Favorite restaurants

[graytonrbust]

On our last visit we ate breakfast at the Donut Hole....it was wonderful, and way more food than we could eat. Worth the visit.

[kurt]

On our last visit we ate breakfast at the Donut Hole....it was wonderful, and way more food than we could eat. Worth the visit.

They have been consistent favorites for many years.

[LovingSoWal]

One of the reseraunts that I have not yet seen mentioned is Stroffies in Grayton Beach. They have this pecan crusted grouper that is out of this world. For appetizer, try the chipotle bbq shrimp or the fried green omatoes topped with crab.
Fish Out Of Water is the best I have expereienced for fine dining and superb service if you are into that type of formality.
The Red Bar is ALWAYS a favorite. (Gotta love those potatoes and that apple dumpling)
Cafe 331 ... Nick'ss Sushi is AWESOME and do not forget that pokie salad!
Basmaties when one is in the mood for Asain cuisine... You can't go wrong!
Angelina's is the best family resteraunt for Italian Seafood!
For more traditional Italian and a more upscale atmosphere, try Guglielmo's
Another unmentioned that is a MUST DO is Coccoons! Mike makes the worlds BEST smoked Tuna Dip!
Yianni's is GREAT
Spicy Noodle makes a veggie pizza that will knock your socks off!
Pandora's for a prime rib is another great choice!
We are also getting a new "Florida Fish House" not sure of it's opening date, but am excited!
For some decent seafood I wouold go to Bayou Bill's
By ALL MEANS stop in for a glass of wine and refreshments at The Larder, and the MUST DO is the mornign coffee at Beach Java. They also have icecream and Friday nights have a great musician playing so you have your choice of Coffee at Beach Java or Wine at The Larder.. Bother offer great snacks.
Hope this was somewhat helpful!

[Waterman]

[QUOTE=seagrovechick]

Market Cafe - What's good there? Driven by several times but never stopped.

I am a local who eats at Seagrove Market all the time. I like the no-nonsense, unpretentious atmosphere. The prices are good at lunch and high at dinner, but other than subbing fries for a baked potato, the menu is essentially the same all day. Unless you can sit outside, it is not a good place for a big group as there are only 2- and 4-person tables inside. The fried grouper is awesome! The grilled is also good if you want to save a few calories (which I wouldn't recommend on vacation). The shrimp po boy (fried) is great as well. Whatever you do, make sure you order a side of hush puppies -- they are to die for! Oh, and I actually think they have one of the best cheeseburgers on 30A and it is an inexpensive menu item. Hope that helps!

My gut is still healing from the double cheese I had 2 TIMES when in SoWal last week. Great stuff!

[Wildernester]

If you have not had breakfast at Blue Orleans, you have missed a real treat. The Cajun omelet was the best this a.m.

[shakennotstirred]

By ALL MEANS stop in for a glass of wine and refreshments at The Larder, and the MUST DO is the mornign coffee at Beach Java. They also have icecream and Friday nights have a great musician playing so you have your choice of Coffee at Beach Java or Wine at The Larder.. Bother offer great snacks.
[/QUOTE]
Where is the Larder located?

[phdphay]

Larder is in that lemon-lime-colored building just east of One Seagrove Place (you know, the tallest building on 30-A).

[Smiling JOe]

Anyone tried the boathouse in Watercolor. I agree with Fish out of Water. Lots of butt kissing which I love when I'm paying that much for dinner but it was great.

Baithouse at WaterColor is closed most of the time, but I have eaten there a few times last year. This year, they have been closed every time I go.

Is Borago's ever open. Can't tell you how many times Ive tried to eat there and they are always closed. River Otter's list is great. BTW, Just tried Bogwalk at Destin Commons. Small servings but excellent chow.

Borago's opens at 6:00pm everyday. Seems like they closed on Mondays in the past, but I think they are open 7 days per week now. Make reservations 231-9167.

[Wildernester]

The Baithouse is open for breakfast and lunch only.

[Smiling JOe]

The Baithouse is open for breakfast and lunch only.

Do you know the days which they are open for lunch? I have recently stopped by several times for lunch and they were closed.

[jtnkelly]

We are down here in Seagrove right now and have a new favorite restaurant: Yianni's Seagrove Grill. Ate there Monday night. Top to bottom: service, appetizers, entrees, everything, was excellent.

Angelinas was good but service was bad Sunday night. Last night stopped at Goatfeathers II and picked up 2 lbs. freshly-steamed shrimp and ate in. It was great!

[sunshine]

Do you know the days which they are open for lunch? I have recently stopped by several times for lunch and they were closed.

The Baithouse is open daily except Monday & Tuesday for breakfast and lunch . If you haven't been there, I highly recommend it - beautiful setting and good food.

[Smiling JOe]

I guess I hit them on Monday and Tuesday. The few times I ate there in the past were great -- Few people, awesome atmosphere, good service, reasonable prices, good (not WOW!) food, and good portions. I have eaten there only for dinner, but I am looking forward to my next lunch there.

[sue]

I liked the food at Angelinas--but we had the same experience as mentioned in another post--bad service, very rude waiter-
This thread has been great-we will be in the area beginning Saturday, and can't wait to try Elmo's and the Smiling Fish-it will be our first trip to both. We usually cook in at night, and only go out about once a week for dinner-with the number of kids we bring it's no fun getting everyone ready to go out for dinner-So, the recipes mentioned in another thread will also be helpful-anyone out there have an award winning crab cake recipe?? thanks

[phdphay]

[QUOTE=Waterman]

My gut is still healing from the double cheese I had 2 TIMES when in SoWal last week. Great stuff!

My Buckhead (Atlanta, for those of you who don't frequent the ATL) hairdresser/salon owner (and 30-A property owner as well) adores the hushpuppies at the Seagrove Market Cafe, as do we. He stops there for a take-out of hushpuppies on his way back to Atlanta.

[2cat]

Is the Lakeplace restaurant still around? I remember hearing good things about it awhile back.

[kurt]

Is the Lakeplace restaurant still around? I remember hearing good things about it awhile back.

Yes it is still open, although it changed ownership.

[lollygal]

Yes it is still open, although it changed ownership.

Where is LakePlace? :?: :?:

[Smiling JOe]

Where is LakePlace? :?: :?:

LakePlace is on the West end of 30-A in Dune Allen, about 1 mile west of Gulf Place on the north side of the road. Several of my good friends claim LakePlace as their favorite restaurant in the area.

[lollygal]

Thanks, SJ! Is this a fancy schmancy place with reservations recommended, or a casual eatery? What's good there? We'll put it on our list to try if we are ever able to get down that way without a HURRICANE or TS in our path!

[Smiling JOe]

Thanks, SJ! Is this a fancy schmancy place with reservations recommended, or a casual eatery? What's good there? We'll put it on our list to try if we are ever able to get down that way without a HURRICANE or TS in our path!

Everything is good and reservations are highly recommended if you want to eat. Dining is more on the upscale side rather than casual. Ask to sit in Tim's section. He will take great care of you.

[drsvelte]

First, what a great forum! Thank you, Kurt and all the fine contributors. The info provided on Dennis by Smiling Joe and others was invaluable.

Our family fell in love with this area after we visited to do the old Elephantwalk Triathlon 16 years ago. Eight years ago we bought our first home in Sandestin and are now on our second. We can’t spend enough time here.

Over the years we’ve tried many restaurants – some excellent, some forgettable. Here’s my subjective take on some of the ones mentioned previously as well as some located on the western edge of Walton and on into the Destin area.

We tried Borago for the first time two weeks ago. It was a Friday night and we could only be seated in the outside area. Despite fans, it was warm and humid, but not uncomfortably so. Food and service were outstanding – one of the most enjoyable dining experiences we’ve had in a while. Resort attire and I’d recommend reservations. A definite four and one-half forks (out of five).

We like Café Spiazza in Seaside for lunch – very good salads and paninis (4 forks) Then step over to the Modica Market for a decadent dessert-to-go. Don’t understand the hype over Bud & Alley’s – food OK, but nothing particularly special (3 forks)

As I recall, Bayou Bill’s was about the first restaurant we tried here. Being from Louisiana, we think we know seafood - at least if consumption of it is correlated to expertise! Sadly, Bayou Bill’s would only be worth 2.5 forks or so to us. In this genre I’d also include Capt. Dave’s and the Crab Trap as they are cut from the same cloth. Pompano Joe’s is another story – one of my all-time worst dining experiences (negative forks). As an aside, both Pompano Joe’s and the Crab Trap look to be badly damaged by Dennis so it may be awhile before they re-open.

Surprisingly, we do like the Whale’s Tale. They have the best grilled grouper I have had and my wife swears the wings are tops. Definitely a shorts and flip-flops kind of place (3.5 forks).

On our only visit to Criolla’s we came away sorely disappointed given high expectations. Our server was incompetent and rude and the food unexceptional. We haven’t been back although our single experience may have been an anomaly. So flame away.

[Beach Girl]

We like Café Spiazza in Seaside for lunch – very good salads and paninis (4 forks)

The last couple times we tried to eat at Spiazzia's in Seaside, they were closed. In December they were closed because of a fire...and in April they still were not re-opened. I'm not sure if they are opening back up or not. We loved their pizza and salad.

[sunshine]

Spiazzia re-opened a couple of weeks ago after the fire last fall.

[2lilmonkeys]

Is the Boat House still around in Destin?

[Wildernester]

Before it closed Spiazza was a great place for breakfast. Also, the Bait House at Watercolor has a great breakfast. However, our current favorite is Blue Orleans in Blue Mountain.

[spinDrAtl]

Have any of you folks raving about Angelina's pizza ever been just down the street to Bruno's? Beats the tar out of them, IMO. Now, it's not a restaurant where you can really take the family and sit down as it's pretty cramped in there but the pizza rules!

We like Red Bar for crabcakes and grilled fish.

Bayou Bill's (the one near Carillon is better, IMO) for grilled amberjack and also fried fish is very good, especially for the price.

[beachbunny]

My sister wanted to know if someone serves a vegetarian menu.My brother in law is a vegetarian.

[shakennotstirred]

Is the Boat House still around in Destin?

It was ..... but I have no idea whether it survived Hurricane Dennis.

[Beachfamily]

Boat House is still opened in Destin
Was just there 2 weeks ago

[dusty]

Anyone else been to the French restaurant on 98 --not too far from where you drop down to go to 30-A? I think it's called Cafe Provence. We have enjoyed it as a special meal each of the last two years we visited down there. The chateaubriand was heavenly! (you may need to request it if it is not on the menu--last time we requested it and they had no problem accomodating it. Then you have to decide who will get the leftovers--it is so delicious even the next day!)

Borago is a definite repeater for us...Angelina's, Yianni's and Cocoon's for yummy take out, Cowgirl Kitchen had some interesting take out as well...I am craving some of Angelina's entrees right now...the tomato cream sauce is addictive!

[wetwilly]

Old Florida Fish House on C-30A just opened July 2nd or so....it is where Luna Del Mar (and Fuddpuckers in Seagrove) used to be on the northeast side overlooking Eastern Lake. The food was good (I think the folks that run the Back Porch in Destin run/own it), the place is beautiful inside, the service was just OK but they had just opened 3 days before we went and were still getting things ironed out. A little pricy but fresh seafood (no excuse if not) but overlooking the lake and seeing the sunset and fish jumping was a highlight for my 3 boys (and me). Yianni's is great too!

[dusty]

My sister wanted to know if someone serves a vegetarian menu.My brother in law is a vegetarian.

Vegetarians that eat fish? Or not even fish vegetarians?

I am guessing that Angelina's has an eggplant parm dish; and I think Cafe 30-a may have a couple of vegetarian dishes.

[drsvelte]

I am guessing that Angelina's has an eggplant parm dish; and I think Cafe 30-a may have a couple of vegetarian dishes.

You'll be happy to hear that Angelina's has Eggplant Parmesan on their lunch specials (at least for Wednesdays) . I had it today and it was great (you gotta like cheese, though, 'cause its absolutely smothered with creamy mozzarella). For 5.99 with green salad and bread stix, a hard to beat deal.


Thanks to those that recommended this fine little place!

[RiverOtter]

You'll be happy to hear that Angelina's has Eggplant Parmesan on their lunch specials (at least for Wednesdays) . I had it today and it was great (you gotta like cheese, though, 'cause its absolutely smothered with creamy mozzarella). For 5.99 with green salad and bread stix, a hard to beat deal.


Thanks to those that recommended this fine little place!

Simple but still one of my favs

[katie blue]

Have any of you folks raving about Angelina's pizza ever been just down the street to Bruno's? Beats the tar out of them, IMO.

Ha... my husband and i have a friendly running debate about this every time we go down. he insists Angelina's is better, but they BOTH rock, IMHO. Bottom line: Angelina's has more authentic italian thin-crust style pie. Bruno's is thicker, cheesier, with big chunks of toppings..a little more Chicago style. So it's all in your preference.

I recommend Bruno's "special Chicken pizza", and Angelina's olive-mushroom-garlic pizza on thin crust. We often pick up one of those as our last stop out of the area, to munch on on the way home.

[RiverOtter]

Ha... my husband and i have a friendly running debate about this every time we go down. he insists Angelina's is better, but they BOTH rock, IMHO. Bottom line: Angelina's has more authentic italian thin-crust style pie. Bruno's is thicker, cheesier, with big chunks of toppings..a little more Chicago style. So it's all in your preference.

I recommend Bruno's "special Chicken pizza", and Angelina's olive-mushroom-garlic pizza on thin crust. We often pick up one of those as our last stop out of the area, to munch on on the way home.

Angelina's :!:

[GraytonBound]

ravioli


and a carafe of wine

[AlwaysBeachin']

Before it closed Spiazza was a great place for breakfast. Also, the Bait House at Watercolor has a great breakfast. However, our current favorite is Blue Orleans in Blue Mountain.

Does Blue Orleans serve dinner? Reservations necessary? What kind of menu , atmosphere and attire? Good wine selection?

[Beach Girl]

Spiazzia re-opened a couple of weeks ago after the fire last fall.

Thanks!!!!

[phdphay]

Before it closed Spiazza was a great place for breakfast. Also, the Bait House at Watercolor has a great breakfast. However, our current favorite is Blue Orleans in Blue Mountain.

Are they pricey?

[Sea Turtle]

Last night, we went to The Old Florida Fish House, on Eastern Lake. I had thought by the name it would be more of an old time casual fish house but it is more upscale than that. Not over the top or fancy, just very pretty inside. The service was great. The signiture dish, "Fish House Grouper", was awesome. Sauteed grouper with lump crab and 2 shrimp on top. mmm. It was $19.95 al a carte. The small side salad of greens and blue cheese was $2.95. The little sea turtle had the corn and crab bisque ($3.50) and the grilled swordfish (22.95). He loved them both! Not cheap but priced fairly for this area and really fresh. Most entrees ranged from $15.95 to 22.95 (about like Cafe 30 -A) I would recommend this restaurant!!

Louie's Seafood on 98 past Carillon (on the right with a smoker out front) has one of the best shrimp Po'Boys around. $6.95 and I (almost) couldn't eat the whole thing! Someone had fried crawfish platter and it was great, too.

During these Hurricane Repair days, I would like to encourage other locals to continue to frequent the many restaurants and merchants in the area that depend on the summer income to survive.

[Travel2Much]

Last night, we went to The Old Florida Fish House, on Eastern Lake. ...

Do they have non-seafood options, for those who don't want a seafood dish (I know, horrors, but there are these types)?

[CajunGal]

In Destin itself (or Holiday isle) what are the best Non-Chain places to eat?

WE've tried the Back Porch(mostly fried) and a few others that were just 'ok". Of course I'm from Louisisana, so we have great food here & I'm picky.

[Beach Runner]

In Destin itself (or Holiday isle) what are the best Non-Chain places to eat?

WE've tried the Back Porch(mostly fried) and a few others that were just 'ok". Of course I'm from Louisisana, so we have great food here & I'm picky.

We used to love Flamingo Cafe and Marina Cafe, but I don't know if they're there anymore or still good. Once we discovered 30-A, we rarely go to Destin.

[Beachlover2]

In Destin itself (or Holiday isle) what are the best Non-Chain places to eat?

WE've tried the Back Porch(mostly fried) and a few others that were just 'ok". Of course I'm from Louisisana, so we have great food here & I'm picky.

Try Louisiana Lagniappe on Holiday Isle- was excellent last time we were there (last fall).

[Teresa]

RO - I like Smiling Fish too! In fact, Smiling Fish Cafe is my favorite on 30-A. Best grouper sandwiches (fried or grilled) and fries, best burger, best salads of any kind (salmon, duck, grilled chicken, panko shrimp, etc.), po-boys and other sandwiches, beautiful comfort food. Casual place with very friendly staff. Owner/chef George is from Louisiana and knows all about good food. Indoor and outdoor seating.

We also enjoy Borago's (gourmet Italian), Pandora's (steaks), Royal Orchid (Thai), and of course - Coco's Mexican Restaurant (great family place).

Wheelhouse? Listen to Camp Creek Kid. Do not even think about it.

[beachmouse]

For Destin proper, we really like La Paz for good & fresh Mexican. I'm a sucker for their made to order black bean soup, and their prices are very reasonable. By far the best Mexican or Tex/Mex in Okaloosa County.

Osaka for Japanese and sushi.

Ciao Bella for Italian. Best thin crust pizza in the area.

McGuire's for American/seafood. Good year-round, but tends to be even better in the off season when it's only their core staff is working there.

Bonefish Grill for seafood. Yeah it's a chain, but it holds its own against the locals.

Quick bites- Publix subs; Panera Bread or Zoe's at Destin Commons.

Back Porch, Pompano Joe's, Louisiana Langiappe, and Gratzi are all owned by the same people. And IMO, tend to coast by on location rather than food quality. Decent enough fish, but cheapest possible starches. I'm picky about bread, and feel like the sandwich buns are sweet enough to taste close to cotton candy.

[CajunGal]

Thank you!

LaPaz is right near our condo & my gang loves Mexican!
I've always wanted to try Panerra bread.

[kurt]

In Destin itself (or Holiday isle) what are the best Non-Chain places to eat?

WE've tried the Back Porch(mostly fried) and a few others that were just 'ok". Of course I'm from Louisisana, so we have great food here & I'm picky.

Louisianna lagniappe is very popular and I've enjoyed it. Might not be up to a cajun's standards but never heard complaints. It's not downhome - a bit fancy and is a great spot on the water.

Marina Cafe on the harbor.
404 East Highway 98
Destin, Florida 32541
(850) 837-7960

Destin Chops on the harbor.
414 East Highway 98
(850) 654-4944

La Paz - good Mexican.
950 Gulf Shore Drive
(850) 837-2247

Callahan's has been a local favorite for lunch for many years.