal vibe of the brand and instantly draw attention wherever it’s parked. Their home base is in Vero Beach, but since they’re mobile, the best way to find out exactly where they’ll be serving next is by following their Instagram page for updated locations and event details.
Blackened Shrimp Tacos
We kicked things off with the Blackened Shrimp Tacos, served on soft flour tortillas and loaded with homemade coleslaw, pickled onions, and their signature sauce. The shrimp were cooked perfectly, with just the right amount of heat from the blackened seasoning. The tanginess of the pickled onions added a bright pop of flavor, while the slightly sweet signature sauce brought everything together in a balanced, crave-worthy bite.
Crispy Fish Sandwich
The Crispy Fish Sandwich features flounder that’s battered and fried until golden brown and perfectly crisp, then placed on a grilled bun and topped with housemade coleslaw, pickled onions, and their signature sauce. The fish delivered that ideal crispy texture without feeling heavy, the bun was fresh and lightly toasted, and the coleslaw added an extra layer of crunch that made each bite satisfying from start to finish.
Hawaiian Shrimp Bowl
The Hawaiian Shrimp Bowl is served over a bed of lettuce and topped with sliced cucumber, sweet pineapple chunks, pickled onions, and a generous portion of fried coconut shrimp, all finished with their signature sauce. It’s easily one of the best values on the menu — a hearty, well-balanced meal that delivers bold flavor and will leave you full and satisfied.
Truffle Lobster Roll
The Truffle Lobster Roll offers a unique twist on a New England classic. I’ve had plenty of lobster rolls over the years, but never one finished with truffle oil. The lobster portion here was generous, piled onto a lightly grilled bun that was sturdy enough to hold everything together without overpowering the star of the show. The subtle drizzle of truffle oil added an earthy depth that made for an interesting and elevated take on a traditional favorite.
Why Smells Like Fish Food Truck is Worth a Visit
Smells Like Fish Food Truck stands out because it delivers fresh, thoughtfully prepared seafood in a casual, approachable setting without the typical seafood price tag. The flavors are bold but balanced, the portions are generous, and there’s a genuine family story behind every order. Add in the community support they’ve built in Vero Beach, and you’ve got more than just a food truck — you’ve got a local success story serving quality seafood with heart.
Know Before You Go
Cuisine: Fresh seafood, lobster rolls, fish tacos, shrimp bowls, and coastal favorites
Best For: Casual lunches, quick bites, outdoor dining, and seafood lovers
Atmosphere: Laid-back food truck setting with shaded seating and picnic tables
Location: Follow them on Instagram each week to see where the truck will be parked
Address: 785 8th Ct Unit 6, Vero Beach, FL 32962
Phone: (772) 999-8687
Website: https://smellslikefishtruck.com/
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