From savory classics like the Great Southern Café in Seaside to the vibrant beach stalls at Airstream Row in South Walton, there’s something to appeal to all tastes along Florida’s 30A for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! Offering a variety of eateries and popular destinations, visitors to this paradise stretch of the Northwest Gulf Coast have the opportunity to sample flavors from all over the world in idyllic seaside communities that dot the pristine white-sand beaches and bright blue waters. From innovative concepts such as Raw & Juicy in Alys Beach to older staples like Cowgirl Kitchen in Rosemary Beach, you won’t be disappointed with the delicious offerings you’ll find on 30A.
30A is a stunning stretch of the northwest Gulf Coast in Florida, boasting white-sand beaches, bright blue waters, and idyllic walkable communities. It has become increasingly popular amongst families and friends across the nation who come to experience all that 30A has to offer from Destin to Panama City. With so many eateries to choose from, visitors of 30A are sure to find something delicious for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. The Ultimate Guide To Florida’s 30A offers a comprehensive look at the different communities and restaurants along the scenic drive.
Breakfast Options
Black Bear Bread Co.
• Location: Seaside & Grayton Beach
• Offerings: Pastry cases full of homemade baked goods, bar room with happy-hour drinks and snacks
Great Southern Café
• Location: Seaside
• Offerings: Classic Southern breakfast plates, treats like beignets
Raw & Juicy
• Location: Alys Beach
• Offerings: Organic smoothies, juices, acai bowls, vegan biscuit sandwiches, potato skillets
Cowgirl Kitchen
• Locations: Rosemary Beach & Blue Mountain Beach
• Offerings: Southwestern-inspired salads, sandwiches, tacos, fresh Florida grouper tacos
Black Bear Bread Co. has two locations, one in Seaside and one in Grayton Beach, offering visitors pastry cases full of homemade baked goods for breakfast as well as a full menu. Alongside this, the Grayton Beach location also features a bar room where guests can enjoy happy-hour drinks and snacks. Great Southern Café, located in Seaside, is a popular spot for classic Southern breakfast plates, as well as treats like beignets for all to enjoy. Raw & Juicy in Alys Beach provides guests with a healthy start to their day, featuring organic smoothies, juices, and acai bowls along with savory options such as vegan biscuit sandwiches and potato skillets. Lastly, Cowgirl Kitchen is an easy place to enjoy a casual lunch, serving Southwestern-inspired salads, sandwiches, and tacos, including fresh Florida grouper tacos. The original location resides in Rosemary Beach, but there is also a second location in Blue Mountain Beach.
Southern-Meets-French Fare
The Perfect Pig is an all-day eatery with Southern-meets-French fare that has become renowned for its delicious sandwiches, hearty salads, and delectable brunch dishes. With three locations along 30A to choose from, it’s the perfect post-beach meal option. For a unique experience, Airstream Row in Seaside is also a popular destination, offering various food concepts such as Hawaiian shaved ice, smoked meats and sides, artisanal grilled cheeses, and quick lunch bratwursts.
A Local Favorite Since 1949
Located in Seagrove, this old-school seafood spot has been a local favorite since 1949. Recently renovated, it offers a casual and flip-flop-friendly atmosphere with signature fried seafood baskets that come with hushpuppies. With convenient access to 30A and County Road 395, this restaurant is easily accessible by bike from nearby communities Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove, and Grayton Beach, making it the perfect spot for lunch or dinner.
Bud & Alley’s and George’s: Two Iconic 30A Restaurants
With its unbeatable view of the sun setting over the Seaside Obelisk, Bud & Alley’s is an iconic dinner restaurant that is sure to satisfy. While reservations are necessary for the main dining area, the upstairs deck is open to all who arrive first-come-first-serve. Don’t forget to try Bud’s famous crab cakes! George’s is another highly acclaimed restaurant on 30A, offering a Southern-with-a-twist menu in its shingled cottage with a breezy wraparound porch, an outdoor courtyard, and a rooftop cocktail deck. Arrive early to put your name down, as they do not take reservations.
Enjoy Authentic Italian Cuisine in a Cozy Atmosphere
Borago is an Italian trattoria located near Grayton Beach with a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Their menu features traditional pasta dishes and house-made focaccia bread that comes complimentary to each table with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This hidden gem of a restaurant has been a favorite among locals for over 20 years, delighting guests with its unique Asian cuisine. Guests can enjoy their meal indoors or al fresco while admiring the marshlands from the small porch of the Blue Mountain Beach bungalow.
Red Bar and The Citizen: A Perfect Pairing for a Night Out
The Red Bar and The Citizen are the perfect pairing for a night out in Grayton Beach. Whether you’re looking for a no-frills, mood-lit space or an elevated coastal cuisine menu, these two venues have you covered. The Red Bar has reopened with the same energy and style that made it so popular before its devastating fire in 2019. During high season, visitors can enjoy live music every day of the week. Meanwhile, Alys Beach’s newer addition, The Citizen, offers an oyster happy hour as well as an elevated coastal cuisine menu – making it the ideal spot for larger groups. So, if you’re looking to start your night off right, head to Grayton Beach and experience the perfect pairing of Red Bar and The Citizen.
Enjoy the Views of Eastern Lake
Old Florida Fish House is an ideal spot for groups and families who want to take in the breathtaking views of Eastern Lake and the surrounding 30A area. With a casual atmosphere and an extensive menu, this indoor-outdoor restaurant offers something for everyone. Whether it’s dinner, cocktails, or weekend brunch, visitors can appreciate the characteristic pastel swirls of a 30A sunset.
Tapas and Chocolate Creations at La Crema; Modica Market in Seaside- A Beloved Family-Run Grocery and Gourmet Deli
At La Crema in Rosemary Beach, visitors can enjoy Spanish-style tapas and chocolate creations like their renowned fondue and sipping chocolate with various add-ons. For over 30 years, Modica Market in Seaside has been a beloved family-run grocery and gourmet deli, which was even featured in a local film. The bakery is known for its impressive pastry case filled with cakes and pies by the slice, as well as its popular banana pudding.
Delicious Treats at the Sugar Shak and Dawson’s Yogurt & Fudgeworks
The Sugar Shak is a must-see destination for any visitor to Rosemary Beach. Located conveniently close to the town post office, this candy shop offers a delightful selection of both classic and modern treats, as well as an ice cream parlor. With something to please every sweet tooth, the Sugar Shak is sure to make any visit to Rosemary Beach even more enjoyable. For those looking to satisfy their cravings, Dawson’s Yogurt & Fudgeworks in Seaside’s town circle is the place to be. This iconic frozen yogurt joint attracts a long line during peak season, and visitors can enjoy soft-serve, fudge, and even the much sought-after chocolate-covered Key lime pie on a stick.
Visitors of 30A are spoiled for choice when it comes to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, diversely featuring cuisines from French to Hawaiian fare. Whether you choose the iconic Black Bear Bread Co., Great Southern Café, Raw & Juicy, or Cowgirl Kitchen for a healthy start, The Perfect Pig for an all-day meal, or Airstream Row for something unique, visitors of 30A can leave feeling satisfied from their meals. With simple walkability from place to place along the beautiful shoreline, there will surely be many visitors to come to experience Florida’s stunning 30A.
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