Last year, while checking out some properties on 30A, my friends and I decided to stop by the Old Florida Fish House to grab lunch. It’s just five minutes from the beach, nestled on Eastern Lake. Talk about a perfect location!

The staff welcomed us (plus our three pups) and seated us underneath a grove of giant live oak trees strung with lights. The ambiance was impeccable.

And the food? Somehow, it was even better than I imagined. My friends and I all ordered something different and shared each dish. We had to, honestly. Everything on the menu looked so good that none of us could make up our minds and choose just one item.

We started with the balsamic glazed strawberry and goat cheese salad, along with the house-made smoked tuna dip with chili lime chips. And let me tell you — we were off to an incredible start.

For our main course, we had blackened mahi, a grouper sandwich, fish bites, and mahi tacos. It was nothing short of perfect deliciousness. If I had been able to squeeze in one more bite, I would have, but by the time we left, I was stuffed.

As it turns out, Old Florida Fish House is a family-owned business that uses locally sourced ingredients and gulf-to-table fish. No wonder everything was so good!

My friends and I didn’t get to the sushi or the oysters, so I think it goes without saying… we will be back. They even have live entertainment sometimes, which is now on my Emerald Coast bucket list of things to see.

This is one of the best parts of my job as a realtor. While I do put some serious miles on my car to view and show properties, I also get to discover all sorts of great local businesses that I might not find otherwise.

So, whether you live in the area or are just visiting Santa Rosa Beach, I highly recommend stopping by the Old Florida Fish House for a meal (or two!). I’ve heard it’s a great spot to stop while camping along the shore.