The 15 Best Italian Restaurants in Cocoa Beach [2024 List]
15 Italian Restaurants Cocoa Beach Locals Recommend
White-sand beaches, ocean views, and delicious food await you in Cocoa Beach. The “East Coast Surf Capital” is packed with fun in the sun for the whole family. There are many Cocoa Beach restaurants on the water that offer amazing ambiance and fantastic food. From upscale seafood restaurant Cocoa Beach dining to laid-back tiki bars, there's no shortage of options for every type of visitor.
Places to Eat in Cocoa Beach
One thing you may not expect in Cocoa beach is a bunch of authentic Italian restaurant options, but there are actually tons worth trying for yourself! These are the 15 best Italian eateries you’ll find lining the shores of Cocoa Beach. Buon appetito!
1 | Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort | No matter what you have a hankering for, you’ll find great meals, amazing flavors, and an incredible atmosphere at the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort. From the relaxing oceanside ambiance of the Pelican Bar & Grill to an open-air seafood extravaganza at Keith’s Oyster Bar, just minutes from the resort, you’ll discover some of the best flavors Cocoa Beach has to offer.
Many of the restaurants also feature live music on select days, as well as exclusive drink menus with signature cocktails you won’t find anywhere else. There are also kid menus, family-friendly dining rooms, and easy beach access.
WHERE: 3550 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 | WHO: 1-800-611-2863
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2 | Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier | Enjoy breathtaking views as you stroll along a restored 800-foot pier built in 1962. This historical landmark on Florida’s Space Coast is packed to the brim with boutiques, bars, and restaurants bound to delight visitors of all ages.
In 2023, Westgate revealed a $3.5-million-dollar renovation that includes five new dining and retail options, like the Pier 62 Oceanfront Restaurant and Bar. This spacious, scenic seaside eatery will have outdoor seating with roll-up windows for guests to enjoy their meals with a breath of fresh air. Seafood, grilled dishes, and even a full sushi bar will all be on offer so that you can go on a global culinary experience.
WHERE: 401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 | WHO: 321-783-7549
3 | Brano’s Italian Grill | Located just one mile from the Cocoa Beach Pier, Brano’s Italian Grill is a beautiful, Renaissance-inspired authentic Italian restaurant with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. A generous pizza menu features recipes like Pizza Brano’s, a white-base pie topped with tomatoes, banana peppers, blue cheese, basil, and grilled chicken.
You’ll also find classic entrees like lasagna bolognese, eggplant parmigiana, and spaghetti and meatballs in a rich marinara sauce with Italian sausage or seasonal veggies.
If you’re interested in staying home for the night, the family-style take-out option features generous portions that feed six people and include garlic breath, garden salad, and your choice of dressing.
WHERE: 3680 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931-3413 | WHO: 321-783-6031
4 | Mangia & Bevi Pizzeria Napoletana | This quaint Italian pizzeria features outdoor seating, takeaway, and a delicious menu of authentic dishes. In addition to their fresh-baked pizzas, they also offer a variety of appetizers, pastas, and traditional Italian desserts.
The dishes are all made using real Italian methods and feature Neapolitan flare, a type of Italian cuisine known for its hearty pastas, robust sauces, and thick dough. If you’re in the mood for something new, why not try one of their pizze bianche (white pizzas) that swap sauce for a coating of extra virgin olive oil and fresh toppings?
WHERE: 218 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931-3530 | WHO: 321-613-0691
5 | Bruno’s Beachside Pizzeria | What’s better than pizza and the beach? You can embrace the laid-back, ocean vibes of Cocoa Beach and make it even better with the flavors of Italy at Bruno’s. This authentic pizza bar is like many of the best Italian restaurants—cozy, welcoming, and family-friendly.
For the last 25 years, they’ve been serving up freshly made pizzas, strombolis, and calzones. They also have crunchy salads, chicken wings, and a selection of hot and cold Italian subs.
You can always order one of their pizza recipes or make your own. The team at Bruno’s loves making custom pizzas to order.
WHERE: 366 N Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 | WHO: 321-783-8484
6 | Zarrella’s Italian Restaurant | You’ll find Zarrella’s Italian Restaurant two miles from the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier. They offer outdoor seating, vegetarian and vegan options, takeaway, and friendly table service in their dining room.
The atmosphere is lively but still cozy, perfect for families looking to gather around the table and wrap up an amazing day on Cocoa Beach with some authentic Italian food. Dishes like creamy carbonara, gourmet wood-fired pizza, and citrusy chicken piccata make up their dinner menu.
If you’re out for a night on the town, consider trying one of their weekly night chef specials and wine pairings. Wrap it all up with one of their decadent desserts that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
WHERE: 8801 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920-4210 | WHO: 321-613-3008
7 | Marina Ristorante | Marina’s is something of a hidden gem, so good that many of the locals want to keep it to themselves! It’s not often you’ll find a restaurant where the owner is also the chef, but this is a typical practice in many parts of Italy.
Small, welcoming, and intimate, Marina Ristorante offers classic Italian cuisine with high-quality ingredients and rich, traditional flavors. Rich spaghetti aglio e olio, lasagna bolognese, and tortellini della nonna are a few examples of what you can expect to savor here.
WHERE: 6550 N Atlantic Ave, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920-3883 | WHO: 321-799-2200
8 | Pancetta Pizza Bar | Pancetta serves made-to-order pizzas and authentic Italian pastas in a stylish lounge atmosphere. Their wine bar is the perfect place to sip on vino while savoring one of their desserts, whether you’re in the mood for New York cheesecake or a mini cannoli platter.
In addition to the Italian menu staples, you’ll also find fresh seafood offerings, cold and hot hero subs, and savory sides like truffle fries and Italian sausage. For the little ones, a kid’s menu offers spaghetti and meatballs, pasta with butter or marinara, gooey mozzarella sticks, mac and cheese, and classic chicken tenders with crispy fries.
WHERE: 30 Canaveral Plaza Blvd, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 | WHO: 321-613-3049
9 | Ryan’s Pizza & Pub | One of the great things about Italian restaurants in America is that they draw influence from two cuisines to make something incredible. At Ryan’s, you can get the taste of Italy and the states in one delectable menu.
With beach vibes all around, live music events, and outdoor seating, Ryan’s is a great place to bask in Cocoa Beach’s weather while enjoying some home-style, pub-inspired Italian food. Head up to the rooftop and relax under one of their umbrella-covered tables before your server brings your order.
Maybe it’s coconut shrimp and antipasto salad, or wood-fired cheesesteak pizza. You can also build-your-own stromboli with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and mozzarella.
WHERE: 38 S Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 | WHO: 321-613-2304
10 | Anacapri Pizzeria | Established in 1989, Anacapri is one of the most loved pizza joints in Cocoa Beach. They offer dine-in and take-out options for their entire menu. Whether you’re in the mood for a meat-lover’s pizza or a hearty stromboli stuffed with pepperoni and mozzarella, you’ll be sure to find something you love.
Your stomach will start rumbling as soon as you step foot in Anacapri and get a whiff of their pizzas baking in the wood-fire oven. The casual restaurant is perfect for families, serving up large slices that taste as great as they look!
WHERE: 605 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 | WHO: 321-868-2266
11 | The Pompano Grill | Stop by this family-run eatery to enjoy creative takes on seafood, steak, and pasta. Their global wine menu makes it easy to create your own unique pairings, and who knows, you may just discover a new favorite!
From house-made pizza to desserts handcrafted by the owner, everything at Pompano’s is cooked up with love. The restaurant encourages reservations as they tend to fill up spots fast. If you’re looking for a more ambient dining experience, the Pompano Grill is the perfect place to enjoy a date night or a special family dinner.
WHERE: 110 N Brevard Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 | WHO: 321-784-9005
12 | Papa Vito’s Italian Kitchen | Casual cuisine and good vibes are the names of the game at Papa Vito’s. You can easily walk in and grab a pie to go, order a slice the size of your hand, or take a table for the family to spend an hour or two chatting over homemade Italian meals.
Family-owned Papa Vito’s has routinely been listed as one of the best pizzerias on the Space Coast, thanks to their traditional preparation method that leaves the dough cooked to perfection. The only thing better than the food? The service! You’ll likely have your order taken by the owners or one of their six children.
Complete your order with one of their house salads, or an appetizer like garlic knots, homemade Italian meatballs, or Italian wedding soup.
WHERE: 6200 N Atlantic Ave, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 | WHO: 321-784-0050
13 | DiLorenzo's Pizzas, Subs & Italian Restaurant | Community and connection are a part of the experience at DiLorenzo’s. This family-owned Italian pizza joint has been serving up hand-tossed pies and traditional Italian cuisine for over 30 years.
They pride themselves on offering authentic food, like baked lasagna, chicken and eggplant parmesan, and stuffed manicotti. All of the dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and Italian seasoning methods.
Order online for pickup, schedule delivery, or stop in to enjoy a warm meal in a relaxing atmosphere that feels like you’re being served at your best friend’s dinner table.
WHERE: 8125 Canaveral Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 | WHO: 321-784-5662
14 | LUNA Food and Wine | Owned by Chef Luca from Italy, LUNA offers a creative and unique beach dining experience that you’ll be sure to remember.
While you’ll find pizza and pasta dishes you know and love, it’s worth checking out the more exotic options as well.
Blackened mahi mahi tuna, ribeye steak, and lobster ravioli are a few of the delectable options that await. You can also try the chef’s choice pasta dish of the day.
While its refined menu may cater to adults, LUNA is an Italian-owned restaurant, so naturally, it welcomes families. You’ll find a kid’s menu with plenty of options for little ones to enjoy.
WHERE: 8 Minutemen Cswy, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 | WHO: 321-613-5796
15 | Gregory's Steak & Seafood Grille | Pair your pasta with a side of laughter at Gregory’s, a lively restaurant that features live comedy shows from professionals each week.
As the restaurant puts it, food is good for the body, and laughter is good for the soul. You can get them both in spades at Gregory’s with a menu loaded with fresh seafood options, steak dishes, and hearty Italian meals.
The restaurant itself is open to families, but the comedy club caters to a 21-plus crowd. Along with house-made soups and salads, you’ll find plates like lobster ravioli, shrimp scampi, and chicken alfredo.
Their menu is available for dine-in or take-out, and a kid’s menu makes sure even the pickiest chicken-tender-loving tot will be happy.
WHERE: 900 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 | WHO: 321-799-2557
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Last Tips on Finding the Best Places to Eat in Cocoa Beach
It might be small, but Cocoa Beach is packed with plenty of dining options for families, couples, and even solo travelers. Whether you want to sip wine in an open-air bar, enjoy live music in a lounge, or take the family out for pizza night by the beach, you’re bound to find a spot you love.
Many of Cocoa Beach’s restaurants are small, family-owned, and perfect for eating like a local. Don’t be afraid to head out a few miles to Cape Canaveral, which is just a short car ride away and features even more options.
For more travel tips and guides, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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