Foodies from throughout the country have been flocking to the Emerald Coast for years to taste the area’s unparalleled variety of famed restaurants. The gorgeous white sand beaches and relaxed atmosphere that 30A is known for have attracted many skilled chefs to call the area home. The prime location on the Gulf and the subsequent prodigious fishing industry also has an important role in providing restaurants with access to a bountiful assortment of some of the freshest and tastiest seafood on the market. However, if seafood doesn’t suit your pallet, there are also several other culinary styles that are showcased in the area such as Thai, Cajun, or Southern cuisine. So, if cooking in the gorgeous fully-equipped kitchen of your Exclusive 30A luxury vacation rental isn’t in your vacation plans or you just want a break, here are 10 of our favorite restaurants to try:
An assortment of unbelievably authentic dishes awaits you at The Aegean Restaurant in Miramar Beach. Their owners believe that Greek meals are best enjoyed in large company, so they encourage you to bring your whole crew to eat, talk, laugh, and enjoy their lively atmosphere. The remarkable selection of Greek meals, wine, beer, and deserts available will have you mistaking the Emerald Coast for the Mediterranean.
Destin’s ONLY fine dining restaurant, the Beach Walk Café is one of the best places to find a gourmet meal on the Emerald Coast. Their location directly on the Gulf offers stunning views of the emerald waters, which, when combined with their award-winning cuisine, make it an unforgettable place to eat at any time of the day.
Founded in 1987 by a couple of young, local surfers with a passion for their home, Bud and Alley’s has grown in to a beloved 30A gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Their fresh take on southern coastal classics offer the perfect meal to share with good people, while having a good time. Be sure to make your way up to the rooftop at dusk to watch another gorgeous 30A sunset from their renowned beach location.
A former fisherman that has lived in Destin throughout his life, Dewey Destin previously focused on providing local restaurants with the region’s favorite fish. After a 2000 ban on net fishing in the area was created, Destin and his family began using their knowledge of fish and how it is best served to create their own restaurant that delivers some of the premier fish dishes around 30A. Stop by their Destin Harbor location, enjoy the view, and taste the Dewey Destin difference.
After falling in love with the 30A area like so many others had before them, the owners of the Jasmine Thai Restaurant decided to leave Thailand and permanently relocate to the Emerald Coast. They founded a restaurant that is focused on providing authentic dishes and flavors, uncompromising freshness and quality, and attention to detail by their staff. This combination has led to the creation of one of the best Thai options on the Emerald Coast.
Businesses that are run by families tend to have an unbeatably friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and Louis Louis is no different. Their distinguishable décor and menu feature a laid-back atmosphere and some of the best seafood on 30a, making this Santa Rosa Beach restaurant a great choice for any meal during your stay.
A fresh new Destin hotspot, Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano serves up genuine Italian plates that are bursting with flavor and color. Chef Mimmo is very friendly and attentive to his customer’s needs, ensuring that you feel the caring nature of their business and the consistency that they expect from their offerings. Open throughout the week, come with your gang to experience this new talk of the town.
Tucked away in the Art District of Grayton Beach, the quaint yet gorgeous restaurant of Roux 30A leaves customers taken aback due to its unassuming nature. With an ever-changing menu based on the impeccable taste of the chef/owner, visitors will never leave feeling they have experienced a mundane meal.
Trebeache
A must visit for every 30A vacation, Trebeache specializes in excellent fresh catches, oysters, and delicious desserts. Enjoy the charming ambiance that their live music sets for your gathering and be sure to ask their knowledgeable staff for some recommendations from their extensive wine and cocktail list.
The Zesty Baguette Bistro
Combining traditional French and modern Vietnamese cooking, experience the unique fusion of tastes that await you at the Zesty Baguette Bistro. Their mouth-watering dishes aim to provide customers with some truly aromatic flavors in completely innovative styles.
Come indulge in these and many other outstanding restaurants, and you will understand why the region has become known as a gastro hotspot for foodie lovers. We represent the most desirable vacation rentals in the area. Call (844) STAY-30A or (844) 782-9302, email us at [email protected], or contact us through our website here: Contact Us. Plus, remember to follow us on Twitter @exclusive30a, Instagram @exclusive30a or “Like” the Exclusive 30A Facebook page for more information on great restaurants in the area with our weekly #FoodieFriday posts. We’d love to hear from you!
