There are no big chains in Cocoa Beach, and the restaurants with the strongest reviews were either packed or closed. We took a chance on Ocean Side Pizza—and all of us walked out glad that we found it.
The buffalo wings
By my standards, these may be the best buffalo wings in the world. They have no breading, yet the skin is perfectly browned and crisp. The pieces are carefully sized, allowing the meat to stay juicy and tender despite that crisp exterior. The sauce does not drown the chicken; each wing is perfectly glazed and tossed.
Bruschetta pizza
The thin crust is crisp without being tough. No single flavour overwhelms the others, and everything comes together beautifully in every bite.
Spaghetti and meatballs
The spaghetti is al dente, with a sauce made from fresh crushed tomatoes that have not been overcooked. It is almost like eating fresh tomatoes over spaghetti—in the best possible way.
The meatballs are generously sized at roughly three ounces each, with no obvious extenders. The flavour is understated, but the seasoning enhances the meat seamlessly.
Sweet tea
The same quiet confidence carries through to the sweet tea. It is low-key, balanced and simply right.
Verdict
Ocean Side Pizza was an unexpected Cocoa Beach find. I will especially miss those buffalo wings—and they alone are reason enough to return.
Photos from our visit
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