From casual to upscale
One of the things that most surprised me about 30A was the abundance of high quality dining options. I also really appreciated that they were primarily local restaurants and not chains. I can honestly say I was not disappointed by a single meal we had, which is not always the case in a popular tourist area.
The following list is compiled from personal experience, recommendations from locals as well as recommendations from friends who regularly visit 30A. It is organized by the town each restaurant is located in. Lastly, even when a restaurant is marked upscale, the dress code is still somewhat casual. Think slacks and polos for men and slacks or a dress for women.
TIP: Be sure to make reservations where you can, especially if you have a large party. It is almost necessary during high season which is May through September.
Alys Beach
Citizen $$
Good for: Brunch, lunch or dinner
Reservations: Only a limited number of reservations accepted for parties of 8 or larger.
Description: Coastal cuisine with a southern flare. The interiors are beautiful and the food is even better, with wonderful vegetarian options available.
George’s $$$
- Go for: Lunch or dinner
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Description: Upscale, casual seafood restaurant that is very popular with locals. Great rooftop viewing deck where you can enjoy a drink and a view of Alys beach while waiting for a table.
Raw & Juicy $$
- Good for: Breakfast, lunch or snack
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Description: If you are looking for a quick and healthy breakfast, this is a great spot. They have cold pressed juices, smoothie bowls, but also offer hand crafted cocktails!
Blue Mountain Beach
Blue Mabel $$
- Good for: Brunch, lunch or dinner
- Reservations: Highly encouraged (brunch is particularly popular)
- Description: Local smokehouse with a meat forward menu with a southern flare. We enjoyed the bottomless mimosas at brunch!
- Good for: Lunch or dinner
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Description: The perfect place grab delicious seafood, while enjoying views of the gulf. The open air eatery is two stories and boasts a causal, fun atmosphere. The best part? Live music daily!
Grayton
- Good for: Lunch, dinner or happy hour
- Reservations: Do not accept
- Description: Popular Parisian style bakery selling pastries, breakfast favorites (avo toast!) and sandwiches. So popular with the locals that they recently opened up in Seaside as well!
- Good for: Lunch, dinner or happy hour
- Reservations: Do not accept
- Description: Funky, hole in the wall kinda place servicing oysters in all sorts of creative ways!
The Red Bar $$
- Good for: Lunch, dinner or drinks
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Description: Being of the only bars in 30A, this is perfect place to just grab a beer and a casual meal and enjoy the live music!
Rosemary
- Good for: Lunch or carryout (lots of options meant for carrying out!)
- Reservations: Do not accept
- Description: A no-frills joint, serving up southwestern style food — along with pizza. The Rosemary Beach location is the original and also serves dinner. They have a lunch-only second location in Blue Mountain Beach as well.
- Good for: Lite bites and drinks
- Reservations: Do not accept for rooftop
- Description: Located in the fabulous Pearl Hotel, it is the perfect place to grab a cocktail and enjoy the views!
Pescado $$$
- Good for: Brunch, lunch or dinner — NOTE: Dinner is only for 18+; families are welcome for lunch and Sunday brunch.
- Reservations: Highly encouraged, but only accepted for indoor dining. The patio is first come, first serve.
- Description: Great Upscale seafood restaurant with rooftop bar and ocean views. It is a great place to catch the sunset!
Playa Bowls $$
- Good for: Breakfast or snack
- Reservations: Do not accept
- Description: Delicious and healthy acai and smoothie bowls. Perfect to cool off with in the heat of the summer!
Seagrove
- Good for: Coffee, breakfast to-go
- Reservations: Do not accept
- Description: Casual spot with an amazing outdoor space that is right next to the Old Florida fish house. Great quick breakfast options! They also have adorable 30A t-shirts and sweatshirts at a much more affordable price than in Seaside.
Café 30A – $$$ in Seagrove – upscale dining – great service, great food
- Good for: Dinner
- Reservations: Required
- Description: Casual, fine dining restaurant that is perfect for special occasions.They have an eclectic menu, wonderful wine list and great service!
- Good for: Lunch or dinner
- Reservations: Highly encouraged, especially if the weather is nice
- Description: Seafood restaurant with an amazing outdoor area. They also serve sushi!
Surfing Deer $$$
- Good for: Dinner
- Reservations: Highly encouraged
- Description: Fine dining restaurant serving American cuisine. Despite the seafood focus, they are very vegetarian friendly! Both indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Seaside
Bud & Alley’s $$$
- Good for: Dinner
- Reservations: Highly encouraged for dining room — they are always busy!
- Description: Beachfront restaurant known for casual fine dining. Probably the most well known restaurant in 30A as it has been around since 1986. Eating here is basically a right of passage! There is a more formal downstairs area, for which reservations are necessary. However, if you are in search of a more casual vibe, then checkout the rooftop and patio areas which also serve food.
TIP: If you are party of 6 or larger, they only seat you at 5:30PM or 7:30PM in the dining room.
- Good for: Snack or lunch
- Reservations: Not necessary
- Description: Food truck serving gourmet grilled cheeses! The are the caprese grilled cheese!
Watercolor
The Wine Bar $$
- Good for: Lunch, dinner or lite bites
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Description: Perfect place to grab a charcuterie board and wine off their award-winning wine list. Great patio!
- Good for: Brunch, Lunch or dinner
- Reservations: Encouraged (only accepted by phone)
- Description: Popular breakfast place with multiple locations in 30A — serving southern inspired cuisine. Gets very busy on weekends!
This last place is not a restaurant, but a fun, hangout area perfect for families! Come enjoy live music, multiple food vendors and outdoor games!
The Big Chill (formerly known as the HUB) $-$$
I hope you find this list helpful and enjoying dining in 30A as much as I did! Check out my 30A Travel Guide as well as a downloadable itinerary. Happy eating!
Do you have any favorite spots in 30A? We’d love to know!
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