You’re driving down A1A, the salt air is thick enough to chew, and your stomach is doing that annoying growl that usually leads to a mediocre burger at a tourist trap. We’ve all been there. Cocoa Beach is packed with places that look "beach-y" but serve food that tastes like a freezer burnt cardboard box. But then there’s Simply Delicious.
Honestly, the name sounds like a placeholder. It’s the kind of name you’d give a bakery in a generic lifestyle simulation game. But in reality, Simply Delicious Cocoa Beach Florida is a cornerstone of the actual, non-tourist local culture. If you’re looking for white tablecloths or a "curated dining experience" with tiny portions, keep driving. This place is about massive portions, mismatched chairs, and the kind of home-cooked flavor that makes you want to take a nap immediately afterward.
It’s tucked away. It’s unassuming. It’s basically a converted house on 3rd Street North. If you aren't looking for it, you'll miss it. And that would be a tragedy because their blackberry stuffed French toast is essentially a religious experience.
Why Simply Delicious Cocoa Beach Florida Isn't Just for Tourists
Most people think "vacation food" means expensive seafood. Locals know better. Simply Delicious survives because the people who live in Brevard County year-round actually eat there. It’s a breakfast and lunch spot. Don't show up at 7:00 PM expecting dinner; you'll be met with a locked door and a quiet street.
The vibe is "grandma’s kitchen," but if your grandma was a professional chef who didn't care about your cholesterol. It’s eclectic. You might see a surf bum in board shorts sitting next to a guy in a suit who works at the Cape. That’s the magic of Cocoa Beach. It’s a space where the "Space Coast" identity actually merges with the laid-back Atlantic vibe.
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The Stuffed French Toast Factor
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the giant slab of bread on the plate. Most people come for the French toast. It’s not just "stuffed." It’s basically a cake. They use thick-cut bread and jam-pack it with cream cheese and fruit—strawberries, blueberries, or those famous blackberries.
It’s heavy.
It’s sweet.
It’s perfect.
If you order the full portion, prepare to be defeated. Most people—even the big eaters—usually opt for the half order. It’s a tactical error to go full-tilt on your first visit unless you have a high metabolism or a very long walk on the beach planned for later.
Navigating the Menu Without Losing Your Mind
While the sweets get the Instagram love, the savory side is where the real craftsmanship shows up. The Benedicts are a staple. But here’s the thing: the Hollandaise isn't that broken, oily mess you get at diners. It’s creamy and rich.
You’ve got options like the "Chesapeake" which brings in crab cakes, or the more traditional "Black Forest." They do a lot with crepes, too. Savory crepes are often overlooked in Florida because everyone wants a waffle, but the chicken and mushroom crepes at Simply Delicious are a sleeper hit.
- The Omelets: They are massive. Think three or four eggs, maybe more.
- The Coffee: It’s hot, it’s refilled often, and it doesn't taste like battery acid.
- The Specials: Check the chalkboard. Seriously. Sometimes they do a seasonal fruit compote that isn't on the standard printed menu.
Wait times can be a nightmare. On a Saturday morning, you might be standing on the porch for 45 minutes. Is it worth it? Yes. But only if you aren't in a rush to catch a cruise ship at Port Canaveral. If you have a schedule, go on a Tuesday.
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The Reality of Island Life and Small Businesses
There’s a misconception that every restaurant in a beach town is making a killing. The reality is much harder. Simply Delicious has survived hurricanes, economic shifts, and the relentless rise of chain restaurants in the Cocoa Beach area because they haven't changed their soul.
The owner, Deseray, has been the heart of the operation for years. You can feel that. It’s not a corporate-managed "concept." It’s a labor of love. When you walk in, you aren't a "cover" or a "table number." You’re someone eating in their dining room. This creates a specific kind of pressure on the staff, though. When it’s busy, it’s chaotic. If you’re the type of person who needs a server to check on you every three minutes, you might get frustrated. You have to be patient. You have to realize that the kitchen is small and the food is made to order.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often mistake "Simply Delicious" for a bakery. While they do have incredible baked goods and desserts (the cakes are legendary), it’s a full-service cafe.
Another mistake? Thinking you can't eat healthy there. Look, most people go for the sugar rush, but they do have lighter fare. You can get a basic egg white omelet or a salad for lunch. But let’s be real: if you’re going to Simply Delicious Cocoa Beach Florida and ordering a garden salad without dressing, you’re missing the point of the journey.
The Local Surroundings: Making a Day of It
Cocoa Beach isn't just one long strip of sand. The area around 3rd Street North is a bit more "old Florida" than the area around the Pier. After you've effectively entered a food coma, you should walk two blocks east. That’s the ocean.
The waves here are usually gentle—perfect for longboarding. If you head south, you hit the downtown "Coconuts" area, which is great for people-watching but much louder. Staying near the Simply Delicious area gives you a bit more breathing room.
- Eat: Get the half-order of stuffed French toast.
- Walk: Head to the beach to let the insulin spike settle.
- Shop: Hit up some of the local surf shops that aren't Ron Jon (though Ron Jon is a spectacle worth seeing once).
- Explore: Drive fifteen minutes north to the Port to see the rockets or the cruise ships.
Technical Details for the Dedicated Foodie
The kitchen handles high volumes with a surprisingly small footprint. If you're into the logistics of food service, watching the flow of plates out of that kitchen is impressive. They prioritize fresh ingredients, which is why some items might run out if you arrive too late in the afternoon.
The "Simply Delicious" branding extends to their catering and special-order cakes. If you're in town for a wedding or a birthday, their custom cakes are widely considered the best in the Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach vicinity. They don't do that overly-sweet fondant junk; it’s real buttercream and moist sponge.
A Note on Pricing
It’s not "cheap" like a fast-food joint, but it’s high value. You pay for the quality and the portion size. Expect to spend $15-$25 per person depending on how much coffee and side items you stack on. In 2026, with inflation hitting the coast hard, these prices are actually quite reasonable for the sheer amount of food you get.
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Actionable Advice for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. Follow these steps to ensure you actually enjoy the experience rather than spending it standing in the Florida humidity getting grumpy:
- Arrive early or late: 8:00 AM is usually the sweet spot. By 10:30 AM on a weekend, the line is out the door. Alternatively, try a late lunch around 1:30 PM.
- Park smart: Parking in Cocoa Beach is a headache. Simply Delicious has a small lot, but it fills up instantly. Be prepared to find street parking, but read the signs carefully—the local meter maids are efficient.
- Share the sweets: Order one savory dish and one sweet dish to share with a partner. If you eat a whole stuffed French toast by yourself, you won't want to do anything else for the rest of the day.
- Check the hours: They are generally open from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM (or 2:00 PM depending on the season). Always check their social media or call before heading out if it’s a holiday.
- Bring a sweater: It sounds crazy for Florida, but the A/C inside can be aggressive when it's trying to fight off the 95-degree heat outside.
Simply Delicious Cocoa Beach Florida is a testament to the idea that if you make good food and treat people like humans, they will keep coming back for decades. It’s not fancy. It’s not "modern." It’s just fundamentally good. If you want a real taste of the Space Coast that isn't wrapped in plastic or served with a side of corporate slogans, this is the spot. Go for the food, stay for the quiet charm, and definitely, definitely get the blackberries.