If you’re up for an out-of-the-way food adventure, there are some unique dining experiences to be found in Walton County, Florida. With more than 200 restaurants to choose from, Walton County is known for its creative culinary scene – stretching from the sugar-white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico to the shores of Lake Jackson and the Florida/Alabama state line.
Royal Palm Grille
Just off Scenic Highway 98 in Miramar Beach, a landmark for thirsty beachgoers is connected to a restaurant with a Gulf view and a menu worth sinking your teeth into.
“They come for the location, and we keep them with the quality of the food,” says owner Nicki Cox. A hidden gem on their menu is the Gulf Coast-style fried green tomatoes topped with sauteed jumbo shrimp and a spicy beurre blanc sauce. This dish combines a classic southern staple with a taste of the Gulf. It’s an appetizer made to share, but you won’t want to.
Enjoy a free beach bonfire every Monday and Friday evening after grabbing a frozen drink at the Beach Bar, fresh sushi from the restaurant or trying a new dish from their extensive menu.
Polished Chef
In Walton County, there’s no need to leave your home or vacation accommodations to enjoy fine dining. The award-winning Polished Chef Nathan Davis specializes in custom-catered cuisine, offering a variety of fresh seafood, meat and produce to bring you a personalized culinary experience.
Davis, based in Santa Rosa Beach, says other private chefs and catering companies will often batch cook, preparing the meal ahead of time and reheating it. “I don’t take shortcuts,” says Davis. The Polished Chef cooks with a higher standard and prepares everything in your home.
Nick’s Seafood
Located on the Choctawhatchee Bay, one of Freeport’s oldest restaurants began as a fishing camp and has since grown into a 60-year-old family-owned restaurant.
“My Grandaddy started the business in 1956,” says owner Trey Nick who proudly carries on the family name and business. With waterfront views of the Bay and fresh local seafood, it’s no wonder this mom-and-pop operation with a family-friendly atmosphere is a locals’ favorite.
“We have the best fried shrimp you’ll find anywhere,” proclaims Nick, “We are also known for our blue crabs and fresh mullet.”
Café Nola
Tucked away in historic DeFuniak Springs, Café Nola offers an authentic Cajun experience with an old Florida vibe. Walking into the 20s-style restaurant will take you back 100 years to when the Freemasons first built the place. 
The most popular dessert, created by restaurant owner Chef Ernie Danjean himself, is the Deep-Fried Bread Pudding. “People have had bread pudding every kind of way before, but they’ve never had it deep fried. And I know that because I invented it,” says Danjean. “You know, we warn people – you will keep coming back for it.”
“We’re spearheading the redevelopment of this really awesome downtown DeFuniak,” says Danjean. “It’s nice to see old-town America making a comeback.”
2A’s Mossy Head Diner
Mossy Head’s newest diner is a blast from the past. This 80s-themed café in north Walton County boasts a variety of specialty grilled-pressed sandwiches like the Grilled Spicy Thai Chicken, a 2A Café original grilled sandwich with smoked pulled chicken flavored with Thai red curry, peanut butter and orange marmalade.
Owners Jason and Amanda Ramsey started their restaurant journey after being shut out of work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their entrepreneurial spirit and love of food led them to founding the 2A Café Food Truck in June 2022. They recently expanded and opened a storefront located off Highway 90 in Mossy Head, Florida, with 80s-themed décor that draws in folks from all walks of life.
Often the best part of any vacation is experiencing new flavors. Walton County offers an out-of-the-box experience, in sometimes the most unexpected places, that brings hungry visitors and locals alike back for another course.