Here in South Walton we have a great collection of wonderful restaurants, from one end of the county to the other. The latest list of awards from Florida Trend Magazine honors some of our very best.
Each year, Florida Trend highlights the top restaurants throughout the state with the Golden Spoon Awards. Six South Walton restaurants are included this year, more than any other area in the Panhandle.
Emeril Lagasse is one of our favorite TV personalities and one of our favorite chefs. He's also become a great friend and neighbor here in South Walton. His generosity is well known from his efforts to help others through the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.
Established in 2002, the foundation supports non-profit organizations and educational initiatives that create new opportunities for children, especially for those from disadvantaged circumstances, in the communities where Emeril’s restaurants operate.
Bruno’s Pizza has moved from their location in the heart of Seagrove down the road to the Watersound Gatehouse building at the entrance of Watersound Beach, on the south side of Scenic 30A. Bruno’s now occupies the space that was once Fen’s Deli, with fifty seats inside and thirty seats outside in a beautiful oak-shaded plaza.
Local Catch Bar and Grill won over South Walton locals and visitors the day it opened back in 2012. Owners Adam Yellin and Jimmy Hasser recently decided it was time to “beef up” the menu. Since opening their second location in Tuscaloosa, AL, they have been back and forth quite a bit. Now that both locations are settled in, they can come back to the beach for a while and focus on the South Walton location.
Bud and Alley’s Pizza Bar offers a casual dining experience that’s big on local flavor. Located next to Bud and Alley’s Restaurant on Scenic 30A in Seaside, the restaurant houses four distinct dining areas: seats by the oven to enjoy dough tossing, an intimate indoor space with full bar, an open-air courtyard with candlelit tables, and a shady terrace overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Nick’s Seafood Restaurant is famous for having the freshest seafood around. They get all of their mullet, crab, shrimp, and flounder right out of the Choctawhatchee Bay. The Gulf provides an endless supply of fish right off the boat. The Nick family takes pride in serving real seafood - not worried about how pretty they can put crab on top of grouper - but ensuring that it’s the freshest and tastiest grouper you'll ever have.
Bud & Alley's of Seaside is an icon of the community. Rather than creating an ambiance, they have simply allowed the lifestyle of SoWal to dictate the atmosphere of all they do. This natural course has carried over to the Taco Bar. This festive little dive has all the colors and deliciousness of Mexico. Don't walk in expecting a generic taco experience. Taco Bar creates a fresh, authentic experience with a full bar offering tasty tequila and specialty drinks.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is starting this holiday season with a special, sparkling event. The Village of Baytowne Wharf will be lit with holiday décor and cheer for Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights, presented by the Sandestin Wine Festival on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse returned to South Walton recently for the taping of the second season of “Emeril’s Florida.” Emeril made visits to many South Walton favorites to enjoy the food, the people and to experience what makes SoWal so special.
The annual Seeing Red Wine Festival in Seaside is one of South Walton's most popular events. The 23rd edition continues the tradition of great food and wine. The event sells out every year so get your tickets now!
