8 Best Southern Restaurants near Santa Rosa Beach

“Surfing Deer is a favorite restaurant for many visitors, offering incredible food, outstanding service, and a perfect atmosphere. The menu includes quality items like filet, grilled shrimp, chicken, and fish, with special attention to gluten-free options. The seafood acadiana and scallops are highly recommended, along with the delicious hush puppies. The restaurant is known for being kid-friendly, with a dedicated kids menu that includes nutritious options. The attentive staff ensures a pleasant dining experience for all guests. The only improvement mentioned was the need for servers to be more knowledgeable about new menu items. With free valet parking and fun drink options, Surfing Deer is a top choice for those looking for a memorable dining experience on 30A.“

“Great Southern Cafe is a charming restaurant located in Seaside Town Square. The service is incredible, with attentive staff like Rovel and Ali making sure you have a wonderful dining experience. The menu offers a variety of dishes, such as the shrimp po-boy and shrimp and grits, all cooked to perfection. The highlight for many customers is the fried green tomatoes, served with a tasty remoulade sauce. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, perfect for a casual meal with friends or family. Don't miss out on the delicious food and live music at Great Southern Cafe, where every dish is a delightful experience. Whether you're craving a simple brunch or a flavorful sandwich like The Carson, this restaurant is a must-visit in Seaside.“

“The Caf, located in a converted gas station strip mall, is known for its delicious breakfast biscuits and affordable meals. The vegetarian options are limited, but the veggies are fresh. The cafe can be busy, often with a line out the door, but the wait time is minimal. It's a popular spot for construction crews and a highlight for rainy days. The crispy bacon and homemade flavor of the breakfast biscuits are not to be missed. Parking is limited, so arrive early.“

“The Perfect Pig is a charming restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. The menu offers delicious dishes like crab and spinach artichoke dip and salmon bowls. The portions are generous, and the food is made with care and effort. While the bar serves only wine and bubbles, the overall experience is relaxing and pleasant. It's a popular spot, so arriving early is recommended to avoid the crowds, but the delicious food makes it worth the visit.“

“Perfect Pig Grill and Fish House is a great spot for a delicious meal, with a menu that is highly recommended. The restaurant features live music in the evenings, which can get loud, so ask for seating on the opposite side if you want to converse. Standout dishes include the Rustic Rosemary Bread, Pork Belly, and Biscuits and Gravy with Scrambled Eggs. The bar serves great margaritas, and the smoked tuna dip is a hit. While service can be a drawback, the decor is lovely and the food is perfect.“

“Local Catch Bar & Grill is a restaurant known for its wide variety of menu options and daily specials. The fried shrimp tacos, fish and chips, and sautéed spinach are among the popular dishes. The sweet potato fries are highly recommended. Although the food is generally praised, some customers have mentioned that the service can be slow and unprofessional, especially from the hostess. The atmosphere is described as having a nice ambiance with live bands performing. However, the service and food are hit or miss, with inconsistencies in accommodating simple requests such as providing sauces on the side.“

“Big Bad Breakfast - Destin offers an excellent dining experience with great food, service, and atmosphere. The restaurant's presentation is nice, and the food is well-seasoned. The staff, including waitress Roxanne, provide excellent service. The atmosphere is diner-style, but it fits the bill. With quick service and delicious food, Big Bad Breakfast - Destin is a recommended spot to visit.“

“Ovide offers an exceptional dining experience, with attentive and knowledgeable servers, including Aubrei and others. The food is incredible, with dishes like the fried chicken platter with collards and cheesy potatoes, and the catch of the day, which was grouper. The atmosphere is comfortable and sophisticated, making it a great spot for special occasions like birthdays and Mother's Day. With excellent service and food, Ovide is a fantastic addition to the Sandestin area, perfect for both visitors and locals.“