Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, offers a diverse array of culinary experiences, from upscale Southern cuisine to casual beachside eateries. This coastal town boasts a rich food scene with locally-sourced ingredients, fresh seafood, and innovative chefs. Visitors can enjoy everything from wood-fired pizzas to Cuban sandwiches, making Santa Rosa Beach a food lover’s paradise. With options ranging from fine dining to casual lunch spots, there’s something to satisfy every palate and budget.
What Types of Cuisine Can You Find in Santa Rosa Beach?
Santa Rosa Beach offers a wide variety of cuisines to cater to different tastes and preferences:
- Southern Gulf Coast Cuisine
- Italian
- Cuban
- Contemporary Southern
- Seafood
- Pizza
- American
Where Are the Best Upscale Dining Options in Santa Rosa Beach?
For those seeking a more refined dining experience, Santa Rosa Beach has several upscale options:
- Fish Out of Water
- Cuisine: Locally-sourced Southern
- Price Range: Moderate to Expensive
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Unique Dishes: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options focusing on local ingredients
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Roux 30a
- Cuisine: Local, fresh eats with a tasting menu focus
- Price Range: Expensive
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Unique Dishes: Six-course tasting menu, customized menus for private dining
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Gallion’s
- Cuisine: Contemporary Southern
- Price Range: Very Expensive
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Unique Dishes: High-end Southern cuisine
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Havana Beach at The Pearl
- Cuisine: Contemporary Southern
- Price Range: Expensive
- Unique Dishes: Upscale Southern cuisine with a beachside location
What Are the Best Casual Eateries in Santa Rosa Beach?
For a more relaxed dining experience, consider these casual options:
- Bruno’s Pizza
- Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
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Highlights: All-you-can-eat lunch buffet, casual atmosphere
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Bud & Alleys Pizza Bar
- Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
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Highlights: Fresh wood-baked pizzas, beachside location
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Chanticleer Eatery
- Cuisine: Bakery, Market-Deli, American
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Highlights: Made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups
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Cocina Cubana
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Highlights: Cuban bowls, sandwiches, slushies
Where Can You Find the Best Seafood in Santa Rosa Beach?
Santa Rosa Beach is known for its fresh seafood. Here are some top seafood restaurants:
- The Bay Restaurant
- Cuisine: Southern Gulf Coast, Sushi
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Unique Dishes: Bay sushi roll, Southern Gulf Coast specialties
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Slick Lips Seafood and Oyster House
- Cuisine: Seafood
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Highlights: Fresh oysters, casual dining atmosphere
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Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
- Cuisine: Seafood, Island-inspired
- Highlights: Seafood dishes with a tropical twist
What Are the Most Popular Italian Restaurants in Santa Rosa Beach?
Italian cuisine is well-represented in Santa Rosa Beach:
- Pazzo Italiano
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Highlights: Hand-tossed New York-style pizza, veal and seafood dishes
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Angelina’s Pizzeria & Pasta
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Highlights: Traditional Italian fare, hand-tossed New York-style pizza, lunch specials
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Borago
- Highlights: Classic Italian Trattoria, homemade food, impressive wine list
What Should You Know About Dining Logistics in Santa Rosa Beach?
When planning your culinary adventure in Santa Rosa Beach, keep these logistical details in mind:
- Parking: Most restaurants offer on-site parking or nearby lots.
- Public Transport: Limited options available; many restaurants are within walking distance of accommodations.
- Operating Hours: Vary by restaurant, but generally open for lunch and dinner. Some offer breakfast or late-night options.
- Reservations: Recommended for upscale restaurants, especially during peak seasons.
- Dress Code: Casual for most eateries; upscale restaurants may require smart casual attire.
What Are Some Unique Dining Experiences in Santa Rosa Beach?
Santa Rosa Beach offers several unique dining experiences:
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Beachside Dining: Many restaurants, like The Bay and Bud & Alleys Pizza Bar, offer stunning views of the Gulf.
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Farm-to-Table: Restaurants like Fish Out of Water focus on locally-sourced ingredients.
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Tasting Menus: Roux 30a offers a six-course tasting menu for a culinary journey.
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Live Music: Some restaurants, like The Bay, feature live music performances.
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Wine Experiences: Borago boasts an impressive wine list for wine enthusiasts.
How Do Food Prices Compare Among Santa Rosa Beach Restaurants?
Here’s a comparison of average price ranges for different types of restaurants in Santa Rosa Beach:
| Restaurant Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Upscale Dining | $$$$ – $$$$$ |
| Casual Eateries | $$ – $$$ |
| Seafood Spots | $$$ – $$$$ |
| Italian Cuisine | $$ – $$$ |
| Pizza Places | $ – $$ |
What Are the Must-Try Dishes in Santa Rosa Beach?
When visiting Santa Rosa Beach, don’t miss these local favorites:
- Bay sushi roll at The Bay Restaurant
- Six-course tasting menu at Roux 30a
- Wood-fired pizza at Bud & Alleys Pizza Bar
- Fresh oysters at Slick Lips Seafood and Oyster House
- Cuban sandwich at Cocina Cubana
- Shrimp and grits at Chanticleer Eatery
- Locally-sourced Southern dishes at Fish Out of Water
By exploring these food places in Santa Rosa Beach, you’ll experience the diverse and delicious culinary scene this coastal town has to offer. From upscale Southern cuisine to casual beachside pizzas, there’s something to satisfy every craving and budget.
References:
1. https://www.dinefish30a.com/food
2. https://www.baysouthwalton.com
3. https://www.roux30a.com