If you have a sweet tooth for Mediterranean delicacies, specifically the flaky, honey-drenched pastry known as baklava, you do not have to travel far. A recent culinary roundup by Treasure Coast Newspapers has identified the premier spots across the region—including a standout location right here in Vero Beach—to find this beloved dessert.
Baklava is a layered pastry made of paper-thin phyllo dough sheets brushed in butter, nuts mixed with spices and a sweet syrup or honey. The melt-in-your-mouth pastry has numerous regional variations across the Middle East, Balkan countries, Turkey and Greece.
Whether you prefer the traditional walnut-and-honey version or modern twists like chocolate or cheesecake variations, here is where you can find the best baklava on the Treasure Coast.
Vero Beach: Flames Mediterranean Bar & Grill
For residents of Indian River County, the search for authentic baklava begins at Flames Mediterranean Bar & Grill. Located at 575 21st St., this establishment is run by husband-and-wife team Zack and Carla Smeen Nasnas, who brought their decades of experience from Melbourne to Vero Beach in 2023.
The menu at Flames offers a fusion of Lebanese, Middle Eastern, and Northern Italian influences. Their dessert menu features “baklawa”—a Lebanese-style traditionally inspired pastry filled with nuts and syrup—as well as a decadent baklava cheesecake. The owners have deep roots in the industry; Carla grew up in her family’s restaurant, Skewers Mediterranean Grille in Indialantic, ensuring that the recipes served in Vero Beach are steeped in tradition.
St. Lucie County Favorites
If you are heading south, St. Lucie County offers two distinct experiences for baklava lovers:
- Swift Grill (Fort Pierce): Located at 901 U.S. 1, this spot was opened by Romanian native Vlad Bradescu to fill a void for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in the area. Swift Grill offers a casual, counter-service atmosphere perfect for grabbing a quick bite. Their dessert menu is surprisingly extensive, featuring chocolate baklava, pistachio baklava, and walnut baklava.
- Think Greek (Port St. Lucie): This restaurant has gained national attention, having been named the “Best Bite In Town” by the Food Network in 2024. Owner Stella Koufalis uses family recipes passed down from her mother and grandmother. Located at 644 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Think Greek serves housemade baklava, chocolate hazelnut baklava, a baklava brownie, and even a vegan baklava cheesecake.
Martin County Gems
For a day trip further south, Martin County boasts several high-quality options ranging from Turkish to traditional Greek preparations:
- Fig & Olive Cafe (Jensen Beach): Situated at 1309 N.E. Sunview Terrace, this restaurant offers a taste of Turkey. Co-owner Lorri Roth, who previously owned charter yachts in Turkey, flies in grains and fish directly from the region. Their pistachio baklava is a highlight of the menu.
- Mr. Gyros (Stuart): John and Yianna Kaplanidis offer Mediterranean comfort food at 2383 S.E. Federal Highway. Their traditional baklava features classic layers of phyllo dough filled with walnuts and honey.
- Nostalgia Greek Taverna (Port Salerno): Recently reopened under a new name at 6196 S.E. Federal Highway, owner Tom Bournas serves authentic home-cooked Greek cuisine. Their baklava is made with chopped walnuts wrapped in filo and finished with honey.
- Olympic Taverna (Palm City): Part of the well-known Spiro’s brand, this location at 2951 S.W. High Meadow Ave. offers a polished atmosphere. Dessert lovers can try “Yiayia’s baklava” (grandma’s recipe), a baklava cheesecake, or an indulgent baklava sundae.
Whether you are staying local in Vero Beach or exploring the culinary landscape of the wider Treasure Coast, these restaurants prove that the perfect slice of baklava is never far away.
