Best South Walton Restaurants Part Deux

We've been eating our way along the coast and have decided the topic of dining deserves a second blog highlighting more of our favorite South Walton restaurants and dining hot spots.  
 
With so much fresh local seafood, organic growers nearby and talented chefs, it’s no wonder that South Walton has a bounty of dining hot spots along Hwy 30A and throughout Miramar Beach, Fla. Here are some more of our favorites:  
 
Best Crab Cakes: The Red Bar
A Grayton Beach institution with eclectic decor, live music, and everyone’s favorite chalkboard menu. The crab cakes, which are only available on Friday and Saturday, are 98% crab meat and are among the best in the State of Florida. Other delicious menu items include panéed chicken and fresh grouper. Cash or check only. (850) 231-1008, theredbar.com

Best Coastal Southern Cuisine: Great Southern Café 
Located along 30A in Seaside, Chef Jim Shirley “wows” diners with his coastal southern fare. His signature dish is “Grits A Ya Ya,” a wonderful take on the very popular southern classic, shrimp and grits. Great Southern is also a hot spot for Apalachicola oysters, fresh seafood and classic Southern sides. (850) 231-7327, thegreatsoutherncafe.com    

Best Fish Tacos: Tommy Bahama
There are only 13 Tommy Bahama Restaurants nationwide and we’re lucky enough to have one at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Whether you’re looking for an off the beach location for lunch, dinner or happy hour, Tommy Bahama serves delicious creations year round, including their popular fish tacos. All dishes start with fresh seafood and seasonal produce, and Chef Crystal Castillo enhances the menu with mouthwatering seasonal specials. (850) 654-1743 

Best View: Vue on 30A
When you’re at the beach, it’s only natural to want to enjoy a meal overlooking the beautiful white sand beaches. The Vue features a deliciously fresh menu of salads, seafood, steak, lamb and wild game prepared by Chef Giovanni Filippone, who you may remember from Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen hosted by Gordon Ramsey. The meal is complemented by expansive views of the gulf all within a climate controlled, comfortable dining room. (850) 267-2305, Vueon30a.com

Best Specials of the Day (& Wine Menu): Vin’tij Wine Boutique
What’s not to love about this charming bistro hidden in a strip center across from Silver Sands Premium Outlets. Once you step inside, you’re transported to a world of fine wine, delectable fare and friendly locals. The charmingly intimate space is complemented by local art and a menu designed from the freshest local ingredients. The diverse menu ranges from salads, pizzettes, sandwiches and entrees and the daily specials are inspired by what is fresh off the docks and produce that is in season. (850) 650-9820, Vintij.com

Best Casual Beachside Eatery: Pompano Joe’s  
Located along Scenic Hwy 98, Pompano Joe’s is a favorite neighborhood “shack” on the beach with great Gulf views, a lively bar, and live music during happy hour and serves fresh seafood specialties with a Caribbean twist. (Stay in one of our many condos in Miramar Beach and it’s a short walk from your door.) (850) 837-2224, pompano-joes.com

For more South Walton restaurant suggestions, visit 30AEats.com.  

With so many delectable options, you’ll simply have to stay at the beach longer to fit them all in. And to help you extend your travel dollar, Newman-Dailey is offering added saving for stays of three nights or more in addition to the already low fall rates. Explore our South Walton vacation rentals online and ask about our 3FOR15* and 4FOR20* special promotion when you book through one of our friendly vacation specialists (1-800-225-7652).  
 
See you in South Walton for delectable dining and beach time!
 
*Some restrictions apply.  
 

Published by Tracy Louthain
Wednesday, September 17, 2014