Just a short list, but you can’t go wrong grabbing grub at these local establishments!
Pizza
Grimaldi’s Pizza in Grand Boulevard – Do you know the history of the awesome New York style pizza place? Great salads and pizza, and they also have a wonderful open air bar on the west side of the restaurant (open weather permitting).
Five Star Eats
Ovide in the Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
Hands down the best restaurant in Sandestin. The food is amazing and the setting is wonderfully immersive. We’d suggest dinner, or Sunday brunch. The valet will park your car for free if you have a reservation, just pull up in front of Hotel Effie for service. Ovide is just inside the hotel to the left. Five star also means five star prices, FYI. For a full meal and two drinks for a couple will run upwards of $200. Worth it though! Try the braised short-rib and don’t forget the bread pudding to finish things off!
Pick your favorite style of steak, maybe it’s an 8oz filet mignon or dry aged 10oz New York strip, or 12oz prime rib. Add your favorite sides of steamed spinach and garlic mash potatoes, and order a classic Old Fashioned or enjoy an excellent glass of wine. Hands down the only steak house in the area that represents. Don’t forget to order a plate of exotic raw oysters with their signature red-wine and shallot dipping sauce for an appetizer! Five star, not cheap, but worth it!
Great Breakfasts
Sunset Bay Cafe in Sandestin – our number one pick! Located on the bay side over on the western side of Sandestin Resort. Get the beignets! So not good for you, but so very very good! Follow that up with a glass of fresh orange juice, two eggs and bacon, a tasty Denver omelet, or Eggs Benedict!
Sunset Bay Cafe does not take reservations so during busy tourist times try to find an off time for faster table service. There’s ample parking in the lot out in front. In spring or fall ask for a table outside on the pool deck out near the bay!
Ruby Slipper – New Orleans style brunch is just a few steps away in Baytowne Warf. World famous biscuits, french toast, or a great plate of eggs! Great way to start your day!
Another Broken Egg Cafe on Grand Boulevard – An American staple. Call in advance, they are popular.
Bars
Hotel Effie Rooftop Bar and Pool
When we visit Sandestin, this is the place we like to come to for celebrations. Are you heading down for the Forth of July and would like to be eye level with Sandestin’s annual fireworks display? Maybe you’re coming down for New Years and you’re looking for some fun! Effie always throws a great rooftop party!
Outside of big celebrations, this is a great place to gather in the afternoon, enjoy a fancy drink and great views of the bay and marina, and if so inclined take a dip or play some chess. Call in advance for reservations or tickets for any large events.
The Craft Bar on Grand Boulevard – right next to Publix, local establishment. Good food, friendly bartenders, relaxed setting.
Vintij on Grand Boulevard – Couple five-star eats with the most impressive wine list this side of of the Mississippi. Call ahead to make reservations and during temperate seasons, book a table on the west side patio. You can’t go wrong with this choice.
Good Eats
Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill on the beach – Oh, did we not mention the coolest place to chill, have a drink, eat some chicken wings, watch the surf and chill! Sorry! This is your go to place to chill at 5pm.
Located right on the beach in the old Elephant Walk building. Park in the beach parking next to the Hilton. Avoid the tables near the live music, it’s almost always too loud. Also skip the interior tables and wait for deck seating!
Tuscany Italian in the Sandestin Shops – Across from the main entrance of Sandestin sits The Market Shops. To the east of the mall, you’ll find a great Italian place called Tuscany. Make reservations, it’s popular. The food is amazing!