15 of the Best Cocoa Beach Restaurants for Families with Kids

Cocoa Beach, Florida, is a popular spot for vacations.

Its beautiful beaches, fun resorts, great shopping, and tasty restaurants make it a favorite among Floridian beaches. Cocoa Beach is where most people come to Florida to explore the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. 

Cocoa Beach is known for its spectacular beach and surf. It is home to the Florida Surf Museum, which traces the sport’s local history. Cocoa Beach pier has the bulk of the shopping that is done in Cocoa Beach. Lori Wilson Park is a top destination for nature lovers and bird-watchers.

Food is one of the most important parts of a vacation.  Finding local cafes with the best grub is always one of the most exciting parts of traveling! Cocoa Beach has everything from Mexican, German, and Italian cuisines to fresh-caught seafood. Next time you go to Cocoa Beach, check out 15 of the Best Cocoa Beach restaurants for families with kids.

Taco City

Taco City is a must-see on everyone’s trip to Cocoa Beach. They have been in the taco business since 1980, serving up the best tacos in the city. Taco City is unique because they have public beach access right from their restaurant.

Taco Tuesdays are always bustling at Taco City. Starting at 4 pm, tacos are $2 apiece. If tacos aren’t your thing, no worries. Taco City serves all of the favorite Southwestern dishes, including nachos, pepper poppers, quesadillas, enchiladas, chile Relleno, fish tacos, burritos, wraps, and more!

If you are a fan of wings, try Liz’s guacamole wings. These famous wings will have you coming back to Taco City again and again.

The kids will love it because you can get your food to go and head out to the beach for a beach picnic!

Mangia and Bevi Pizzeria

Kids always love pizza! Put a little spin on the regular Dominoes or Papa John’s that you’re used to at home. Mangia and Beve Pizzeria serves up fresh, authentic Italian food to you and your family.

Sit inside the pizzeria or outside on their porch seating. Have classics like cheese and pepperoni, or try a Mangia and Bevi original. The Diavola is  Mangia and Bevi original that puts a spin on a classic; spicy pepperoni on top of stretchy mozzarella. 

They also serve up white sauce pizzas. The whole family will be pleased with the delicious options that Mangia and Bevi Pizzeria has to offer.

The Fat Donkey

You can’t forget about desserts! Take the kiddos out for some ice cream after a hot day on the beach at The Fat Donkey.

Serving up soft-serve ice cream with your choice of toppings, or premixed scoop ice cream with fun flavors. Try a scoop or two of Calypso Crunch or Mai Kai Coconut. Gluten-free and non-dairy options are available as well.

The Fat Donkey has more than just ice cream! Try a signature Jar dessert with either a baked dessert or ice cream inside. Baked goods such as a brownie or chocolate chip cookie are on the menu too!

You will love The Fat Donkey so much that you will have to buy some merchandise! Choose from a Fat Donke T-shirt and a Fat Donkey baseball cap. The whole family can represent one of the best ice cream and dessert shops in Cocoa Beach! 

Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster and Seafood Company

You can’t go to Florida without having some fresh seafood! Head downtown Cocoa Beach for fresh seafood at Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster and Seafood Company.

This local, family-owned restaurant has its roots in Maine. They feature a wharf-style restaurant with a New England Atmosphere in the heart of Florida. Their seafood is almost exclusively caught from the waters of the Florida Coast and Maine.

With the freshest seafood around, Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster and Seafood Company have some of the best seafood in the city. Get the kids the best seafood so they can learn to enjoy and appreciate seafood and the ocean just like Jazzy’s does.

Sunrise Diner

Sunrise Diner boasts a family-friendly atmosphere and home-cooked meals. This family-owned business wants to make your family part of theirs! With a diverse menu, all the kids will be happy by the end of the day.

Wake the kids up early for a home-cooked breakfast. Egg dishes, pancakes, french toast, and more will make everyone happy. 

If you can’t get everyone out of bed in time for breakfast, stop by for lunch or dinner. Appetizers ranging from fried oysters to mozzarella sticks can be found at Sunrise Diner. 

Choose from an American, Italian, Greek, or Seafood menu for your main dish. Sandwiches, burgers, gyros, Spanakotiroptia, fresh chicken parmigiana, and Florida blue crab cakes can all be found on the lunch and dinner menu.

This true southern diner will have your family happy and satisfied!

Slow and Low Barbeque

Slow and Low has been serving some of the best barbeques in Cocoa Beach since 2004. They specialize in slow-cooked and smoked pork, chicken, and beef dishes.

Slow and Low Barbeque was founded in 2004 by Nicole and Joel Smith. They had a difficult year dealing with two different hurricanes, but with hard work and dedication, they were able to open a second restaurant in Viera along with their Cocoa Beach location.

The chefs put a twist on every dish at Slow and Low and are focused on keeping every customer happy. Ribs, beef, pork, chicken, and turkey legs are what they specialize in. They take pride in their top-tier customer service.

Slow and Low is the perfect place to bring the whole family on Kids Night! They will love the BBQ nachos and baby back ribs.

Heidelberg Restaurant

Take the kids out for a European dining experience. Heidelberg Restaurant serves German, Austrian, and European food in a laid-back setting. 

The magic starts in the kitchen with Austrian-born Armin Rinoessl. Trained in Austria, Armin gives a European flair to all of his dishes. He is most proud of Heidelberg’s famous Signature Weiner Snitzel and Homemade Apple Strudel.

This fine dining experience is completed with a live pianist playing every night as you enjoy your German fare and glass of fine wine. 

This is a great family experience because the food is reasonably priced, gives dishes your kids have never had before, and has great proportions so everyone is happy.

Nosh Restaurant and Bar

Asian-inspired family recipes come to life in the heart of Cocoa Beach at Nosh Restaurant and Bar. Nosh takes pride in bringing its Asian heritage and recipes to the local community of Cocoa Beach.

House-made soups have the aromas of an Asian grandmother’s kitchen. Poke bowls showcase the fresh seafood of Florida, along with house-made sushi.

The kids have a menu including chicken teriyaki, chicken katsu, and shrimp katsu. All of the kids’ meals are served with broccoli and rice. 

Simple noodle dishes will keep those in your family that isn’t a fan of seafood or sushi happy! The fresh ingredients and tasty flavors at Nosh make it a favorite in Cocoa Beach amongst the locals.

Old Fish House Restaurant

Old Fish House Restaurant takes a comfort food take on the fresh seafood available from the coast. 

Fried fish, frog legs, pollock, catfish, and Mahi Mahi can all be found on the menu. If you aren’t a fried fish fan, ask for your fish or seafood to be blacked or broiled! They have an extensive seafood menu.

Crabs and crab legs are also a part of the Old Fish House’s menu. The Little Mates Menu is only $4.95, an affordable option for the kids. Bring the whole family to enjoy some fresh seafood at Old Fish House Restaurant!

The seafood–haters can still enjoy food at Old Fish House Restaurant. Salads, pork chops, and chicken can are on the menu as well! Their all-you-can-eat menu is a big draw for those with a large appetite. Bring your growing boys to try and eat as much as they can!

Pita Paradise

Get a slice of the Mediterranean right in Cocoa Beach at Pita Paradise. Owned by a healthy Lebanese Mediterranean family, Pita Paradise has been serving vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food for over eight years.

Their falafel platter is a customer favorite. Four chickpea falafel are served with a homemade sauce, fresh hummus, pickled cabbage, and a fresh salad. This spin on a classic keeps customers coming back for more.

This informal Mediterranean eatery has a peaceful interior as well as a few tables of outdoor seating. Delivery and take-out are also available at Pita Paradise.

Rock the Guac

It is always a fiesta at Rock the Guac! Generous portions of homemade guacamole are piled high on a burrito made just the way you like it. Go through the line at the counter at this fast-food-style restaurant and watch your burrito be built exactly how you want it.

The food may be made fast, but it is not a typical fast-food restaurant. They use the freshest ingredients and offer a healthy alternative to the fast food of today.

The fun, casual atmosphere is a great place to bring the whole family. Sports on the tv, friends laughing, and eating the best Mexican food in town make it a great atmosphere.

If the kids don’t want a whole burrito, quesadillas and tacos are also available on Rock the Guac’s menu.

Squid Lips

The kids will never forget their dining experience at Squid Lips. This overwater grill allows you to eat your dinner right over the beautiful ocean and watch the sunset. 

The menu at squid lips focuses on fresh seafood. Baja fish tacos, seared yellowfin tuna, and coconut shrimp can all be found on the appetizer menu. Fish sandwiches and soups and salads are big hits on the entree menu.

Chicken and pulled pork are also available to those who aren’t interested in seafood. The Raw Bar offers oysters and raw shrimp for those wanting to full ocean experience. Burgers and pasta are also available. 

Treat the kids after their meal with something from their sweet menu. Mike’s Key Lime Pie and banana pudding are two big hits on the dessert menu.

Nolan’s Irish Pub

Nolan’s Irish Pub is everything you would imagine coming from the Irish. A cozy bar on the inside and a large patio outside provides plenty of seating for customers. Whether a local or a visitor, Nolan’s Irish Pub is the community place to eat, drink, and meet new friends. 

The kids will love the nacho fries. They are pub fries smothered in beer cheese, shredded beef, tomato chunks, and sour cream.

Classic Irish dishes like Shepherd’s pie and fish and chips are served at Nolan’s Irish Pub. Pub burgers and Guinness beef stew are some of the favorite dishes at Nolan’s. The authentic flavor and atmosphere can’t be beaten. 

The Kids’ menu offers childhood favorites like grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and chicken tenders. 

Beachside Grill and Deli

Beachside Grill and Deli is only open for morning and midday dining, so don’t wait until dinnertime to take the family out! Great breakfast and brunch options are available at this sandwich shop in Cape Royal Office Condo.

This cozy shop will make you feel right at home, just like you’re a local. Their friendly service and great food make it a favorite.

Pair your favorite breakfast sandwich with a freshly brewed cup of warm coffee to start off your day before you head out to the beach!

A N.Y. Pizza House

Pizza is always a family favorite. They offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The kids will love the enormous slices of delicious pizza served every day.

The huge portions of pizza are served alongside a large menu of appetizers, entrees, desserts, and salads. The whole family will be satisfied with the taste and portion of food at A N.Y. Pizza House. 

Their chicken fettuccine alfredo is a favorite for those who don’t want pizza. Bring the whole family out for a casual Italian meal that will wow you with their portion sizes!

In Summary

There are plenty of options on Cocoa beach for families with even the pickiest of eaters. Hopefully, something here has tickled your fancy. From the huge portions from A N.Y. Pizza House to the Asian heritage of Nosh Restaurant and Bar, there is a wide range of choices for families and kids at Cocoa Beach.