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Downtown Stuart, FL Restaurants: Great Places to Eat During Your Visit

By February 7, 2025No Comments

There are a variety of things that make Stuart, Florida a fantastic vacation destination. The city has a number of cultural and historic attractions, several nearby beaches, and excellent fishing opportunities. But there are also a number of great downtown Stuart, Florida restaurants to check out during your stay.

We’ll share some of the best places to eat in the area below, so that you can make the most of your vacation! 

The 11 Best Downtown Stuart FL Restaurants

A few local restaurants accommodate private parties or host special events.

Whether you’re looking for downtown Stuart waterfront restaurants, a classic steakhouse, or a great Italian restaurant, downtown Stuart, Florida surely has something to satisfy your appetite! Here are some of our favorite local restaurants, along with the contact information you’ll need to make reservations. 

1. Stuart Boathouse

Given that Stuart is the "Sailfish Capital of the World," it isn't surprising that Boathouse offers great seafood.

An upscale yet affordable restaurant situated right on the water, Stuart Boathouse offers a variety of different cuisines. They offer a variety of delicious appetizers (be sure to start with the truffle oil edamame) and an entire line of signature sushi options, as well as tacos and seafood. However, the a la carte “butcher’s block” entrees, including bison filets, rack of lamb, and tomahawk ribeyes, are some of the most popular menu items. 

2. Oak & Ember Steakhouse

Oak & Ember have one of the best dinner menus in all of Stuart.

Image courtesy of OpenTable.

Located right in downtown Stuart, Oak & Ember Steakhouse serves up aged USDA prime and Wagyu steaks and delectable sides in a manner reminiscent of the finest big-city restaurants in the world. But you’re not limited to fantastic steaks here, either, as the restaurant offers a number of other entrees, ranging from cast iron octopus to braised lamb shank. Be sure to pair your dinner with one of the selections from their extensive wine list. 

3. Hudsons on the River

Hudsons on the River is one of the best downtown Stuart FL restaurants to dine at with friends and family.

Image courtesy of TCPalm.com.

If you’re looking for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and fantastic food, you’ll definitely want to “cast away your worries” at Hudsons on the River. Though steak, seafood, and sushi are their specialties, they also offer things like duck two ways and a classic French dip sandwich. In addition to the great food, Hudsons on the River offers a number of special deals, such as their “Kids Eat Free Tuesdays” and half-priced bottles of wine on “Wine Down Wednesdays.”     

4. Waterfront

Waterfront offers fantastic service.

Image courtesy of Instagram.

A two-level restaurant and lounge, Waterfront offers guests the chance to eat in their choice of two different settings. You can enjoy a traditional restaurant experience upstairs and choose from a menu featuring things like crispy duck, crab cakes, and bone-in ribeyes, or head downstairs to the lounge for more casual fare, including tacos, sandwiches, and appetizers. Whichever level you choose, be sure to sample some of Waterfront’s amazing cocktails (we love the Thai Garden martini).

5. Spritz City Bistro

Spritz City Bistro has an eclectic menu.

Spritz City Bistro is a charming upscale restaurant with a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Best known for their tapas-style dishes and small plates, the Spritz City Bistro’s menu is packed with delicious items. The truffled mac and cheese, Kung-Pao cauliflower, and short rib lollipops are all very popular tapas dishes, but they also serve larger entrees, such as seafood risotto and chicken sauvignon too. But if you ask us, brunch (complete with bottomless mimosas) is the best time to visit this restaurant.  

6. Pepe & Sale

You'll love eating at Pepe & Sale with your friends.

One of the best-rated restaurants in Stuart, Florida, Pepe & Sale serves up modern Italian dishes alongside a carefully curated wine list. While warm and inviting, Pepe & Sale provides a true fine dining experience, and some menu items are even served in an elaborate, tableside manner, such as the branzino al sale. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner but be aware that they are closed on Sundays. Reservations are recommended for this popular eatery. 

7. The Black Marlin

Black Marlin offers exquisite seafood.

One of the best restaurants in Downtown Stuart, Florida, The Black Marlin is located in the former site of the city’s oldest tavern. The restaurant offers a variety of menu items, including sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and an array of delicious appetizers, but seafood is their specialty. From shrimp and crab alfredo to Caribbean jerked swordfish, their menu is simply bursting with amazing options. The Black Marlin is also noted for their impressive cocktail selection, which includes spicy pepper infused margaritas, basil and rosemary lemon drops, and smoked old fashions, among others. 

8. Eighteen Seminole Street 

Eighteen Seminole Street has a charming atmosphere.

Looking for a charming Italian restaurant? Stuart, Florida’s Eighteen Seminole Street may be the perfect option! A casual, romantic restaurant, this is the perfect option for a vacation date night experience. The menu is full of traditional Italian favorites, including chicken scarpariello, eggplant parmigiana, and veal sorrentino, and they have a wonderful wine list too. Outdoor seating is available but note that this restaurant is typically closed on Sundays and Mondays.  

9. Bo Lan  

Bo Lan is a new restaurant in Stuart.

One of the most exciting new restaurants in downtown Stuart, Florida, Bo Lan serves up modern Asian cuisine in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Their menu is teeming with delicious options, including gai siam and New York strip steaks, as well as a number of vegetarian-friendly dishes, ranging from Thai basil to pineapple fried rice. Just be sure to save space for dessert, as their menu is full of mouthwatering options. 

10. Pez Vela Fusion Kitchen  

Pez Vela offers some of the most creative dishes around.

Another new Stuart restaurant that’s generating quite a buzz, Pez Vela offers Latin-Pan-Asian fusion dishes that are as delicious as they are beautiful. Start with a sushi roll or any number of hot or cold appetizers, and then move on to the entrees, which include steaks, miso mole pork belly, uni ube bucatini. They even offer several large options, including grilled snapper and a kilo tomahawk, which are served family style. 

11. Riverwalk Cafe and Oyster Bar

Riverwalk Cafe is one of the few places on the Treasure Coast to offer caviar.

One of the most beloved restaurants in downtown Stuart, Florida, Riverwalk Café and Oyster Bar offers a next-level dining experience. The menu is absolutely packed with mouthwatering menu items, and features a variety of options, from raw oysters to caviar to burgers to Gulf shrimp and grits. While there, be sure to check out their impressive wine list, that includes more than 120 options, including 50 wines available by the glass. 

Downtown Stuart, Florida Restaurants: Vacation Meals to Remember! 

Enjoy award-winning dining opportunities in Stuart, Florida.

It’s always important to consider the dining options when planning a vacation. After all, indulging in lots of good food is an important part of traveling! Fortunately, it’s easy to find a tasty meal in Stuart; the real problem is finding enough time to visit all of the restaurants that catch your eye. 

If you’re ready to enjoy all of the great restaurants in downtown Stuart, Florida, consider staying at Riverwalk Retreat. Located right in the heart of historic downtown Stuart, it is within walking distance of several of the restaurants listed above, as well as a variety of bars, lounges, and cultural attractions. 

Jim

Jim

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