Santa Rosa Beach Lunch Spots for a Mid-day Break
Santa Rosa Beach encompasses one of the largest areas in Florida’s 30A-South Walton and houses four small beach towns. Located within these towns, visitors will find raved-about restaurants perfect for lunch. These spots feature delicious seafood, Southern comfort bites and other goodies the whole group will love, including sit-down and grab-and-go options. Hungry? Check out some of the best Santa Rosa Beach lunch restaurants.
Take a Break: Top 8 Santa Rosa Beach Lunch Spots
The Great Southern Cafe (Santa Rosa)
Just a few blocks up from the waters of the Gulf on 30A, visitors will find The Great Southern Cafe. With its warm and cozy atmosphere and inviting decor, Chef Jim Shirley, delights locals and guests with cooking sourced from local produce, farms and seafood.
Great Southern Cafe serves fresh flavors with a Southern twist, with entrees including white shrimp, grits a ya ya and seafood celebration. Many dishes come with sides that fill guests up, such as collard greens, cheese grits, fried green tomatoes and mashed potatoes. For something lighter, try sandwiches, salads and appetizers.
Seagrove Village Cafe (Seagrove)
Serving deep fried love since 1949, Seagrove Village Cafe is located just a few blocks from The Great Southern Cafe. Some suggest the fried green tomatoes and fried okra rank among the best in 30A, and the grouper is a crowd-pleaser as well.
With over 60 years in the local market, the cafe hasn’t changed much on the menu, but has added new favorites, like their po-boy sandwiches and fish tacos. Other items include chicken and waffles, half-pound burgers, and fish or shrimp tacos. This Santa Rosa Beach lunch spot is always busy, so arrive ready to browse their gift shop before eating.
Cafe Tango (Santa Rosa)
Planning ahead for a day at the beach? Try Cafe Tango. They deliver tasty soups, salads, dips and platters from their full menu the night before. All customers have to do is heat and serve for lunch the next day.
Cafe Tango serves as a great option for those staying in a 30A-South Walton vacation rental, and helps vacationers enjoy time relaxing at the beach. Full meals feature chicken, gumbo, pork chops, seafood dinners and grilled favorites.
The Perfect Pig (Seagrove, Gulf Place)
Vacationers can’t experience the South without trying pulled pork, and The Perfect Pig serves pulled pork sandwiches and much more. With two locations – Gulf Place and the Shops of Grand Isle – the quaint atmosphere welcomes all to sit awhile.
In addition to pulled pork, the lunch menu includes brisket, burgers, shrimp salad, chicken and BLTs. The Perfect Pig also has options for vegetarians, including a hummus plate and Greek salad. Reservations are recommend.
98 BBQ (Santa Rosa)
Grab a bite at 98 BBQ, which has earned numerous accolades for gumbo. The Seeling family has served 30A residents barbecue for over 40 years. Locals suggest the bread pudding, beef brisket and potato salad, but the whole menu satisfies those looking for hearty portions.
Popular lunch options include sandwiches with meats such as pork, sausage, steak and chicken. For lighter options, try fresh salads with the soup of the day. 98 BBQ’s atmosphere is inviting, quirky and eclectic, and diners can even play a game of table-top shuffleboard.
The Bay (Santa Rosa)
Chef Jim Shirley – owner of The Great Southern Cafe – makes a splash with his second restaurant, The Bay. Located on Choctawhatchee Bay, this top Santa Rosa Beach lunch spot features stunning views, delicious food and a cozy atmosphere.
The Bay also ranks as a top place for seafood and sushi on 30A. Due to popularity, lunch is the perfect time to try The Bay, and its menu offers small plates, salads, seafood platters and faux ya ya, a spin on shrimp and grits. Those looking to relax with an adult beverage have their choice of 12 draft beers, numerous wine selections and bar-crafted cocktails. Reservations are not accepted, so plan an early lunch.
Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill (Grayton)
Hurricane Oyster Bar and Grill is a 30A original, which visitors notice as soon as they walk in for lunch. Inside, guests can’t help but browse the walls, chat with locals, and have a blast in this casual spot.
If looking for flavors that celebrate NOLA, Gulf Coast, Caribbean Islands and the Lowcountry, stop by Hurricane. Frequent visitors rave about lobster bisque, cheese grits, nachos, fried pickles, enchiladas, smoked tuna dip and oysters on the half shell. In addition, try Southern seafood basket, crab cakes and locally inspired salads.
Meltdown on 30A (Santa Rosa)
When craving grilled cheese, stop by Meltdown on 30A. Also owned by Jim Shirley, this fun-loving grilled cheese haven serves gourmet melts using locally sourced ingredients.
With crowd favorites – such as brown bag ham and smoked Gouda to the classic all-American grilled cheese – cheese lovers can’t get enough of this food truck. Meltdown on 30A gets busy during the lunch rush, so consider visiting a little early or later.
Santa Rose Beach is calling! View vacation rentals in Santa Rosa Beach and other 30A beach areas. Then find more things to do in 30A.