23 Best Seafood Restaurants in Santa Rosa Beach

“Stopped in for a drink and some oysters and found the restaurant quite charming. It was a nice afternoon and there is plenty of shady, covered outdoor as well as lots of indoor seating. Service was a little slow but at least two different servers checked on us.
Staff was friendly and knowledgable. The raw oysters tasted good but were not fresh shucked. I would recommend the grilled oysters they were delicious. Prices were good and overall just the atmosphere is worth a stop at this cool place.
Stopped in for lunch another day and the grouper sandwich was good but the service was, well not as good and it seemed to take way too long for a grouper sandwich. But it was cooked perfectly and delish. Definitely be going back, recommend sitting outside.

Urban Cowgill Oct. 2024“

“Had a birthday dinner for my wife here last weekend for a party of about 8 and the service was fantastic and the food delivered! Highly recommend!“

“Every time we go - and we have been going for six years - the experience is truly exceptional. I am a vegetarian and my husband is an epicurean and this is our favorite restaurant ever. Nikhil, Tim, and Josh are incredible artisans with food. Delicious, fresh, and local. Cory is an incredible host who keeps everything flowing. 10 out of 10!“

“Loved the food, service and ambiance. One of 30A’s best dining experiences.“

“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!“

“That fried grouper sandwich at Shunk Gulley was straight bussin. No cap.“

“We had an exceptional experience tonight at Stinkys. Our seats overlooked a small bay, the service was awesome, and the food was great! Our server was Nick and he was incredible - especially for helping us with our 2 small girls. We look forward to returning and hope for another great experience and awesome food!“

“Best crab house in Destin!! Been coming for years!“

“Best seafood this trip, food was excellent and wonderful service … glad we stopped“

“Great food and atmosphere! We will be back again!“

“Exceptional service, awesome food, best vibes“

“We went to your establishment Monday night just to grab a bite to eat late and the lady that was bartending (can’t remember her name) was absolutely fabulous!!! She went above and beyond her job. She was so friendly and kind and went out of her way for us. On top of the food being wonderful!!! We have family down there so this place will be my go to when we are visiting!! Great food, great service and a beautiful place. Can’t wait until it’s warmer to experience the atmosphere. This place deserves an A++“

“BRING BACK THE SEAFOOD ENCHILADAS!!!!!!! We drove 5.5 hrs straight to #Hobag in hopes of having the enchiladas. We were very disappointed to find they were no longer on the menu. The food we did order was good but nothing compares to the enchiladas!!! Bring them BACK !!!!“

“Highlight of our trip! Chef Patrick catered an in home dinner for our family celebrating my parents’ 50th in June 2023 at the house we rented for the week. He worked with me on the menu, accommodating varying adult preferences and making sure our ages 9-15 kids were well fed too. We had so much fun watching him cook and talking that we never actually went to the dining room and instead chose to sit around the kitchen counter. The food was amazing, beautifully presented, and he made sure the kitchen was spotless before he left. Although it was a bit of a splurge, it was worth every penny and we would have Patrick back in a heartbeat!“

“The Shrimp Shack is a can't miss in Seaside - we love their shrimp, tacos, & drinks. Perfect location and nice people to work with, they are great supporters of our educational outreach program for kids!“

“Wonderful fried grouper baskets. A family and friends tradition for the past 30 years. We always have lunch there when we spend the day at the beach.“

“Great food, great service!“

“Great atmosphere, great service, a very short menu which was perfect and the food was great!“

“Delicious food, fantastic bar, beautiful views in a comfortable atmosphere, and marvelous service from Alex - we will be back. I was very grateful that nearly everything there was gluten free, and my husband was grateful that the hush puppies were not. (He ate 6.)

Dietary restrictions: Safe and delicious gluten free food.“

“Best Italian food in the area!“

“We ate here last weekend. Had the filet Oscar & duck fat ribeye. Both meals were absolutely incredible! Best meal we’ve had in a long time. This local is definitely visiting more frequently. Family run business with comfy decor and just the right amount of music so you could hear each other while enjoying great wine!“

“Food was great! Service was better! Val made it so fun! Looking forward to coming back!!“

“My grandparents went to AJ's Thanksgiving event. They have bragged to me non-stop about their server, the food, and the entire event. There was open handicapped parking right in the front. They sat at the bar and were served by the bartender. They didn't get her name but were thrilled with her friendly, attentive demeanor. The entire event was donation based, and an envelope was provided for privacy. I am so thankful to AJ's for hosting this event and to the staff who generously work the event.
Thank you!!!“