Best 30A Restaurants: Top Spots for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

ByMelissa

If great food is a must on your vacation, you’re in the right place. It’s always at the top of my priority list too!

After visiting with my family, I can confidently say that Florida’s 30A isn’t just known for its white-sand beaches and charming coastal towns–it’s also home to an amazing food scene.

From casual spots with a come-as-you-are vibe to upscale restaurants with stunning Gulf views, there’s so much you’ll want to try.

After plenty of taste-testing (all in the name of research, of course), we’ve rounded up the best 30A restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Let’s dive in!

Breakfast & Brunch

Breakfast or brunch can be the perfect way to start your day on the emerald coast. Here are our top 30A breakfast recommendations. 

  • Big Bad Breakfast – Let an award-winning chef cook you breakfast in Inlet Beach! Outdoor seating is available which is always in a win in our book.
  • Canopy Road Cafe – The bright and airy aesthetic is just the beginning of this delicious 30A brunch restaurant. You will have a difficult time deciding what to order after seeing all the delicious options on this menu! Check out the “Eggs Fransisco” or “The Hasher”.
  • Crackings – This restaurant serves breakfast and lunch and is highly rated on Google.  You can join the waitlist on Yelp to avoid long lines. They are famous for their lobster gouda grits.
  • The Perfect Pig – Located in Santa Rosa Beach, this shabby-chic bistro serves lunch and dinner. The customer service here is excellent.
  • Black Bear Bread Co – If a pastry and coffee is what you’re craving, Black Bear Bread Co is the place for you.  I even recommend grabbing an extra loaf of bread or box of pastries to take back to your vacation rental.  You won’t be sorry!
A beautifully set table filled with breakfast favorites.

Lunch

Next up is lunch! We always like to find something lighter, yet delicious around lunch time.  The perfect way to recharge before heading back to the beach!

  • Airstream Row – This stretch of food trucks in Seaside (just east of Grayton Beach) is the perfect place for a family lunch. Food truck options range from upscale grilled cheese, to BBQ, to hotdogs.  
  • The Shrimp Shack – Right across from Airstream Row, you will find this walk-up bar serving lobster rolls, oysters, and shrimp.
  • La Crema Tapas and Chocolate – Choosing from a variety of tapas (or small plates) is such a fun way to try new things. Finish off your tapas with some dark chocolate fondue!
  • Great Southern Cafe – Located in Seaside, this is the perfect place to stop for lunch when you are shopping in the central square. The southern flair they bring to their cuisine is sure to delight. Check out their happy hour as well!
  • George’s at Alys Beach – The calamari fries are a must! I will never go to George’s without getting these as my appetizer.  We also love their lobster roll. Yum!
  • Seagrove Village Market – This has been a Seagrove staple since 1949! Come here to enjoy a sizzling burger or po’ boy.
A pot of clams at a seafood restaurant.

Dinner

After a day in the sun, you will be ready for a delectable dinner!  Whether you desire an upscale fine-dining experience, or want to relax with a casual meal, we have recommendations for 30A’s best restaurants for dinner!

  • Old Florida Fish House – This might just be my favorite 30A restaurant for dinner! The outdoor seating is surrounded by string lights and has views of the coastal dune lakes. Dinner often features live music to round out the cozy ambiance. It is also very family friendly!
  • Cafe Thirty-A – The epitome of coastal charm, this casual fine dining restaurant is the star of dining in Seagrove Beach. Cafe Thirty-A would be perfect for a date night or night out with friends.
  • Ambrosia – This moody fine-dining restaurant is perfect for a fancy night out. Ambrosia showcases prime seafood and steaks, and also offers a unique “raw bar” menu highlighting oysters on the half shell, ceviche, and tuna tartare.
  • Chanticleer Eatery – This casual dinner spot in Santa Rosa features chops, steaks, and burgers. Guests also rave about the pork rind nachos.
  • Grayton Seafood – For a laid-back meal, check out this fishing shack themed diner. You can even take the fish you caught earlier that day and they will cook it right up for you! Talk about fresh!
  • Surfing Deer – Head to Santa Rosa for upscale American fare with outdoor seating and vegetarian options.
A hand-written specials menu at Old Florida Fish House on 30A in Florida.

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    Desserts

    If you’re craving something sweet, head to one of these dessert hotspots!

    • Blue Mountain Bakery – Cinnamon rolls and cookies steal the show at Blue Mountain Bakery! They even offer gluten free and organic options.
    • Blue Mountain Beach Creamery – The beach ice cream shop of your dreams!  My favorite flavor is the Blue Panda.

    Best Coffee Shops

    Don’t forget the coffee!  These are our three favorite coffee shops on 30A.

    • Holiday Cafe – My favorite coffee on 30A! I love the iced vanilla latte. It’s summer in a cup!
    • Coffee Shop at 30A – This newly opened coffee shop is a wonderful addition to 30A. Their crepes are the perfect pairing to go with your morning brew!
    best coffe on 30a

    Best 30A Restaurants with a View

    You will be remiss if you don’t eat at least one meal with a view of the emerald coast! The sound of the waves crashing as you dine with your family just can’t be beat.

    • Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar – Delicious food, live music, and a stunning gulf view! Serves lunch and dinner.
    • The Bay – Great family vibe right on the sand with live music and food that is sure to please.
    • Bud and Ally’s Waterfront – You’ll want to ask for an outdoor table to take in the elevated view of the turquoise water!
    • Havana Beach Bar and Grill – Eat in the open air with a view of Rosemary Beach and the gulf! Located in the charming Pearl Hotel.
    White sand and turqoise water of rosemary beach on 30a with relaxing beach chairs.

    Best Family-Friendly Restaurants

    As a family of 6, we always scope out the best kid-friendly restaurants on our travels! The following list is perfect for kid-approved food and a laid-back atmosphere.

    • Grace Pizza and Shakes – This laid back pizza joint is the perfect 30A restaurant for families.  The shakes are HUGE! Our family of 6 shared just 2 shakes and couldn’t even finish them. 
    • North Beach Social – Eat and play with your toes in the sand! Great for kids that need to run around while waiting on their food.
    • Raw and Juicy – Head to Raw and Juicy on Alys Beach for organic breakfast options and delicious smoothies and juices! It’s right next to an outdoor play area which is great for kids.
    • The Big Chill – Just west of Seacrest Beach, this hub of walk-up restaurants features a communal eating area in the middle.  Lunch options include burgers, tacos, and lobster rolls. *Note: Check their calendar for special family-friendly events!
    • The Donut Hole – Serving a large variety of donut options as well as other breakfast fare.  Corn hole is available to play outside.  Our kids loved having something fun to do while we waited for a table!
    • Pizza by the Sea – Your kids will be delighted with the pizza, pasta, and sandwiches offered at Pizza by the Sea.
    Outdoor restaurant with a view.

    Things to Keep in Mind

    Let’s be real–30A isn’t the most budget-friendly destination, even when it comes to groceries. Dining out can add up quickly, with kids’ meals averaging .  Ouch!  But now that you know, you can plan ahead and budget for your trip accordingly and plan for splurges on must-try spots. 

    I suggest always making reservations ahead of time if possible. Many of these popular restaurants book up in advance or have very long wait times.  If you are unable to make reservations and are traveling with kids, consider eating early for lunch and dinner to avoid the crowds.

    You’ll also want to keep in mind that a few of the local restaurants close during the winter. 

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      Final Thoughts

      Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches are easily some of the best family-friendly destinations in the country, and we know you’ll love your time on 30A!

      Enjoying local cuisine can absolutely add to the experience of your trip. Our family loved eating our way through this area of Florida and we can’t wait to hear what spots you try. (You can always tag us on Instagram!)

      As you plan your itinerary for 30A, check out our complete list of things to do on 30A and our complete list of what to pack for your beach getaway!

      Pinterest pin for the best restaurants on 30A.
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      Melissa is a seasoned traveler who studied abroad in Europe and interned in Mexico before embracing family adventures with her husband and four kids. As the founder of Everyday Family Travel, she helps families plan memorable trips across the U.S. with kid-friendly destination guides and expert family travel tips.