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There’s something undeniably special about food cooked over a real wood fire. Whether it’s the smoky char on a perfectly grilled steak or the crispy blistered crust of a wood-fired pizza, these bold flavors simply can’t be replicated with gas or electric heat. In Indian River County, a handful of local restaurants have embraced this time-honored cooking method, using real hardwood and open flames to craft unforgettable meals. From upscale steakhouses to casual barbecue joints and artisan pizzerias, here are the best spots where fire meets flavor.
Pepper & Salt BBQ – Vero Beach, FL
Pepper & Salt BBQ in Vero Beach is dedicated to the craft of real wood-smoked barbecue. Using a traditional offset smoker fueled exclusively by oak, they slow-cook everything from brisket and ribs to house-made sausages, building deep, smoky flavor in every bite. The result is tender, boldly seasoned meats that sell out fast—often before the lunch rush is over. With a simple setup and a focus on quality over flash, this is a true destination for anyone who appreciates authentic, fire-cooked barbecue in Indian River County.
Pepper & Salt
Address: 308 Old Dixie Hwy, Vero Beach, FL 32962
Phone: (772) 257-5726
Post & Vine – Vero Beach, FL
Post & Vine brings wood-fired cooking to the heart of Downtown Vero Beach with their artisan pizzas cooked in a blazing hot pizza oven fueled by real hardwood. The oven reaches temperatures over 800°F, creating that perfect balance of crispy, charred crust and melty, flavorful toppings. Beyond the pizza, the open-air patio and multiple bar areas offer a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for wood-fired fare with a side of great vibes. It’s a delicious reminder of how cooking with real fire transforms simple ingredients into something exceptional.
Post & Vine
Address: 1919 14th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 907-5159
Squid Lips River Deck – Sebastian, FL
At Squid Lips River Deck in Sebastian, wood-fired flavor meets waterfront dining. Whether you’re seated over the water at their original location or enjoying the expansive river deck at the newly opened second restaurant, you’ll find a menu full of entrées grilled over an oak-fired grill. From fresh seafood to flame-kissed burgers, the subtle smokiness from the real wood enhances every bite. Combine that with panoramic views of the Indian River and a laid-back coastal vibe, and you’ve got one of the most enjoyable wood-fired dining experiences in Indian River County.
River Deck at Squid Lips
Address: 1670 Indian River Dr, Sebastian, FL 32958
Phone: (772) 918-8220
Vero Prime – Vero Beach, FL
Vero Prime in Downtown Vero Beach is an upscale steakhouse renowned for cooking its dry-aged steaks and select entrées over a real wood-fired grill. This technique infuses each dish with a deep, smoky richness—from perfectly charred ribeyes to their signature fire-grilled Caesar salad. With its white-tablecloth service, robust wine list, and classic steakhouse ambiance, Vero Prime offers an elevated dining experience where wood-fired cooking takes center stage. It’s a standout destination for those seeking refined flavors rooted in tradition.
Vero Prime
Address: 2023 14th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 226-7870
Wind & Waves Grill – Vero Beach, FL
Located inside Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, Wind & Waves Grill blends laid-back coastal charm with a vibrant wood-fired culinary experience. The open “on-stage” kitchen features both an oak-fired grill and a wood-fired brick oven, bringing bold, smoky flavor to dishes like fresh seafood, flame-kissed flatbreads, and handcrafted pizzas. You don’t have to be a resort guest to dine here, and reservations are available through OpenTable. With its nautical-inspired decor and breezy atmosphere, it’s a one-of-a-kind destination where guests can enjoy expertly fire-cooked fare just steps from the beach—making it a standout stop for wood-fired dining in Indian River County.
Wind & Waves Grill located inside the Disney Vero Beach Resort
Address: 9250 Island Grove Terrace, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone: (772) 234-2000
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