A Taste of Martin County

table full of plates of food at a martin county restaurant Colab Kitchen

March 22, 2023 | Read Time: 4 minutes

From the simple to the sublime and everything in between, Martin County is well-known as a food lover’s paradise. This charming area along Florida’s Treasure Coast is cherished for its coastal cuisines and locally sourced ingredients, with an endless array of award-winning restaurants that residents can enjoy at any time of day. Here are just a few of our favorite Martin County restaurant gems.

Farm-to-Table Specialties

Located in Stuart, Colab Kitchen not only creates unique dishes with farm-fresh produce but features a fresh market where diners can pick up fruits and vegetables of their own. This warm and inviting restaurant places a high priority on fresh specials, including a glass noodle stir fry layered with cabbage, carrots, trumpet mushrooms, sesame, and tamari, as well as a brisket sandwich prepared in a horseradish barbeque sauce and topped with tomato jam, arugula, and aged cheddar. Arguably the cherry on top, the outdoor patio is the favored spot to dine, with firepits, lounge areas, a stage, and lawn games providing plenty of places to relax and enjoy good food.

Classic Italian Favorites

From a traditional Penne Vodka or Chicken Parmigiana to the more unexpected Chicken Gorgonzola or Salmon with Saffron, La Forchetta Local Cuisine in Stuart is the perfect place to enjoy sumptuous Italian food. Share a customized meat and cheese board or savory antipasti and indulge in a rich pasta dish. They even offer an array of creative salads. This family-owned restaurant is the continuation of a longstanding culinary tradition.

The Ultimate Oceanfront Dining Experience

Forget kick-your-shoes-off tiki bars! Located on Hutchinson Island, the award-winning Kyle G’s is contemporary elegance at its oceanfront best. Open for every meal, this seaside dining locale features an eclectic, seafood-centric menu, blending the freshest daily catches from local fishermen with the highest-quality raw bar and premium cuts of meat. No matter how divine the food is, however, nothing beats the restaurant’s spectacular setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Globally Inspired, Locally Sourced

Located in the original Hobe Sound Post Office, Kork Restaurant’s concept is simple: global flavors fueled by local ingredients sourced by local farmers. The whimsical outdoor patio area is a favored spot for sipping on a glass from the restaurant’s extensive wine list, snacking on a charcuterie board, and simply enjoying the coastal Florida breezes. Open for brunch and dinner, crowd-favorite dishes include a Key West shrimp and pork belly polenta, fried chicken with lemon mascarpone-infused waffles, and a kimchi-marinated tuna poke bowl.

Fresh Seafood Mixed with Island Vibes

Grab that vacation vibe at Shrimpers Grill in Port Salerno. A tried-and-true favorite for fresh seafood with a view, the mood at Shrimpers is casual, as you gaze out at the water and watch the boats cruise the waterway. Must-try menu items include the Bahamian conch chowder, crunchy grouper Reuben and sweet yet savory coconut shrimp. Grab an umbrella drink, listen to the steel drum band, and absorb the island vibes.

Unique and Creative Dishes

For those who love food with a creative spin, and/or prefer to eat vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, Spritz City Bistro in Downtown Stuart is the place to try. Both the food and the atmosphere are casual and upscale. Creativity reigns in the kitchen, as guests share a variety of tapas & small plates that combine global influences with American favorites—think pulled pork potstickers, short rib lollipops and a crostini with fig jam, Manchego cheese and Marcona almonds. Craft cocktails are equally creative, and the bar also features a variety of the best local beers on tap.

Tried & True

Looking for a quaint café in the heart of town? The Osceola Street Café is the place to head. This popular breakfast/lunch spot in downtown Stuart offers yummy homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and divine baked goods. The friendly staff adds to the homey atmosphere. It’s the perfect antidote to chain restaurants, offering comfortable, homemade treats in a quaint atmosphere.

Asian and Island Influences

Located at the foot of the Roosevelt Bridge along the St. Lucie River, Hudson’s on the River uses fresh culinary experiences with tropical island flair to bring together families and friends. This hidden gem is known not only for its unique roster of Island-style cocktails but also for its unique twist on favored Asian dishes, including wahoo crudo, fresh sushi, maple glazed pork belly, miso salmon and more.

Content courtesy of Storie.