Yellow Dog Cafe

We had our company Christmas party at yellow dog cafe and everything was perfect! Amanda and Mary did an amazing job with handling the large party! I had the salmon w lobster saffron cream sauce, rice, and green beans. For dessert I had the bread pudding and it was the best I've ever tasted. Highly recommend yellow dog and ask for Amanda or Mary. The owner also came over and introduced himself and personally signed a copy of his cookbook!

Beautiful restaurant on the river. We enjoyed Christmas dinner here and have done so for the past few years. Delicious food and excellent service. This time I tried the Burrata, Ravioli and Peach Melba. All were delicious! We look forward to visiting Yellow Dog and would recommend it!

Had an early new years eve dinner at this lovely place, and it was all a very pleasant surprise. The atmosphere was very festive and cozy, service impeccable, food a "5" star caliber. And of course having the water views was superb!! I think I just found my new FAVORITE restaurant. Can't wait to go back.

My husband and I hosted our baby shower here last month, and everything was absolutely wonderful. The food was superb, the atmosphere was gorgeous, and the staff truly went above and beyond. Many of our guests even shared that it was the best baby shower they had ever attended. Thank you to Yellow Dog Cafe for helping bring our dream baby shower to life!

We loved this place. Such a unique location right on the water. The building itself had a ton of charm. The service was great. They do a fantastic job of making sure you are able to see the water. The food was very good with quality ingredients. We especially liked the crab bisque. It was creamy and delicious with crab in every bite. This is a special restaurant.

We haven't been here in years, but always a family favorite. Our lunch was delicious. As usual fantastic food, superb service, warm & cozy atmosphere, especially during the rain we had this afternoon. We have had so many wonderful meals and cherished memories over the years. Its comfort and home for us. Thank you Yellow Dog for all the great times for so many years!

I give Yellow Dog my 5 star rating! This restaurant is a must come and experience on your next visit! Thank you Alex, Anya and Dale for your hospitality! Until we meet again..

What an amazing experience! I came for lunch with a friend and was greeted by a friendly valet that was complimentary. There’s stunning views making it feel upscale but without the attitude. The food was absolutely delicious. I’m so impressed by this place and will absolutely be back!

Attended a reception at this venue. Externally it does not have much appeal. However the views and atmosphere inside are unique and noteworthy. The food was fabulous and the wait staff was courteous and attentive. We had a complication with seating and Hayden was quick with a solution as well as flawlessly attending to the needs of our 36-person party. The restroom was a little quirky, which can be seen in photos.

No trip to the Florida coast is complete without stopping at the Yellow Dog. Use the complimentary valet parking. Excellent food and staff with a waterside view of the Indian River.

Great restaurant! Parking was a breeze for lunch and the restaurant was inviting and welcoming. We sat inside on the back looking over the river, the views and wildlife are great. The best part was the food; they have a great menu and it all looks great.

A Star in Melbourne, Florida When you travel the world as a foodie, every so often you stumble upon a star in the rough. Melbourne, Florida, isn’t exactly known for Michelin-star restaurants or high-end hotels. What it does offer, however, is something equally special: an authentic “old Florida” charm, with stunning natural beaches and a laid-back atmosphere untouched by overdevelopment. As a Floridian and someone who once lived in Melbourne, I can truly appreciate this balance of simplicity and beauty. This particular dinner was more than just a meal, it was a milestone. My wife and I were saying goodbye to our two daughters as they began their college journey nearby. Suddenly facing the reality of becoming empty nesters, we wanted a place that would give us both a memorable experience and a menu bold enough to match the significance of the occasion. All too often, I’ve found waterfront restaurants across the country where the view far outshines the food. Not this time. Here, the breathtaking view of the Indian River Intracoastal Waterway was only rivaled by the quality of the cuisine. Every dish at our table was exceptional, with each family member raving about their choice. The evening was made even more special when Stuart Borton, the restaurant’s owner of 27 years, stopped by to share stories of his culinary journey. My wife was so taken by her Onion Crusted Chicken that she purchased all three of Stuart’s cookbooks before we left. This is the kind of restaurant that doesn’t need a Michelin star to validate it. Why? Because it gives you something Michelin can’t: the chance to dine on Florida’s Space Coast beneath a canopy of real stars, shimmering over the water, while savoring inspired dishes, fine wines, and decadent desserts. And if you’re lucky, you may even witness a rocket blast off into the night sky, carrying dreams upward into the stars. I want to thank the staff of the Yellow Dog Café and Stuart for making my family’s evening so special. If you made it this far, tap a like, and take a moment to explore my other reviews from around the world.

Absolutely wonderful dining experience, the only criticism i have is that when we walked in the hostess looked us up and down like we didnt belong and spoke to us with attitude, i chalk it up to maybe she was having a bad day, but after that we were seated promptly and our waitress was Absolutely amazing and had such a positive attitude, she was very knowledgeable on the menu and treated us with the utmost respect. The food was amazing and the crab bisque was to die for, for an entrée I had the jagersnitzel and it was great! I would recommend this restaurant for any night of the week if you are looking for an upscale restaurant.

My first time here. You would never know from the outside. Absolutely wonderful hidden gem ! Valet parking. Amazing views and decor inside. We were there for a 51st wedding anniversary. Our food was all served with impeccable presentation and delicious. The wait was very long though. Over 1 hour to be served. Other than that, it is and was a great place to really treat yourself. The staff was amazing as well. I definitely recommend.

We dined on the sun porch with a gorgeous view of the River. It was a little warm out there (even though we were inside), but the food was 5 stars and Mary was a vibrant and thoughtful server. Will definitely be back!

We've been going to the Yellow Dog Cafe since it opened. A Fabulous Success Story because they successfully kept adding on & built a place that's as Wonderful as the food. The attention to detail is second to none & All of the employees seem genuinely Happy. Such a nice thing to experience. This year I was honored with a signed copy of The Yellow Dog Cookbook - a thrill for sure. Thank You so much - I Love it & can't wait to get cooking!!!! 💕

Good friends who live in the area recommended this restaurant. Our server, Simone, was very friendly and knew the menu inside and out. Per Simone’s recommendation we ordered the grouper and the Scottish salmon and they were prepared perfectly. A Basil H old fashioned started me off on the right path.

My mother, aunt, and myself came here on a Wednesday for an early dinner. We ordered the filet minion, onion chicken which is the special, and the rib eye. We also got 2 house salads and a Caesar salad. The salads were delicious especially the house vinegrette. The rib eye was huge and fatty and came with mashed potatoes and green beans, asparagus, and broccoli. The sauce that came with the rib eye was delicious but the vegetables had no flavor no seasoning. The chicken was massive and came with the same sides also delicious. And the filet was tender also with the same lack luster sides. My mom ordered the crème brûlée and loved it. The service was good we had Alex he was attentive and kind also had good recommendations. All and all, the food is just ok. Nothing to call home about but they had a beautiful view of the river and the decor was old money.

Another amazing dinner at my favorite place on the Indian River. I had fried green tomatoes for appetiser with feta cheese and balsamic drizzle. The famous crab bisque never disappoints and then I had a chicken special with artichoke hearts, feta, tomatoes and balsamic drizzle and then for dessert I chose the lemon cheesecake and it was delicious. I believe our waitresses name was Anya and she was very pleasant and spot on with our food and service. Just swipe left 😊☝️😃

Yellow Dog always has great, hardworking service, gourmet food, unique and pretty decor, and a scenic location overlooking the Indian River. I got the blackened Mahi Mahi and it was solid. The pineapple sorbet dessert was outstanding — was clearly made with real pineapple purée. We arrived 30 minutes before our reservation time, but were promptly seated. We also loved the circular table to ease conversation, in combination with the reasonable noise level that makes it easy to hear people. My family has been going here for at least 15 years, and it is a favorite for special occasions and fine dining. Just remember that valet parking is the only option as far as I know.

Delicious food with outstanding service! We choose Yellow Dog for our anniversary dinner and absolutely loved everything. Even the Caesar salads are amazing. Try the onion crusted chicken, crab bisque, and anything on the menu and you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend for a special night out :)

Five-Star Fairytale: The Yellow Dog Cafe Made Our Marriage Proposal Unforgettable The Yellow Dog Cafe in Malabar is not just a restaurant; it is an experience, and one that is perfectly designed for life’s most cherished moments. Last night, I had the immense pleasure of using my 7:30 PM reservation here to propose to my girlfriend of five years, and the team at Yellow Dog Cafe went far beyond anything I could have hoped for to make it the best evening ever. From the moment the Valet took the car, we felt transported into a world of exquisite fine dining. Upon entering, the sheer beauty of the location took my breath away. The staff secured us an exceptional view of the riverfront at a beautifully set, special occasion table. The service was impeccable—attentive, discreet, and perfectly orchestrated to enhance the romantic atmosphere. Every detail, down to the timing, was flawless, proving the staff is dedicated to creating truly memorable experiences. The dining itself is next-level 5-star artistry. Every dish was bursting with flavor and meticulously prepared, truly pleasing to the palate. The menu is exceptional, and pairing our meal with a refreshing adult beverage from their collection made the experience complete. The talented Owner and Chef, Stuart Borton, is a true master of his craft. He even took time out from his food artistry to pay us a personal visit and offer his congratulations on our engagement. The combination of the exquisite cuisine, the warm and attentive service, and the stunning water views makes the Yellow Dog Cafe the premier romantic dining destination in the area. They truly go above and beyond for their guests. If you are celebrating an anniversary, a birthday, or, like us, a new engagement, book your table now. This is a culinary treasure, and we are already looking forward to celebrating many anniversaries here! Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We recently hosted our company holiday party at the Yellow Dog Café with a group of over 50 people, and the entire experience was outstanding. The team truly thought of everything. I’ll admit, I was a little concerned at first seeing just three servers and one bartender assigned to our event—especially after our last few parties at another local restaurant struggled to keep up. But the Yellow Dog staff proved just how professional, organized, and capable they are. Service was seamless, attentive, and incredibly efficient. Our team felt well taken care of all evening, and everything from the food to the atmosphere was exceptional. Thank you to the entire Yellow Dog Café team for making our holiday party such a success—we’re already looking forward to the next one!

Despite the weather, we had a great experience here yesterday for my sister's birthday. Our server, Simone, was welcoming and was very knowledgeable about the menu items. The water view was great and the food we all ordered (pork schnitzel, scallops, tuna poke was delicious. I'm not much of a dessert eater, but the desserts I sampled were excellent. We will definitely be back.

A gentleman that I could only assume was the owner immediately noticed that we weren’t going to be comfortable sitting in the main dining area with our baby. We didn’t even have to ask, he hooked us up with premium waterfront outside privacy dining. Then a different person who happened to be the manager opened up the gate to the pier so that we could walk out onto the river. Then brought some coloring equipment for our one and a half year-old. The yellow dog has ascended to the top of Melbourne dining.

The food was the best I had in the area. Our waitress was top notch. Outstanding tomato, mozerella dish that they grow ingredients in their own garden as well as salad greens for the salad. My striped bass was delectable... really enjoyed.

I picked this off OpenTable having never been to the area for my boyfriend’s birthday and ordered a cake to be delivered to the restaurant. I wish I remembered the servers name but she orchestrated it so perfectly it was the most wonderful surprise. The atmosphere is darling and everything was great. The little details make moments like that so special and I am so thankful for her and everyone who helped me pull that off!

It was Christmas, a busy holiday, but our waitress never made us feel rushed. Lovely view by a window. Smaller holiday menu kept the wait time short. I had salmon and spouse had Lamb. Interesting side dishes, but we had to save room for dessert. Great food comes out of the Yellow Dog kitchen!

Want to post a glowing review, but when you wait for 80 minutes for your dinner it's hard to look past that issue. Our server seemed new, so perhaps that was the issue. She forgot to mention the specials and overall seemed nervous. The multi level layout allows you to see other groups on levels below you. It just so happened a decent sized group of around 8 was ordering at the same time as us. One would assume our main course would be out at or around the same time. Not the case, AT ALL. We got to watch them eat, finish, get dessert, and finish that before our dinner for 2 finally arrived. Our waitress came by after it had been 70 minutes asking if we wanted another drink. At that point you should be buying us another to make up for the wait. The food was great, ribeye was cooked perfectly. So if you have loads of time, do check it out. When it's a date night with a babysit home, prepare to spend your entire time at Yellow Dog.

I went to High Tea, which is hosted in 2-hour sessions every two weeks/every month. They had 5 courses; scones and tea/coffee, soup, salad, sandwiches, and desserts. Everything was beautiful and delicious with excellent attentive service, and a stunning river view. The restaurant continues below the parking area (which is entirely valet, so be prepared) and they have both stair access and motorized lift access to the lower level(s), so it is disabled-accessible. Both of our servers were friendly, quick to be responsive to our needs, and easy to talk to. The chef gave us a personal visit at the end of our meal, and we got to chat about what goes into the creative process and how proud he is of all his coworkers at the establishment. It was a wholesome and satisfying experience that I recommend to any parties looking to treat themselves to a calm and sumptuous meal in style.

We had a great experience and meal here. Waitstaff was professional and friendly. The only item we tried that I didn't really care for was the crab bisque. Everything else was delicious, especially the Icelandic Cod in a white wine sauce. I will definitely be back to try other items on their menu.

Beautiful riverside venue. We stopped in for a late lunch on a Wednesday. It was quiet, so Hayden was very available. He explained the specials and made some recommendations. My wife began with a White Sangria and I had an Irish Coffee, which had a wonderful unique flavor. The Spinach Artichoke Dip came with chips and had a nice flavor. Similarly, my wife’s Crab Stuffed Salmon had great flavors and plenty of crab. I ordered another recommendation, the Sloppy Dog sandwich. It was a pulled beef sandwich on toast with cheese. It tasted great. I only wish kitchens would put the cheese on the bottom of burgers and sandwiches like this. Consequently, the bottom piece of bread or bun always ends up soggy. Otherwise, I enjoyed it and the chips it came with. Then Hayden brought by the dessert platter. They looked so good, we had to take the Dog Bone Brownie home with us. We can’t wait to bring friends back here.

We had a great experience at yellow dog cafe! Simone was very friendly and attentive. The valet staff also were also awesome - literally ran to our car to get it for us. Super kind. Overall the food was good - the entrees were tasty - I think plating could be slightly more creative across the dishes but that’s me knit picking. You will not leave hungry!The vibes were cozy and romantic, we saw lots of dolphins out the window which was such a bonus. Overall would recommend for a date night or dinner with the family!

Yellow Dog Café is such a great spot by the river with a view that makes the whole experience even better. The atmosphere is relaxed but still feels special, perfect for both casual lunches and nice dinners. Service was attentive and friendly without being rushed, and the staff really seemed to care. The food was good, with fresh ingredients and generous portions that felt worth the trip. Everything from appetizers to dessert had a lot of flavor and was beautifully presented. It’s the kind of place you leave already planning your next visit, especially if you want to enjoy a meal with a view and a laid back but classy vibe.

My Husband picked this place for our anniversary. There were so many good reviews from people who were treated so well at YD for their special occasion, he figured it would be a nice place to have our anniversary dinner. Let's start with the good - we arrived 10 minutes before our reservation and were promptly seated with a view of the river. The restaurant was not very busy and it was quiet and intimate for us. The food while expensive was a good portion size and the presentation was on point. My husband enjoyed his meatloaf and the risotto that came with my salmon was great. The bread was also good, warm and soft. Unfortunately that is where the good ends. My salmon was dry and needed seasoning. The meatball appetizer tasted like they were previously frozen and then just covered in barbecue sauce. Our server brought our drinks and preceeded to walk away without asking if we would like to order an appetizer. I had to call her back in order to do so. She also did not take the time to tell us about the apparent specials they have, yet she spent an enormous amount of time going over them to the table behind us who we figured out were regular visitors to YD. We had already ordered our meals, but it would have been nice to know about the specials. I guess she gives regulars better service than new patrons. I had to tell the gentleman who cleaned the tables that we would like one of our dishes wrapped up to go. It should have been our server, but she was too busy with her regulars. My husband was so disappointed in the service that he will never go to YD again. We skipped dessert as well. Our anniversary dinner at YD was a failure. I wish the Dove III was still open. They knew how to make a special occasion truly wonderful. It's unfortunate that because of a bad server, new patrons that could have become regulars will never eat there again.

$480 tab, no food within 2 hours, no real apology. Don’t waste your time or money here. Been coming to Yellow Dog every year since the early 2000s. Food has always been pretty good, sometimes just okay for the high price, the view has always carried the weight. Came tonight on Christmas eve at 5pm with a party of 4. We were sat quickly but didn’t get service for 15 minutes or so, putting in food right away once we did to get things moving. Appetizers came out on time but after that…nothing for almost 1.5 hours. The tables around us had a whole meal in the meantime as we were left with empty stomachs. We ordered around 5:40pm and waited until 7:10pm before eventually flagging down a waitress and asking for the food to be boxed + a check ASAP so we can leave. Our waitress apologized profusely but didn’t make any consolidations when the check arrived….at least take off an appetizer or a few beers if you’re actually sorry. Still tipped well - it’s a holiday and probably not her fault - but definitely management’s fault for not proactively comping something or making the waitress feel comfortable enough to comp it herself after an atrocious experience. To add insult to injury, this is what the $60 Sea bass looked like when we finally opened it up at home… just laughable. Yellow Dog has lost our family as customers for the next 50 years after tonight unless something really changes.

Yellow Dog has been our "special place"for many years. My now deceased husband asked me to marry him there 23 years ago, and we have always been happy and amazed at how the quality has been maintained through their growth and all of their years in business. Last year I took my son there for Thanksgiving in honor of his dad. We had a gorgeous meal, as usual. The atmosphere and service were impeccable, as always. So I thought maybe this could be a potential Thanksgiving tradition for us. I made reservations at least five weeks ahead of time for this year. When we got there, staff tried to put us at a table downstairs, outside(a cold, gray day), smack in the middle of all of the traffic. So we asked to wait for a better/ quiter table. After waiting, the "better table"was still outside but a little out of the way, so okay. After having an appetizer , we waited for a really long time for our plates(waitress said that kitchen just got lots of orders in it at once). So, ok. My kid's plate was missing a main condiment, and there was what looked lke an animal hair in his meat. So, ok( it happens). He asked for a different dish (it was cold by now as well). In the time it took them to get his dish, I had finished my meal(which was really good) because I wanted to eat it warm. So we both ate separately while waiting. The waitress apologized for not being as attentive as she could have been, but this is normal "business" for Thanksgiving. I ordered three desserts to go. We were there for 2 hours- for a shared appetizer and two plates. There was not one single offer to comp a dessert or a glass of wine- let alone the replacement meal for the one with hair in it(maybe I should have spoken up with a complaint but I didn't want to stress the staff any more than they were). As we were leaving , there were rows and rows of people waiting at the door to get in. Unfortunately, it seems that the Yellow Dog has gotten greedy, taken too much on, and outgrown the ability to provide the quality service they have had the reputation for- especially for Thanksgiving. I have always been happy to pay the extra cost because the quality of food, service, and environment have been worth it. It makes me sad to say that I may not ever go back again.

We had 3pm reservations on Thanksgiving Day. We were told they booked to many reservations and we would have to wait. We waited in line outside trying to dodge the rain for 45 minutes. We were told that they booked to many people and ran out of turkey by the hostess. They let people in who wanted to wait by the bar. Standing room only. We don't drink and had a child with us. I would've left after waiting 30 minutes but I rode with someone else. I called the Lazy Turtle up the street and they said they were not full and could seat us right away. I talked our party into going there. We had a great dinner, great service and it was cheaper. The hostess used my camera to take pictures of us. Very nice people work there and polite. I told one of the chefs about our ordeal and they brought out pie for us no charge !

Yellow dog has been our go to place for quite some time for dinner. Always exceptional. Two weeks ago went there with my brother and his wife who came into town The lunch for the three of us was over $140 no drinks and the food was mediocre. Very disappointed and embarrassed Went in the other day with my partner. We had Barata salad each with grilled chicken on the side hers with grilled shrimp, crab bisque and I had the special white bean soup with ham. The meal was not good, the presentation was poor. The grilled chicken was tough and the disappointed as soon as the plate was put on the table my father and I just looked at each other. The crab bisque was not their usual and the white bean soup with ham had an awful flavor of an unknown spice. Very disappointed The presentation and the flavor of the soups was so off that We barely ate. Took it home. For a $90 lunch I was greatly disappointed and would not go back there again for lunch. May try for dinner again, but Never again for lunch. Two disappointments in two weeks.

Yellow Dog has been "our place" for years. It’s where I proposed to my wife, and it’s the first place we think of for every big milestone in our lives. We’ve always loved it here, which is why it’s so incredibly hard to write this, but our Valentine’s Day dinner was a total disaster. We walked in expecting the upscale experience we’ve grown to love, but instead, we spent nearly three hours sitting at a table feeling ignored. It started with a 45-minute wait just to get our first round of water and drinks. When the food finally started moving, the service was just bizarre. There were only two of us, yet our server couldn't remember who ordered what. At one point, she actually started questioning my wife about her order—mind you, this was a specific, pre-set Valentine’s menu where the options were literally written right in front of us. It felt like the staff was either totally untrained or just didn't care, neither of which you expect when you’re paying these kinds of prices. I didn't say anything in the moment because, honestly, who wants to start a confrontation or "ask for the manager" in the middle of a romantic Valentine’s date? I didn't want to make a scene; I just wanted to enjoy my wife's company. I thought the right move was to call the next day and let management know privately that things had gone off the rails. I was shocked when the response I got was basically, "Well, you should have said something then." That dismissive attitude was honestly worse than the slow service. To be told that it was my responsibility to fix their service issues while I’m trying to have dinner is insulting, especially as a long-time customer. It’s heartbreaking that a place with so much sentimental value to us treated us like we were a nuisance for pointing out a bad experience. We truly loved this place, but after being met with such mediocre service and even worse management, I’m not sure we’ll ever be back.