5 /5 Rhonda Manyak: The Melbourne Kitchen has officially become our new favorite spot when visiting the area! We were in town over Thanksgiving with our son and wanted to step out of our own kitchen and try something new. This restaurant has been opened for less than 2 weeks, and our son suggested we give it a shot — he was absolutely right!
From the moment you walk in, youre greeted by a beautiful display of homemade baked goods. The aroma of muffins, scones, oversized chocolate chip cookies, blueberry-topped cheesecakes, brownies, and other treats will stop you in your tracks.
The atmosphere is clean, relaxed, and spacious. The entire staff is warm and welcoming, and you’re greeted the moment you walk through the door. We even noticed the owner—who is also the cook—visiting tables, making sure everyone was happy and sharing how hands-on he is in the kitchen. Our server, Abi, was fantastic and didn’t miss a beat.
The menu offers a great variety, and everything we ordered was excellent. We tried the crispy fish sandwich (served on their amazing homemade coleslaw), waffles, chicken and waffles, and the shrimp and grits. The shrimp and grits were a standout—large, plentiful shrimp cooked perfectly! The food arrived quickly, and the presentation was thoughtful and appealing.
Portions are generous, so you definitely won’t leave hungry—and you’ll likely take home leftovers. We also loved the “MK” seared onto the buns, a fun touch that gives the experience an upscale feel. If you enjoy fried green tomatoes, theirs are definitely worth ordering.
We enjoyed chatting with the owner about new dishes they plan to add (including Bang-Bang Shrimp) and their pet-friendly outdoor dining. I wouldn’t be surprised if a dog menu appears one day! The outdoor area is spacious, nicely landscaped, fully shaded, and equipped with fans for warmer days and heaters for cooler weather. We also loved the large monitor statue welcoming guests along the walkway.
If you’re looking for a great place to dine, I highly recommend The Melbourne Kitchen. We can’t wait to return and try the pancakes and, of course, the shrimp and grits! Just keep in mind—they’re a new restaurant, and with winter visitors returning, you might wait a little. But the food, atmosphere, and friendly staff make it absolutely worth it.