3 Best Restaurants in Seaside, Florida- Seaside, Florida is a one-of-a-kind coastal small town that is the birthplace of the New Urbanism architectural design movement. Whether you choose to explore this iconic beach community for the pastel-colored house, iconic town center, or incoming culinary scene, Seaside has it all. This sugar-white sand beach was also the backdrop for Jim Carrey’s hit movie, The Truman Show. Seaside, Florida has been a gathering spot for families and friends over the past years, allowing individuals to come together to enjoy local art galleries, boutiques, and performing arts. This New Urbanist community won’t leave you yearning for more. As mentioned, Seaside is one of the up incoming locations for fresh, coastal cuisine. Tourists can choose to dine in a casual beachfront eatery or at one of the retro food trailers along Airstream Row. With everything from barbecue to 100-layer donuts to fine seafood dining, everyone’s appetites will be satisfied.
Here are the 3 Best Restaurants in Seaside, Florida
The Great Southern
Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar & Trattoria
Cocina Cubana
Each establishment was chosen based on personal experience and online reviews. If you’re looking for a delicious new restaurant to try out this Spring vacation, continue reading to learn more.
The Great Southern
The Great Southern can be found in the heart of Seaside, Florida. Grand champion executive chef Jim Shirley opened the Great Southern Cafe back in 2006 and since then the restaurant still occupies the same spot. This establishment provides a nice blend of casual, laid-back energy, while still maintaining an affluently appealing vibe.
Chef Shirley chooses to mix international cuisines with southern cooking, in order to create unique, mouth-watering dishes. He believes “our histories are told by the food we cook and eat”. Meaning one of the main goals of this restaurant is to tell a story of Jim Shirley’s personal history, which entails great food and even better people.
The Great Southern hopes that every customer can find Chef Shirley’s life flavors and cooking as much as he does. Relying heavily on local produce from nearby farms and fresh catch straight from the Gulf of Mexico, this restaurant goes above and beyond for the community, as well as the tourists.
Location of The Great Southern
The Great Southern
83 Central Square
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459
(850) 231- 7327
The Great Southern Café (thegreatsoutherncafe.com)
Review of The Great Southern
“10/10 would recommend. The name isn’t lying, it truly is a great southern cafe! We had the fried pork chops with three sides and the great southern dip sandwich. Both were delicious! We also had a watermelon-coconut mojito and calamari which was also very good! I would eat here again and would highly recommend it to anyone.” – Diana H.
Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar & Trattoria
Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar & Trattoria is located on the beach side of Seaside, Florida town center. This locally inspired pizzeria serves authentically cooked, Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta. The main passion of this establishment is to stay as rooted in traditional pizza cooking techniques as possible. From mixing the dough to shaping the dough to maintaining a proper flame, every pizza is made with great care and heart.
All options on the menu are created by hand every day, including fresh mozzarella, sourdough, and seasonal bruschetta. At Bud & Alley’s, the menu is specially curated with a handful of local craft beers, wines, and a special list of handcrafted cocktails. They aim to create a menu that uplifts the local community daily while offering the best ingredients from both sea and land.
Location of Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar & Trattoria
Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar & Trattoria
2236 East County Highway 30A
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459
(850) 231- 3113
Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar + Trattoria | Bud and Alley’s (budandalleys.com)
Review of Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar & Trattoria
“We stopped in for a pre dinner drink and ended up getting some appetizers too. The drinks were good, nothing phenomenal but hit the spot. The mahi strips were recommended and at $18 for only five pieces seemed expensive but they were mighty tasty. We also got the fried brussel sprouts and the portion was huge, four people couldn’t finish them.” – Tracey A.
Cocina Cubana
Cocina Cubana is one of the newer restaurants to hit the culinary scene in Seaside, Florida. The owners and operators of this establishment had great success with a previous food joint called Crepes Du Soleil, found in one of the many Airstream eateries. Liz and Jay Eichelberger and Chef Rob Mosone came together yet again, but this time to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant honoring Jay’s Cuban heritage.
By utilizing family recipes and Cuban flavors, the three individuals were able to collaborate when it came to curating the best menu. From bowls and Cuban sandwiches to coffee and croquetas, guests can grab a quick taste of Cuba while sunbathing on Seaside. In addition to the previously mentioned foods, Cocina Cubana also offers vegan takes on traditional Cuban meals. This restaurant also serves frozen drinks, including frozen Cuba libre, Froses, and Frojitios. Consider stopping by to try out Seaside’s newest restaurant.
Location of Cocina Cubana
Cocina Cubana
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459
(850) 389- 0046
Cuban Food in Seaside, FL | Cocina Cubana 30A
Review of Cocina Cubana
“This place is so good, it’s worth going out of your way. Highest quality, fresh, delicious ingredients make for the best bowl possible. fast, friendly service and lots of outdoor sitting.” – Segev T.
Find a Restaurant near you in Seaside, Florida
I hope that this article helps you when choosing where to eat your next meal on vacation. Consider supporting one or all of the previously mentioned local businesses this spring vacation. For more restaurants in Seaside, Florida visit the JetSetting Fashionista.
