Making time to enjoy a vacation is essential every once in a while. Finding the ideal sense of balance in life often requires setting the to-do list aside and focusing on the fun for a moment. Those travelers who crave the sun and sand in abundance will find everything they’re looking for and more in Florida’s 30A. Here, you can easily fill your days with surfing, sunbathing, shopping, and beach hopping among charming coastal communities. The area is rich in history, packed with options for adventure, and just as many reasons to sit back, relax, and unwind at your own preferred pace. In addition to the shoreline fun, 30A is also home to a wide variety of amazing restaurants, cafes, and eateries to explore. Whether you adore trying all types of food or you’re just looking to curb a craving, you’re sure to find something that satisfies you. Consider this your ultimate dining guide for 30A to keep in mind the next time you’re in town! Whether you check out a few or try them all, your tastebuds will surely thank you for visiting the best restaurants in 30A.
The Ultimate Dining Guide for 30A Florida
When you find yourself in the mood for a delicious Italian dish or two, head over to Borago Restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach. Located at 80 E. County Highway 30A, Borago Restaurant is a place where locals and visitors alike convene to enjoy a cozy atmosphere and a menu of options designed to inspire. You can pick and choose between indoor dining or settling in on the screened-in patio to enjoy the breeze. Every guest enjoys complimentary homemade focaccia bread to start the meal off right with fan-favorite entrees to follow including three meat Bolognese and chicken piccata to name a few of many. Before you go, be sure to treat yourself to a slice of their berry cobbler with a side of vanilla ice cream. You’ll need a reservation to enjoy a meal here and don’t be surprised if you find yourself returning a time or two during your 30A stay.
Relish the Moment at Restaurant Paradis
When you’re in town with family and friends looking for a welcoming fine dining destination to enjoy, Restaurant Paradis is a great choice. Located at 82 South Barrett Square in Rosemary Beach, Restaurant Paradis is a popular place for a date night, birthday celebration, or just a fun evening out. The ambiance is exceptionally welcoming within this eatery that occupies a place downtown. It’s a one-stop shop for fantastic seafood, and you’ll want to be sure to lean into the pecan and lobster encrusted grouper. Another top option on the menu is the Gulf Coast snapper while you can’t go wrong with crab cakes.
Dine in Casual Style at Café Thirty-A
A popular place to settle in and savor the moment during your 30A adventure is a café by the same name. Café Thiry-A is found at 3899 E. County Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach and provides patrons with an inviting menu of American classics to enjoy in a space that’s brimming over with island charm. The menu here changes seasonally but there are some items like the banana beignets, chili dusted salmon, and crab soup that are a must-try no matter when you drop by. Café Thirty-A is a place many 30A locals and visitors alike enjoy so it’s recommended to make a reservation ahead of time. If you happen to dine between 4:30 and 5:00 pm, you can take advantage of their special offering half off an entrée with the purchase of a full-priced entrée.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at La Crema Tapas & Chocolate
If you find yourself spending quality time over in Rosemary Beach during your 30A adventure and you have a sweet tooth to satisfy, there’s no place better to indulge than La Crema Tapas & Chocolate. Situated at 38 Main Street, La Crema Tapas & Chocolate is a dessert lover’s dream come true. This cozy café features a variety of Spanish tapas to try as well as chocolate delights and fondue too. It’s a fun place to sit back and relax with family and friends who love to pair savory and sweet moments. Some recommended small plates to add to your must-try list include the lobster mac, the seafood paella, and the enfuego chicken. While the chocolate fondue is a fan-favorite option on the menu, the cookies they serve up are homemade and sensational as well! There’s no need to make a reservation here, just show up and get ready to enjoy a delicious moment in good company.
Curb a Craving at the Surfing Deer
The whimsical name might be enough to draw you through the doors of this delicious eatery. Then you’ll discover the menu and likely stay longer than you originally planned! The Surfing Deer is found at 2743 E. County Highway 30A and provides patrons with a modern menu and sophisticated dining experience to enjoy every time they’re here. You’ll find a menu of options that pairs Mediterranean cuisine with Southern-inspired fare, all of which feature locally sourced and fresh ingredients. Some top options to enjoy during your visit include the iron skillet jalapeno cornbread, pimento cheese hush puppies, the Thai skillet salmon, and the seared scallops. The restaurant is closed on Sundays, and you’ll need a reservation to dine here any other time of the week.
Savor a Mouthwatering Moment at The Great Southern Café
For 30A visitors who are longing for some authentic and mouthwatering southern fare, The Great Southern Café is a stop that’s sure to please. Head over to 83 Central Square in Santa Rosa Beach to enjoy a menu of options that seamlessly partners traditional Southern dishes with delicious international delights. The seafood is sourced right from the Gulf of Mexico making every dish as fresh as can be. The atmosphere is casual at this family-friendly stop where you’ll enjoy a place on the outdoor patio and feel welcome to relax and unwind. A top contender when you’re ready to order is always the blackened shrimp with gouda cheese grits.
Find Time to Dine at the Old Florida Fish House
When dinner with a view is what you’re after, Old Florida Fish House has it covered. This eatery at 33 Heron’s Watch Way enjoys a place on the shores of Eastern Lake. This gives guests beautiful vistas to enjoy that are paired with live music and twinkle lights overhead in the evenings. The Old Florida Fish House is a great family destination thanks to the expansive outdoor lawn that hosts a play area and a cornhole setup as well as ping pong for those moments when a little friendly competition would go a long way towards the fun. It’s a top place to order up fresh caught seafood and a reservation may be helpful to ensure your place at this popular destination. Once you’re settled in, make sure to begin with appetizer options like the house made smoked tuna dip and the flash fried crab claws. The grouper and mahi on the menu are always a treat while you can’t go wrong with the Wagyu burger or the blackened mahi tacos. In addition to the main kitchen menu, this restaurant has a sushi bar, an oyster bar, and an impressive wine list that you’ll want to ask about no matter what dish you select.
Settle in at The Perfect Pig
Enjoy a neighborhood eatery in the morning when you make time to dine at The Perfect Pig while you’re in Florida. Located at 4281 E. County Highway 30A, The Perfect Pig is a comfort food favorite where there’s something on the menu for everyone in your traveling crew. They have three locations across 30A so no matter where you’re spending the day, you have options to enjoy a sit-down meal in good company. Their restaurant locations include Gulf Place, WaterColor, and Seagrove Beach. While you’re certainly welcome to enjoy lunch or dinner here, The Perfect Pig is a popular breakfast destination with good reason. The Seagrove hash, breakfast chilaquiles, house made quiche, and breakfast tostada will have you fueled up in no time for a day of 30A fun ahead.
Enjoy Stopping by The Citizen for Dinner
Located at 20 Mark Twain Lane in Alys Beach, The Citizen is a newer stop on the 30A lineup that’s proving to be popular among locals and visitors alike. The Citizen is a seaside tavern where you can take time to enjoy coastal cuisine inspired by destinations from around the globe. Options like whipped feta, charred grilled oysters, and charred avocado salad are sure to hit the spot. They host an impressive wine and handcrafted cocktail list to peruse whether you drop by for brunch or dinner.
Check Out the Chanticleer Eatery
If you find yourself spending time near 55 Clayton Lane, you’ll be in the right place to enjoy a meal at Chanticleer Eatery during your 30A stay. This Santa Rosa Beach favorite is loved by locals and while it may be a bit hard to find in Grayton Beach, it’s certainly worth the effort. Here, you can drop by for lunch and treat yourself to a homemade Reuben or pick up a burger if you’re looking to curb a bigger appetite. They serve up prime grade steaks as well. To top things off on a sweet note, be sure to order up one of their freshly made cookies for dessert. This is a casual place to enjoy a meal and patio seating is highly recommended.
Spend Quality Time at George’s At Alys Beach
When you’re looking to enjoy a fish sandwich or a jumbo lump crab cake that’s truly tantalizing, you’ll want to make time for a meal at George’s At Alys Beach. Located at 30 N Harbour Drive in Alys Beach, George’s At Alys Beach is a sophisticated, yet welcoming place the entire family can enjoy with dining room and porch seating available. Seating is first-come first-serve with the exception of holidays when the restaurant is a popular place for dates and gatherings. Here, you’ll feel relaxed upon arrival and welcome to linger and savor the moment.
Don’t Miss Out on Stopping By the Red Bar
You can’t beat the casual atmosphere and amazing flavors that are waiting for you at the Red Bar in 30A. For many travelers, this is a must-visit no matter when they’re in town thanks to the fun atmosphere, fantastic food, and no-frills approach to dining. There’s live music hosted at the Red Bar almost nightly during summer which makes a meal or drink as entertaining as it is flavorful. You’ll find the Red Bar at 70 Hotz Avenue in Grayton Beach, and you can expect plenty of Southern charm included in the experience. The Red Bar is open daily from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm and when you’re hungry for something delicious, options like the blackened grouper, shrimp & crawfish, baked eggplant, or panne chicken are sure to satisfy.
Make Time to Drop by Modica Market
30A adventurers who are spending time in Seaside won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to experience browsing and dining at Modica Market. This destination has been a staple in the community for more than 30 years and was even featured in the movie The Truman Show. The deli counter at Modica Market is a must when you’re in the mood for homemade sandwiches or breakfast biscuits. If it’s something sweeter you’re after, the pastry case is always bursting with beautifully decorated cakes and delicious treats to try. At any given time, there’s a good chance there will be more than 10 cakes on display as well as pies and homemade banana bread to enjoy. You can count on pairing your purchase with friendly service when Modica Market is your eatery of choice.
Book Your Getaway to 30A Today
There’s no reason to wait when you’re ready to enjoy a journey to 30A. Be sure to book your accommodations through Dune Vacation Rentals when you want to pair your amazing experience with our luxurious 30A beachfront vacation rentals to match! Reach out today to learn more and to start planning your next adventure. Book our Rosemary beach vacation rentals here.
