News | Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie Restaurants Opening in Tradition Community

March 28, 2025
7:50 pm

The restaurant scene in Port St. Lucie continues to expand rapidly, especially in the Heart of Tradition area, where numerous eateries are opening or preparing to open their doors. This bustling neighborhood, known for its growing residential communities and commercial centers, is becoming a culinary hotspot for residents and visitors alike. For a deeper look at the area’s evolving food scene, check out our Tradition restaurant highlights. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, this growth reflects broader trends in Florida’s expanding metropolitan areas.

New Restaurants Coming to the Heart of Tradition in Port St. Lucie

The Shoppes at the Heart of Tradition

Located near the iconic 73-foot “Heart in the Park” sculpture, The Shoppes at the Heart of Tradition will soon welcome several new dining establishments, including:

Port Tradition: Chef-owner Pablo Bouquet and Luis Rodriguez are launching this “Mexiterranean” fusion restaurant, blending Mexican and Mediterranean flavors. Diners can expect tacos, tapas, paellas, and an Argentine grill.
Island Pig & Fish: Owners Taylor Shull and Chef Dean Dupuis combine Florida seafood with Southern barbecue, offering dishes like Louisiana crawfish, Key West pink shrimp, and award-winning burgers.
Swift Grill: Founded by Romanian native Vlad Bradescu, Swift Grill specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine, including gyros, shawarma, and fresh-pressed juices.
Carmela Toast & Coffee Bar: This popular South Florida chain offers specialty coffees, teas, pastries, and all-day brunch options.
Southpaw Brewing Co.: Known for craft beers, cocktails, and brick-oven pizzas, this brewery and eatery originally from Long Island, New York, will open a new location in Port St. Lucie.
Sara’s Kitchen and Bar: Theodore Lena’s restaurant, popular in Palm Beach Gardens, will serve breakfast and lunch, featuring omelets, benedicts, burgers, and wraps.
Amore Italian Chophouse: Restaurateur Kyle Greene’s latest venture will offer upscale Italian cuisine, complementing his other successful Treasure Coast establishments.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard: The beloved national chain known for Italian ice and frozen custard desserts will open its second Treasure Coast location.

Innovation Square Restaurants

Innovation Square on Southwest Village Parkway already hosts several eateries, including:

Pulcinella Italian Gourmet Market & Wood Fired Pizza: Domenic Balzano’s market offers authentic wood-fired pizzas, homemade sausages, cheeses, and prepared meals.
Big Bing Hibachi & Smoothie Tea: A casual Japanese eatery known for teppanyaki dishes, bubble tea, and smoothies.
Taco Rico: This South Florida Tex-Mex chain, known for classic Mexican dishes, will soon join the lineup. Explore more places like this in our Port St. Lucie dining guide.

Innovation Plaza Dining Options

Also located on Southwest Village Parkway, Innovation Plaza includes:

Poke Poke Sushi Bowl & Bubble Tea: Specializing in customizable poke bowls, hot dishes, and a variety of bubble teas.
Cool Beanz Ice Cream Shop: Offering a variety of ice cream flavors and treats.

Discovery Plaza Culinary Highlights

Discovery Plaza, another popular strip mall in the area, features:

Luso Portuguese Grille: Chef-owner Fernando Dovale serves authentic Portuguese barbecue dishes, seafood appetizers, and traditional cuisine.

Port St. Lucie’s Rapid Growth Fuels Restaurant Boom

Since the pandemic, Port St. Lucie has experienced significant population growth, becoming Florida’s sixth-largest city. This influx of new residents has spurred commercial development, especially in dining, providing ample options for both quick meals and sit-down dining experiences. Keep up with the latest restaurant openings in Tradition to stay ahead of the curve. For more information on city planning and development trends, visit the USA.gov portal, which offers resources on urban growth and infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Lucie Restaurants

What types of restaurants are opening in Port St. Lucie’s Heart of Tradition?

The Heart of Tradition area features a variety of restaurants, including fusion cuisine, seafood, barbecue, Italian eateries, coffee shops, breweries, and dessert spots.

Are there any new breweries in Port St. Lucie?

Yes, Southpaw Brewing Co. is opening a new location in the Heart of Tradition, offering craft beers, cocktails, and brick-oven pizzas.

Can you find international cuisine in Port St. Lucie’s new restaurants?

Absolutely, new restaurants like Swift Grill, Port Tradition, and Luso Portuguese Grille feature Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Mexican, and Portuguese dishes.

Where are the new Port St. Lucie restaurants located?

Most new restaurants are located in strip malls along Southwest Village Parkway and Discovery Way, near the Heart in the Park sculpture in Tradition.