You’re driving through Vero Beach, looking for something that isn't just another fried shrimp basket, and you see it. A sleek, modern building that looks like it was plucked right out of South Beach and dropped onto the quiet "Treasure Coast." This is Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa, and inside is the Gloria Estefan restaurant Vero Beach FL locals and tourists have been obsessing over for years: The Wave Kitchen & Bar.
Honestly, celebrity-owned spots can be a gamble. Sometimes you're just paying for the name on the door and the food is... well, forgettable. But here’s the thing about Gloria and Emilio Estefan—they don't really do things halfway. When they bought the old Palm Court Hotel back in 2004, they weren't just looking for a tax write-off. They wanted a home away from home.
What’s the Vibe at the Gloria Estefan Restaurant Vero Beach FL?
Basically, it’s "upscale casual," but that doesn't really do it justice. The Wave Kitchen & Bar is built around an open kitchen concept. You can actually watch the chefs work, which adds a layer of energy to the room that you don't usually get in sleepy Vero.
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It's chic. It's got those mid-century modern lines. But it’s also undeniably Cuban at its heart.
One of the coolest details? The recipes. A lot of what you’re eating comes straight from the Estefan Kitchen Cookbook. We're talking about family recipes that belonged to Gloria’s grandmother, who (fun fact) used to cook in Cuba’s presidential palace. That’s not marketing fluff; that’s actual heritage on your plate.
The Food: Beyond the Hype
If you go and don't order the Paella a la Costa, did you even go? It’s loaded. Clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, chorizo, and chicken. You can get it for one person ($38) or share it ($69), and it’s arguably the most famous thing on the menu.
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But if you want the real Estefan experience, you look at the Cuban classics.
- Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef in a light tomato sauce.
- Ham Croquettes: Served with guava jelly, which sounds weird until you try it.
- Plantain Cups: Filled with Ropa Vieja and topped with cilantro.
They also do this thing with Black Angus Steaks where they serve them on a sizzling lava stone. It’s a bit of a spectacle, but the meat is high-quality, and you get to control the sear.
Why Vero Beach?
People always ask why the Estefans chose Vero instead of just sticking to Miami or Orlando. Gloria has called Vero Beach her "favorite place on Earth." It’s the "Hamptons of Miami," minus the pretension.
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They’ve lived here since 2001. They actually care about the community. For example, the resort is super eco-conscious. From May to October, they ask guests to turn off balcony lights to protect the nesting sea turtles. Only about one in 1,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood, and the Estefans are pretty vocal about making sure their property doesn't mess with that cycle.
The Cabana Bar
If The Wave feels a bit too "dinner-date," you just walk outside to the Cabana Bar. It’s right by the infinity pool. You can get a mojito—which is basically mandatory at an Estefan property—and look at the Atlantic.
They do a "Daily Happy Hour" that is actually worth showing up for. Plus, if you're there on a Tuesday, they usually have some sort of taco special. It’s much more laid back, but you can still grab those Ropa Vieja plantain cups while you’re wearing flip-flops.
The "Secret" to Getting a Table
The Wave Kitchen & Bar is the signature Gloria Estefan restaurant Vero Beach FL destination, so it gets busy. Especially during "Season" (January through April).
- Book ahead: Use OpenTable or just call them at (772) 410-0100. Don't just wing it on a Saturday night.
- The Breakfast Hack: Most people think of this as a dinner spot. Their breakfast is actually killer. The "Cuban Breakfast" with eggs, black beans, and café con leche is the best way to start a beach day.
- Private Dining: If you’re trying to propose or celebrate something big, they do a "Private Oceanfront Dining" experience. It's one table per night, four courses, right on the sand. It’s expensive, but it’s the ultimate "flex" in Vero Beach.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that this is a "tourist trap" because of the celebrity name. It's really not. The service is consistently rated high (8.9+ on most booking sites), and the staff, like David in the restaurant or Genesis at the front desk, have been there for ages.
Another thing: people think it’s strictly Cuban. It’s actually a mix. You’ll find Seared Diver Sea Scallops with saffron corn sauce right next to a traditional black bean soup. It’s a "fusion" that actually makes sense for the Florida coast.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head over to Costa d'Este to eat, here's the move:
- Valet your car: Parking on Ocean Drive is a nightmare. The resort offers valet, and it’s usually validated or reasonably priced if you're dining.
- Check the live music schedule: They often have local artists or Latin-inspired sets that really change the vibe of the meal.
- Dress the part: You don't need a suit, but leave the "I just came from a 4-hour fishing trip" look at home. Think "Miami Chic" meets "Beach Casual."
- Explore the property: After dinner, walk through the lobby. Look at the artwork. The Estefans hand-picked a lot of the decor, including items in the penthouse suites. It feels personal, not corporate.
Whether you're there for the $99 seafood tower or just a $15 plate of ham croquettes, the Gloria Estefan restaurant Vero Beach FL experience is about the atmosphere Emilio and Gloria created. It’s a piece of their history, served up with a view of the ocean they love.