7 Best Restaurants on 30A

Scenic Highway 30A in Florida's panhandle traverses a 28-mile span along the glistening ocean waters and pristine beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Nestled between Destin and Panama City is the stunning coastal town of Rosemary Beach.

The 107-acre master-planned development, established in 1995, was designed with a strong focus on neighborhoods, walkability, and a laid-back, luxurious lifestyle. The Town Center shops and restaurants on 30A (Rosemary Beach) evoke the charm of New Orleans' French Quarter, with wrap-around porches and lush greenery lining the wide sidewalks.

The idyllic seaside town enjoys year-round mild temperatures and a vast crowd-free stretch of white sand beaches. Boutiques, art galleries, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities contribute to the close-knit feeling of this unique Emerald Coast community.

Many first-class chefs have made Florida their home, pleasing diners with their unique take on coastal cuisine. Some of the most notable upscale restaurants in Rosemary Beach with impeccable food, service, and atmosphere are listed below.

The Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar is a personal favorite of Huber Luxury Group. Situated atop the Orleans building, every seat offers a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Mexico. Inside the dining room, clean lines, soft lighting, and coastal colors create a welcoming environment. Downstairs, The Courtyard is a popular gathering spot with live music every night. Pescado offers an eclectic mix of upscale seafood fare with thoughtfully sourced ingredients to please any palate. House specialties include a seafood raw bar platter, Cantonese lobster, and seafood paella. Specialty cocktails and an extensive wine and spirits selection are also available. The restaurant has a strict 18+ policy for dinner, yet all ages can enjoy a delectable brunch menu.

If you're looking for a chic dining experience with local charm, Restaurant Paradis offers comfortable seating and mouth-watering coastal cuisine. Drawing from the rich flavors of the area, the talented kitchen staff sources locally grown produce to create a menu that changes with the seasons.

The restaurant only offers dinner and is known for its eco-friendly touches, such as hand-crafted still and sparkling water served in signature reusable, blue glass bottles. You have several dining options, including an elegant dining room with high-backed loveseats and wine barrel chandeliers or a quiet, relaxing lounge. An outdoor brick-paved patio lined with gas lanterns and fragrant rosemary bushes offers the perfect setting for a romantic rendezvous.

Edward's Fine Food & Wine offers a relaxing dining experience where patrons are welcome to visit at their leisure since reservations are not accepted. The fine dining options include a brunch, lunch, and dinner menu with coastal Mediterranean fare (think capellini pomodoro and yellowfin tuna za'atar). A not-to-be-missed highlight of the dessert menu? A dark chocolate flourless torte topped with crushed pistachios and whipped cream.

Located inside the Pearl Hotel, you'll find the swanky Havana Beach Bar & Grill. Inspired by the colors, flavors, and vibe of old-town Cuba, the AAA Four-Diamond eatery features a Gulf Coast menu with a Caribbean flare.

The "Hemingway-approved style" includes a laid-back setting and farm-to-table cuisine with fish, produce, and meat sourced from small, family-owned businesses. Chefs find inspiration from the traditional flavors of Louisiana Creole backcountry and small fishing villages in Mexico to create innovative dishes.

With a family-friendly ambiance, dining options include a main dining room, sunset views from the street-side veranda, a friendly lounge with an exquisite hand-carved mahogany bar, or the spectacular Havana Beach Rooftop with its view of 30A and the Gulf of Mexico.

While a full menu is available in the dining room, the rooftop delicacies include shared-plate tapas, an extensive wine list, and a mixed cocktail menu. The smoke-free environment on the rooftop features cabanas, fire pits, and cozy couches for an enjoyable afternoon that could easily stretch into the evening.

At Gallion's, expect a sophisticated and relaxed setting to enjoy gourmet cuisine with exceptional coastal selections, such as grilled gulf grouper, ahi tuna, and rock shrimp and lemon pasta. A 30-day dry-aged, bone-in ribeye served with a smoked whiskey shoyu demi-glace and truffle whipped potatoes is a luxurious standout.

The upscale restaurant features an inviting, chic interior with impeccable service. Gallion's Cocktail Lounge offers handcrafted cocktails and an extensive, carefully curated list of over 500 handpicked spirits, wine, and beer options.

Located just five minutes north of Rosemary Beach is award-winning Chef Tim Creehan's wildly popular Cuvee 30A restaurant. Named the Best Chef on the Emerald Coast, he serves undeniably delicious dishes, such as his signature boneless half duck, an oven-roasted Kurobuta pork chop, and various steak house selections.

Exclusive seating at the Chef's Table gives patrons a first-hand look at the talent and thought that goes into every dish at Cuvee 30A. The crowd-pleasing happy hour features discounted drinks and bar menu items, with a live band adding to the upbeat atmosphere.

The private wine cellar offers individualized tastings and a wine list that received Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. 

Inspired by the tapas and chocolate shops of Barcelona and Madrid, La Crema Tapas & Chocolate in Rosemary Beach offers a unique dining experience that's fun and tasty. La Crema's menu honors its coastal seaside locale: crab cakes, seafood paella, and lobster-stuffed mushrooms. For those with a sweet tooth, the chocolate menu features dark or milk chocolate fondue with apples, strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, and pound cake for dipping. 

You'll never run out of culinary options with the many fabulous restaurants in Rosemary Beach. From fresh seafood and prime cuts of meat to impressive wine lists and delectable desserts, the area offers world-class dining in a small-town setting.

To learn more about restaurants on 30A and all that the Emerald Coast has to offer, reach out to Garett Huber.