Tropical Indialantic cafe makes Yelp's 2023 list of Top 100 Florida Restaurants

Suzy Fleming Leonard, Florida Today
·2 min read

Mel's Tiki Cafe, a breakfast, lunch and dinner spot that opened in 2020, landed the No. 37 spot on Yelp's 2023 list of Top 100 Florida Restaurants.

To compile the list, the popular review site ranked restaurants using factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews between Jan. 1, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2023. When available, all businesses on the list had a passing health score as of Jan. 9.

Mel's Tiki Cafe opened at 2344 N. State Road, Indialantic, in March 2020, just before COVID-19 shut restaurants down for anything but takeout. Owner Mel Pitcher, who was born in Barbados, said she struggled through those first months, selling poke bowls to-go.

More about Mel's: Indialantic tiki cafe serves breakfast and poke bowls with a side of determination

Mel Pitcher opened Mel's Tiki Cafe in Indialantic one week before the COVID 19 pandemic closures.
Mel Pitcher opened Mel's Tiki Cafe in Indialantic one week before the COVID 19 pandemic closures.

Three years later, the cafe is thriving.

"Tiki Cafe has made it to the other side and we are so thankful to all of you for your support," reads a March 10 Facebook post marking Mel's anniversary. "This wouldn't be possible without our wonderful guests and amazing staff! We hit record sales last weekend!"

The cafe's menu includes bowls, sandwiches and waffles for breakfast, and bowls, salads and stuffed avocados for lunch and dinner. The décor is tropical tiki bar.

Mel's Tiki Cafe was the only Space Coast restaurant to make the Yelp list.

The ahi tuna stuffed avocado at Mel's Tiki Cafe in Indialantic is made from a whole avocado, grilled and topped with fresh ahi tuna, sesame seeds, green onion, poke sauce and sriracha aioli.
The ahi tuna stuffed avocado at Mel's Tiki Cafe in Indialantic is made from a whole avocado, grilled and topped with fresh ahi tuna, sesame seeds, green onion, poke sauce and sriracha aioli.

More: What are the best Florida restaurants? Yelp reveals Top 100 of 2023, ranked

Here's what Yelp reviewers have to say about Mel's:

Julia S. on Feb. 23: What a way to start a quick beach vacation in a place with great food and mango mimosas and cold brew with sweet cream and Good Vibes! My husband had the best breakfast sammie of his life complete with jalapeño maple dipping syrup and I had a fresh perfectly balanced poke bowl! Service ? quick and warm and friendly ! Plus it just makes you happy, surf Tiki theme so cute inside! Go here for it all! We loved it!

Andrea L. on March 19: I am an idiot for not coming here years ago!  Soooo good! I thoroughly enjoyed the Happy Day bowl. Also  snuck some of my boyfriend's Coco Loco Waffle with scrambled eggs, tiki bacon and pineapple! Soooo gooood! Stellar service. Oh! The coffee is amazing too! Well done Mel; keep it up!

Marissa W. on March 21: I never write yelp reviews, but I had to after trying this place. Quite literally the BEST breakfast sandwich I have ever had in my life. I got the billy and it was incredible. Perfect blend of sweet, savory, and hint of spicy with the syrup. Super fast and friendly service. 10/10 recommend.

Taking the No. 1 spot on the Yelp list was Pla-Tu Sushi, Thai, Tapas in South Miami.

Suzy Fleming Leonard is a features journalist with more than three decades of experience. Reach her at sleonard@floridatoday.com. Find her on Facebook: @SuzyFlemingLeonard or on Instagram: @SuzyLeonard. 

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Mel's Tiki Cafe was the only Brevard restaurant to make Yelp's Top 100