The Rusty Pelican is a renowned dining destination known for its stunning waterfront views and exceptional culinary offerings. The lunch menu, in particular, reflects the restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients, innovative flavors, and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Whether you’re seeking a light bite or a hearty meal, the diverse options cater to a variety of tastes, making it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Each dish is carefully crafted to highlight the coastal influences that define the Rusty Pelican’s unique style, merging traditional techniques with contemporary creativity.
From seafood specialties to vibrant salads and decadent desserts, the lunch menu offers a balance of classic favorites and exciting new dishes. The emphasis on quality ingredients is apparent in every bite, showcasing the chef’s dedication to excellence.
Paired with an impressive selection of wines and handcrafted cocktails, the Rusty Pelican lunch experience is as memorable as the picturesque setting. Whether dining solo, with friends, or for a business lunch, the menu’s variety and freshness ensure every visit is a culinary delight.
Signature Starters
The Rusty Pelican lunch menu begins with a collection of signature starters designed to awaken the palate. These dishes emphasize fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors, setting the stage for the meal ahead.
From light seafood bites to rich, savory options, the starters reflect the coastal essence of the restaurant.
One standout is the Crab Cake Sliders, made with lump crab meat and a hint of Old Bay seasoning, served on toasted brioche buns with a zesty remoulade. Another popular choice is the Calamari Fritti, lightly fried and paired with a tangy marinara sauce that complements its crisp texture.
For those seeking something lighter, the Ahi Tuna Tartare offers fresh, diced tuna mixed with avocado, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of soy-ginger dressing.
Popular Starter Choices
- Crab Cake Sliders – Lump crab, remoulade, brioche
- Calamari Fritti – Lightly fried, marinara dipping sauce
- Ahi Tuna Tartare – Tuna, avocado, soy-ginger dressing
- Roasted Beet Salad – Goat cheese, candied pecans, greens
“The starters at Rusty Pelican perfectly blend freshness with flavor, making them a perfect introduction to the meal.” – Local Food Critic
Fresh Seafood Entrees
Seafood is at the heart of the Rusty Pelican lunch menu, with a variety of fresh, sustainable options that highlight the best of the ocean’s bounty. Each entree is prepared with care, balancing textures and flavors to create memorable dishes that satisfy both the palate and the appetite.
The Grilled Mahi Mahi comes with a tropical fruit salsa and coconut rice, offering a sweet and savory combination that captures the essence of island cuisine. The Blackened Snapper is seasoned with a blend of spices and served over creamy stone-ground grits, providing a comforting yet vibrant option.
For a lighter choice, the Shrimp and Avocado Salad combines grilled shrimp with fresh vegetables and a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing midday meal.
Seafood Entree Highlights
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Grilled Mahi Mahi | Mahi Mahi, tropical fruit salsa, coconut rice | Sweet, savory, tropical |
| Blackened Snapper | Snapper, Cajun spices, stone-ground grits | Spicy, creamy, smoky |
| Shrimp and Avocado Salad | Shrimp, avocado, mixed greens, citrus vinaigrette | Light, fresh, tangy |
Each seafood dish is thoughtfully paired with sides that complement the main protein without overpowering it. The use of seasonal ingredients ensures that the menu evolves throughout the year, reflecting the freshest catches and produce available.
Hearty Sandwiches and Burgers
For those craving a more casual yet satisfying lunch, the Rusty Pelican offers a range of sandwiches and burgers. These options provide comfort food with a gourmet twist, using premium ingredients and inventive toppings to elevate classic favorites.
The Rusty Pelican Burger features a juicy beef patty topped with smoked cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and a house-made aioli. Served with crispy fries, it’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
The Grilled Chicken Sandwich offers a lighter alternative, with marinated chicken breast, avocado, and chipotle mayo on a toasted bun. For seafood lovers, the Fish Sandwich showcases a crispy fried catch, pickled slaw, and tangy tartar sauce.
Sandwiches and Burgers Menu
- Rusty Pelican Burger – Beef, smoked cheddar, aioli, fries
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich – Marinated chicken, avocado, chipotle mayo
- Fish Sandwich – Fried fish, pickled slaw, tartar sauce
- Veggie Wrap – Seasonal vegetables, hummus, spinach wrap
“The sandwiches at Rusty Pelican combine gourmet quality with down-to-earth flavors, perfect for a midday meal.” – Frequent Diner
Fresh Salads and Bowls
Salads and bowls offer a refreshing and nutritious choice for lunch, and the Rusty Pelican excels at creating vibrant, flavorful combinations. These dishes emphasize fresh produce, bold dressings, and interesting textures, making them both satisfying and health-conscious.
The Caesar Salad is elevated with grilled shrimp and homemade croutons, offering a classic taste with added protein. Meanwhile, the Quinoa Power Bowl brings together quinoa, roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a lemon-tahini dressing for a hearty, plant-based option.
The Tuna Niçoise Salad features seared tuna, olives, green beans, and boiled eggs, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette that perfectly balances the dish.
Salad and Bowl Options
| Dish | Key Ingredients | Calories (Approx.) |
| Caesar Salad with Shrimp | Romaine, shrimp, parmesan, croutons | 520 |
| Quinoa Power Bowl | Quinoa, chickpeas, roasted veggies, tahini | 450 |
| Tuna Niçoise Salad | Seared tuna, olives, green beans, eggs | 480 |
These salads and bowls are perfect for those looking to combine flavor with nourishment. The menu’s emphasis on seasonal ingredients ensures freshness and variety throughout the year.
Vegetarian and Vegan Selections
Rusty Pelican recognizes the growing demand for plant-based options and offers a thoughtful selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These meals focus on bold flavors and satisfying textures, ensuring no diner feels left out.
The Grilled Vegetable Plate includes seasonal vegetables marinated and grilled to perfection, served with a side of quinoa salad. The Vegan Black Bean Burger features a house-made patty made from black beans, spices, and oats, topped with avocado and served on a whole-wheat bun.
Additionally, the Roasted Cauliflower Tacos provide a spicy and smoky option, garnished with fresh slaw and a vegan chipotle sauce.
Plant-Based Menu Highlights
- Grilled Vegetable Plate – Seasonal vegetables, quinoa salad
- Vegan Black Bean Burger – Black bean patty, avocado, whole-wheat bun
- Roasted Cauliflower Tacos – Spicy cauliflower, slaw, chipotle sauce
- Avocado Toast – Multigrain bread, smashed avocado, microgreens
“Rusty Pelican’s plant-based dishes prove that vegetarian and vegan meals can be just as indulgent and flavorful as any other.” – Plant-Based Food Blogger
Desserts to Savor
No lunch at the Rusty Pelican is complete without a decadent dessert. The menu offers a selection of sweet treats designed to delight, ranging from rich chocolate creations to light fruit-based options.
Each dessert balances indulgence with elegance.
The Key Lime Pie is a signature offering, featuring a tangy lime filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a cloud of whipped cream. The Chocolate Lava Cake presents a warm, gooey center surrounded by a moist chocolate exterior, served with vanilla bean ice cream.
For a lighter finish, the Seasonal Fruit Sorbet refreshes the palate with vibrant flavors and a smooth texture.
Dessert Menu Selections
| Dessert | Main Components | Portion Size |
| Key Lime Pie | Lime filling, graham crust, whipped cream | Single slice |
| Chocolate Lava Cake | Chocolate cake, molten center, vanilla ice cream | Individual serving |
| Seasonal Fruit Sorbet | Fresh fruit puree, light sweetness | One scoop |
These desserts not only satisfy sweet cravings but also complement the meal’s overall fresh and refined theme. They are crafted to provide a perfect ending to a memorable dining experience.
Beverage Pairings
The Rusty Pelican’s lunch menu is perfectly complemented by an extensive beverage selection. From crisp white wines to creative cocktails, the drink options elevate the dining experience and enhance the flavors of each dish.
The wine list features a variety of choices, including a crisp Sauvignon Blanc ideal for seafood dishes and a robust Cabernet Sauvignon that pairs well with the burger and hearty entrees. The cocktail menu offers refreshing options like the signature Pelican Punch, blending tropical fruits with premium spirits.
Non-alcoholic beverages such as house-made lemonades and craft sodas ensure everyone can find a perfect accompaniment.
Recommended Pairings
- Sauvignon Blanc – Pairs well with grilled fish and salads
- Cabernet Sauvignon – Complements beef burgers and blackened dishes
- Pelican Punch – Tropical cocktail with rum and fresh juices
- House-made Lemonade – Refreshing and tart, ideal for light meals
“A thoughtfully curated beverage menu is essential to a complete dining experience, and Rusty Pelican delivers with elegance and variety.” – Beverage Expert
Conclusion
The Rusty Pelican lunch menu is a vibrant reflection of coastal cuisine, blending fresh, high-quality ingredients with creative culinary techniques. Its diverse offerings, from signature starters to hearty entrees and indulgent desserts, cater to a broad spectrum of tastes and dietary preferences.
The emphasis on sustainability and seasonality ensures that each dish is not only flavorful but also responsibly sourced.
Whether savoring fresh seafood, enjoying a gourmet burger, or selecting a plant-based option, every item on the menu is crafted with care and attention to detail. Complemented by an elegant beverage selection and served in a stunning waterfront setting, the lunch experience at the Rusty Pelican is truly exceptional.
It invites diners to relax, indulge, and celebrate the best of coastal dining, making it an ideal destination for any midday meal.
