Top 10 Romantic Date Night Restaurants on the Emerald Coast | GoVetted
- GoVetted
- Feb 8, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Like us, you probably like to go go go all week, then put the “we” back in “weekend.” When you’re looking for a night out to regroup and actually talk to your honey bunny, here are some of our top choices. (Leave the phone at home. Or at least in the car. 😉
RESTAURANT PARADIS | Rosemary Beach, FL
Wine, dine, and be sublime in this secret not-so-secret gem in Rosemary Beach. Nestled on the main strip, Paradis has been tantalizing the taste buds of locals and visitors since Danny & Monica Cosenzi opened its doors many moons ago. Chef Mark Eichin takes pride in using locally grown products, and his talented culinary staff creates unique features every night. Naturally, they welcome any personal dietary restrictions.
HEMINGWAY'S ISLAND GRILL | Pensacola, FL
This waterfront gem offers casual dockside dining overlooking the beautiful Santa Rosa Sound. Their deep wine list and Key West influenced atmosphere relaxes even the most stressed out couple of sojourners. Nightly drink and dinner specials make this award-winning restaurant a selfie and Date Night must.
HAVANA BEACH BAR & GRILL | Rosemary Beach, FL
Speaking of Ernest, Havana is inspired by El Floridita, Hemingway’s favorite haunt in the Cuban capital. Papa Hemingway himself would approve of the hand-carved mahogany bar and comfortable, communal ambiance full of life and steeped in the joy of living. Reserve a table in their vibrant dining room, outdoor veranda, or rooftop lounge, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and Rosemary’s thriving Main Street.
JACKSON'S STEAKHOUSE | Pensacola Beach, FL
Executive Chef Irv Miller runs the show at this Pensacola treasure, located in an 1860s-era building that originally housed H. Pfeiffer & Company Mercantile. Mr. Miller procures only Midwestern grain-fed beef and the local seafood is hand-selected and prepared to perfection. This romantic spot has been placed by the Distinguished Restaurants of North America in the top two percent of all fine dining restaurants in the country.
FIREFLY | Panama City Beach, FL
Voted one of 2017’s Most Romantic Restaurants by OpenTable, Firefly is a classic Date Night choice. And those with pure food indulgence in mind have come to the right place. From start to finish—and even after-dinner cocktails in the Library— Executive Chef Derek Langford’s menu offers the starters, sushi, entrées, desserts, and drinks to keep you returning time and time again.
VUE ON 30A | Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Can you say, “Best sunset ever?!” South Walton’s restaurant by the sea was recently named “Best Waterfront Dining” by Florida Travel + Life Magazine. Part of a private club and golf course, The Vue is open to the public and serves lunch, dinner and happy hour throughout the week, as well as Sunday brunch. Be sure to get there early and make the scene in their ultra-loungey lounge. (Yes, we said that.)
VIN'TIJ FOOD & WINE | Miramar Beach, FL
An Emerald Coast go-to for over 20 years, Vin’tij is now located in the Grand Boulevard Shopping Center at Sandestin. This award-winning restaurant satisfies foodies of all persuasions – carnivores, vegetarians, pescatarians and vegans. Known for their highly acclaimed multi-course winemaker dinners and their impressive wine shop, Vin’tij is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, and their weekend brunch is served from 9am-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. You and your honey will lo’ve it!
CUVEE 30A | Inlet Beach, FL
As the song goes, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere! Tim Creehan’s newest creation was voted Best Happy Hour by Emerald Coast Magazine, and one step into this Inlet Beach jewel will tell you why. You and your date will immediately feel at home among the locals who will start a conversation with you before you can say, “I’m new in town.” And oh yeah, the food’s good, too!
EMERIL'S COASTAL ITALIAN | Miramar Beach, FL
Emeril’s flagship restaurant in Northwest Florida, this is another Grand Boulevard bestie. Combining the rich and diverse tradition of Italian cuisine with the bountiful variety of nearby fresh Gulf seafood and local ingredients, Mr. Lagasse’s menu features Italian favorites like house made meatballs, Lasagna Bolognese and other creative flatbreads, as well as specialties straight from the Gulf. The relaxed atmosphere provides a coastal feeling complete with elegant and sophisticated touches.
BEACH WALK CAFE | Destin, FL
With over 500 5-Star TripAdvisor ratings, it’s tough to find a more romantic Date Night spot between Destin and New Orleans. Bumping up against a nationally recognized state park, the view is stunning, the food is magnificent, and the ambiance perfectly encapsulates romance. Need more convincing? OpenTable voters placed this Gulf Coast sweetheart in the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the United States. Reserve early, gaze into each other’s eyes often!
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