5 Must-Visit 30A Restaurants

EDITOR’S NOTE: As we continue to move through the pandemic’s various re-opening phases throughout the South, it’s important to remember operating hours and mask-wearing rules can change quickly depending on location and local mandates. Please check with the restaurant you intend to visit beforehand to ensure you have the most current operating hours and information.

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It’s no surprise 30A — named for the scenic Highway 30A that connects the idyllic towns found along it — is a beach lover’s dream destination. Whether you’re heading that way for spring break or still opting to dream of your next Gulf Coast escape, take note — here are five must-visit 30A restaurants you’ll want to check out!

Black Bear Bread Co.

26 Logan Lane, Unit G, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 • (850) 213-4528
325 Grand Blvd., Suite 100, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 • (850) 706-1300
Café hours: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bar Room hours: Monday through Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Located in a tiny and welcoming cottage in Grayton Beach, Black Bear Bread Co. is an all-day café concept centered around freshly baked and naturally leavened bread. Seasonal breakfast and lunch offerings include multigrain tartines with seasonal toppings, sandwiches and daily specials. Try the bright and flavorful salmon tartine spread thickly with crème fraîche and topped with slabs of smoked salmon on multigrain sourdough, or the unique banana version with whipped ricotta. Don’t leave without grabbing one of the pastries in full view on the welcoming countertop. Choose from cream-filled bear claws, flaky croissants, fragrant cinnamon rolls and other tantalizing baked goods. Pair your pastry with a cup of coffee from Portland-based Stumptown Coffee Roasters.

SB TIP: Black Bear has recently expanded to a second location in Miramar Beach. The Santa Rosa Beach location also added a Bar Room in recent years, featuring a natural wine bar with fresh oysters, charcuterie boards, craft beer and more.

must-visit restaurants in 30A: Black Bear Bread Co. — The original Black Bear Bread Co., a combination coffee shop, bakery and café, is located at the Shops at Grayton in Santa Rosa Beach. Image: Anne Henley Walker

fresh tartine and a cup of Stumptown's coffee at Black Bear — Grab a fresh tartine and a cup of Stumptown coffee. Image: Anne Henley Walker

Edward’s Fine Food & Wine

66 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461 • (850) 231-0550
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m

Enjoy an intimate dinner at Edward’s Fine Food & Wine. Providing a high-quality dining experience without the formality, Edward’s boasts an award-winning wine list as well as a rotating menu that highlights what’s fresh and in season. Recently renovated, Edward’s offers a welcoming atmosphere with its beautiful outdoor patio. With a seasonal menu, there are still some familiar mainstays, such as grouper niçoise with haricot verts, fingerling potatoes and lemon oil that Chef Josh Smith refers to as a “fan favorite.” Other popular items include the crispy Brussels sprouts and jumbo lump crab cakes with honey lemon mayo. With over 100 wines to choose from, Edward’s provides perfect pairings for each dish, allowing for incredible and flavorful combinations.

SB TIP: In regards to COVID-19, all state and federal guidelines are carefully followed, including masks and temperature checks for staff as well as cleaning and sanitizing tables between parties.

Must-visit restaurants in 30A: Edward's Fine Food & Wine — Edward’s provides unique and flavorful wine and food pairings. Image: Edward’s Fine Food & Wine

Edward's patio seating — Enjoy outdoor patio seating at Edward’s. Image: Edward’s Fine Food & Wine

George’s at Alys Beach

30 Castle Harbour Dr., Alys Beach, FL 32461 • (850) 641-0017
Hours: Daily, 11 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Reminiscent of an endearing beach abode, George’s at Alys Beach provides the ideal backdrop for a laid-back dinner in the Florida sunshine. Utilizing locally sourced organic produce and fresh seafood, dishes are split into two categories: Behave and Misbehave. The Behave side includes healthier, spa-inspired dishes such as seared yellowfin tuna with red quinoa and jerk-crusted Gulf snapper, while the Misbehave side features entrées such as addictive crispy salt and pepper shrimp and more traditional beach fare like fried seafood baskets and hushpuppies. Savor a glass of wine chosen from the extensive wine list, and end your meal with a slice of the famous key lime pie. With ample outdoor seating, patrons can spread out and safely enjoy themselves while dining.

must-visit restaurants in 30A: George's at Alys Beach — Salt and pepper shrimp, a mouthwatering entrée from the “Misbehave” portion of the menu at George’s at Alys Beach. Image: George’s at Alys Beach

Exterior of George's — George’s welcoming ambiance is just one of the reasons visitors continue to return year after year. Image: George’s at Alys Beach

LaCo

10343 E. County Hwy. 30A, Seacrest, FL 32413 • (850) 231-4021
Hours: Open daily, 1o a.m. to 9 p.m.

Formerly known as La Cocina, LaCo specializes in authentic Latin cuisine with a coastal flair. “It is not the traditional Tex-Mex approach that La Cocina was originally known for,” says Chef Eric Bartholomew, who introduced a brand new menu to the restaurant in the summer of 2018. “We utilize fresh seafood, produce and grass-fed beef from local purveyors to create authentic, culinary-driven dishes.” Highlights include the extensive taco menu, with favorites including the pork belly with pasilla BBQ sauce and pineapple jicama salsa and the shrimp taco with kale slaw. The tacos are served individually, so guests can mix and match. Be sure to also order one of the house-made mojitos, sangria or freshly squeezed margaritas.

LaCo also recently added a brunch menu with inviting additions like sweet potato breakfast hash with roasted Brussels sprouts and avocado toast adorned with lobster and salsa macha. Brunch is served daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Must-visit 30A restaurants: LaCo — Choose from an extensive menu of delicious and authentic tacos while sipping on your freshly squeezed margarita at LaCo. Image: LaCo

Lobster avocado toast from LaCo — LaCo’s lobster avocado toast is a brunch favorite. Image: LaCo

La Crema Tapas & Chocolates

38 Main St., Rosemary Beach, FL 32461 • (850) 534-3004
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Inspired by the tapas and chocolate shops of Spain, La Crema Tapas & Chocolates offers a relaxing dining experience where one can pleasantly enjoy an alfresco meal after returning from a long day at the beach. The tapas menu features lighter shareable dishes such as serrano-wrapped figs with honey and goat cheese as well as fresh ceviche made with locally caught tuna. More substantial options include fish tacos with charred corn salsa and red chili aioli and a mouth-watering selection of Spanish paellas with traditional saffron rice. Round out your meal by indulging in La Crema’s decadent chocolate offerings. Favorites include chocolate fondue served with fruit and pound cake for dipping, hot chocolate molten cake, and the OMG triple chocolate chip cookies with whipped espresso cream.

must-visit 30A restaurants: La Crema — This shot, pre-COVID, captures the laid-back and beachy atmosphere La Crema offers to its guests. Image: La Crema Tapas & Chocolates

Chocolate and tapas at La Crema — You can’t go wrong with anything on La Crema’s chocolate or tapas menus! Image: La Crema Tapas & Chocolates

Enjoy your 30A dining adventures!

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About the Author
Anne Henley Walker

Anne Henley is a University of Georgia graduate (Go Dawgs!) currently based in Atlanta. She's perpetually on the hunt for her new favorite restaurant.