Vero Beach is about to welcome a highly anticipated, multi-concept culinary destination that promises to elevate the barrier island’s dining and social scene. Slated for an October opening, the newly constructed Turtle Cove building, located at 1410 Highway A1A, will introduce a dynamic trio of venues designed to cater to every local lifestyle need. The impressive 1.5-acre property will soon be home to a Mediterranean fine-dining restaurant, a relaxed tiki bar, and a convenient gourmet market.
The ambitious project is the brainchild of Vero Beach local and Windward Restaurant Concepts owner, Anthony DeChellis, who has partnered with globally acclaimed culinary director, Chef Sebastian La Rocca. Together, they are launching three distinct spaces under one roof:
- Blu Fin: A Mediterranean fine-dining anchor offering upscale ambiance and locally sourced ingredients.
- The Motley Cow: A vibrant tiki bar perfect for enjoying the coastal Florida breeze.
- Turtle Cove Market: A curated gourmet market for residents and visitors on the go.
Helming the kitchen is Chef Sebastian La Rocca, a Buenos Aires native with an illustrious 27-year career. His impressive resume spans the globe, including time spent in Michelin-rated kitchens such as Zodiac and Barbecoa London alongside renowned culinary figures like Jamie Oliver. Known for his mastery of open-fire cooking and deep appreciation for bold Latin flavors, Chef La Rocca aims to bring South American hospitality directly to the Treasure Coast.
“Here, we don’t sell food. We offer an experience. This is my house and you’re my guest.”
Diners at Blu Fin can expect a menu that marries Mediterranean techniques with unexpected Latin spices. A standout signature dish is already generating buzz: a decadent bourbon wood-smoked beef tartare. The luxurious plate features caviar, wagyu tallow, quail egg yolk, and rye crisps, all elegantly served under a glass cloche to capture the aromatic smoke. It is accompanied by a unique dairy-free lobster bisque sauce, meticulously crafted by reducing lobster stock for 48 hours.
Longtime Indian River County residents will also appreciate a nostalgic nod to Vero Beach history. The menu will feature the “Charley Steak,” a special tribute to Charley Brown’s, the beloved restaurant that originally opened on the exact same A1A site back in 1974.
The visionary behind the Turtle Cove development, Anthony DeChellis, possesses deep roots in the local community. Having moved to Vero Beach as a child and grown up in The Moorings, the St. Edward’s School alumnus spent three decades as a high-level executive in banking and private wealth management across California and Europe. Since returning to his hometown permanently, he has focused heavily on local real estate development. DeChellis originally purchased the Turtle Cove property in 2008 and is finally seeing his long-term vision come to life.
In related local restaurant real estate news, DeChellis is also the owner of the Central Beach block on Cardinal Drive that currently houses The Tides. While initial plans suggested that Chef-owner Leanne Kelleher might temporarily relocate The Tides to the new Turtle Cove building during a planned reconstruction of the Cardinal Drive property, those plans have shifted. Recognizing the deep community attachment to the intimate, 75-year-old building, Kelleher has decided to stay put. Instead of moving, The Tides will undergo aesthetic refreshes and infrastructure upgrades right where it is, allowing the beloved Central Beach institution to beautifully celebrate its 25th anniversary.
With the forthcoming opening of Blu Fin, The Motley Cow, and the Turtle Cove Market, Vero Beach continues to cement its reputation as a premier destination for exceptional coastal living and world-class dining on the Treasure Coast.
