Must-Try Food Spots in Port St. Lucie
- Samantha Diaz
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
I’ve lived in Port St. Lucie long enough to admit I never expected much from our restaurant scene. For years, it was mostly chains and takeout spots — easy, familiar, nothing too exciting. But in the past few years, something’s changed. Quietly and steadily, PSL has started building a real food identity, and some of these local restaurants have completely surprised me. Whether it’s ramen rich with truffle, handmade Italian pasta, or a steakhouse that feels straight out of a bigger city, these are the spots I keep coming back to — and what I actually order at each one.
Ramen Hana & Wings
When I’m craving something warm and comforting, I head straight to Ramen Hana & Wings. My usual order is the Haibisukasu Truffle Shio Ramen — a light chicken truffle broth with thick noodles, pork chashu, shiitake mushrooms, scallions, nori, and a marinated egg. The broth has that silky truffle depth, and the noodles have just the right chew. It’s simple, flavorful, and one of those meals that completely resets your day. If I’m extra hungry, I add an order of soy-garlic wings — crispy, sticky, and perfectly seasoned.
Pro tip: Go early or grab takeout on weekends — it fills up fast. And never skip the marinated egg.
Babalu’s Cuban Café
Babalu’s is one of those PSL staples that just feels like home. I always order the Masitas de Cerdo (Pork Chunks) — seasoned in Cuban spices, deep-fried until golden, and topped with garlic-onion mojo — or the Bistec de Pollo Empanizado, a crispy breaded chicken steak that’s juicy and full of flavor. Every plate is big, comforting, and perfectly seasoned.
Pro tip: End your meal with a café Cubano. It’s small, strong, and the perfect final note.
Sake Too Japanese & Thai Restaurant
Sake Too is my go-to for sushi nights or Thai cravings. I rotate between the Tempura Tokyo Roll (eel, cream cheese, avocado fried in tempura batter), the Beauty & the Beast Roll (half tuna, half eel with avocado and asparagus), and the Veggie Cashew Nuts — a rich stir-fry with roasted cashews, onions, mushrooms, and carrots in brown sauce. The rolls are fresh, the curries are flavorful, and the service is always friendly.
Pro tip: Sit at the sushi bar if you can — they’ll often recommend specials or off-menu rolls.
Amore Italian Chophouse
One of the newest restaurants to open in PSL, Amore Italian Chophouse is part of the Kyle G family of restaurants, led by local restaurateur Chef Kyle Greene. It’s sleek, modern, and easily one of the best additions to the city’s dining scene. My favorite dish is the Branzino — roasted skin-on fish served with roasted potatoes, fennel, arugula, orange, and a lemon vinaigrette. It’s light, flavorful, and beautifully plated. The attention to detail here feels more “South Florida fine dining” than small-town casual.
Pro tip: This is the place for date night. Make a reservation, dress up a bit, and enjoy a cocktail before dinner.
Oak & Ember Steakhouse
Also part of the Kyle G Restaurants lineup, Oak & Ember Steakhouse brings a big-city feel to PSL dining. I love starting with the Braised Lamb Empanadas served with lamb au jus and ají amarillo, or the Calamari Fritto, which comes with charred peperonata, sweet-potato chips, and cilantro salsa verde. Their Lobster Bisque — creamy, rich, and finished with sherry and chives — is always a hit, and the 6 oz Filet Mignon with Whipped Yukon Millionaire’s Potato Purée (made with truffle butter) is one of the best steaks I’ve had in town.
Pro tip: Sit at the bar around sunset — the light, cocktails, and overall energy make it the perfect upscale evening out.
Pulcinella Pizza & Italian Market
Pulcinella is my go-to for casual Italian comfort. I stick with the classic cheese pizza — crisp crust, tangy sauce, and just the right amount of cheese. After eating, I always browse their Italian market shelves for olive oil, cheese, or imported pasta. It’s that neighborhood spot that feels both familiar and special.
Pro tip: Visit during lunch for a quieter experience and extra-fresh pizza straight from the oven.
Pastaio
Pastaio’s house-made pasta keeps me coming back. I alternate between the Pappardelle Bolognese (veal, pork, and beef slow-cooked in tomato sauce) and the Rigatoni Boscaiola (pancetta, mushrooms, peas, vodka sauce). Everything tastes rich, cozy, and clearly made from scratch.
Pro tip: Pair your pasta with a glass of their rotating Italian wines — they always have great picks.
Casa Vincenzo
Casa Vincenzo is classic, family-run Italian dining at its best — warm service, authentic recipes, and attention to detail in every dish. I usually start with the Frittura di Calamari (lightly fried and perfectly crisp) before diving into the Fettuccine Bolognese, Pappardelle con Funghi, or the traditional Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe. Everything comes out beautifully plated and tastes like a trip to Italy without leaving PSL.
Pro tip: Make a reservation for weekends. Their specials change often, and they always have great seafood options off-menu.
Think Greek
Think Greek is casual, flavorful, and consistently fresh. My usual order is the Lamb & Beef Gyro Platter or the Pork Souvlaki Sandwich — both generously portioned and seasoned perfectly. The tzatziki is bright and creamy, and the food comes out fast.
Pro tip: Always add an order of Greek fries with feta. You’ll thank me later.
Miyuki Sushi & Thai
Miyuki has been my longtime go-to for sushi that never disappoints. I always order the Miyuki Roll — spicy tuna and avocado wrapped in soy paper, topped with tuna and eel sauce. It’s light, flavorful, and the perfect mix of sweet and savory.
Pro tip: Sit at the sushi bar — the chefs sometimes offer small samples or dessert bites during slower hours.
Frittata Café & Bistro
If it’s brunch time, you’ll find me at Frittata Café & Bistro. My go-to breakfast is Scrambled Eggs with Bacon on a Croissant, a Classic Waffle, and a Cappuccino. The croissants are buttery and warm, and the atmosphere is bright and relaxed — perfect for lazy weekend mornings.
Pro tip: Go early — the croissants and muffins sell out quickly.
Sakura Sushi & Thai
Sakura’s one of those quiet spots that consistently surprises you. My usual is the Stir Fry Cashew Nut with Crispy Duck, loaded with crunchy vegetables and sweet-savory brown sauce. The duck stays crispy even in the sauce, and it’s the perfect comfort meal after a long week.
Pro tip: Ask for extra heat if you like spice — it brings the sauce to life.
Luso Portuguese Grille
Luso Portuguese Grille is cozy, welcoming, and full of authentic Portuguese flavor. I always start with the Bolos de Bacalhau, crisp codfish cakes that are light, savory, and perfectly golden. The Iberian Salmon is another standout — pan-seared and finished with a rich champagne and lobster saffron sauce that’s smooth and buttery. It’s one of those places that feels quietly special and never disappoints.
Pro tip: Ask about the daily seafood specials — they often feature something fresh and seasonal that’s worth trying.
Port St. Lucie’s food scene might still be finding its identity, but it’s grown into something that genuinely feels exciting. What I love most is the balance — there’s a mix of comfort and creativity, places where you can grab casual ramen on a weekday or sit down for a chef-driven dinner on Saturday night. From cozy neighborhood spots like Babalu’s and Miyuki to refined restaurants like Amore Italian Chophouse and Oak & Ember, each one brings its own flavor and personality to the table.
These aren’t just good meals for a small city — they’re genuinely memorable experiences. Whether it’s the warmth of a Cuban café, the richness of handmade pasta, or the quiet elegance of a well-seared filet, Port St. Lucie is finally serving up food that matches its sense of community.
Pro tip: Keep exploring. Try the classics you’ve driven past a dozen times, revisit old favorites, and don’t be afraid to splurge once in a while. The best part of PSL’s food scene right now is that it still feels personal — the kind of place where chefs remember your name and plates are made with care.
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