Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant

I was shocked and disgusted to see Down Island publicly celebrating Father’s Day by honoring my father, Joshua Foreman—a man who was violently abusive throughout my entire childhood. That post wasn’t just tone-deaf; it was a deeply painful reminder of the kind of harm that too often gets swept under the rug in the name of “family values.” It should have been a massive red flag that all four of his children have completely cut him out of their lives. That’s not coincidence—it’s the result of years of abuse, control, and trauma. When a business chooses to spotlight someone like that, it sends a message to survivors that their pain doesn’t matter as long as the public image looks good. I will never eat here again. I hope this serves as a wake-up call to vet who you’re celebrating—and to understand that not everyone who wears the title “father” has earned it.

Where to even start?! This place is absolutely phenomenal. Let’s start with the vibes and the service- amazing. Step into the laid-back vibes of Down Island, and you are greeted by incredibly attentive and friendly waiters. They also have live music on Friday nights. All THREE times my husband and I went (on our five day vacation), we were greeted by the owner, Stefani. She is simply amazing- truly one of the friendliest people I have ever met. Kyle was a wonderful waiter and recommended my husband and I try the Cobia fish (which neither of us had tried before). It was delicious. We also had the oysters (so fresh), brunch (the bayou omelette and the cinnamon roll pancakes are fantastic), blueberry cobbler, and pineapple upside down cake. My mouth is watering just thinking about the desserts. It is evident that the ingredients used are fresh and that their food is truly home-made. I simply cannot recommend this restaurant enough. Thank you, Stefani, for you and your team making our vacation extra extra wonderful.

This must be one of the best kept secrets in the Santa Rosa Beach area. Words cannot describe our delight in finding this place and, once we found our way there, we went twice during our stay in the area. The restaurant building itself is fresh and cozy with both a first floor and upstairs dining area. Down Island has an artsy vibe with hand made pottery water glasses and various pieces of art displayed throughout. The chef and wait staff’s love and knowledge of the food they prepare is evident. I had the fried oyster salad and fried oyster flat bread and my husband had fish of the day both nights (because it was so delicious) and we were both blown away by the quality of the meal. The wait staff on both occasions was friendly, could describe the meals in great detail (with love) and made us feel like we were part of the Down Island family by the time we had finished our meal. This is exactly the place we have been looking for in all the years we have vacationed in the pan handle of Florida. Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant is not to be missed. Bravo to all!

Food was great. Service was fantastic.

Yesterday I enjoyed the best salad I’ve ever eaten at Down Island Gulf Seafood. I had the Cobb Salad with blackened fish and my husband had the Caesar salad with Ahi tuna. Everything we ordered was fresh, delicious and just prepared to perfection. The service is excellent too! I recommend saving some room for dessert. We had the pistachio cream brûlée and it absolutely delicious. We’re going back today with the whole family. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cobb Salad

Good food and service.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Local here and finally tried DI…. Hate that I’ve waited so long! This place is a jewel and the food is superb! Not pretentious like so many on 30a. This isn’t just food it’s crafted cuisine with wonderful service to match. After having dinner with guests on an open air space in Dune Allen (cough cough) last night… we spent far less at DI and it was more than gumbo and grouper sandwiches and a couple of beer. Don’t miss this; I will def be back and often. My new go to place to take guests!❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a go-to for us. The food is always fresh, well prepared & delicious. The chicken sandwhich and french dip our are favorite dishes. Service is wonderful.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Fairly topical strip shopping center restaurant.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Shrimp Basket

We have been twice and both times, everything was incredible! We had oysters for an appetizer, as well as a cup of a leek cream crab soup. For entrees, my husband got the surf & turf special. It was cooked to perfection and didn’t need any additional seasonings. I have a food allergy and the kitchen was able to accommodate and modify my chicken entree slightly. We also enjoyed a Palm Folley Seltzer from the local brewery. Cade and Derrick were extremely knowledgeable and took great care of us. If you are anywhere within an hours drive, do yourself a favor and visit this spot that has quickly become this locals favorite spot.

Dietary restrictions: They were able to offer alternative sides in place of pasta.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Wood Fired Gulf Oysters, Lobster Bisque

Great food and absolutely the best service we have experienced in the area. Wood fired oysters were the best. They have a creative bar with some great winter drinks.

Love Love Love Down Island‼️ I really can't rave enough about this place. It's a must. Their menus changes from Sunday Brunch menu, regular lunch menu, happy hour menu, to the fabulous diner menu.. Don't get me started about their crafted cocktails, YUMMY ‼️ I'm not a late night person. However Friday nights I make myself stay up to see live music here. Best folks to hang out with. Love y'all ❤️ Drew and Lu

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic food ,service and drinks.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our new favorite restaurant at the beach. Friendly and prompt service. The food offerings are creative and chef-inspired at reasonable prices. A hidden gem on highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach just off of 30A. Highly recommend! Five stars are not enough for this restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cobb Salad, Kilo of Beef, Seasonal Toast, Lobster Bisque, Shrimp Basket, Chef's Pasta Salad, Scallops

Great place for a meal, food is excellent and service even better! Thanks Derek!!