Review: Seafood restaurant in Manatee Pocket has been king of fresh fish since 1968
In Roman mythology, King Neptune is the god of the seas. Thus, it is a fitting name for a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been specializing in serving the freshest of fish since 1968.
King Neptune Restaurant, in the Manatee Pocket area of Port Salerno, is a hidden treasure described as “unfussy quarters,” but that might be an understatement. The evening we were there, we walked right in and were seated at a table for four. The space is tiny, with about eight wood tables. Seating includes chairs or pretty, blue-patterned upholstery stools. The décor is sea-themed. The building reminded me of a surf shack, but there is absolutely no room for surfboards.
The menu is fish-centric, with loads of choices.
We started with two appetizers. The hush puppies ($2.99) were spoons full of batter made with cornmeal that had been dropped into hot oil and deep-fried. They were tender, flavorful and slightly sweet on the inside, yet crispy on the outside. The smoky BBQ mustard sauce was a perfect accompaniment.
We also ordered cracked conch ($11.49). King Neptune's menu claims they “do cracked conch right.” And they do. It was the best I have ever tasted. The conch is pounded and lightly dusted before being fried. It was tender and not at all chewy, with a mild, fresh flavor. The island conch sauce was tangy and creamy and complemented the fish.
We also tried the seafood bisque ($9.99), which was a creamy chowder with a slight sherry flavor that was chock-full of tender pieces of lobster, clams, crab and shrimp. It was very good.
One fellow diner ordered sea scallops ($18.49 per half-pound and $28.49 per pound), which you can have cooked your way: fried, broiled, jerked, blackened, grilled or pan sauteed. The grilled scallops had a delicate flavor of the sea, and she described them as melting in her mouth. Entrees are served with french fries and cole slaw, but you can choose other sides for $1 more. She upgraded to the sweet potato fries.
Another of my dining companions ordered a special that day: blackened snapper with pineapple salsa ($29.99). The fish had great flavor. It was succulent, but firm and flaky. The salsa contributed a sweet balance to the savory blackening seasonings. He relished the pineapple salsa with his snapper and would have enjoyed a little more of it.
The mister ordered blackened mahi over Caesar salad ($15.49). The combination of flavors was very pleasing. The blackening seasonings gave a kick of heat to the cool romaine lettuce and creamy Caesar dressing.
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My dinner was listed on the menu under "The King’s Specialties." My pistachio mahi ($19.49) was a slab of fish encrusted in finely chopped pistachios, sauteed, then drizzled with a sauce that had a sweet Key lime-like flavor. I ordered a premium side of cheese grits that were hearty and flavorful, with lots of cheese and bits of chopped onion.
Say you were out all-day fishing in the hot sun and just wanted to sit back, sip a cool drink, and let someone else cook your catch? King Neptune will do that for you for $13.49 per person, including two sides. (The cool drink is extra). If you’re not a fish lover, they also serve filet mignon medallions.
King Neptune Restaurant is a great local spot that could be a fish shop (without the bait or rods) or a surf shop (without the boards), but is really a cozy, fun restaurant serving fresh fish from King Neptune’s Sea.
King Neptune Restaurant
Cuisine: Fish and seafood
Address: 4795 S.E. Dixie Highway, Stuart/Port Salerno
Phone: 772-287-9630
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed Sunday-Monday
Alcohol: Beer and wine
Online: facebook.com/kingneptunestuart/
Lucie Regensdorf dines anonymously at the expense of TCPalm for #WhatToDoIn772. Contact her at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Seafood restaurant review: King Neptune Port Salerno, Stuart
