Citrus Grillhouse is an American bistro-style casual seaside restaurant in Vero Beach, where dishes blend simple classics with Italian and Mediterranean inspiration. Executive Chef Scott Varricchio's creative plates have been described as approachable comfort food bursting with flavor. The menu changes with the seasons, using regionally grown produce and specialty meats and seafood, exactly what draws locals and visitors looking for the best seafood in Vero Beach.
What We Tried
Coconut Shrimp
We started with the coconut shrimp, and it set the tone for the meal. The coating was lightly crisp without being heavy, and the sweet coconut paired well with the plump, tender shrimp inside. The dipping sauce had a subtle kick that kept each bite interesting. This is the kind of appetizer that makes you slow down and enjoy, perfect for sharing at a table with an ocean view. If you're a fan of coconut shrimp, you won't be disappointed.
Fresh Grouper
Grouper is one of those Florida fish that can make or break a seafood restaurant, and Citrus Grillhouse nails it. The fillet was perfectly cooked, flaky and moist, with a mild sweetness that speaks to how fresh it was. The preparation was clean and unfussy, letting the fish speak for itself. Paired with seasonal sides, this dish embodies what coastal Florida dining is all about. It's the kind of entrée you'll think about long after you've left.
Mahi-Mahi
The mahi-mahi arrived with a light citrus note that felt right for the setting, and the restaurant's name. Grilled to order, it had that ideal balance of firm yet tender texture. The kitchen clearly knows how to handle fish; nothing was overdone or overseasoned. Served with thoughtful accompaniments that felt seasonal rather than an afterthought, this is a solid choice if you're in the mood for something a bit lighter than grouper but still distinctly coastal.
Shrimp and Grits
You can't skip the shrimp and grits at a place like this. The grits were creamy and stone-ground, with a texture that held up to the plump shrimp and rich sauce. This isn't the thin, bland version you sometimes find, it had depth and character, with a Southern staple meets coastal twist that fits Vero Beach perfectly. The portion was generous, and every spoonful was satisfying. A must-try for anyone who loves this classic.
Pan-Seared Scallops
When scallops are done right, they're magic, and these were. Golden sear on the outside, buttery and tender inside, they arrived with a restraint that showed confidence in the ingredient. A few of these with a glass of wine would make a perfect lighter meal, or they work beautifully as a shared course. The dish felt both indulgent and refined. If you're a scallop lover, put this on your list.
Key Lime Pie
We saved room for the key lime pie, and it was worth it. Tart, creamy, with a graham cracker crust that held together the way it should, this is Florida's signature dessert done right. The balance of sweet and tangy was spot-on. It's the kind of finish that makes you glad you didn't skip dessert. A fitting end to a seafood-focused meal.
Citrus Margarita
We went with a citrus margarita to match the coastal vibe and the restaurant's name. Refreshing, not too sweet, with a good balance that didn't overpower the food. The bar has a solid selection if you prefer wine or beer, worth asking what pairs well with your main. Whether you're here for happy hour or a full dinner, the drink menu holds its own.
Final Thoughts
Citrus Grillhouse delivers the kind of experience that keeps diners coming back. From the seasonal, approachable menu to the seaside setting and Chef Scott's thoughtful preparations, it's easy to see why this spot has become a Vero Beach favorite. If you're looking for fresh seafood, coastal dining, or a memorable meal in Indian River County, Citrus Grillhouse deserves a place on your list.
Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Stacy began programming in high school and never looked back. While earning his B.S. in Telecommunications at the University of Kentucky, he simultaneously worked as a Computer Lab Administrator for the MLK Microlabs and ran his own web development company. He then served as a New Media Developer at Mikrotek ISP, managed internet marketing for Host Communications/Total Sports and the NCAA, and was named Vice President of Development at iHigh.com, a VC-backed startup revolutionizing real-time sports stats for media and fans.
Stacy’s post-college venture, Edit-X, launched in Denver and quickly became one of the most advanced CMS/e-commerce hybrid platforms available. The software was a decade ahead of its time, and its success led to partnerships across Fortune 500 clients and some of the largest privately owned dating platforms in the world. Stacy’s ability to drive traffic, increase engagement, and build custom tech positioned him as a trusted consultant for large-scale digital enterprises.
After successful chapters in Kentucky, Denver, and Miami, Stacy chose Vero Beach as home in 2011, drawn to its creative energy, natural beauty, and family-friendly lifestyle. Since then, he has become a cornerstone of the local digital scene, founding Vero Vine, the largest community-driven event platform in Indian River County, and Vero Beach Foodie, a 46,000-member strong food and lifestyle community hailed as the largest of its kind on the East Coast.
He also serves as the co-author of the Optimizer Handbook, founder of Starling Support, and a veteran Google Ads strategist who has audited over $5 million in digital ad waste and overseen ad accounts spending over $1M/month and managing over $400M in ad spend life-time. His work has empowered hundreds of businesses, agencies, and startups to scale with clarity, confidence, and precision.
A father of three (Ava, Aden, and Myla), Stacy splits his time between digital strategy, community advocacy, and building new tools for local businesses to thrive online. Whether he’s optimizing ad performance, launching grassroots campaigns, or spotlighting hidden gems across the Treasure Coast, Stacy brings passion, integrity, and creative energy to everything he does.
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