10 Must-Try Hidden Restaurants In Port St. Lucie, Florida
Port St. Lucie might not shout from the rooftops about its food scene, but locals know the real treasures are tucked quietly into strip malls, side streets, and waterfront corners.
These hidden restaurants don’t rely on hype to draw a crowd. Instead, they serve unforgettable meals with a side of local charm.
Whether you’re into fresh seafood, comforting classics, or international bites, this Florida town has surprises waiting where you’d least expect to find them.
1. Two Fat Guys From Brooklyn
Mama mia, the sandwiches here! Transported straight from New York’s finest delis, this unassuming shop serves up mountains of meats between freshly baked bread.
The owners—yes, actually from Brooklyn—recreate authentic Italian subs that would make any New Yorker homesick.
Their signature Godfather sandwich stacks five different Italian meats with provolone and house dressing.
Tucked away in a strip mall, you might drive past without noticing, but your stomach will never forgive you if you do.
2. Port Barna
Spanish flavors explode in this family-owned tapas haven where Barcelona meets Florida’s east coast.
Chef Miguel crafts small plates that pack enormous flavor punches—the garlic shrimp will haunt your dreams for weeks.
Weekends bring live flamenco music that transforms dinner into a cultural experience. The sangria flows freely while patrons share plates of patatas bravas and chorizo in wine sauce.
Hidden behind a nondescript façade, this culinary gem requires reservations at least a week in advance.
3. Skippers Cove Bar & Grill
Waterfront dining without the tourist markup? Absolutely! Skippers sits along a quiet marina where fishing boats dock with the day’s catch—which often lands directly on your plate hours later.
Sunsets here are legendary, matched only by their blackened mahi-mahi sandwich. The outdoor deck offers cool breezes and occasional dolphin sightings while you sip their famous rum runners.
Regulars know to arrive early on Fridays for the all-you-can-eat fish fry that sells out faster than you can say “tartar sauce.”
4. Fernando’s Dockside Grille
Portuguese seafood magic happens daily in this unassuming converted house. Fernando, a Lisbon native, creates seafood masterpieces using family recipes passed down through generations.
The bacalhau (salt cod) dishes transport diners straight to the Iberian Peninsula. Regulars whisper about the off-menu seafood rice that requires 24-hour notice but delivers a flavor explosion worth planning ahead for.
The modest exterior belies the white tablecloth experience inside—a true hidden treasure for special occasions.
5. Boulevard Diner
Time travel isn’t just science fiction—it’s breakfast at Boulevard Diner! This 1950s-style chrome-and-vinyl throwback serves up plates piled high with comfort food that would make your grandmother proud.
Regulars swear by the country fried steak smothered in gravy that covers the entire plate. The waitresses know most customers by name and remember their usual orders without asking.
Pro tip: Their homemade pies sell out early, so save room and order dessert when you first sit down.
6. Taco Dive (Tradition)
Forget everything you think you know about tacos! This hole-in-the-wall joint serves up flavor combinations that will make your taste buds do backflips.
Their Korean BBQ taco with kimchi slaw has developed a cult following among locals. The restaurant’s funky surf-themed decor and craft beer selection create the perfect casual vibe for serious eating.
Wednesdays bring $2 taco specials that attract lines out the door—worth every minute of the wait.
7. 3 Natives
Health food that actually tastes amazing? Believe it! This local gem crafts acai bowls so beautiful they’ll make your Instagram followers weep with envy.
Fresh ingredients shine in their wraps and smoothies, with the tuna poke bowl standing out as a local favorite. The bright, airy space feels like a beach shack that got a modern makeover.
Fitness enthusiasts flock here post-workout, but even dedicated junk food lovers convert after one bite of their avocado toast topped with locally sourced microgreens.
8. Poppi’s Market Cafe
Grandma’s kitchen meets gourmet bistro at this charming cafe where everything’s made from scratch.
The daily quiche specials feature seasonal ingredients often harvested from their own garden plot behind the restaurant.
The chicken salad contains a secret ingredient that’s sparked years of friendly debate among regulars trying to crack the code. Mismatched vintage china and mason jar glasses add to the homey atmosphere.
Don’t miss their famous lavender lemonade—it’s refreshingly different and perfectly complements their signature tomato pie.
9. Berry Fresh Cafe
Tucked away in a modest shopping plaza, Berry Fresh Cafe serves up breakfast magic that’ll make you forget about hitting the snooze button.
Their blueberry stuffed french toast practically floats off the plate with its cloud-like texture and sweet berry goodness.
The cafe sources ingredients from local farms, creating seasonal specials that showcase Florida’s bounty. Their outdoor patio offers a cheerful spot for morning coffee enthusiasts.
Fun fact: The owner started with just three breakfast recipes from his grandmother and has expanded to over fifty unique morning creations that keep locals lining up every weekend.
10. Coffee Grind
What happens when a former rock musician decides to open a coffee shop? The Coffee Grind – Port St. Lucie’s most eccentric caffeine laboratory where experimental brews meet vinyl records.
Beyond their show-stopping espresso concoctions, the shop harbors a little-known secret: an underground sandwich menu that changes weekly.
Only regulars know to ask for the “Backstage Pass” menu featuring creations like the “Drum Solo” – a spicy turkey masterpiece.
The walls showcase local art while mismatched vintage furniture creates a living-room vibe that encourages lingering conversations and impromptu poetry readings on Thursday nights.