…favorite places to eat on 30A.
Everywhere
Everywhere
Everywhere
Everywhere
There.
That’s all four. I made it easy for everyone.
Fiiiiiiiine. I’ll narrow it down, but I’ll warn you it’s not easy to do that, considering we’ve never experienced a failed restaurant while vacationing on 30A. No matter how many times we vacation here and for how long we’ve been vacationing here, we do have a few favorite places we never miss.
And neither should you.
Honestly, if you haven’t been, make it a point to stay at least a few days so you can visit some of these establishments. They’re not only serving amazing meals and drinks, but also beautiful views, impeccable service, and such a good vibe.
I would also like to say that you can go on Instagram or TikTok and find people discussing their favorite 30A restaurants, but they’re always the same. Fonville Press and George’s and Raw and Juicy and Pescado. They’re all wonderful, truly…they are. But every single one of them is a little…not at the top of my list. I consider myself a food and beverage connoisseur, and I promise you that you’ll have a wonderful experience at all of those places. But those experiences won’t touch what you’ll find at my favorites.
In no particular order…
**Each one of these restaurants is easily accessible by golf cart & both Fish Out of Water and Old Florida Fish House offer complimentary valet parking for your golf carts.
Fish Out of Water
FooW is located inside the Watercolor Inn, and it’s everything I love about a dinner experience. The décor is a lovely blend of casually upscale coastal vibes, and the view is spectacular. I highly recommend dining here for dinner around 5 pm, so you have time to enjoy your meal before heading outside to take sunset photos on the beach.
The ocean view here is second to none, especially if you sit outside on the deck. Keep in mind, FooW does not take dinner reservations, and the oceanfront outdoor deck is always full, but we’ve never waited for a table despite having large parties.
The menu changes regularly, but everything is freshly caught, made to perfection, and is heavy on the indulgent but healthy side. The drink menu is perfect, the wine list is spectacular, and the service is top-notch.
Old Florida Fish House
What can I say about Old Florida Fish House except that this is the best vibe on 30A…just between Watersound and Seaside. There’s indoor seating, but we’ve never utilized it…ever. This is strictly a dine outdoors along the lake with its gorgeous string lights and its beautiful views. Everything here is lovely.
Do yourself a favor while dining here at dinnertime. Ask your server their favorite dish. Some of the absolute best dishes we’ve ever consumed came from doing just this at Old Florida. Oh, and do try one of their cocktails. They’re a delight. You can make reservations here up to 60 days in advance…and you should. Otherwise, you’re not getting in.
In fact, I’ll share with you that I set a reminder in my calendar 60 days before our check-in date, before every trip, to make a reservation so we don’t miss out.
Bud and Alleys
You didn’t think I’d leave out our favorite lunch spot, did you? Bud and Alleys is a must for lunch. Not only is the food delicious, but the view is also the best you’ll find on the rooftop deck. The trick to Bud and Alleys is to get there around 2 pm for a late lunch because the lunch crowd has dispersed, and you won’t wait as long. You absolutely want to wait so you can sit outside on the rooftop deck. The ocean view is spectacular.
The Perfect Pig
The best breakfast you’ll have. It’s so underrated, and it’s so good. We love the location directly on 30A just inside Seagrove. You don’t need a reservation, and you won’t wait. But you will struggle to pick what to order. Everything on the menu is a five out of five stars, and you won’t regret a single decision. In fact, order one of everything for the table.
Honorable mentions:
Dough Sea Dough in Santa Rosa has the best donuts you’ll ever find, but get there early to pick them up! Also…they’re huge. Order them all and just try them.
Angelina’s in Santa Rosa Beach is another favorite. If you want pizza and amazing Italian food…this is the place to go. You can walk right in and be seated immediately (we’ve never waited more than five minutes), or you can order out and bring dinner back to your beach house after a long day in the sun. You won’t find better pizza anywhere other than New York City…and this is pretty close to New York City pizza.
Gallions in Rosemary Beach is another great spot for a drink at the bar or a gorgeous lunch outside on the street, so you can people watch. Do yourself a favor and order the pimento cheese. You’re welcome.
Tiffany Raiford 