One of the most popularly asked questions from visitors to our area: Which restaurants have the best view? There are a handful, and they’re all worth trying. Here’s the list of restaurants with a bay or ocean view near 30A.
Restaurants with a Bay View
The Bay Restaurant
One of Chef Jim Shirley’s most established restaurants along the coast, The Bay is located on the coast of the Choctawatchee Bay.
The restaurant features cozy outdoor seating on the sandy beach. Fire pits and live music are a staple of Wednesday nights. Dock access is available for guests arriving by boat.
The restaurant is located on the on the northeast corner of Hwy 331 and Chat Holley Road. Additional parking is available under the string lights across the street.
Open 11:30am – 9pm
Limited reservations available.
24215 Hwy. 331 North
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 622-2291
North Beach Social
The newest restaurant along the bay, North Beach Social has come on strong with the locals, and is a favorite Sunday brunch and holiday destination.
Most seating is outdoor on the deck and beach. Orders are placed inside and self-seating is always in effect. Live music is the norm and there are games for kids to play in the sand.
Fire pits are lit at night, weather permitting.
My favorite part of North Beach Social is that there’s no pressure to leave. Hang as long as you want.
The weakness of the restaurant is actually the food. A few dishes are worth the visit, however, including the Grits A Ya Ya with blackened shrimp.
Open 11am – 9pm Mon-Fri
Open 8am – 9pm Sat-Sun
No reservations.
24200 Hwy. 331 South
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 622-8110
Farm & Fire
After some upgrades to the kitchen in early 2022, Farm & Fire is back to 7 days a week service!
The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor above North Beach Social on the northwest corner of Hwy 331 and Chat Holley Road. Farm & Fire has an excellent balcony view of the bay and offers some of the best sunset bay views. Additional parking is available under the string lights across the street.
The menu includes a host of sushi roll options, wagyu burger, ribeye steak, rotating pizza specials, and seasonal fish.
Open 4pm – 9pm Mon-Sun
Dinner service only.
24200 Hwy. 331 South
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 622-3871
Restaurants with an Ocean View
Vue 30A
The western-most restaurant with a view is Vue 30A. Floor to ceiling windows offer some of the best sunset views on the coast.
Crab stuffed lobster tails and filet mignon are two of the many dinner favorites. I personally think the Pork Tomahawk Niçoise is worth the trip.
Open 11am – 2:30pm Tue-Sat
Open 5pm – 9pm Tue-Sat
Reservations encouraged
4801 County Highway 30A West
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 267-2305
Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar
One of the most casual options, Shunk Gulley is located on the north side of 30A, directly across the street from Ed Walline Regional Beach Access.
The windows are always open and the second floor offers breezy views of sunset on the coast.
Live music is common and live sports are always on on the TVs upstairs.
Open 11am – 10pm Mon-Sun
No reservations
1875 South Highway 393
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 622-2733
Bud & Alleys Seaside Restaurant
Located in the heart of Seaside, Bud & Alleys is one of the oldest, most beloved names in dining near 30A. Outdoor seating with coastal views are available.
Crab Cakes, Grilled Pork Porterhouse, Seared Diver Scallops, and Grilled 14oz Ribeye are just some of the popular dishes served daily. Several menu items are marked as reduced gluten dishes.
Open 11am – 9pm Mon-Fri
Open 8am – 9pm Sat-Sun
2236 East County Highway 30A
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 231-5900
Fish Out of Water Restaurant
Located on the beach in Watercolor, Fish Out of Water (FOOW) offers indoor and outdoor seating with excellent views of the coast.
Burgers, sandwiches, shrimp baskets, Surf N Turf, Grouper, and Swordfish headline the menu.
Open 8am – 9pm Mon-Sun
No reservations
Private & Semi-Private Event Scheduling
34 Goldenrod Circle
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 534-5050
Pescado
One of my favorite restaurants is Pescado in Rosemary Beach. The seafood grill and rooftop bar offer distant views of the beach with one of the best outdoor atmospheres on 30A.
Open 4pm – 11pm Mon-Tue
Open 11am – 11pm Wed-Sat
Open 10:15am – 11pm Sun
Reservations encouraged
Must be 18 to enter after lunch
74 Town Hall Rd, Suite 4B
Rosemary Beach, FL 32413
(850) 213-4600
Havana Bar and Grill
Stunning views of the coast and the square in Rosemary are features of the Rooftop Lounge at Havana Bar and Grill. Bistro style seating and communal tables encourage warm conversation in the ocean breeze.
Entree food service on The Rooftop is available 11am – 3pm. Light food options are available on The Rooftop from 6pm – 8pm. Classic sandwich fare includes the Havana Cuban, Blackened Grouper Sandwich, The ABLT, and Roasted Chicken Salad. Burgers and Hemingway Shrimp and Grits are also popular items.
Open 8am – 2pm Daily
Open 5pm – 9pm Daily
63 Main Street
Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
(850) 534-5050
