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January 9, 2023

Fine Dining to Try in Alys Beach

Fine Dining to Try in Alys Beach

From pristine beaches and sparkling blue waters to opulent white homes, Alys Beach is the epitome of beachside luxury in the heart of Florida’s Panhandle. Nestled along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Alys Beach is conveniently located between Destin and Panama City and is one of the area’s most highly sought-after luxury communities. Gorgeous and spectacular, Alys Beach takes inspiration from some of the world’s most beautiful locales, including Mexico and Greece. Combined with resort-style amenities, Alys Beach real estate sets the standard for luxury homes. Whether you are relocating to Alys Beach or simply visiting, nothing beats Alys Beach's fine dining. Here are some of the best Alys Beach restaurants, from tapas and seafood to steakhouses.

George’s at Alys Beach


30 N Castle Harbour Dr., Alys Beach, FL 32461
 
Photo courtesy of Pexels
 
Take a break from checking out the homes for sale in Alys Beach and head to George’s, where upscale dining meets coastal fare in a cozy, cottage-style restaurant. George’s at Alys Beach is a bright, airy restaurant located along the waterfront. Sit out on their breezy front porch or their outdoor dining patio for the quintessential Florida fine dining experience. George’s at Alys Beach offers plenty of delicacies, including appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. Some of their signature dishes include jerk-crusted gulf snapper, seared sea Scallops, fried fish & grits, Wagyu short ribs, and jumbo lump crab cake. They even offer vegetarian, vegan, and kid’s menu options, as well.

Ambrosia 30A Prime Seafood & Steaks


75 Origins Main St, Watersound, FL 32461
 
Conveniently located along Highway 30A, Ambrosia Prime Seafood & Steaks is the quintessential date night restaurant, especially for steak and fine seafood options. This upscale restaurant provides unparalleled hospitality, featuring an astounding cocktail and wine selection for guests to choose from. Some of their signature cocktails include The Queensboro, Coco Cabana, Sidecar, Dill Gilmet, and more. Where Ambrosia really shines is its astounding menu featuring a variety of seafood entrees, its signature raw bar, and some of the finest cuts of steak. Try the Florida red snapper, the day boat grouper, the signature filet, or the surf and turf for an unforgettable dining experience.

Restaurant Paradis


82 S Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
 
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
 
Boasting local charm, fresh seafood, and a luxurious ambiance, Restaurant Paradis is the epitome of the Florida fine dining scene. Established by husband-and-wife duo Danny and Monica Cosenzi, Danny brings over 30 years of industry experience into this fine dining establishment, turning it into one of the area’s most beloved restaurants. Restaurant Paradis specializes in seafood delicacies, including their bacon, horseradish & lobster encrusted grouper, Gulf Coast snapper, and shiso-dusted ahi tuna. They also feature other fine dining staples, including steak, chicken, and elk. Restaurant Paradis is open daily for dinner and holidays. Reservations are required.

Firefly


535 N Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
 
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
 
The ambiance and fresh seafood are a winning combination at Firefly, a casual fine dining restaurant located in Panama City Beach’s Shoppes at Edgewater. With a lit-up oak tree in the center of the dining room, Firefly is considered one of the most romantic restaurants in Florida’s Panhandle. With its exquisite wine selections and fabulous cuisine, Firefly is the perfect date night restaurant. Try some of their specialty dishes, including their Pan Seared Diver Scallops, Grilled New Zealand Rack of Elk,  Smoked Bison Short Rib, Bone-In Ribeye, or their Shrimp & Grits for something truly special. Firefly is open Tuesday to Sunday, starting at 5:00 p.m. They also offer catering services for work events, birthday parties, weddings, and other special occasions.

Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar


74 Town Hall Rd, Rosemary Beach, FL
 
With punchy cocktails, rooftop dining, eclectic cuisine, and some of the best seafood around, Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar is truly a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience in the heart of Florida’s Panhandle. Located just minutes away in Rosemary Beach, Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico while serving up some of the best cocktails and spirits around. Try some of their signature spirits or their fabulous selection of wine and relax. This restaurant is 18+ during dinnertime, making a great date night escape. Try some of their fabulous dishes, including the chef’s ceviche or the fish of the day. Pescado also offers plenty of shareable options, including their signature seafood platter, seafood paella, and the chef’s feast. Pescado Seafood Grill is also open for lunch or Sunday brunch, where all ages are welcome.

La Crema Tapas & Chocolate


38 Main St, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
 
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
 
Great food and excellent desserts? There’s so much to love about La Crema Tapas & Chocolate, a Spanish fine-dining restaurant just minutes from Alys Beach. Open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, La Crema is a fabulous option for either a lunch or dinner date. For their para picar, they serve incredible options, including their ceviche, la crema ensalada, and cheese fondue. For tapas, try their steak empanadas, fish tacos, or main street shrimp. They also feature three fabulous options for paellas: seafood, country, or veggie. No trip to La Crema is complete without dessert. Try their chocolate fondue, salted caramel ice cream, or their signature sipping chocolate—a Spanish delicacy.

Cuvee 30A


12805 US-98 D101, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
 
Founded by acclaimed celebrity chef Tim Creehan, Cuvee 30A has established itself as one of Northwest Florida’s most popular restaurants, featuring award-winning dishes and an unparalleled dining experience in nearby Rosemary Beach. Featured in shows like “Emeril’s Florida,” Cuvee 30A had an original location in South Walton before Creehan opened another flagship restaurant in Rosemary Beach, thanks to the success of the first restaurant. Some of Cuvee 30A’s most popular dishes include the seared tuna rare and the pecan-crusted grouper. Set in a stunning, contemporary restaurant, Cuvee 30A reimagines fine dining.

From spectacular seafood to Spanish tapas and desserts, Alys Beach has easy access to some of the best upscale dining in Florida’s Panhandle. No matter what you are craving, you are sure to find it in Alys Beach.
 
Ready to find your dream home along the Gulf of Mexico? Whether you are searching for a condo or a waterfront villa, Smith Burke is your trusted Alys Beach realtor. Contact Smith today to get started on your house hunt.

*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash



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