Osceola Bistro

Wonderful lunch on a beautiful patio. Best service anywhere in Vero Beach. Have been coming here for 4 years. Just as good today as ever. I had collard greens, black eyed peas and a buttermilk crusted flounder. Delicious!

We celebrated Valentines Day with a wonderful brunch here. Food was delicious. Our server, Matt, was excellent and speaking with the Chef/​Owner was a real treat. We’ll definitely be back!

Last night we had dinner with an other couple and had hoped for a lovely dining experience… that did not happen. It was the worst experience I have had certainly in Vero. I had high hopes as I had heard nice things about this restaurant.
The service is extremely slow and very sloppy. In looking around the restaurant in general I felt that the wait staff was running around the place as if the kitchen was on fire.
We sat down and actually ended up ordering immediately. Drinks came out in stages, and that was the beginning of the end. My beer somehow did not make it out immediately and when it did come it was not cold.
Finally our first course arrives, three salads were brought out, only one correct! We had to wait a fair amount of time to be served the right order. My appetizer just never made it out at all… the waiter tells me after nearly an hour that it was 86^th’d… which was very irritating as he told me when I ordered the dish there were only two left. I specifically asked him to please go back to the kitchen and make sure I reserve one. «No problem I have this» well he did not. «did I want something else» Are you kidding me? Everyone had eaten there first course, we are ready and waiting for our main meal… Could he at least bring me a fresh drink, sure that would be lovely. He forgets!
Main meal arrives, again in stages and again not our order. Then when the order finally does come out, two out of the four are incorrect. The food is good, not good enough however to come back. The waiter did apologize through out the evening, but it never really got fixed. It did reflect in the bill which was adjusted and that was very nice. But you only have one time to make a good impression and that was not the case last night. The restaurant is not in expensive to take an other risk. Additionally I would suggest the owner to train the wait staff to have better communication; I am not your «Hon». I don’t want to hear if I am still «working on it» I might like to hear «are you still enjoying your meal» or how about «that was 86^th’d a long time ago»

My rating scheme:
5 — The best of the best. Not many in this category.
4a — Wonderful, hard to get better than this — wide appeal
4b — Wonderful, hard to get better than this — limited appeal restaurant
3 — Perfectly acceptable though not earth shaking
2 — Only if there are no other options
1 — Dont even think of it
Osceola Bistro: 2
I wanted to like Osceola Bistro, I really did. It has one of the nicest, if not THE nicest, out door dining areas in Vero Beach. The indoor dining room is nice too — but the outdoor area — beautiful. I wanted to like it so much that the wife and I decided to come back a 2^nd time after a disappointing first visit. The 2^nd visit was equally as dissapointing and has earned my «there are far better places nearby» label.
FIRST VISIT: Lunch time;a weekday in October. We arrived at the end of the rush lunch — servers were busy closing out checks and cleaning tables. Our servers … notice the plural … came to the table with dirty dishes in hand, or checks to be cashed out. When asked if wanted a drink — the wife asks «tell me about your special drinks» … the server says … «oh, ok, let me come back with a menu».
One of the linen napkins had lipstick stains on it, the other was discolored. we asked for new napkins. The 2^nd set of napkins also were discolored and stained looking — so we asked for paper napkins. We were each given a sheet of paper towel.
One thing Id recommend to management … if you have a ‘special’ concoction — dont list the price with cheap booze, verses ok booze, verses premium booze … give the drink your special flair with the booze you think best represents the creation. I come to you for expertise and artistry.
I had cream of something soup. It tasted like cream of something –meaning, it tasted like hot cream.
I honestly dont remember what else we had for lunch. I think it was good, but the service was sloppy and rushed and the paper towels really drove our overall experience.
SECOND VISIT: Early dinner time on a weekend in December; no reservations. It was starting great — the charming host helped us find suitable seating outside despite not having a reservation. About 5 minutes after seating one of the servers (notice the plural again), while watering the table, said, out of the clear blue, in context to nothing, «its better to have a reservation». Why the comment, I thought … have we someone how offended you?
Throughout the rest of the evening we had a number of servers. It seemed like we either were sitting in a no mans land and who ever was available serviced the table next — or they have a team approach to ordering and running. The expertise, style and knowledge of the servers varied greatly. At one time the wife said to me «I hope she (a female server who was very professional) comes back to the table, I have some questions».
Time from ordering beverages to receiving them was particularly lengthy. I was already irritable about the server who told us about the reservation so the wait time ‘felt’ long. I didnt time it though. When the server brings the beverages to the table, the head on the beer had delfated and the glass felt warm — like the drinks had been sitting around a bit. I asked «has this beer been sitting around a bit, waiting to be delivered». Server replies «yeah, Im sorry, we’re slammed». Its a beer and you hate to them go to waste — so I take it.
Appetizers take a while to get to the table. We order another drink from a different server. It again takes a while to get to the table. This 2^nd server also comments how busy they are «Im so sorry for not getting back to you — we are so busy tonight!»
The first server (Im sorry, we’re slammed) comes back to the table and apologizes again about being so busy.
Look — I get it. Busy happens. Behind the scenes chaos and confusion happens. I accept it. I appreciate your transperancy and accept your apology — but fix it for goodness sake … dont keep on apologizing!
Wine by the glass. Wife asked «can you tell me about the different cabs you have». Server «well, we have a cheap one (he used the word cheap!), a middle of the road one and an expensive one». Not particularly helpful! We dont expect expertise and perfection — and if you dont know wines — I get it. Then find someone who does. Better yet — management, train your folks how to discuss wine!
Red bean soup; Boring, uninspired. Cesar Salad; too creamy for my likes — but the wife, was pleased. Conch ceviche; chewy, not tenderized long enough. Braised-​short ribs; Highly recommended. Monk Fish. Differing opinion — I liked, wife didnt.
With the slow «we’re slammed» service, the inconsistent knowledge of product and hits and misses with the food — we decided to skip desert and head up to Abbotts for custard.
Osceola Bistro — you have the potential to be a great place in Vero … in a town that needs some great places. Pull you selves together, concentrate on and train the fundamentals.

We have been going to Vero for years, but had yet to try Osceola Bistro. I am so glad we finally did. We loved it! The crab cakes are some of the best I have ever had. They are small, but really delicious. They have an amazing spicy, black pepper flavor. Will order those every time I go. We also tried the ceviche for an appetizer. Loved it as well. It reminds me more of poke from Hawaii than most of the ceviche I have had. We also loved the truffle fries. I had the shrimp and grits. It was quite tasty. I think the others had fish and the roasted chicken. Everyone was very happy. The crème brûlée was very good as well. I did not love the carrot cake. It wasn’t as moist as carrot cake usually is. I will get the crème brûlée when I go again. Try this place. Really delicious.

Supurb! Get the key lime pie for sure and enjoy the herb garden patio! We loved it here! The salads are fresh and the staff energetic and so sweet! We could have sat there forever!

Great food! I’ve only been here a couple of times when I’ve been visiting family. I wish I could come more often. :)

Went here for lunch after finding our favorite lunch spot, Fishack, was closed for the day. The service at Osceola Bistro was painfully slow. From being seated, to placing our order, receiving our beverages, and waiting on our meals, it seemed like an eternity.
The food was fair, the prices no bargain, but that’s to be expected with the slightly upscale setting. Only three tables of patrons inside the restaurant. I have no idea how many diners were on the patio, but with so few diners in the restaurant, I can’t imagine how long we would have been waiting for service had they had a full seating.

Great place with nice patio area. Excellent food and pet friendly. The Shrimp & Grits is super.

Poor service, mediocre food, grossly overpriced. Coming from Northern California, we know that ‘Farm-​to-​table’ places are typically more expensive and slower to deliver food. That said, the prices here were simply absurd for the very average, if not downright bland food. I’ve rarely had to wait this long to receive food anywhere, even in a packed restaurant. The waitstaff were unable to answer even the simplest questions about which, if any, dishes or ingredients were organic. They claim to be «farm-​to-​table» but nobody had a clue where anything had actually come from. Will not return.

If I could leave negative stars, I would… First we drove 1.75 hrs one way, from Disney, read advertisements proclaiming to have awesome GLUTEN FREE FOOD. «Worth the 4 hour round trip drive» right… Not so much. (they were OUT OF ALL GLUTEN FREE ROLLS, BUNS ETC) So I settled for a salad. After waiting 25 minutes, keep in mind we were the first customers to arrive and only customers until almost noon. My aunt ordered turkey melt which I tasted the turkey after she said it tasted like it had microwaved and the turkey started getting hard, minutes after receiving it, which it did have that «microwave» taste/​feeling to it, I was convinced she was over exaggerating, she wasn’t sadly enough… My boyfriend had ordered some bacon… It was cold like it had been taken out of the fridge… Again I was convinced he had taken it out of proportion. NOPE… Literally cold bacon… Like it was prepped for a salad… took it inside, told the first waitress he saw, she grabbed it and snapped back at us, «ok is that it?!» And then yelled at the kitchen «the bacon is cold need hot bacon!!»
Glad we sat outside… The inside of the ENTIRE restaurant smelled like MOLD and SEWAGE… Not sure if pipes broke or bathroom overflowed. It was overwhelming. And was difficult to breathe… My last day in Florida and it SUCKS MY LAST MEAL WAS SHITTY AS %*~^!

Once again. Service was impeccable. Try to stop every time I’m in town. Their crew is fantastic and attentive and their food local. The setting with the outdoor terrace is welcoming and relaxing. Can’t wait to go back.

I brought my fiancée to dinner last night and I cannot say enough good things about the Bistro. The outside patio was reserved for a birthday party, so we sat inside, a few tables away from the bar. The atmosphere was relaxed and the room was filled with people’s conversation without being overly loud.
Service was quick, courteous, and knowledgeable. The owner, who is also head chef, came out occasionally to greet patrons, and even help bus tables– very kind man.
And the food! Every course, I found myself saying, «this is the best _​_​_​_​I’ve ever had!» The crab cake appetizer, while small, was delicious beyond comparison. Every bite was savory. The Caesar salad’s homemade dressing was creamy without wilting the salad. The main course: blackened fish (black fin? I can’t quite remember) with a spicy pineapple chutney, on top of asparagus and roasted potatoes and zucchini, was amazing.
I also had a glass of the Osceola Bistro Red, their home-​brewed beer. Very smooth with a pleasant taste.
I can honestly say that this is the best fine dining restaurant in Vero Beach. If you are looking for an excellent dinner experience with quality food, this is the place.

My husband and I truly regret coming here. The atmosphere and bread is the only reason why it should even get a star at all. It took 10 minutes after being sat to get waters. 20 minutes later to take our order. By this point my husband finished his water. He ordered the burger and I had the shrimp and grits. The server asked if he wanted anything on his burger. My husband told him the normal condiments is fine. We had the tiny crab cakes and still no water refills. We received our salads and finished our salads. Still no water. Finally, My husband had to ask. Over an hour later our food came out. To which we asked for them to be boxed and our check. Upon receiving our check we found that the lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese that was on the burger we were charged for individually. I feel this is silly to be charged for.
This place was such a disappointment! Please do not waste your time coming here. :(

First of all, the fresh baked bread is out of this world. The atmosphere is up-​scale while still being laid back. It is cool that the outdoor seating area allows dogs too. I definitely will be back during the day with my beagle soon.
The roasted chicken was one of the best I’ve ever had and overall this was a five star dining experience.

Coming from Austin Texas where amazing food is at every turn I have very high standards to start with. Im 36 years old so my life pleasures are food. I don’t have children and I don’t care if the price point is fair for what you get. I don’t mind small plates at a higher price if the food is stellar.
With that being said I would like to say the food is good. Its not great. Its a bit dated and I think in the early 90“s this place was a hit. It is still very busy in there but the place is just dated. The décor is off, the linens are off, the white tear sheet of paper is off and I just wanted to take it off!
We ordered the soup with the shrimp pasta and the chicken wings on the app menu. The wings were more like an entrée size. I expected 4 – 5 of the little cuties and was presented with about 10 huge (we joked they were turkey legs) wings and drums. The soup came first and was light and delicate and then these big daddies that were more flavored of the Caribbean. They were fantastic wings but weird in the middle of the ocean inspired meal we chose. I wish the waiter would have steered us in the right direction for something that worked with the other dishes, perhaps the crab cakes. Neither of us finished our wing app or our entrees and we paid the bill to leave pretty quick. We drove elsewhere to get key lime pie somewhere else even tho they had it there on their menu.
The vibe was just off. We felt from the moment we arrived without our «Reservation» that the hostess who seemed put off. to seat us inside while I expected the place to be packed by her reaction. It was not. It got pretty full by the time we left but I can’t imagine how. We wanted to run. With that being said, we have only eaten at 3 places in Vero and this is the only one I will never return to. EVER!
Again, food is okay. I would’ve preferred to eat at the same place from the night before.

one of my favorite nights out while in Vero! A treat to enjoy this perfectly prepared food. My Dad went back the next night after we left to have another great meal. service was friendly and helpful. oysters were the best I have ever had!

Nice cozy location. It is clean and inviting when you walk in the door. Loved the outside patio and will return if for no other reason than to sit outside on the patio.
Just had a burger and ice tea both of which though no gourmet were very good.
Give it a try you will be pleased.

This WAS our favorite Vero restaurant, been enjoying the restaurant since they opened a few years ago. Last Tuesday will be the last visit. Party of five and all of us were unhappy. 2 ½ long hours of miserable service, zero attention — we couldn’t wait to leave.
The food has slipped in quality but it may be a result of not serving in a timely manner. Which is an understatement.
Portions were small — two of us opted for a kale crab avocado special– mistake. The entrée portion was the exact same size as the side salad version of the same salad.
I’m just sorry to see what was once my «go to» restaurant take such a nose dive.

A friend and I went to Osceola Bistro for an all-​locally produced delicious lunch. I had an locally-​grown organic arugula salad with pine nuts, feta, Fellsmere raised shrimp, white wine vinaigrette and side of citrus slices. My friend had a marinated chicken sandwich with blue cheese and avocado aioli. Both were perfection and healthful. A highly memorable treat.
One salad on their menu featured a banana vinaigrette. I was curious and asked for a taste. It tasted exactly like one of those Spangler Candies circus peanuts (banana peanuts) from our childhood.
We were very satisfied with what we ordered. Definitely will be back and recommend to others.