22 Northwest Florida Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

by OpenTable

Updated 06 February 2019

Whether your idea of a good time is a fancy, festive dinner out or cold sesame noodles and binge-watching on the couch, we're here to help you find it—since the greatest love of all is the love of food. Dig in.

The Grand Marlin of Pensacola Beach

4.8

4.8 (7119)

$30 and under

Seafood

Pensacola

About the restaurant

The Grand Marlin Restaurant features a main dining area with a shucked to order oyster bar, exterior North Drop Bar overlooking the beautiful Santa Rosa Sound, and private meeting rooms. This Pensacola Beach restaurant, with an air of island casualness, serves the highest-quality cuisine, including the freshest local seafood featured on menus designed and printed daily to take advantage of the local bounty. The atmosphere creates a fusion of the Caribbean and the Pensacola Bay Area. Executive Chef Gregg McCarthy has a passion for great-tasting food and particularly loves working his culinary magic with fresh Gulf Coast seafood. Boaters and beach-goers feel comfortable in shorts and flip-flops at the oyster bar, in the dining room and at the North Drop Bar. The Grand Marlin has a space and atmosphere for all occasions and is looking forward to creating an authentic experience between time and tide.

Top review

Grant

Dined 5 days ago

Our waiter was very attentive. Food was fabulous. I try to get to the Grand Marlin every time I'm near Pensacola Beach. I've had the rib-eye there multiple times. Always done to perfection. Lobster finger appetizer is always a great choice as well.

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The Grand Marlin of Panama City Beach

4.8

4.8 (4871)

$30 and under

Seafood

Panama City Beach - Bay Point

About the restaurant

The Grand Marlin Restaurant features a main dining area with a shucked to order oyster bar, exterior North Drop Bar overlooking Grand Lagoon, and private meeting rooms. This Panama City Beach restaurant, with an air of island casualness, serves the highest-quality cuisine, including the freshest local seafood featured on menus designed and printed daily to take advantage of the local bounty. The atmosphere creates a fusion of the Caribbean and the Panama City Beach Area. Corporate Executive Chef Gregg McCarthy has a passion for great-tasting food and particularly loves working his culinary magic with fresh Gulf Coast seafood. Boaters and beach-goers feel comfortable in shorts and flip-flops at the oyster bar, in the dining room and at the North Drop Bar. The Grand Marlin has a space and atmosphere for all occasions and is looking forward to creating an authentic experience between time and tide.

Top review

Frank

Dined 4 days ago

Great good. Excellent service. And they take Reservations!

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4.6

4.6 (2517)

$30 and under

Seafood

Santa Rosa Beach

About the restaurant

Located at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin, Emeril's Coastal is the first of Emeril’s Restaurants in Northwest Florida. The cuisine of Emeril's Coastal is symbolic of Emeril’s deep appreciation and connection to the water. Combined with the bountiful variety of nearby fresh Gulf seafood and the freshest local ingredients available, Emeril’s Coastal strives to embark you on a seafood experience like no other. The menu features specialties like Gulf Shrimp Cocktail, Florida Rock Shrimp Rolls, and Oyster Spaghetti. The design of the restaurant compliments the menu using an earthy mix of textures to create a casual, coastal feeling that is complete with elegant and sophisticated touches.

Top review

Chris

Dined 3 days ago

Every one we came in contact was wonderful and very knowledgeable about everything on the menu. The bar made a drink that was not on the menu. A friend who lives down here recommended this place and was totally right!

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Destin

4.8

4.8 (1743)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Destin

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House specializes in serving USDA Prime steaks, each seared to perfection, finished with butter and freshly chopped parsley, and served sizzling on a 500-degree plate. We invite you to join us in Destin, FL!

Top review

NancyVIP

Dined 4 days ago

The East bar is nice for music several nights a week. The main dining area is very comfortable and fairly quiet. The food and service great. Very knowledgeable staff.. Shane and Andrew were great.

Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood

4.8

4.8 (2493)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Destin

About the restaurant

Seagar's Prime Steaks and Seafood, located in the iconic Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, is the area's only AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse. Seagar's specializes in the finest prime beef and freshest seafood available on Florida's Emerald Coast, and offers a wine list that has repeatedly garnered Wine Spectator's "Best of Award of Excellence."

Seagar's brings traditional elegance back to the fine-dining experience, complete with private dining options, captain service, sommelier service and tableside preparation of items that include steak Diane, Dover sole and its signature bananas foster.

Seagar's also features a private-reserve wine list of more than 600 wine labels. The lounge offers guests full dining service and live piano entertainment.

Dress code is Sophisticated Casual. Gentlemen are asked to wear collared shirts, long pants and closed toe shoes. Jackets not required but appreciated. No beachwear, athletic wear or casual attire including hats and flip-flops.

Top review

Chris

Dined 2 days ago

The atmosphere of old fashioned elegance was perfect for our anniversary date night. All the service professionals were kind, attentive and thoughtful, making us feel welcome. The wedge salad was crisp and delicious, enough to share and the lobster bisque was creamy and flavorful, chock full of tender lobster chunks. For entrees, the filet was cooked to perfection and crusted with peppery spices. The half lobster was divine, and presented on the shell. Dessert was their signature peaches foster, a sweet and creamy treat prepared table-side.

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Alaskan King Crab Legs

Jackson's Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (3652)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Pensacola

About the restaurant

Jackson’s Steakhouse procures only Midwestern grain-fed beef from the heartland of America. The Proprietor’s Cut and fresh, local seafood are hand-selected and artistically prepared to perfection. Jackson’s great steak cuts stand tall with the superb flavor of wet-aged beef that is like no other thanks to the culinary creations of Executive Chef Irv Miller.

Top review

bonnie

Dined 6 days ago

We were vere pleased to have Danielle M as our server again, she gives awesome service. Crabs cakes & Tempura Shrimp, Prime rib were Excellant. Thank you

The Blu Halo

4.7

4.7 (1232)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Tallahassee

About the restaurant

THE BLU HALO in Tallahassee, Florida is much more than just a restaurant. With our wine and martini bar, as well as steaks and seafood, we offer a high-end dining experience that everyone in Tallahassee can enjoy.

Top review

Dawn

Dined 4 days ago

The food was amazing and the server was excellent. My husband and I were completely happy with everything. Thank you for making our Valentines day dinner very romantic.

George Bistro + Bar

4.8

4.8 (822)

$30 and under

American

Pensacola

About the restaurant

At George Bistro + Bar, we believe that food is the language of the soul and is at the heart of everything we do. It's communicated through a masterfully crafted menu by Chef George Lazi, exceptional hospitality, and a relatable modern space that exudes Southern charm. We are driven by our passion to create exceptionally humble, ingredient-driven food, coffees and cocktails. Whether it's for a sweet and savory brunch, a light lunch during the workday, or a romantic candlelit dinner - you are always welcome. At George Bistro, you are family.

Top review

Bobbee

Dined 3 days ago

Always a spectacular experience at George’s! One of our favorite spots!

Vue on 30a

4.6

4.6 (2511)

$50 and over

Contemporary Southern

Santa Rosa Beach

About the restaurant

Since opening their doors in 1971, Vue on 30a has showcased one of the most sought after, panoramic dining experiences on the Gulf. Under the visionary leadership of Executive Chef Christopher Mayhue and Executive Sous Chef Dalbert Hughes, Vue's menu is set to elevate the dining experience to new heights, reflecting the unique character and tastes of the 30A community and the ultimate southern coastal cuisine experience. Vue on 30a’s menu showcases the restaurant’s commitment to supporting local farmers and suppliers while reflecting the community's tastes and preferences. Favorite dishes include: House Smoke Tuna Dip, "Niceville Hot" Chicken Sandwich, NOLA Style BBQ Shrimp, Southern Style Fish and Shrimp and Warm Bread Pudding. These dishes, along with other updated favorites, are a testament to Vue on 30a’s dedication to delivering a dining experience that is both comforting and innovative. Vue on 30a continues to be a “Most Booked” restaurant at OpenTable.com.

Top review

Leonard

Dined 2 days ago

Great service and food. Will be back for the food and the ambiance. It was nighttime during my visit but I look forward to visiting during the daylight to enjoy the view.

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347 Grille by Coach Shula - Tallahassee

4.5

4.5 (2100)

$50 and over

Steak

Tallahassee

About the restaurant

Themed after the winningest coach in NFL history, Coach Don Shula, Shula's 347 Grill is conveniently located in Downtown Tallahassee’s Hotel Duval. Shula's 347 Grill's menu features everything from gourmet salads to fresh specialty fish, and exclusively serves Premium Black Angus Beef Burgers and the best beef money can buy, the Shula Cut steaks.

The casual and energetic atmosphere features a high impact bar, flat panel TVs, pigskin walls, and dark woods and leather. Looking for something private? Book Shula's Legends Room or Coach's Corner for your next event. Shula's 347 Grill is the perfect place to celebrate with friends and family, kickstart a night on the town, or win over your newest client!

Reservations are held for 30 minutes past scheduled time of arrival and then released for general seating. Applicable charges apply to any contracted private dining rooms.

Top review

Jasmine

Dined 3 days ago

Pricey but good portions and a great date spot for my girlfriend and I!