If you’re new here, hi, I’m Christine. My mom and I run a real estate team here along 30A and Destin, and we love helping people learn about life on the Emerald Coast. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite restaurants along 30A from west to east.
Dune Allen Beach
Dune Allen is special for me because it’s where I grew up, and it’s the very first beach town on the west end of 30A.
Stinky’s Fish Camp
This one is close to my heart since I worked here for seven years. It’s New Orleans and Cajun style seafood with so many oysters and fun twists on classic dishes. The food really is incredible. You can pop over to the Bait Shack next door for live music, drinks, or morning coffee, so it’s an easy go to if you’re in the area.
Gulf Place
Next stop is Gulf Place.
Shunk Gully Oyster Bar
Seafood, oysters, and Gulf views. It’s right across from the Ed Walline beach access, and it has a great happy hour. I always get the key shrimp and slaw appetizer.
South of Philly
Tucked behind Gulf Place, this is my grab and go spot. Burgers, wraps, gyros, all the comfort food. Perfect for takeout.
Blue Mountain Beach
Basmati’s
This is one of my all time favorites. Asian inspired dishes, super cute inside, and I’ve never had a meal here that wasn’t amazing.
Blue Mountain Creamery
This isn’t a restaurant, but I had to add it. They make their ice cream in house. They do close for part of the season, so when they’re open, I’m there a lot.
Grayton Beach
Chiringo
Casual, mostly outdoor seating, and the tacos are my go to. They also have cats wandering around the patio, and it’s adorable.
The Red Bar
A true 30A icon. It burned down years ago, but they rebuilt it exactly as it was. Classic spot, local favorite, always worth a visit.
Chanticleer
Such a great lunch spot. Amazing salads and sandwiches, very cozy and unique inside.
Black Bear Bread Co
Breakfast, pastries, sandwiches, and they have a cute wine bar at the Grayton location. I love this one the most out of all their spots.
WaterColor
Wine Bar
I love sitting outside with a glass of wine and a board. I usually stop here before events in WaterColor, especially the winter market right after Thanksgiving.
Seaside
There are so many here, but these are the ones I go to the most.
Great Southern
Perfect for brunch or cocktails. They serve southern style seafood, and the fried green tomatoes are amazing.
Bud and Alley’s
A classic with great Gulf views. Drinks, seafood, appetizers, and such a good spot to hang out.
Domu
One of my newest favorites. Asian food with bao, super cool layout, all outdoor seating, and you can order at the bar or get it to go.
Seagrove
Cafe 30A
A local favorite with great dinner options.
Old Florida Fish House
One of the few spots on 30A that takes reservations for bigger groups. The lights outside are beautiful, and they have dueling pianos and other entertainment. You can dress up a little for this one, and it’s such a fun place to make a night out of it.
Watersound
Bruno’s Pizza
Super casual and really good. They have a great lunch deal, and their pizza is worth the drive for me.
Alys Beach
Raw and Juicy
One of my favorite breakfast and coffee stops. Matcha, smoothies, breakfast bowls, and the cutest outdoor seating. Everything in Alys is gorgeous and this fits right in.
Oku Sushi
A more upscale sushi spot with amazing quality. Great for date nights or whenever you want really great sushi.
Rosemary Beach
Pescado Rooftop
Hands down one of my favorite happy hour spots. Beautiful views, great food, and an overall amazing atmosphere.
La Crema
Tapas, fondue, chocolate, and dessert. It fills up fast, so I always try to get there early. Such a fun place for something sweet or a light dinner.
A Few Favorites Off 30A
These aren’t technically on 30A, but they’re so close that they deserve a shoutout.
Down Island
In north Santa Rosa Beach. Local chef, amazing seafood, and a spot I recommend to everyone.
Farm and Fire & The Bay
Right as you come over the bridge into Freeport. Farm and Fire is upstairs, The Bay is downstairs, and then you have North Beach Social next to it. Casual, live music, and people even pull up by boat.
Ambrosia
In Watersound Origins. Beautiful steakhouse and seafood spot. Gorgeous inside and perfect for a nicer dinner.