Several years ago, my husband (before he was Mr. Pod) took a trip to SoWal and had a delicious meal at an Italian restaurant in Destin. He raved about it and said we'd have to eat there one day. I remember a couple of years ago when we were down there, he pointed out a billboard/sign for the place, but we didn't make it there that trip, and we've both since forgotten the name. He said he remembers they served bread with some sort of yummy dipping something-or-other. Anyone have any idea where I might be talking about?

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It could be "Grazie" across from the "Back Porch." They do have really good bread served with olive oil mixed with roasted garlic. They also have a bar upstairs, the Sky Bar.

That's it! At first, the name didn't click for him, but in relation to the Back Porch, it did! Thanks!
Anybody else had any meals there?

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They still do the garlic, but the quality of the rest of their food seems to have slipped a bit over the years, IMO. Our pick for Italian in that area these days is the Ciao Bella/ Gugliemo's restaurants.

Thanks for the input, beachmouse. I read some comments on one of the review sites, some major complaints about rude service--no thanks. Plus, honestly, going to Destin for dinner feels like too much effort...why bother?

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And it's easy enough to roast your own garlic add a little good olive oil and oregano and make your own bread spread. Worst part of the process is the waiting time for the garlic to cool after you take it out of the oven. (seems like forever though it's not)

I totally agree! But this trip is about being lazy!

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There is also a Guglielmo's (?) in SoWal about 2 miles east of Sandestin. I've only eaten there once. It was good, not terrific. My first choice, hands down, is Borago.

We like some of the Guglielmo's dish, but their staff are very rude, we discovery a year ago that Guglielmo sold his restaurant La dolce Vita in Santa Rosa Beach to some Italian guys they are now running this restaurant and the Bar. Locanda Italiana is very a family business from the waiters to the Chef, Esther is our preferred waiter she is adorable, and she is the wife of the main owner, but we believe that is just her attitudinal she is great as the food is the paccheri caprese are just terrific, the veal parmigiana yummy, and the bread is homemade nothing then you can be compare it, you need to try

bravo LOCANDA ITALIANA

fat clemenza's try it real itialians,great food.

I have not tried locanda italiana yet. looking forward to it.

also..

Enzo's (hwy 393 just north of gulf place)
Fat Clemenza's - dying to go back
Carabba's - at Grand Blvd - really good for a chain

Thank you!! I burned the crap out of my fingers tonight--but it was soooo worth it! Delish!

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I love Jesus, but I drink a little. ~Gladys




DD, I toad you it was pucking hot.~~Kitty

Hello! What trip?

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Wala!

My "significant" birthday trip two years ago. you!

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You said this trip "is" not "was". Are you planning another?
I got to thinkin.....maybe this was an old thread.....bingo!
Did you have a good time?

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Wala!

You make my brain hurt.
We are planning another trip--to the Keys in March. Trying to talk your eldest and her man into sneaking away and meeting us, since she loves it there. Hey, maybe she'd bring back another souvenir like she did last time...
I had a great time two years ago, met some great people.

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You make me laugh.

I'm sure you've already asked her advice on what to do in Key West.
Maybe YOU can bring back a souvenir!

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Wala!

Medical miracle!

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Locanda is now the Colieseum Bar - haven't been there yet - but I think Locanda is gone - SORRY - it was excellent.

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"Ciao!" everyone in the SoWal community and beyond. My name is Lorenzo and I am one of the owners of Locanda Italiana and the Colosseum Bar and would like to clear up this last posting regarding the status of our restaurant. (By the way...thanks "tomandluisa" for your wonderful comments regarding our establishment.."Grazie!") We are always open seven days a week serving dinner from 5p.-10p. We specialize in Southern Italian cuisine (Naples,Capri,Sorrento and Amalfi) prepared by our chef, Alfonso, and his crew. Come in and let us take care of you. We are located in the Santa Rosa Village Mall, 4942 HWY. 98 W (next to "Fat Daddy's Pizza and 98 BBQ). Walk-ins are always welcome. Book your "San Valentino's" night dinner with us. Three courses. $39.99 per couple(alcohol excluded). Call for more info or to make a reservation 850.622.1119. We are looking forward to seeing you here. Our 1st year anniversary is March 17th. We thank all of you for a successful 1st year here in SoWal. Buona Serra!

Sorry about the mistake - I saw the Coliseium there and thought they had taken you over - we will definitely be back. Thanks for clarifying.

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