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An abundance of seafood is served at coastal restaurants: oysters, crab, shrimp, scallops, and a variety of fish. Of course, that's not all there is on the menu. This part of Florida still impresses diners with old-fashioned comfort foods such as meat loaf, fried chicken, beans and corn bread, okra, and fried green tomatoes. You'll also find small-town seafood shacks where you can dine on local favorites such as deep-fried mullet, cheese grits, coleslaw, and hush puppies. Restaurants, like resorts, vary their operating tactics off-season, so call first if visiting during winter months.
A white-light-adorned oak tree in the center of the dining room sets a warm, wistful tone at this casual fine-dining gem. The menu features fresh seafood (including a sushi bar) and Southern feel-good staples, all creatively plated. Diners typically rave about the personalized service.
Food Network star James Briscione and his wife, Brooke Parkhurst, returned to Pensacola to create Angelena's, named for the wife of a Sicilian immigrant who found success as a Pensacola produce merchant in the early 1880s. Today, the pair carries on the legacy of fresh, sustainable ingredients in this trendy Downtown hot spot.
Named for a pet cat and dog, this down-to-earth, beachside restaurant has been a local favorite for Gulf seafood and Southern classics since 1987, when Seaside had only 12 houses. You can also grab a quick bite at the taco and pizza bars, or head for the Roof Deck Bar to settle in with a cocktail and toast the sunset.
About 1½ miles east of Seaside and set in a beautiful Florida-style home with high ceilings and a wide veranda, this restaurant has an elegant look (think white-linen tablecloths) and impeccable service. The menu changes regularly and might include such entrées as pan-roasted grouper, sesame-crusted rare yellowfin tuna, or grilled filet mignon. Even if you if don't usually go for Southern food, try the appetizer of grilled Georgia quail with creamy grits. With nearly 20 creative varieties, the martini menu alone is worth the trip.
When he migrated from Louisiana to Northwest Florida, chef Tim Creehan became a culinary celebrity, known for his creative takes on steak and seafood. He's helmed restaurants up and down the coast and now showcases his award-winning talents as chef-owner of Cuvee 30A, where entrées include black-pepper-crusted yellowfin tuna and pecan-crusted Grouper Vince. You can also reserve a special seat at the Chef's Table to watch as chefs prepare your meal. The dining room and bar are casually elegant; for a much more casual experience, visit Creehan's 30A Burger, just a few doors down in the 30 Avenue center.
This sophisticated steak house sits on the same street Andrew Jackson walked to meet the Spanish Governor Cavalla in order to transfer the territory to the United States in 1821. Contemporary furnishings in an old-world setting take you back in time, and the meat is aged as well. Enjoy traditional apps like shrimp cocktail or oysters Rockefeller before selecting your steak paired with sides such as lobster risotto or whipped Yukon golds.
Just upstairs from Casino Beach Bar is Drift, a fine-dining venue with the best views on the beach. Enjoy an award-winning wine list, prime rib on Sundays, and sunset happy hours in a spectacular setting.
George's has a well-deserved reputation for serving elegantly plated food in a casual setting. There's plenty of patio space for outdoor dining as well as an upstairs deck where you can enjoy a beer or wine while waiting to be seated. For ease in ordering, the menus have both lighter "behave" and more indulgent "misbehave" sections. Takes on fresh seafood are the stars, although steak and burgers are on the menu, too.
This restaurant offers unforgettable views of Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay along with mouthwatering fresh local cuisine. Top-notch seafood shares the menu—printed daily—with specials.
A favorite among the Downtown crowd for business lunches and intimate dinners, Jackson's has received the Florida Trend Golden Spoon Hall of Fame Award for its superb steaks and local seafood. The setting’s not bad, either—housed in an 1860s-era mercantile building, the restaurant overlooks Plaza Ferdinand, where the American flag was first raised in Pensacola.
A harbor view, impeccable service, and sophisticated fare create one of the finest dining experiences on the Emerald Coast. Selections include Gulf seafood; USDA steaks; gourmet pizzas; and Creole, Mediterranean, or Pan-Asian dishes. A special sushi menu is also available. The wine list is extensive, and happy hour runs from 5 to 7. An ocean motif is expressed in shades of aqua, green, and sand accented with marine tapestries and sea sculptures.
Contemporary treats—of both the food and cocktail varieties—abound at this hip, sleek gem on Pensacola's hottest Downtown strip. The menu's Southern and seafood favorites feature seasonal ingredients, modern preparation techniques, and artistic plating.
