11 Tastiest Restaurants on Florida’s 30A

Florida’s charming towns along the scenic Highway 30A offer the perfect beach getaway. But beyond the breathtaking scenery lies a culinary paradise waiting to be explored. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood plucked from the Gulf, succulent steaks, or innovative takes on global cuisines, 30A’s restaurants tantalize every palate.

This is your guide to 30A’s tastiest restaurants.

Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar

• Address: 1875 S County Hwy 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
• Price: $$-$$$
• Website: shunkgulley.com
• Favorite menu item: Everybody’s talking about their grilled Meyer lemon garlic oysters. They’ll make you forget you ever met Oysters Rockefeller.

Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar is an oyster haven, as the name suggests. Slurp down raw oysters sourced from around the Emerald Coast, or try their creative oyster shooters with unique toppings, all while taking in the beautiful gulf views.

Be sure to check the Shunk Gulley Music and Events Calendar for live music and swing by between 3 and 5 pm on weekdays for happy hour specials like the Gulley Margarita! Celebrate a special occasion by choosing a bottle from their premium wine list.

The Wine Bar – Destin

• Address: 4424 Commons Dr. E, D2, Destin, FL
• Price: $$
• Website: thewinebarfl.com
• Favorite menu item: The Wine Bar Filet is a crowd pleaser! Served with garlic mashed potatoes and red wine demi-glace.

The Wine Bar in Destin is a hotspot where delicious food, award-winning wines, and a touch of whimsy collide. Whether you’re a seasoned vino enthusiast or a casual beach bum, The Wine Bar has something for you. It’s a coastal chic atmosphere where groups of friends gather around tables sharing tapas and glasses of wine, and couples enjoy a date night.

The menu at The Wine Bar features a fusion of global flavors with a Southern touch, like Grouper Piccata alongside juicy steaks.

Old Florida Fish House

• Address: 33 Heron’s Watch Way, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
• Price: $$$
• Website: oldflfishhouse.com/eat
• Favorite menu item: Don’t miss the oysters from their oyster bar! Chargrilled with choice of topping or raw. Not a fan of oysters? Guests are raving about their sushi!

The Old Florida Fish House has a layout that lets you soak up the sun and the laid-back vibes, while nautical décor adds to the casual charm. Celebrate the Gulf with a menu brimming with fresh seafood. Sink your teeth into a classic Florida grouper sandwich. If you’re craving something beyond the sea, their Wagyu burger is sure to satisfy. End your meal on a sweet note with a slice of their famous Deep Dish Key Lime Pie.

The Bay

• Address: 24215 Hwy 331 South, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
• Price: $$-$$$
• Website: baysouthwalton.com
• Favorite menu item: Pesto Redfish and Crab Cake: Fresh redfish filet topped with an Asian fusion pesto; one crab cake with fresh mint, basil, and cilantro, topped with chives and sake beurre blanc, served with green beans.

The Bay’s local cuisine is a mix of American-style seafood and Asian cuisine. In other words, something for everyone. Dine on the white sand (literally!) at this open-air gem on the Choctawhatchee Bay.

With fine-dining touches, The Bay elevates the casual beach bar experience with high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation. Expect seasonal produce, locally sourced seafood, and dishes that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

Fish Out of Water

• Address: 34 Goldenrod Cir, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
• Price: $$-$$$
• Website: foow30a.com
• Favorite menu item: The Blackened Grouper is always a 10.

Fish Out of Water is a lively restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach with stunning views that is anything but “out of place.” Imagine a seaside experience where indoor and outdoor dining seamlessly blend.

Seafood takes center stage here. Expect an exciting array of options, from local grouper cooked in creative ways to the tuna poke and crab cake appetizers. The menu embraces fresh, seasonal ingredients, ensuring the bounty of the Gulf finds its way onto your plate.

Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant and Bar

• Address: 2236 E W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
• Price: $$-$$$
• Website: budandalleys.com
• Favorite menu item: Bud & Alley’s Crab Cakes entree is top rated.

Bud & Alley’s is not just a restaurant known for its Southern coastal classics; it’s a 30A legend. This Santa Rosa Beach institution has been serving up delicious food and good vibes for nearly 30 years, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Emerald Coast. Bud & Alley’s is South Walton’s oldest restaurant and favorite gathering spot.

Fresh, local ingredients are the stars of the show at Bud & Alley’s. Gulf Coast classics like fried grouper sandwiches and blackened shrimp mingle with Southern-inspired dishes like pulled pork BBQ and creamy grits. They also have pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven and tacos bursting with fresh flavors.

The Red Bar

• Address: 70 Hotz Ave, Grayton Beach, FL
• Price: $$-$$$
• Website: theredbar.com
• Favorite menu item: The Shrimp Po Boy has reached legend status for a reason. Fried shrimp piled high on a toasted baguette with fresh lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce.

The Red Bar is an iconic Grayton Beach spot where live music, eclectic charm, and delicious Southern-tinged fare collide. The atmosphere is rustic chic, like a historic old general store transformed into a lively eatery.

Café Thirty-A

• Address: 3899 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
• Price: $$$$
• Website: cafethirtya.com
• Favorite menu item: It’s tough to pick a favorite; however, their most loved menu item is the Maine Lobster in Paradise, served with truffled “three cheese” mac, fried leeks, sweet peas, and roasted red peppers.

Café Thirty-A is nestled in the heart of Seagrove Beach; this 30A institution combines the charm of a casual beach hangout with the elegance of fine dining, offering a memorable culinary experience.

Despite its sophisticated air, the restaurant hums with a social buzz. Families, couples, and groups of friends mingle, enjoying the friendly service and lively atmosphere.

Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Great Southern Café

• Address: 83 Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
• Price: $$-$$$
• Website: thegreatsoutherncafe.com
• Favorite menu item: Fried Green Tomato Benedict served with Gouda grits. This will be your new traditional Southern dish.

The Great Southern Cafe’s weekend brunch in Santa Rosa Beach offers a mix of Southern classics, coastal inspiration, and creative surprises. The Bloody Marys are also legendary.

Surfing Deer

• Address: 2743 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
• Price: $$$$
• Website: surfingdeer.com/seagrove
• Favorite menu item: The two most enjoyable menu items are the Bambi Tini from the bar and the Clothesline Bacon starter. You’ll feel like you’ve had dessert first; there’s nothing wrong with that.

The Surfing Deer in Seagrove Beach is a vibrant restaurant on the 30A scene, blending a modern beach ambiance with a menu that celebrates both local seafood and creative New American fare.

Surfing Deer is a popular spot, attracting both locals and tourists with its friendly vibe and delicious food. The atmosphere is lively and social, with groups of friends enjoying cocktails on the patio, families gathered around tables, and couples sharing a romantic dinner.

The menu at Surfing Deer offers a sophisticated take on classic Southern comfort food. Expect dishes like grilled grouper and blackened shrimp alongside steaks and creative kinds of pasta.

Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano

• Address: 2700 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
• Price: $$-$$$
• Website: mimmos.com
• Favorite menu item: Don’t miss the Gnocchi Lobster Carbonara entree or the Garlic Rolls appetizer.

Mimmo’s Italian Restaurant on Blue Mountain Beach brings the authentic, mouthwatering flavors of Sicily to the Emerald Coast. The menu at Mimmo’s is a love letter to Sicilian tradition. Expect dishes bursting with Mediterranean flavors, homemade pasta simmered in rich sauces, and succulent meat preparations passed down through generations.

The atmosphere is warm and friendly, with exposed brick walls adorned with family photos and Sicilian artifacts. Sleek furnishings blend seamlessly with rustic accents, creating a charming ambiance that feels both familiar and contemporary.

Beyond the food, enjoy a local craft beer selection and a wine list with Italian flair. Immerse yourself in the Italian dining experience with a curated wine list. It features regional Italian selections and Californian and European surprises, so it’s perfect for finding the ideal pairing for your meal.

A Culinary Adventure Guide to 30A’s Tastiest Restaurants

So, whether you crave coastal delights plucked fresh from the Gulf, succulent steaks sizzling with Southern charm, or global flavors that whisk you on a culinary adventure, 30A’s restaurants stand ready to tantalize your taste buds, just steps from your Legacy Beach Home.

Embrace the vibrant atmosphere, savor the sun-kissed flavors, and create memories that linger long after the last bite. Remember, food is not just sustenance on 30A; it’s an experience to be cherished, shared, and celebrated. Bon appétit, and let the delicious journey begin!