A beachfront restaurant can be both laid-back and luxurious, as Scott’s on Fifth in Indialantic proves. The dining room is intimate and relaxed, as you would expect on the Space Coast, Fla. But the food is expertly prepared and fit for royalty.
It’s no surprise that Scott’s has a long list of restaurant rewards; it's even considered one of the top restaurants in the region. In fact, the chef, Scott Earick, is a bit of a foodie celebrity.
Yellowtail snapper at Scott's on Fifth — Photo courtesy of Scott's on Fifth
Before coming to Indialantic, Earick ran a popular Italian restaurant in Tampa, and he was the host of a cooking show called Capital Dish. You can still find cooking how-to videos and tips on the restaurant’s website.
Even before that, the chef was an actor on an Italian soap opera in Rome.
Today, Earick pours his dramatics into his culinary details and passion into his beachfront restaurant – ideal for special occasions. Expect to see a different menu each time you visit; plates vary based on what’s the freshest and also on Earick’s whim. Even the decor regularly changes.
This “five-palm” fine-dining establishment boasts a wine bar, fresh seafood, cocktails and top-notch desserts.
Although the selection varies, if you have the chance, start your meal with the lobster bisque, chilled shrimp cocktail or the escargot appetizer in garlic butter with crostini. For lunch, the lobster ravioli topped with Parmesan butter is beyond satisfying and reminiscent of the chef’s Italian roots. Or try the salmon parmesan.
For dinner, start with a bowl of mussels in roasted garlic white wine. Try the rack of lamb, served with perfectly seasoned vegetables, or the crispy yellowtail snapper. The latter is one of the most popular options.
Shrimp salad at Scott's on Fifth — Photo courtesy of Scott's on Fifth
Wash your meal down with wine – $10 per bottle all day on Tuesdays and Sundays. (The four-course dinner on Sundays is another way to save a few bucks and fill up your belly.) For an extra special occasion, you can find high-end champagnes here.
Don’t see what you’re looking for on the menu? Ask Earick if he can make it. Or trust your chef and order Scott’s Choice, which is “whatever Scott feels like making today.” It’s this approach that makes Scott’s feel so personal and has earned Earick his strong fan base. It also keeps diners coming back for more experimentation and excitement.
Don’t expect the fanciest restaurant you’ve ever been to, but do look forward to feeling like you’re going to a highly talented friend’s dinner party, and this friend happens to have a house on the beach. The dining room itself is cozy, with about a dozen tables, but the portions tend to be big.
From your table, you can watch the sun set, and after your meal, the beach is just a short walk away. The combination of location with taste makes Scott’s on Fifth a restaurant worth visiting during your next Space Coast vacation.