Updated January 2024
Which 30A Restaurants are your favorite?
One of the best parts of planning your trip to 30A is deciding which restaurant you want to go to first.
From pasta to seafood, to tapas, 30A has it all. We visit Santa Rosa Beach and the Seaside area at least 10 times per year and are currently building a beach house near Seaside.
So, we have been blessed with many wonderful meals at most of the 30A Restaurants. It’s really hard to pick just one favorite so I have come up with a list of our favorites.
Be sure to check out The Best 30A Happy Hour and The Best Restaurants in Seaside.
Here are 35 of the best 30A Restaurants. You can’t go wrong no matter which one you choose.
Rent our 30A beach house here.
THE BEST 30A RESTAURANTS
- Seaside Restaurants
- Watercolor Restaurants
- Alys Beach Restaurants
- Rosemary Beach Restaurants
- Seagrove Restaurants
- Gulf Place Restaurants
- Dune Allen
- Grayton Beach Restaurants
SEASIDE – THE BEST 30A Restaurants
Bud and Alley’s 30A RESTAURANT
Bud & Alley’s is one of our favorite restaurants. The food is delicious and they have some of the best views on 30A.
A table on their deck overlooking the ocean is worth the wait. Paul loves their shrimp and grits and my favorite is the barbecue shrimp (be sure to order extra bread).
All of the drinks we have had there have been amazing, but my favorite is the French 75.
This is also the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Pro Tip: The above table has the best view in my opinion. We have been going here for years and I can honestly say this is the best table in the house.
You’re in the shade, and you have the best view of the tower and the water. We used to sit on the patio closest to the water until one of the hostesses told me about this table and I am hooked. Enjoy:)
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GREAT SOUTHERN CAFE 30A RESTAURANT
Great Southern Cafe is a staple in Seaside, located on the square just down from Modica Market.
The Great Southern Dip (their version of the French Dip) is our favorite. A French baguette piled high with slow-roasted shredded beef and topped with Swiss cheese.
And don’t forget their Creme Brûlée it is incredible.
BUD & ALLEY’S TACO BAR 30A RESTAURANT
Who doesn’t love tacos and margs? And this place has some of the best around
See also: The Best Photography Spots on 30A
BUD & ALLEY’S PIZZA BAR 30A RESTAURANT
I have been fortunate enough to have eaten the “Best Pizza In the World” at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples, Italy.
See Also: Best Restaurants in Destin
And I can say without reservation that my entire family agreed, this was some of the best pizza we’ve had outside of Italy.
See Also: The Best Things to Do in Rosemary Beach
SHRIMP SHACK
With counter service, The Shrimp Shack is probably one of the most economical places to eat seafood on 30A.
Our favorite is the steamed shrimp. It comes with corn on the cob and new potatoes. We typically sit at the bar behind the restaurant for a great view.
See Also: How to Visit 30A on a Budget
See Also: The Best Places to Shop on 30A
THE MELTDOWN 30A RESTAURANT
I have to admit, I haven’t really eaten at a lot of the airstreams because the Meltdown is just so darn good. I can’t bring myself to eat anywhere else. You know it’s good bc it always has a long line to order.
Don’t be deterred by the line, though. It is worth the wait and just remember, there is a reason so many people are willing to wait!
They know how amazing it is. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of their grilled cheeses but our favorite is The Smoking Turkey.
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Watercolor – The Best 30A Restaurants
FOOW
FOOW is an exceptional seafood restaurant in WaterColor on 30A. They skillfully combine fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere. The ambiance is warm and welcoming and the food is some of the best on 30A. If you are looking for a luxurious night out I highly recommend FOOW.
The Wine Bar
With a very generous window of 11:00 – 6:00, Wine Bar has one of the best happy hours on 30A – a carafe of wine for the price of a large glass.
They also offer several charcuterie boards that pair perfectly with their wine. They have an award-winning wine list to complement their delicious food.
Their slogan is Casual Fine Dining and that describes them perfectly. You can choose to sit on their spacious patio, right on 30A, or in their dining room. This is one of our favorite spots to people-watch.
They offer a full menu that features small plates such as baked brie or roasted Brussels sprouts, fire-roasted pizzas, entrees, salads, and sandwiches.
This is a great place for a casual lunch with a nice glass of wine or a fancy night out to celebrate a special occasion.
Gather Kitchen and Bar
Gather Kitchen and Bar is a private amenity available only to WaterColor Inn Hotel guests and Watersound Club Lifestyle members.
The Perfect Pig
Whether you are looking for breakfast or dinner The Perfect Pig is always a good choice. Portions are huge so sharing is a great way to keep costs down. Family-friendly atmosphere with gluten-free options. I recommend trying the crab cakes. You won’t be disappointed.
ALYS BEACH – The Best 30A Restaurants
THE CITIZEN
The Citizen is an upscale restaurant in Alys Beach. Their menu features a Saturday and Sunday Brunch, Oyster Happy Hour, Dinner Menu, and extensive wine list.
Be sure to arrive early or be prepared to wait. You can always grab a drink at the bar while you wait. They have plenty of seating inside and outside.
George’s At Alys Beach
George’s at Alys Beach is an upscale casual restaurant serving fresh local seafood. Voted Best Lunch in South Walton 2021.
They offer everything from lobster quesadillas to burgers and healthy wraps. And you absolutely must save room for George’s Key Lime Pie.
If dinner is what you are looking for, George’s has you covered. Their dinner menu features gulf snapper, seared scallops, jumbo lump crab cakes, and fried fish and grits just to name a few.
They really do have something for everyone. And, again, be sure to save some room for George’s Key Lime Pie.
Fonville Press Market + Cafe
I am absolutely obsessed with this place. It is a great place for breakfast, brunch, coffee, and cocktails.
They have an incredible gourmet and specialty market to take care of all your needs. And they also have a wide variety of prepared foods to help make your life easier if you are looking for sides to go with dinner or even something to add to a beach picnic.
ROSEMARY BEACH RESTAURANTS
COWGIRL KITCHEN
You’re going to want to sit on the patio of Cowgirl Kitchen. The atmosphere is incredible. You instantly feel like you’ve been transported to another place. With the cobblestone streets lined with charming stores, the whole area has a European feel about it.
It is the perfect spot for a casual lunch with friends and family. Their menu features delicious homemade dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, including sandwiches, salads, soups, and baked goods.
Their coffee and espresso drinks are also a must-try, and their selection of wine and beer is perfect for a relaxing evening With indoor and outdoor seating available, Cowgirl Kitchen is a must-visit for anyone visiting Rosemary Beach.
PESCADO 30A RESTAURANT
If you are looking for a chic and upscale restaurant, Pescado is the perfect spot to try. With its modern decor, stunning rooftop bar, and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s the perfect place for a special occasion or a romantic evening out.
The menu features a range of delicious seafood dishes, including fresh fish, oysters, and lobster, as well as steaks and other options for non-seafood lovers.
You can’t go wrong with their Beachy Shrimp Roll, a grilled roll with blackened shrimp and greens. And no meal is complete without dessert. You’re definitely going to want to order one of their Chocolate Chip Cookie Chulupal, a delicious chocolate chip cookie topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce.
With impeccable service and a beautiful atmosphere, Pescado will not disappoint!
Restaurant Paradis
Edward’s Fine Food and Wine
Havannah Beach Bar and Grill
The Havannah Beach Bar and Grill is the rooftop bar at the Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach. From the views to the food to the cocktails, their vibe is top-notch. There is a view of the water but not every table is able to see it. But, their pool area is far more interesting in my opinion.
If you’re only in town for a couple of days, you will definitely want to make your way to this rooftop bar. Everything about this place is iconic and instagrammable. Your social media feed will thank you.
La Crema Tapas and Chocolate
La Crema is at the top of everyone’s list of things to do in Rosemary Beach. And while I will agree that it is a great restaurant with an awesome atmosphere, I feel like there really are a lot better restaurants in Rosemary Beach that you should try first.
I don’t want to discourage you from eating at La Crema. If you are staying a week and have plenty of time to experience all the different restaurants in the area, then by all means La Crema should be on your list.
But if you are only in town for a couple of days, you may want to skip this and hit a few of the other restaurants highlighted in this post.
Charlie’s Cafe at Rosemary Beach
Big Bad Breakfast Inlet Beach
Everyone always says that Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and there is no better place for breakfast than, Big Bad Breakfast.
The restaurant is inside a hotel with a very Cuban vibe. We sat right by the pool lined with palm trees.
The food was delicious and the service was excellent. Big Bad Breakfast is an excellent choice if you are looking for good food.
SEAGROVE BEACH RESTAURANTS
THE SURFING DEER 30A RESTAURANT
CAFE Thirty-A
In the heart of Seagrove Beach Cafe Thirty-A is just as popular with the locals as it is with tourists.
Their food is incredible with a menu that features Jumbo Crab Cakes, Fried Oyster Spinach Salad, and Main Oysters in Paradise with truffled 3-cheese mac, fired leeks, sweet peas, and roasted red peppers.
But the real star of the show is their Tuesday and Thursday all-night Tini Nights. All of their signature martinis are $6 all night long! It’s no wonder they are so loved by everyone.
The Local Cantina
Local Cantina on 30A is a vibrant culinary hub where the fiesta never ends.
Offering a complimentary chips and salsa bar, a wide array of unique tacos, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a super fun spot that turns every day into Taco Tuesday.
With unique decor and Gulf Coast charm, Local Cantina embodies the essence of a coastal fiesta, making it a must-visit along the scenic 30A.
Blue Mountain Beach Restaurants
Blue Mabel Smokehouse and Provisions
Fine Dining
Blue Mountain Beach Creamery
This isn’t necessarily a restaurant, but it is the best place to get ice cream on 30A. locals and tourists both line up for their ice cream, shakes, and snow cones.
The lines are long but they move quickly and it is well worth the wait.
GULF PLACE RESTAURANTS
SHUNK GULLEY Oyster Bar 30A RESTAURANT
Known for its fresh seafood, Shunk Gulley is a favorite place for tourists and locals. It’s a come-as-you-are casual restaurant located right on Scenic Highway 30A, with a great view of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.
This is one of our favorite places to go for Happy Hour. They have great drinks and an amazing view. Their Shrimp Boil and Creamy Cajun Chicken are two of our favorites.
Dune Allen Beach Restaurants
Stinky’s Fish Camp
Stinky’s Fish Camp is a hidden gem. They are known for their creative seafood dishes with a cajun flare. And their fish tacos make every Taco Tuesday and event. They have live music at the bar next door while you wait.
Vue on 30A
Fine dining with an incredible view of the gulf coast. This is a very popular restaurant so you are going to want to make reservations to ensure that you get a table with great views. Make sure you leave room for dessert and the chocolate martini is perfection.
GRAYTON BEACH RESTAURANTS
CHIRINGO 30A RESTAURANT
Chiringo is located in Grayton Beach. Parking can be a little tight in Grayton so plan accordingly. But trust me, it is worth the extra effort. We typically get the Shrimp tacos here. They are delicious and well-priced for the amount of food that you get. And don’t forget to order a margarita. You won’t be disappointed.
BLACK BEAR BREAD COMPANY 30A RESTAURANT
This is one of our favorite places to get breakfast and coffee. They have a wide range of pastries (the almond croissant is my go-to) and breakfast sandwiches and tartines. You used to have to go to Grayton Beach to get your coffee. But, they recently opened a coffee shop in the heart of Seaside. Now it’s just a short walk or bike ride for those staying in Seaside, Watercolor, and Seacrest.
Red Bar
The iconic Red Bar in Grayton Beach along 30A is a beloved Gulf Coast hotspot. Its eclectic decor, live music, and diverse menu create an unforgettable experience. A vibrant blend of coastal charm, this establishment embodies the laid-back spirit of the area, making it a must-visit destination for locals and travelers alike.
Hurricane Oyster Bar and Grill
This is one of our favorite places. They have great food and great prices, and quite possibly the best happy hour menu on 30A. This is where the locals eat. It’s a little off the beaten path so it’s one of those places that, if you know, you know.
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