Best All-Around Restaurant: The Gafford
Few restaurants embody Stuart quite like The Gafford. Known for Chef Taylor Wilson’s shrimp and grits, hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and warm hospitality, the downtown favorite has mastered the art of being the perfect choice for just about any occasion.
Runners Up: The Black Marlin, Kyle G’s Prime Seafood & Steaks
Best Ambience: Hudson’s on the River
Sunset views, swaying palms, boats drifting by, and a front-row seat to the St. Lucie River—Hudson’s on the River delivers a setting that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re gathering for dinner or lingering over cocktails, the waterfront backdrop is part of the experience.
Runners Up: Palm City Social, The Urban Tapas
Best Asian Restaurant: Krua Thai
For more than three decades, Krua Thai has been serving authentic Thai cuisine in Stuart. From fragrant curries and noodle dishes to house specialties packed with bold flavor, the longtime favorite has introduced generations of locals to the art of Thai cooking.
Runners Up: Emman’s Asian Gourmet, Bo Lan Restaurant
Best BBQ: Southern Pig & Cattle Co.
Great barbecue can’t be rushed. At Southern Pig & Cattle Co., the beef brisket is smoked for 14 hours, resulting in barbecue that has earned the family-owned restaurant a loyal following. Add ribs, pulled pork, and classic Southern sides, and you’ve got a recipe for success.
Runners Up: Barbecue Beer Co., Sweet Smoke Southern Kitchen
Best Bakery: Importico’s Bakery Café
Importico’s Bakery Café brings a taste of old-world Europe to the Treasure Coast. The longtime favorite has built a loyal following with artisan breads, traditional pastries, and desserts that keep customers coming back for one more bite.
Runners Up: Bomboloni Bakery Café & Ristorante, Vicky Bakery
Best Bar Food: Carson’s Tavern
Some meals call for white tablecloths. Others call for a burger, a cold beer, and a seat at Carson’s Tavern. The neighborhood favorite serves up the kind of crave-worthy wings, sandwiches, and comfort food that make it easy to stay for just one more round.
Runners Up: Mangia Clam Bar, Scooter’s Fun, Food & Spirits
Best Breakfast: Berry Fresh Café
From stuffed French toast and fluffy pancakes to avocado toast and omelets, Berry Fresh Café has something to satisfy every kind of morning craving.
Runners Up: Jan’s Place Restaurant and Bakery, Key West Diner
Best Brunch: Dolphin Bar
A made-to-order omelet station, waffle station, grits bar, carving station, and Bloody Mary and mimosa bar turn Sunday brunch into an event. Add sweeping St. Lucie River views, and it’s easy to see why locals keep coming back.
Runners Up: Colab Kitchen, Spritz City Bistro
Best Burgers: Piranha Pat’s
When a restaurant has been serving burgers for more than four decades, it’s probably doing something right. A Stuart staple since 1978, Piranha Pat’s serves burgers, drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere that has made it a local reader favorite.
Runners Up: Burger Daddy, Stack Burgers and Bourbon Bar
Best Chef: Taylor Wilson, The Gafford
For Taylor Wilson, cooking is a family tradition. As the executive chef of The Gafford—named for his great-grandparents—he honors that legacy with thoughtful Southern-inspired cuisine, fresh local ingredients, and the warm hospitality that has become a hallmark of the downtown Stuart favorite.
Runners Up: Scott Enterline, Urban Tapas; Paolo Ferretti, The Chefs Table
Q&A with Taylor Wilson
What’s the greatest lesson your family taught you about the restaurant business?
Hospitality. It’s something that’s been handed down in our family for generations—from my great-grandfather, to my grandfather, to my father, and now to me.
What’s the back story behind Mabel’s Fried Chicken?
Mabel was my grandmother and her fried chicken was the meal we looked forward to every single week. Every time someone orders Mabel’s Fried Chicken, they’re getting a piece of my family’s story.
What’s one food trend you love and one you’re ready to leave behind?
I love seeing the continued focus on sourcing locally. Knowing your farmers, fishermen, and producers creates stronger communities and better food. One trend I’d happily leave behind is cooking for Instagram instead of flavor. Presentation matters, but taste should always come first. I want our food to comfort people, nourish them, and create memories. If it happens to photograph beautifully too, that’s a bonus. —K.D.L
Best Date Night Spot: Riverwalk Café and Oyster Bar
Some restaurants just feel romantic, and Riverwalk Café & Oyster Bar has mastered the formula. Tucked along the St. Lucie River, the intimate downtown Stuart favorite pairs twinkling lights, waterfront views, fresh seafood, and a cozy atmosphere that practically begs you to linger over one more glass of wine.
Runners Up: District Table and Bar, Oak & Ember Steakhouse
Best Dessert: Palm City Social
Save room for dessert—or plan your meal around it. From the Banana Split Board and s’mores mousse to Key lime pie and decadent cakes from Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop, Palm City Social proves the sweetest course is often the most memorable.
Runners Up: Citron Bistro, Pez Vela Fusion Kitchen
Best Dock & Dine Restaurant: Conchy Joe’s
By land or by sea, Conchy Joe’s welcomes hungry boaters with cold drinks, fresh seafood, and a front-row seat to the Indian River. The waterfront favorite has been serving up laid-back Florida vibes, conch fritters, and sunset views for generations.
Runners Up: Shrimper’s Grill and Raw Bar, Two Georges Dockside Grill
Best Family-Friendly Restaurant: Colab Kitchen
Keeping everyone happy at the dinner table isn’t always easy, but Colab Kitchen makes it look effortless. With something for every age and appetite, the community gathering spot has become a favorite for family meals. And if the kids finish eating before the adults, there’s even a market to browse while you linger a little longer.
Runners Up: Island Beach Bar & Restaurant, Lynora’s Italian Restaurant
Best Food Truck: Brothers’ Q BBQ
Follow the scent of hickory smoke and you’ll likely end up at Brothers’ Q BBQ. Known for its smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and Southern comfort sides, the local favorite has earned a reputation for serving serious barbecue from a decidedly untraditional kitchen.
Runners Up: Bengal Tiger Thai Cuisine, Ital Bowls Food Truck
Best French Restaurant: La Grande Martier
French influence meets Southern hospitality at La Grande Martier. Inspired by the French Creole flavors of the Lowcountry, the downtown Stuart favorite blends European techniques with coastal ingredients and warm hospitality, creating a dining experience that’s both elevated and approachable.
Runners Up: Frittata Bakery Café by Pastelittles, Sucre French Bakery
Best Ice Cream & Frozen Treats: Shark Shack Sweets
A trip to Shark Shack Sweets feels a little like summer vacation. From towering ice cream cones and creamy milkshakes to sweet treats that delight kids and adults alike, the colorful local favorite serves up smiles one scoop at a time.
Runners Up: Celtic Creamery, Beach House Ice Cream
Best Italian Restaurant: La Forchetta Italian Restaurant
At La Forchetta, family recipes and fresh ideas share the same table. Rooted in generations of Italian culinary tradition, the family-owned restaurant pairs classic pastas and Old World flavors with inventive specials that keep even regulars discovering something new.
Runners Up: Pepe & Sale, Ristorante Claretta
Get to Know Francesca Di Fede
Owner of La Forchetta, Winner “Best Italian Restaurant”
If anyone was destined to run an Italian restaurant, it was Francesca Di Fede. Growing up, she says, she was practically raised among pizza boxes, joking that “sauce runs in my veins.” Her father, Dominic Di Fede, opened La Forchetta in Stuart in 2009 after decades in the pizza business, building the family restaurant around authentic Italian recipes and warm hospitality.
When Dominic passed away in 2020, Francesca stepped into the leadership role, determined to honor his legacy while carrying the restaurant into the future. Many of the menu’s signature dishes remain family traditions, including the Penne di Pappa—her father’s favorite, originally served at her parents’ wedding—and the beloved Chicken Luca, which she insists best represents what La Forchetta is all about.
“I always say he lives in these walls,” Francesca says of her father. “He gives me the strength every day to continue on.” —K.D.L.
Best Latin Restaurant: Old Havana Café
Before bringing Cuban flavors to Stuart, Jesus “Chuchi” Rivero worked as a director for MasterChef Latino. Today, he channels that passion into Old Havana Café, where authentic recipes and Cuban culture have made the restaurant a reader favorite.
Runners Up: Merengue Restaurant, Tapasterra
Best Lunch Spot: Osceola Street Café
Tucked into the heart of downtown Stuart, Osceola Street Café has mastered the art of the midday meal. Fresh salads, creative sandwiches, daily specials, and a charming courtyard setting make it the kind of place where a quick lunch often turns into a leisurely break from the day.
Runners Up: Ellie’s Downtown Deli, Sunset Sliders
Best New Restaurant: Pez Vela Fusion Kitchen
Some restaurants take years to build a following. Pez Vela Fusion Kitchen wasted no time. Blending global flavors, creative cocktails, and a lively atmosphere, the downtown Stuart newcomer quickly established itself as one of the Treasure Coast’s most exciting dining destinations.
Runners Up: Salty Pelican, TapasTerra
Best Mediterranean Restaurant: Spiro’s Taverna
Step through the doors of Spiro’s Taverna and you’re greeted with the flavors and hospitality of Greece. From classic gyros and grilled seafood to house-made specialties and warm service, the longtime favorite has been transporting diners to the
Mediterranean for years.
Runners Up: Fig and Olive Café, Nostalgia Greek Taverna
Best Outdoor Dining: Sailor’s Return
At Sailor’s Return, the St. Lucie River does half the work. Boats drift by, sunsets light up the water, and every table comes with a front-row seat to one of the Treasure Coast’s most scenic waterfront settings. The food may bring you in, but the view is what makes you want to stay.
Runners Up: WaterFront—Sailfish Lounge & Grill, Boathouse
Best Pizza: Carmela’s Brick Oven Pizza
Some things are worth waiting for. At Carmela’s Brick Oven Pizza, the crackle of a brick-oven crust and the aroma of melting mozzarella have made the family-owned favorite a go-to for pizza lovers throughout the Treasure Coast.
Runners Up: Ian & Kye’s Pizza, Pusateri’s Chicago Pizza
Best Seafood: The Black Marlin
On the Treasure Coast, seafood isn’t just a cuisine—it’s a way of life. The Black Marlin honors that tradition with fresh fish, coastal favorites, and the easygoing atmosphere that has made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Runners Up: King Neptune, Crabby’s Oyster Bar
Best Steak House: Oak & Ember Steakhouse
At Oak & Ember, great steak starts with great fire. Part of restaurateur Kyle Greene’s growing collection of standout Treasure Coast restaurants, the wood-fired steakhouse pairs premium cuts, bold flavor, and a polished atmosphere that turns an ordinary dinner into an occasion.
Runners Up: The Fort Steakhouse, Peter’s Steakhouse
Best Sushi: Sachi Sushi
At Sachi Sushi, pristine fish, skilled preparation, and beautifully presented rolls have earned a loyal
following among sushi loving readers. Whether you’re a sashimi purist or a specialty-roll enthusiast, every bite reflects a commitment to quality.
Runners Up: Kazu Japanese Restaurant, Ramen Hana & Sushi
Best Tacos: Taco Shack Bar & Grill
Some meals are worth getting your hands dirty for. From street-style favorites and fresh toppings to ice-cold margaritas on the side, Taco Shack Bar & Grill serves up the bold flavors and laid-back vibe that taco lovers crave.
Runners Up: Juancito’s Tacos, Tacos and More
Best Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Hani Honey Company
Eating plant-based never felt so satisfying. Hani Honey Company has built a loyal following with colorful, nutrient-packed dishes that prove vegetarian and vegan cuisine can be every bit as flavorful, creative, and crave-worthy as their traditional counterparts.
Runners Up: Namaste Grill, Planet Ozone’s Tabuleh Café
Editor’s Pick: Bagels at Bagel Bistro in Hobe Sound
Fresh-baked bagels, house-made flavored cream cheeses, and stacked breakfast sandwiches have made Bagel Bistro Hobe Sound a local morning ritual. Grab a dozen to go or settle in with coffee and a hot breakfast—either way, you’ll see why the neighborhood keeps coming back. —K.D.L.
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