Suzy Fleming Leonard

FLORIDA TODAY

It's a tasty time to live on the Space Coast.

Dozens of restaurants opened during 2016, offering diners everything from traditional Korean fare to craft brews to high-end steaks.

Of course, we said goodbye to several places, including old favorites and some that never really took a foothold.

Let's celebrate the openings first. This isn't a comprehensive list, but it hits some of the highlights for the year.

Gourmet grocery to replace City Tropics in Indialantic

D.I.G. Bistro in Suntree to close Saturday

Playalinda Brewing Company's The Brix Projec t, 5220 S. Washington Ave., Titusville. The brewery and upscale casual restaurant opened this fall in south Titusville and already is a favorite hangout. Enjoy craft beer with a great burger or wood-fired pizza.

t, 5220 S. Washington Ave., Titusville. The brewery and upscale casual restaurant opened this fall in south Titusville and already is a favorite hangout. Enjoy craft beer with a great burger or wood-fired pizza. Cibo Neighborhood Eatery , 3100 S. Fiske Blvd., Rockledge. Cocoa Beach diners mourned when Luca and LeeAnn Filadi closed their popular Mango Tree fine-dining restaurant along that city's Cottage Row. Rockledge and Viera diners celebrated when the couple decided to open a gastro-pub in their vicinity. Cibo is still in the soft-opening phase — they just got their liquor license last week — but the Filadis already are settling into their new space.

, 3100 S. Fiske Blvd., Rockledge. Cocoa Beach diners mourned when Luca and LeeAnn Filadi closed their popular Mango Tree fine-dining restaurant along that city's Cottage Row. Rockledge and Viera diners celebrated when the couple decided to open a gastro-pub in their vicinity. Cibo is still in the soft-opening phase — they just got their liquor license last week — but the Filadis already are settling into their new space. DOCCS Kitchen , 2101 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. Yes, this restaurant is located behind an urgent-care clinic and next door to a gym. But it lives up to its motto: "Where healthy meets delicious." If you think healthy food tastes like cardboard, DOCCS will change your mind.

, 2101 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. Yes, this restaurant is located behind an urgent-care clinic and next door to a gym. But it lives up to its motto: "Where healthy meets delicious." If you think healthy food tastes like cardboard, DOCCS will change your mind. Ole Fire Grill , 924 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne. This Mexican cantina was opened by a group of guys who have spent years working in other people's restaurants. They felt it was time to strike out on their own. The result is an interesting menu that goes beyond the standard tacos and burritos, and a tequila collection that will keep Uber in business.

, 924 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne. This Mexican cantina was opened by a group of guys who have spent years working in other people's restaurants. They felt it was time to strike out on their own. The result is an interesting menu that goes beyond the standard tacos and burritos, and a tequila collection that will keep Uber in business. Sage Bistro , 6615 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral. This upscale-casual restaurant has infused Cape Canaveral with a new flavor. It still pays homage to it's former life as Izzy's Bistro, but new owners and a new chef have brought a flair for fresh ingredients prepared in inventive ways.

, 6615 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral. This upscale-casual restaurant has infused Cape Canaveral with a new flavor. It still pays homage to it's former life as Izzy's Bistro, but new owners and a new chef have brought a flair for fresh ingredients prepared in inventive ways. KoA , 114 Harrison St., Cocoa. KoA is short for Korean American Fusion, and this restaurant, situated in a former bank building in Cocoa Village, delivers just that. Cook your own traditional Korean dishes on the tabletop grill, or let the chef prepare Korean-influenced burgers, tacos or cheese steaks for you.

, 114 Harrison St., Cocoa. KoA is short for Korean American Fusion, and this restaurant, situated in a former bank building in Cocoa Village, delivers just that. Cook your own traditional Korean dishes on the tabletop grill, or let the chef prepare Korean-influenced burgers, tacos or cheese steaks for you. Paisley Vegan Kitchen , 630 Brevard Ave. A, Cocoa. Meat-free diners in Brevard rejoiced this spring when the compact restaurant opened its doors. It was so popular in its early days, Paisley Vegan often ran out of food before closing time. In the months since opening, it has garnered a following that includes carnivores as well as vegans. Meat-free chicken and waffles, anyone?

, 630 Brevard Ave. A, Cocoa. Meat-free diners in Brevard rejoiced this spring when the compact restaurant opened its doors. It was so popular in its early days, Paisley Vegan often ran out of food before closing time. In the months since opening, it has garnered a following that includes carnivores as well as vegans. Meat-free chicken and waffles, anyone? Tely's Chinese Restaurant , 6450 N. Wickham Road, Suite 112, Suntree. Tely Tse, owner of Yen Yen in Cocoa Beach, has long wanted to open a place in Suntree. That dream became a reality in September. Like Yen Yen, Tely's offers authentic Chinese food, a high-end atmosphere and stellar service. But don't expect the same menu. Tse said the new place will concentrate on more modern Chinese cuisine.

, 6450 N. Wickham Road, Suite 112, Suntree. Tely Tse, owner of Yen Yen in Cocoa Beach, has long wanted to open a place in Suntree. That dream became a reality in September. Like Yen Yen, Tely's offers authentic Chinese food, a high-end atmosphere and stellar service. But don't expect the same menu. Tse said the new place will concentrate on more modern Chinese cuisine. Ocean 302 , 302 Ocean Ave., Melbourne Beach. OK, so technically, Ocean 302 opened in late 2015, but it really came into its own in 2016. It's big and urban-hip, with an eclectic menu that takes advantage of fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. There's a chef's table that overlooks the kitchen, giving guests a great view of talented chef Jeff Kainz at work, and there's a wood-fired pizza oven, too.

, 302 Ocean Ave., Melbourne Beach. OK, so technically, Ocean 302 opened in late 2015, but it really came into its own in 2016. It's big and urban-hip, with an eclectic menu that takes advantage of fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. There's a chef's table that overlooks the kitchen, giving guests a great view of talented chef Jeff Kainz at work, and there's a wood-fired pizza oven, too. Tequila Azul , 6630 Colonnade Ave., Viera. Following the success of the owners' Sergio's Tacos in a Viera Mobil station, the father-son team of Sergio and Ashlin Romero decided to go big, opening their upscale Mexican restaurant and bar in a 180-seat space previously occupied by the short-lived Austin's Chophouse. The building at the main entrance to the Avenue Viera originally housed Mimi's Cafe.

, 6630 Colonnade Ave., Viera. Following the success of the owners' Sergio's Tacos in a Viera Mobil station, the father-son team of Sergio and Ashlin Romero decided to go big, opening their upscale Mexican restaurant and bar in a 180-seat space previously occupied by the short-lived Austin's Chophouse. The building at the main entrance to the Avenue Viera originally housed Mimi's Cafe. Jacqueline's Bakery and Cafe , 906 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne. If you're not sure where to find Jacqueline's in downtown Melbourne, walk down New Haven Avenue and follow your nose. The aroma of bread baking is hard to resist. French pastries, sandwiches, soup, you'll find them all here.

, 906 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne. If you're not sure where to find Jacqueline's in downtown Melbourne, walk down New Haven Avenue and follow your nose. The aroma of bread baking is hard to resist. French pastries, sandwiches, soup, you'll find them all here. Quam's Schoolhouse Burgers & Grinders , 106 Main St., Titusville. Chances are you'll have to wait for a seat if you visit Quam's at lunch or dinnertime. But be patient. The burgers are worth it. Opened by a former schoolteacher, the historic downtown building has been cleverly renovated. Order at the counter, and when your food is ready, prepare to be called to the principal's office.

, 106 Main St., Titusville. Chances are you'll have to wait for a seat if you visit Quam's at lunch or dinnertime. But be patient. The burgers are worth it. Opened by a former schoolteacher, the historic downtown building has been cleverly renovated. Order at the counter, and when your food is ready, prepare to be called to the principal's office. Squid Lips Overwater Bar & Grill . 2200 S. Orlando Ave., Cocoa Beach. Squid Lips opened its third location in February in the former home of Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty. (The other Squid Lips are in Eau Gallie and Sebastian.) The restaurant's deck on the Banana River quickly became a popular hangout until it was closed because of county permitting issues. The inside dining area and bar remain open while the fate of the deck is decided.

. 2200 S. Orlando Ave., Cocoa Beach. Squid Lips opened its third location in February in the former home of Jack Baker's Lobster Shanty. (The other Squid Lips are in Eau Gallie and Sebastian.) The restaurant's deck on the Banana River quickly became a popular hangout until it was closed because of county permitting issues. The inside dining area and bar remain open while the fate of the deck is decided. Zarella's Italian & Wood Fired Pizza , 8801 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral. Michael Zarrella scouted out the location for the restaurant while visiting his father in Cape Canaveral. He and three friends decided it was the perfect place to offer wood-fired pizza, meatballs and other authentic Italian fare.

, 8801 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral. Michael Zarrella scouted out the location for the restaurant while visiting his father in Cape Canaveral. He and three friends decided it was the perfect place to offer wood-fired pizza, meatballs and other authentic Italian fare. Vue 18, 1591 S. Fiske Blvd., Rockledge. Though Rockledge Country Club, which houses Vue 18, is a private golf club, the restaurant is open to the public. Enjoy views of the 18th green while dining in private club style.

1591 S. Fiske Blvd., Rockledge. Though Rockledge Country Club, which houses Vue 18, is a private golf club, the restaurant is open to the public. Enjoy views of the 18th green while dining in private club style. Graham's Smokehouse , 6006 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral. The barbecue spot opened in the spring next door to longtime beachside hangout Graham's Beach Grill. The Smokehouse serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you go at lunch or dinnertime, try the beef brisket.

, 6006 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral. The barbecue spot opened in the spring next door to longtime beachside hangout Graham's Beach Grill. The Smokehouse serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you go at lunch or dinnertime, try the beef brisket. The Shaka Dog , 5070 Minton Road Suite 1, Palm Bay. The Shaka Dog isn't fancy. What this Hawaiian-inspired, counter-service restaurant is, though, is fun. The menu has several Spam dishes, as well as generous servings of pork. And Shave Ice; it wouldn't be Hawaiian without Shave Ice.

, 5070 Minton Road Suite 1, Palm Bay. The Shaka Dog isn't fancy. What this Hawaiian-inspired, counter-service restaurant is, though, is fun. The menu has several Spam dishes, as well as generous servings of pork. And Shave Ice; it wouldn't be Hawaiian without Shave Ice. Crafty Crab , 225 Palm Bay Road N.E., West Melbourne. Located in the Hammock Landing shopping center, Crafty Crab is the perfect place to get your seafood fix. Boiled shrimp, crawfish, crab legs and other bounty from the sea arrives at the table in a steaming bag filled with spices. The menu also includes an extensive selection of fried seafood dishes.

, 225 Palm Bay Road N.E., West Melbourne. Located in the Hammock Landing shopping center, Crafty Crab is the perfect place to get your seafood fix. Boiled shrimp, crawfish, crab legs and other bounty from the sea arrives at the table in a steaming bag filled with spices. The menu also includes an extensive selection of fried seafood dishes. Bar Refuge , 2101 Henley Court, Melbourne. Owners Tracy and Juciano Rebelo opened their bar and restaurant last year after closing Piratz Tavern, their theme bar in Silver Spring, Maryland, that was featured on the Spike TV show "Bar Rescue." If Bar Refuge is a success, Tracy Rebelo has promised to bring a pirate-themed bar to Brevard.

, 2101 Henley Court, Melbourne. Owners Tracy and Juciano Rebelo opened their bar and restaurant last year after closing Piratz Tavern, their theme bar in Silver Spring, Maryland, that was featured on the Spike TV show "Bar Rescue." If Bar Refuge is a success, Tracy Rebelo has promised to bring a pirate-themed bar to Brevard. Sushi Factory , 3700 N Wickham Road, Melbourne. The unassuming, made-to-order, all-you-can-eat sushi place on 1547 Maple Ave, near Melbourne's Eau Gallie area, was joined this fall by a bigger, shinier version next door to the Running Zone. The concept is the same: Pay one price, and eat as much as you want. But don't over-order. You get charged for waste.

, 3700 N Wickham Road, Melbourne. The unassuming, made-to-order, all-you-can-eat sushi place on 1547 Maple Ave, near Melbourne's Eau Gallie area, was joined this fall by a bigger, shinier version next door to the Running Zone. The concept is the same: Pay one price, and eat as much as you want. But don't over-order. You get charged for waste. Tacos Mexicanos Aca Chela, 1851 Palm Bay Road N.E., Suite 2, Palm Bay. This quaint little spot on busy Palm Bay Road serves authentic Mexican food.

Let’s do lunch at Quam's and Heroes in Titusville

Rolli Porkloin moves into bigger digs

Here are a few more new places. I haven't visited these yet, so I can't provide additional information about them:

Goombay's Island Grill, 306 State Road A1A, Satellite Beach.

306 State Road A1A, Satellite Beach. TNT BBQ Grill , 24 S. Babcock St., Melbourne.

, 24 S. Babcock St., Melbourne. Pavarotti's Cocoa Beach , 5240 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach.

, 5240 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Melbourne Seafood Station , 2001 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne.

, 2001 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne. Pico Alto , 2 Wave Crest Ave., Indialantic.

, 2 Wave Crest Ave., Indialantic. Indique , 2725 Minton Road, Melbourne.

, 2725 Minton Road, Melbourne. Archie's Bar and Gril l, 2996 Lake Washington Road, Melbourne.

l, 2996 Lake Washington Road, Melbourne. Irashiai Japanese Bistro , 4870 Babcock St. N.E., Suite #1, Palm Bay.

, 4870 Babcock St. N.E., Suite #1, Palm Bay. Frankie's Beachside , 254 E Eau Gallie Blvd., Indian Harbour Beach.

, 254 E Eau Gallie Blvd., Indian Harbour Beach. Tailgaters Tavern , 7720 N. Wickham Road 110, Melbourne.

, 7720 N. Wickham Road 110, Melbourne. CJ's Sandwiches , 2860 Kirby Circle N.E. 17, Palm Bay.

, 2860 Kirby Circle N.E. 17, Palm Bay. Rockledge Diner , 536 Barton Blvd., Rockledge.

, 536 Barton Blvd., Rockledge. Tipico Café Latino, 566 Barton Blvd., Rockledge

Open Mike's adds breakfast to menu

Review: DOCCS Kitchen is trendy, healthy and good

Places that closed

Some goodbyes were more like "see you laters," as chefs and owners moved on to other ventures. But some, sadly, were permanent. Here are a few of the places that closed in 2016:

Continental Flambe , 936 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne. After more than two decades in downtown Melbourne, the upscale French restaurant closed in July. "As sad as I am to close, I am eager to start a new chapter in life with my two beautiful kids," owner Valerie Bruel said to customers in a note posted on the front door.

, 936 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne. After more than two decades in downtown Melbourne, the upscale French restaurant closed in July. "As sad as I am to close, I am eager to start a new chapter in life with my two beautiful kids," owner Valerie Bruel said to customers in a note posted on the front door. Mango Tree , 118 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. The high-end Italian restaurant located in a 1920s bungalow in downtown Cocoa Beach closed in June. Chef Luca Filadi and his wife, LeeAnn, recently opened a gastro-pub, Cibo Neighborhood Eatery, in a building formerly occupied by Domenico.

, 118 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. The high-end Italian restaurant located in a 1920s bungalow in downtown Cocoa Beach closed in June. Chef Luca Filadi and his wife, LeeAnn, recently opened a gastro-pub, Cibo Neighborhood Eatery, in a building formerly occupied by Domenico. Domenico Italian Restaurante , 3100 S Fiske Blvd, Rockledge. Domenico and Rosa Cerbo opened Domenico 22 years ago after owning a sandwich shop in Cocoa for many years. They closed the restaurant so they could have a little time off, but also to help their daughter, who owns nearby Baci Pizza and Subs.

, 3100 S Fiske Blvd, Rockledge. Domenico and Rosa Cerbo opened Domenico 22 years ago after owning a sandwich shop in Cocoa for many years. They closed the restaurant so they could have a little time off, but also to help their daughter, who owns nearby Baci Pizza and Subs. Ulysses Prime Steakhouse , 234 Brevard Ave, Cocoa. When Alex Litras, who owned Ulysses and neighboring Cafe Margaux, decided to renovate Cafe Margaux, he decided it made sense to combine the menus of the two places. Some of the favorite steaks from Ulysses are now on the Margaux menu. A wine shop is expected to open in the former Ulysses space sometime this year.

, 234 Brevard Ave, Cocoa. When Alex Litras, who owned Ulysses and neighboring Cafe Margaux, decided to renovate Cafe Margaux, he decided it made sense to combine the menus of the two places. Some of the favorite steaks from Ulysses are now on the Margaux menu. A wine shop is expected to open in the former Ulysses space sometime this year. City Tropics Bistro, 249 Fifth Ave, Indialantic. Owner Djon Pepaj closed the restaurant and night club in November after 15 years to make way for a gourmet grocery and cafe. Renovations are underway, and the new place should be open in late spring.

249 Fifth Ave, Indialantic. Owner Djon Pepaj closed the restaurant and night club in November after 15 years to make way for a gourmet grocery and cafe. Renovations are underway, and the new place should be open in late spring. D.I.G. , 7700 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. The Suntree favorite for inventive healthy fare closed its doors on New Year's Eve. That's the bad news. The good news is new owners swooped in to take over. D.I.G. is scheduled to reopen on Thursday, Jan. 5.

, 7700 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. The Suntree favorite for inventive healthy fare closed its doors on New Year's Eve. That's the bad news. The good news is new owners swooped in to take over. D.I.G. is scheduled to reopen on Thursday, Jan. 5. Mason's Tavern and Grill , 200 Barton Blvd., Rockledge. Mason's, and Vintage 56 before it, became known for its music nights, flatbread pizzas and its unusual take on mac 'n' cheese. Though the restaurant closed, some of its menu items — and much of its furniture — can be found in its sister restaurant, Murdock's Bistro & Char Bar in Cocoa Village.

, 200 Barton Blvd., Rockledge. Mason's, and Vintage 56 before it, became known for its music nights, flatbread pizzas and its unusual take on mac 'n' cheese. Though the restaurant closed, some of its menu items — and much of its furniture — can be found in its sister restaurant, Murdock's Bistro & Char Bar in Cocoa Village. Austin's Chop House , 6630 Colonnade Ave., Melbourne. The high-end steakhouse got a lot of attention when it was born out of the former Mimi's Cafe at the Avenue Viera. The menu included expensive steaks and premium cocktails. Despite early crowds, the restaurant didn't make it to its first birthday.

, 6630 Colonnade Ave., Melbourne. The high-end steakhouse got a lot of attention when it was born out of the former Mimi's Cafe at the Avenue Viera. The menu included expensive steaks and premium cocktails. Despite early crowds, the restaurant didn't make it to its first birthday. El Indio Mexican Restaurant , 31 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne. The restaurant is the new home of Rolli Pork Loin Extraordinaire, a breakfast, lunch and dinner place that moved from a smaller nearby location. We've been told a new El Indio will be opening soon at 1369 S. Babcock St., Melbourne, in the Publix plaza.

, 31 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne. The restaurant is the new home of Rolli Pork Loin Extraordinaire, a breakfast, lunch and dinner place that moved from a smaller nearby location. We've been told a new El Indio will be opening soon at 1369 S. Babcock St., Melbourne, in the Publix plaza. Kloiber's Cobbler, 337 S. Washington Ave., Titusville. The longtime downtown Titusville go-to place for lunch and, of course, dessert, closed in the spring.

Other places that closed in 2016 include:

Wise Guys A Chicago Eatery , 630 E Eau Gallie Blvd., Indian Harbour Beach.

, 630 E Eau Gallie Blvd., Indian Harbour Beach. Buri Thai & Sushi , 1220 State Road A1A N. Suite 101, Indialantic.

, 1220 State Road A1A N. Suite 101, Indialantic. Eau Gallie River Crab House, 1120 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne.

Email Leonard at sleonard@floridatoday.com.