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Welcome To Great Southern Cafe
Great Southern Cafe, located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, is a culinary gem celebrated for its vibrant blend of Southern-inspired seafood dishes. Diners rave about the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, with many highlighting the tranquil outdoor seating. Signature menu items include mouthwatering Cajun calamari, delectable Grits a YaYa, and the unforgettable Beignets, each delighting the palate with rich flavors and artful presentation. With a commitment to freshness and creativity, Great Southern Cafe has quickly become a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers seeking an exceptional dining experience along Florida’s stunning coast.
Taste the best
Discover Our Menu
VEGGIE FRITTATA
US$12.00BISCUITS AND GRAVY
US$11.00Smoked Gouda Cheese Grits
US$4.00
Side of Fresh Fruit
US$4.00Side of Gravy
US$4.00Hashbrowns
US$3.50
Chicken Sausage
US$4.00Smoked Bacon
US$4.00Chorizo
US$4.00 About
Great Southern Cafe
Welcome to the Great Southern Cafe, an enchanting culinary gem nestled in the heart of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Located at 83 Central Square, this charming eatery celebrates the vibrant flavors of the South while embracing the rich bounty of the sea. You can reach them at +1 850-231-7327 for reservations or inquiries.
Step inside, and you'll be greeted by a warm ambiance and a friendly staff eager to make your dining experience memorable. The moment you sit down, you're enveloped in an atmosphere that feels both relaxed and inviting, making it an ideal spot for any meal of the day.
Customer reviews paint a vivid picture of the Great Southern Cafe’s offerings. Jerrimee Hamlin was delightfully surprised by the “amazing service” and the swift arrival of piping hot dishes. Her praise for the beignets, which she rated a perfect 100/10, alongside the Biscuits & Gravy and Cafe Benedict, speaks volumes about the kitchen's dedication to quality and taste. The beautiful outdoor seating enhances the experience, providing a serene backdrop to your meal.
Mariah Cleary’s experience highlights a robust dinner menu filled with flavorsome options. Her rave review of the calamari and raw oysters underscores the cafe's commitment to freshness and quality. With dishes like blackened shrimp and grits a ya ya, the Great Southern Cafe perfectly marries classic Southern cuisine with seafood finesse.
For those looking for a mix of flavors, Cybil Skar’s account of her meal is particularly enticing. The Habanero Margarita paired with the buttermilk chicken sandwich showcases the creativity bursting from the kitchen. Patrons can also enjoy the well-executed meat and three sides option, catering to those who love to sample a bit of everything.
Returning guests like Keary Martin find solace in the cafe's diverse offerings. With favorites like the fish of the day and blackened mahi, it’s evident that every dish, from the black-eyed pea hummus to the beloved soul rolls, is crafted with care and precision.
Lastly, Olivia M. Wilson describes her first-time visit as a delightful adventure through seafood with a Southern twist. The seafood celebration platter is a must-try for anyone unsure of their palate, offering an exquisite variety that is sure to satisfy. The freshness of the oysters and crab claws will undoubtedly keep food enthusiasts coming back for more.
The Great Southern Cafe is more than just a meal; it is an experience steeped in Southern hospitality, culinary excellence, and a commitment to serving up the freshest dishes in a charming setting. Whether you’re local or just visiting, this cafe should be at the top of your list for unforgettable dining.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Amazing service!! Staff was sweet, got sat down immediately, food came out hot and fresh. Experience was great! Came here visiting the area and this breakfast spot did not disappoint we wanted to try the whole menu! I love the outdoor seating, it was so peaceful. Food was soooo good, definitely will be coming back when I visit again! We got Beignets - 100/10, Biscuits & gravy, and Cafe Benedict! Presentation of the food came out so nice, and the taste did not disappoint ”
“ We had an excellent dinner at The Great Southern Cafe. The service was great & the food was even better. We got calamari and raw oysters as appetizers - both were amazing. As someone who is picky about oysters, these were incredible!! Our table got blackened shrimp (pictured), grits a ya ya (pictured), and a seafood celebration. Overall wonderful experience. Highly recommend!! ”
“ This place is great !!! There was a 30-40 minute wait on Sunday around 5:30, so just be prepared. We Ordered some mixed drinks (Habanero margarita, bourbon smash) and they were very good. Once we were seated, we Ordered the calamari appetizer which was also great. It tasted better using the spicy oyster sauce at the tables instead of the salsa/sauce it came with. For mains, we ordered the Grits a YaYa, meat and three sides, and the buttermilk chicken sandwich. All the food was tasty and very filling. Valerie our server was also excellent and checked in on us to make sure we had everything and gave us some good suggestions. ”
“ Food is always good! I’ve had almost every item on the menu over the years. Fish of the day is a safe bet and great meal. The blackened mahi and redfish is amazing. Steaks are good, shrimp and grits, fried okra etc. The black eyed pea hummus and the soul rolls are by far the best appetizers. ”
“ First time visiting this restaurant and I must say it was quite delicious! Seafood with a southern twist was a nice touch to this Florida restaurant! The food came out hot! My favorite dishes were the oysters, crab claws, and the seafood celebration where you get a variety of seafood! I would recommend to anyone who doesn’t know exactly what they’re looking for - the platter gives you a taste of everything! ”
“ Great food! The crab cakes and fried green tomatoes were fantastic. The Gouda grits are some of the best cheese grits we ever had. Anastasia was so sweet and kind. She was prompt and very informative! She is a great ambassador for the Great Southern Cafe ”
“ If you’re anywhere near Seaside, FL, do yourself a favor and stop by The Great Southern Cafe. From the moment we sat down, we knew we were in for something special—especially thanks to our incredible server, Chase. He was friendly, attentive, and gave top-notch recommendations that made our meal unforgettable. The Southern hospitality here is real, and the food? Next level. We had a phenomenal meal, but the real showstopper was the key lime pie. I’ve had key lime pie up and down the coast, and nothing—and I mean nothing—comes close to this. Creamy, tart, perfectly sweet, with that graham cracker crust that dreams are made of. It’s the kind of dessert you think about long after the plate’s been cleared. 10/10 would come back, and I’ll be asking for Chase when I do! ”
“ The food was the best i had while vacationing there! The in-house-made crab cakes were amazing. Salads and salmon and oysters eerr also delicious and fresh. A must go! Our server was also lovely and attentive! ”