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Our Emerald Coast of Florida is known for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and most importantly, its delicious food! Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a five-star dining experience, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Here are some of the top restaurants on Florida’s Emerald Coast I’ve visited and personally recommend:
Grand Marlin – Located in Panama City Beach, Grand Marlin offers an upscale seafood experience with stunning views of the marina and St. Andrew Bay. From their signature crab cake to grilled mahi-mahi and filet mignon, this restaurant has something for everyone.
Local Catch Bar & Grill – Locals love this laid-back spot in Santa Rosa Beach, which specializes in fresh seafood catches from the Gulf of Mexico. Whether it’s oysters on the half-shell or fried fish tacos, you won’t leave Local Catch hungry!
Fish Out Of Water – This upscale eatery at the Watercolor Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa Beach offers guests a modern take on classic coastal cuisine with dishes like pan-seared scallops, lobster mac & cheese, and crispy rock shrimp tempura.
Surfing Deer – Global flavors with a nod to “old” Seagrove Beach traditions! Upscale venue with gorgeous indoor & relaxing patio dining.
Grayton Seafood – Co-founded by two locals who grew up fishing on the coast, Grayton Seafood serves up some of the freshest seafood with dishes like beer-battered grouper sandwiches and wood-grilled oysters with bacon jam.
Cuvee 30A – Located at 30Avenue in Inlet Beach, Cuvee 30A specializes in French cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients from local farmer’s markets and sustainable seafood from nearby waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Highlights include foie gras torchon, escargot tartine, steak frites, and salmon en croute for dinner entrees.
La Crema – Centrally located in Rosemary Beach, this standout offers tapas, chocolate, and drinks! Super casual indoor & outdoor dining all the locals love to visit.
The Wine Bar -The Wine Bar has locations in Destin, Grand Boulevard, and Watercolor and is a perfect place to enjoy gourmet food in a sophisticated yet informal setting. Serving innovative, fresh seafood dishes, steaks, sandwiches, and salads – they have an amazing array of wines from around the world to choose from (plus an outstanding cocktail menu!).
Great Southern Café – Established over 30 years ago by Nashville musician Jim Shirley, Great Southern Café serves up farm-to-table fare focusing on regional flavors from around Florida, including Gulf Coast Shrimp & Grits featuring local gulf white shrimp cooked into creamy cheddar grits topped with Andouille sausage gravy or try their signature dish ‘The Great Southern Burger’ topped off with house-smoked bacon & pimento cheese spread served on a local brioche bun.
Chanticleer -Chanticleer Eatery is located in Grayton Beach off the beaten path but well worth the effort to find. It is a local spot and a hidden gem of a restaurant that makes food from scratch in portions large enough to fill you up and creative enough to encourage you to work your way through the menu. It’s not about fancy food, it’s all about good food and good company. You’re welcome to wear your flip-flops and shorts at lunch & dinner, and you may even bring your fur baby if you would like to sit outside! Definitely, it’s “Food Worth Crowing About!!”
George’s At Alys Beach– George’s at Alys Beach offers guests a sophisticated dining experience located directly across from one of South Walton’s most beautiful beaches featuring an array of small plates such as their famous George’s Chowder made with white corn chowder & fresh gulf seafood accompanied by rotating entrees such as their Grilled Pork Chop w/ Sweet Potato Hash topped off w/ Blueberry Compote & finished off w/ one of their signature desserts such chocolate lava cake or key lime pie.
Angelina’s Pizzeria & Pasta – Established over 15 years ago by Naples native Angelo Cassano, Angelina’s continues to be one of South Walton’s favorite spots for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza baked in their handcrafted Italian oven imported directly from Naples, Italy featuring classics such as Margherita Pizza topped off w/ San Marzano tomatoes basil mozzarella di bufala DOP Parmigiano Reggiano DOP extra virgin olive oil & sea salt.
Bud n’ Alleys -This waterfront hot spot sits right along Seaside beach, offering guests both lunch + dinner options ranging from burgers + tacos to whole roasted fish served alongside handcrafted cocktails perfect for watching sunsets while listening to live music provided throughout the week.
From classic American fare to gourmet French cuisine and everything else in between, there’s no shortage of unique eats along Florida’s Emerald Coast! Whether you’re looking for casual comfort food or an upscale dining experience with gorgeous views, these top restaurants have it all!
So come explore all that Florida’s Emerald Coast has to offer—you won’t be disappointed!
