For residents of Vero Beach and Indian River County looking to explore the wider culinary landscape of the Treasure Coast, a stylish new dining destination has emerged just south in historic downtown Fort Pierce. The Urban Tapas, a sister concept to the well-known 2nd Street Bistro, has transformed former private party spaces into a modern venue dedicated to the art of small plates and shared dining.
Located right next door to its sibling restaurant, The Urban Tapas brings a fresh aesthetic to the downtown dining scene. The interior is described as uncluttered and modern, featuring exposed brick walls, deep green velvet booths, and botanical accents that create an inviting atmosphere for evening cocktails and conversation.
A Menu Built for Grazing
The core philosophy of the restaurant encourages diners to “build their own adventure” through an extensive selection of tapas. The menu is designed to facilitate sharing, moving away from traditional large entrees in favor of a flow of smaller, diverse flavors.
The culinary journey begins with approachable starters such as seasonal hummus, teriyaki edamame, and curated cheese and meat boards. For those seeking heartier options, the kitchen offers flatbreads and salads topped with premium ingredients like duck confit or shrimp scampi. However, the true variety shines in the “snacks and veggie” section, featuring items like bacon-wrapped dates, croquetas, and Cajun chicken egg rolls.
According to a recent review by Lucie Regensdorf, several standout dishes define the experience:
The experience at The Urban Tapas thrives on shared dining, where ordering requires strategy and compromise is rewarded with great food artistically presented. Whether stopping in for cocktails or a full tasting-style feast, every plate makes a compelling argument.
Highlights from the Menu
Diners visiting the establishment can expect a mix of global influences ranging from Spanish classics to Asian-fusion flavors. Notable menu items reviewed include:
For dessert, the restaurant offers indulgent options like chocolate lava cake and banana caramel cheesecake chimichangas. However, the cast-iron Cinnabon—served hot with white chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream—has been flagged as a crowd favorite.
Service and Atmosphere
Beyond the food, the service style is geared toward a relaxed pace. Servers act as guides to help pace the flow of plates, ensuring that the table isn’t overwhelmed and that the conversation can flow alongside the cocktails. The layout includes a large high-top table near the bar, specifically designed for groups looking to engage in long conversations over multiplying plates of food.
Visitor Information
For Treasure Coast residents planning a visit to this new hotspot, here are the essential details:
The Urban Tapas offers a sophisticated yet casual option for those on the Treasure Coast looking to turn dinner into a shared social event.
