Why You Should Visit Silver Dolphin Restaurant in Hernando Beach

If you’ve wondered about eating at Silver Dolphin Restaurant, you don’t want to miss this review about this unique spot in Hernando Beach and why you should visit. Part waterfront restaurant, part country store, the charm will win you over.

Early one morning, my son Nick and I left our home near Tampa long before dawn for the hour-long trek to photograph a sunrise and have breakfast at the Silver Dolphin Restaurant. I had wanted to photograph the sunrise over salt marshes for quite some time and knew the area around the historic fishing village of Aripeka would be perfect.

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The Silver Dolphin Restaurant is not just a place to enjoy delicious food; it’s also a destination with a country store and an outdoor dining experience in a secret garden. In this blog post, I share my review of this restaurant and why I think you should visit it, too.

About Silver Dolphin Restaurant and Country Store

The Silver Dolphin Restaurant is a family-owned waterfront restaurant that serves home-cooked food, homemade fudge, ice cream, and sells local art and décor. It’s located in the heart of Hernando Beach, a small boating community on Florida’s Nature Coast near Spring Hill. The restaurant was opened in the summer of 2019 by Yann and Jacqueline Milcendeau, who also own the Hernando Beach Motel across the street.

After taking photos in Aripeka and at Linda Pedersen Park near this restaurant, we backtracked and parked in the gravel parking lot, one of two cars there at 7 AM. A man hauled a hose around watering plants. We walked past the statue of two dolphins and a painted mermaid to step into the country store part of the building. Arriving just after opening, we found an empty restaurant and had our choice of seating.

The Secret Garden at Silver Dolphin Restaurant

One of the waitresses walked us through the restaurant to the outdoor seating area, also known as the Secret Garden, overlooking the canal. She seated us at a waterfront table and left us to look over the menu while she got our coffee and water.

The Secret Garden at Silver Dolphin Restaurant is a hidden gem that is worth exploring. The garden is filled with flowers, plants, and trees, creating a peaceful oasis. While we waited for our drinks, the man who had watered the plants out front slowly walked through the garden watering the plants there.

After ordering our breakfast, I explored the garden and found delightful surprises around every corner. From the giant ants in the oak tree to the skeleton at the small fountain to the dock with turtle food at the canal, it was a joy to see all of the little touches the owners have put into the garden.

The Food at Silver Dolphin Restaurant

The food at the Silver Dolphin is simply delicious. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with a variety of dishes to suit every taste. I tried their eggs benedict while Nick had their signature cinnamon roll pancakes.

The portion sizes were generous – I mean, look at the size of those pancakes – and the price was reasonable for the quality. Our waitress (I’m sorry, I can’t remember her name) was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was serene and beautiful. If you dine here later in the day, the restaurant also has a full bar so you can complement your meal with a beer or cocktail.

The Silver Dolphin Country Store

After enjoying our food, we decided to explore the country store that is attached to the restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of items they had for sale, from homemade fudge and ice cream to soaps and knick knacks. I particularly loved a back room with the walls covered in art created by local artists.

The country store is a great place to find souvenirs and gifts for yourself or your loved ones. We left with two adorable flamingo keychains. You can also learn more about the history and culture of Hernando Beach and its surroundings.

Location, Menu, Etc.

Address: 4036 Shoal Line Blvd, Hernando Beach, FL 34607

Menu: silverdolphinrestaurant.com

Phone: (352) 701-2152