From Beachside Bites to Fine Dining: Alys Beach Restaurants You’ll Love
This post is all about the best Alys Beach Restaurants on 30A.
When I booked our 3-night stay in Alys Beach, I told myself, “Now I need three amazing dinner reservations!” So, I immediately Googled “Best Alys Beach Restaurants” and was greeted with only a couple of options. You’ll find that while Alys Beach offers just a handful of dining choices, each one is distinct and absolutely worth experiencing.
Best Alys Beach Restaurants Table of Contents:
The Citizen
On our first night, we ate at The Citizen, and honestly, this was the spot I was most excited about. This place is gorgeous, dark, and moody, and the menu is super unique! The first thing that caught my eye was the smoked octopus carpaccio, and then the “zero-proof” mocktail list kept my interest piqued. The Green Daisy was a delish margarita without the bite of tequila. The octopus had fantastic flavor but was gone in just a few nibbles.
The Citizen
Smoked Octopus Carpaccio
Next up, we ordered the shrimp appetizer, which packed some serious spice! If you’re into New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp, don’t skip this one. For our entrees, we split the pasta and the wood-grilled cobia. While the cobia was flavorful, the Squid Ink Radiatore—pasta with cherry tomato arrabbiata and pecorino—was the clear winner of the night.
For dessert, we went with the mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches, served in a rich chocolate sauce. It had a fancier name, but that’s essentially what it was. The mint ice cream was some of the best I’ve had, though the brioche croissants it was served on fell flat. Overall, we had a romantic evening, with excellent service. However, the portion sizes were relatively small for the high price you pay. I’d absolutely return, but my hungry husband would prefer a dinner that’s more filling.
Fonville Press
Fonville Press Market & Cafe is your all-in-one spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a full bar, coffee, groceries, wine, and gifts. We ate breakfast here, and it got the job done. Strolling up and ordering our coffee and breakfast at the bar was easy enough. Then, I browsed the market side and was almost tempted to buy an Alys Beach souvenir hoodie in the process.
I ordered the avocado toast, which was slightly different than I expected. It felt more like a fresh salad on toast, with mixed greens, pickled onions, radishes, and preserved tomatoes piled on top of the avocado slices. It was light and satisfying but not exactly what I was craving. Adding the fried egg definitely helped make it more filling. And, of course, it paired well with my vanilla latte.
Scott went for the breakfast flatbread, which was loaded with eggs, so the fried egg he added wasn’t really necessary—though he still ate it.
His review? “Eh.” He wasn’t sure about the tomato sauce on it, and it probably won’t be a repeat order. However, if you’re someone who enjoys ketchup with your eggs, this flatbread might be right up your alley.
I loved the vibe of this cafe-market hybrid. It’s a must-visit for its grab-and-go options and Alys Beach souvenirs. I’ll definitely be back for coffee and a snack when I need a cozy cafe to work from. I’ll make sure to update as I try more from the menu!
George’s
Where to eat
Best Lunch Spot
We’ve been to George’s for lunch a few times, and it’s always a great experience—though we still need to try their dinner menu (I’ll have to fix that soon!). I’ve already mentioned George’s in my Best of 30A Restaurants post, so feel free to check that out here.
On day two of our Alys Beach stay, we popped into George’s for lunch. After a morning of bicycle cruisin’ and beachside loungin’, we parked our bikes out front and were promptly seated on the outdoor patio. We ordered some refreshing non-alcoholic drinks—Stella NA for Scott and a Mock Mojito for me—and, of course, started with George’s famous Calamari Fries. And they did not disappoint!
For entrees, we went with local favorites. Scott got the Market Fish Sandwich, which was grouper, and I opted for the Sesame Crab & Avocado Salad. My husband has tried more than his fair share of grouper sandwiches in Florida and swears George’s is one of the best he’s ever had!!
As for my salad, it was my first time trying it, and wow—the tamari sesame vinaigrette was EVERYTHING! And it comes with a massive amount of crab. The only tweak I’d make next time is to ask for the dressing on the side—my salad was practically swimming in it by the time I got to the bottom. Still, writing about this salad makes me crave it all over again—I need to get back to George’s ASAP! Update: I returned for “my favorite salad ever,” got the dressing on the side, and was able to add my perfect amount. Chefs kiss!
Cafe Thirty-A
One of our dinner spots was Cafe Thirty-A—not in Alys Beach, but just a five-mile detour down 30A in Seagrove. This place has an eclectic, nostalgic charm while still maintaining that upscale, “rich uncle” vibe, thanks to its extensive wine list. And here’s the kicker: the portion sizes are way bigger than what you’d find at the fine-dining spots in Alys Beach, which made my husband very happy!
We started things off with grilled Georgia quail served over creamy grits with shiitake bacon butter. I’ll admit, grits aren’t my thing, but the quail was pretty tasty. Scott ordered an iceberg wedge salad, too, and seemed pretty pleased with it.
I’d been dreaming of filet mignon all day, so I went for it, no questions asked. It came with jumbo asparagus and potato pave in a Worcestershire reduction. The potato pave was on the dry side, and the sauce wasn’t my usual pick, but the steak was perfectly cooked (medium rare) and big enough that I couldn’t finish it.
Scott went with the duck in a peach and blueberry demi-glace, and he couldn’t stop raving about it. He even loved the “sneaky good” broccolini soaking up all those juices. We got a side of truffled mac ‘n’ cheese, and honestly, that might’ve been my favorite part of the meal. We capped it off with a key lime cheesecake, which was a refreshing end to an otherwise heavy spread.
Overall, Cafe Thirty-A felt like a filling, home-cooked meal that definitely didn’t scream fine dining to me. I won’t be running back, but it was my husband’s favorite meal of the trip. So, come to this restaurant hungry because, with its’ healthy servings and heavy sauces, you’ll leave stuffed!
Raw & Juicy Supper Club
This unique dining experience boasts a “farm-to-fork” philosophy led by Chef Michael Sichel. In collaboration with local and regional farmers and fishermen, Raw & Juicy offers a fresh new menu each week using only the best ingredients. Dinner is served exclusively on Wednesday through Saturday nights, so be sure to snag a reservation in advance.
The last night of our Alys Beach stay was the first night of a new menu, so I was excited to see it posted on Instagram while we were lounging by the Caliza pool that Wednesday afternoon. As our reservation time approached, so did the rain, and I started worrying since I thought most of the seating was outdoors. But when we arrived, we were led to a cozy covered lanai, where heavy curtains were drawn to keep out the rain. We were surrounded by lush greenery and delicate flowers, making the space feel like a hidden garden. The rain and wind swirled around us, and yet, we were snug and protected.
The menu changes each week, so I won’t go into detail about every dish. But here’s what you should know: Sourdough bread appears on every menu, paired with different spreads, and the decadent chocolate mousse dessert is a regular fixture, too. Beyond that, it’s all about surprises! We had Menu No. 54 and tried nearly everything on offer. Our sourdough was served with goat cheese and fig preserves, which was absolutely fantastic—I wish we’d ordered a second round of it!
Besides the bread, all the garden options were our favorite plates—we aren’t even vegetarians! I also really enjoyed the spicy red snapper, which had just the right kick. Scott was offered a Wagyu petite strip as an off-menu option and was disappointed. He ordered it medium rare and received it medium well (he might have been misunderstood by the waiter). The risotto and shrimp plates were delicious but not as memorable as other dishes we tried.
Looking back, the atmosphere and the fresh garden ingredients were the absolute highlights. Raw & Juicy Supper Club is a definite must-try if you are a foodie! Still, the price tag and sub-par server might keep us from making return visits.
Wrapping up…
Alys Beach restaurants are as stylish and unique as its architecture. From fresh, garden-inspired dishes at Raw & Juicy to the seafood-centric offerings at The Citizen, there’s something for everyone’s palate. Each restaurant brings a distinct vibe and flavor profile, making every meal feel like its own adventure.
While some spots definitely lean toward the splurge side, the quality of the food and the immersive atmospheres are well worth it. Whether you’re planning a foodie trip, reserving a romantic dinner for your luxury getaway, or just want to soak in the sophisticated beachside charm, Alys Beach restaurants won’t disappoint.
