The 7 Best Restaurants on 30A You Need to Try
This post will review the best restaurants on 30A.
Located along Florida’s emerald coast, 30A is a picturesque stretch of highway that winds through charming beach towns, each with its own individual style. This idyllic region, known for its white sand beaches and emerald waters, offers more than just breathtaking scenery—it’s a foodie’s paradise. Join me, a Florida Panhandle local, to review the 7 best restaurants on 30A.
Best Restaurants on 30A
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Best Restaurants on 30A Table of Contents:
- La Crema Tapas & Chocolate
- George's at Alys Beach
- Bud & Alley's
- Borago
- The Red Bar
- Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar
- Stinky's Fish Camp
- The Wrap-up
La Crema Tapas & Chocolate
Overview
Our first restaurant, located in Rosemary Beach, is inspired by Madrid and Barcelona’s lively tapas and chocolate shops. Step into this unique establishment for a relaxing and flavorful experience. Arrive early to avoid a long wait, as there are no reservations. The bar is open seating, so this is one way to bypass the line if you are eating solo or as a couple.
La Crema | Tapas & Chocolate (lacrematapas.com)
Ambiance
Inside La Crema, you’ll find a casual but clean and modern aesthetic. If you plan on lingering for a long meal, you should dine alfresco since the people-watching on Rosemary’s Main St. is superb.
Signature Dishes
These small plates will be delivered quickly, so keep your menu and order as you go. The Malaga shrimp, fish tacos, and seafood paella are their most popular dishes. I never skip the Malaga shrimp because that olive mix is to die for! My other favorites are the Serrano wrapped figs and the albondigas. Actually, I have yet to try something I haven’t liked.
Do not leave La Crema without perusing the chocolate menu. The chocolate fondue is a crowd favorite and an excellent option for finicky kiddos. The La Crema Latte has a little bit of everything I love, with a chilled mocha caramel latte poured over vanilla ice cream and a chocolate chip cookie. Highly recommend!
Desserts are large enough for sharing, but you might find them so delicious that you want to keep them all to yourself.
If you prefer simpler after-dinner tastes, finish with a rich hazelnut latte, which is sure to satisfy.
Customer Experience
Usually, beach towns are known for slow service and annoyed staff, but La Crema gets food out quickly and has an exceedingly friendly wait staff. The only con is a potentially long wait to be seated, especially if dining as a larger group. Still, if you plan ahead and remember that the experience is worth the wait, you won’t be disappointed.
George’s at Alys Beach
Overview
Our next stop is Alys Beach (pronounced “Alice”), defined by stunning, stark white stucco, geometrically pleasing architecture, strategic spots of green space, and the blue backdrop of the emerald waters meeting the sky. It’s definitely on another level.
George’s at Alys Beach (georgesatalysbeach.com)
Ambiance
Still, George’s has a casual, beachy vibe that allows for a lunch stop after a morning on the sand. My girls and I had a lunch date for Memorial Day recently. We were seated swiftly after a short 10-minute wait, which I didn’t expect with it being a holiday.
We sat outside under a covered patio amongst the fans and misters, which supplied a steady breeze and a light hum to match the hushed table talks and low music. Kids are welcome and have a special menu with an extensive dessert section.
Signature Dishes
Their most popular lunch options are the Market Fish Sandwich, Fish Tacos, and the Sesame Crab and Avocado Salad.
I opted for the fish tacos served with pineapple salsa and a side of cilantro rice, black beans, and feta, which gives the dish a Mediterranean kick. The fish tasted fresh, and I got it blackened, which went perfectly with the sweet salsa. Chef’s kiss!!
The kids have the standard chicken tenders and fries option, but the menu also offers fried shrimp, grouper bites, and an upscale version of mac and cheese. So, my kids walked away satisfied.
The Lobster Quesadilla and the Salt and Pepper Shrimp are highly recommended for the dinner service. They also have land animals on the menu if you need a seafood break. Currently, they offer Wagyu Ribeye and Lamb Rack.
Customer Experience
Like many beach restaurants, George’s does not accept reservations. So, lunch is usually a quicker wait time, with dinner taking longer, especially for the outdoor patio seating. The wait staff was amiable and ready to offer their personal menu favorites if you were undecided. George’s is a laid-back spot that offers coastal vibes and an upscale dining experience.
Bud & Alley’s
Overview
We’ve made it to Seaside, the first planned community built on 30A and 30A’s claim to fame. Well known as the filming location of the “Truman Show.” Bud & Alley’s owner, Dave Rauschkolb, even had a small cameo in the movie.
Ambiance
The roof deck bar makes Bud & Alley’s a must-try restaurant if you are visiting 30A for the first time.
There are sweeping views of the Gulf and spectacular sunsets to be seen.
The roof deck has a laid-back vibe but is a bit louder than the downstairs indoor dining area.
They also offer a Taco Bar and a Pizza Bar with outside counter service, so they basically have four different restaurant experiences.
Signature Dishes
Everyone’s first recommendation is the crab cakes, but I think they are not worth the price. You can’t go wrong with one of their fresh fish options, so I recommend the grilled fish sandwich or the grilled gulf fish of the day.
I will admit that this is another restaurant where the view and atmosphere are more important than the food. Still, the meal will be pretty tasty.
Customer Experience
Overall, I’ve had great experiences at Bud & Alley’s. During peak season, staff can leave you a bit wanting, but you’ll find that’s true at most beachside locations. As Seaside has gained popularity over the years, traffic and parking have kept us away. But, if you are lucky enough to stay in Seaside, please walk or bike over and enjoy a beautiful meal here at one of the best restaurants on 30A.
As per usual, expect long waits. Bud & Alley’s accepts reservations for the downstairs indoor dining. However, the roof deck bar is first come, first served after 3 pm, so come early enough to get a table for the sunset.
Borago
Overview
Located in Grayton Beach, Borago is the best spot for Italian cuisine on 30A. They describe themselves as “a classic trattoria with a contemporary flair.” Trattorias are casual, informal Italian restaurants serving simple, fresh, authentic food that is typical of their region.
Boragos does just that by serving simple but delicious food like Tomato Bisque and house-made Focaccia and infusing the taste of the Gulf into dishes like their Grouper Nicoise.
Borago | Contemporary Italian Dining on 30A (boragorestaurant.com)
Ambiance
Boragos indoor dining offers a view of the open kitchen and lighting that lends itself to romantic dinners or relaxed meetups with friends. The full bar comes stocked with friendly bartenders and lively locals, keeping the vibe casual yet spirited. You may also be seated in their screened-in patio area for a more rustic and peaceful experience.
Signature Dishes
After devouring the house-made focaccia, I recommend the veal meatball starter and the arugula salad. Next, try the traditional Three-Meat Bolognese with cheese tortellini. Another popular choice will be their Grouper “Niçoise” which is a heavy enough portion to split. Finish off with the Dark Chocolate Creme Brûlée.
Customer Experience
Finally, a restaurant that accepts reservations! Call ahead and make your plans in advance. The main complaint that this restaurant receives is the noise level. If you expect a formal, quiet meal, this establishment is different from what you are looking for. I recommend visiting Borago if you want great Italian food in a casual but upscale atmosphere.
The Red Bar
Overview
This historic restaurant and bar in Grayton Beach was recently rebuilt after a fire. It’s back and good as new (or old). They tried to stay true to the bar’s original flair and did an unbelievable job! It can’t be missed on our best restaurants on 30A list.
Ambiance
The Red Bar spotlights the decor and live music as its main draw. So, come here for enjoyable drinks, music, and atmosphere rather than exceptional food. At night, expect this place to be packed and boisterous with the buzz of lively energy, vibrant music, and animated conversations.
Signature Dishes
Crab cakes are a must-do here (they are only served on Fridays and Saturdays), and the blackened grouper is another crowd favorite. For lunch, I’d recommend the shrimp po’boy. Do you want something fried? They’ve got you covered.
Customer Experience
The Red Bar can be a hectic and rambling scene, so steer clear if you want a relaxed dinner.
I highly recommend this restaurant for groups wanting a bit of lively entertainment, decent food, and great drinks.
I’ve taken the kids here at night, and it was a bit loud for their taste, but lunch is a perfect time to visit with the fam.
The main con of the Red Bar is parking. It is basically non-existent, but this restaurant offers a free shuttle service that makes parking stress-free.
So, use the shuttle service and stop complaining about the parking!
Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar
Overview
“Live Music, Great Food, Gulf View!” That’s what Shunk Gulley located in Gulf Place has to offer, and they definitely deliver. The best thing about this place is the open-air upstairs seating with prime Gulf views.
SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR AND RESTAURANT ON 30A
Ambiance
Everything in this restaurant brings the outdoors in, from the spectacular views and Gulf breeze to the coastal architectural style. You may come for the food but linger for the live music and extensive drink menu. This popular spot will give you those good Caribbean vibes.
Signature Dishes
Shunk Gulley sources its seafood as locally as possible, bringing the Gulf to your table. This makes the Gulf sandwich one of the best but also the most expensive items on the menu. The appetizer stand-outs will be the Tuna Poke and the Duck Fat Gulley fries. The most popular and potent frozen drink would have to be the Bushwacker. You’ve been warned!
Customer Experience
This is another restaurant on beach time, which means no reservations. So, if you’re coming for that prime 7 pm dinner spot, expect to wait. Still, the staff here at Shunk Gulley is friendly and overall gives excellent service with a smile. It’s hard not to love this place!
Stinky’s Fish Camp
Overview
Louisiana food meets the Florida Panhandle. The owner/chef hails from Lafayette, Louisiana, and definitely knows a thing or two about the restaurant biz. Stinky’s “offers only the best Gulf seafood in a casual beach setting.” As a Louisiana native, the food here brings to mind only the best New Orleans tastes and flavors.
Ambiance
The interior resembles a fish camp, for lack of a better term. Its wood panel walls and fish decor give it a warm, rustic, family feel.
The indoor seating area is lively with the sound of chattering friends and families and the busy delivery of dinner service.
There is also outdoor patio seating for those wanting a quieter meal and a more relaxed vibe.
Signature Dishes
The crawfish pie is a must-order appetizer. And if oysters are your thing, they’ve got ’em every which way. For a little Florida flair, get the Gulf fish tacos. During lunch, I recommend ordering off the Specialty Po’Boys menu. And for dinner, splurge on the “Gulf to Table” option and get it blackened for a flavor kick.
Customer Experience
Expect very long waits here because, again, there are no reservations. Out of all the best restaurants on 30A, this will probably be your longest wait. I’ve waited well over an hour to eat here, and it’s been worth the wait every time. I always leave full, satisfied, and ready to return. I highly recommend it!!
The Wrap-up
As a Florida Panhandle local, I’ve enjoyed sharing the best restaurants on 30A that highlight this route’s diverse and dynamic food scene. So next time you find yourself on this scenic stretch of highway, treat yourself to these must-try restaurants and create your own unforgettable dining memories. And share your favorite 30A restaurants in the comments below. Bon appétit!
And if you need help packing for your trip down to 30A, check out my Florida Packing List here!
