Bay Cafe French Restaurant
233 Alconese Ave SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32548
Bay Cafe French Restaurant Menu
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Address :
233 Alconese Ave SE
Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32548 - Phone (850) 244-3550
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Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Karoline K.
After the tourist season ended, the hubby and I tried to check this place out. Unfortunately, they were closed from mid December up until last week or so. I was glad that they opened before spring breakers invade the area. We went on Friday night and it was relatively full of people! To our surprise! We ordered the special appetizer, crab cakes, and two entrees: liver and onions, duck montmorency. He could have done a better job with the crab cakes. They were good for the area but he got lazy with mixing in large chunks of crab. He might have just put all the ingredients and chopped it in the food processor. However, the salad paired very nicely with the dish. I don't normally order meat dishes but I was craving memories from my childhood, aka liver and onions. Most people don't have the palate to eat another animals liver but I loveeeeed it as a kid. I chose to indulge myself. Let's just say it brought back memories of mommies cooking. The duck was moist and paired nicely with a cranberry sauce. Both our entrees came with a potato pancake looking thing (was delicious) and green beans. We also got two glasses of red wine. This is the closest to descent food outside of the typical tourist hot spots. We ordered two deserts, well, just because. We got the crème brûlée, and chocolate caramel crunch cake. The crème brûlée was thin and the top crystallized layer cracked, so yummie yummie in my tummy. Now the chocolate caramel crunch cake was decadent. We may have gone overboard but it's all in good fun. If you enjoy a moist cake with a crunch and caramel sprinkled on top, get this! Definitely will be back for lunch. Our waiter Martin was GREAT! He seemed to enjoy his job and was very polite throughout the entire meal. If you are looking for good food and wonderful service. I would recommend it for boys or girls going out on a date. It has a nice ambiance. Although the eating arrangement can get a bit tight.
(4)Charles T.
We walked in to a half empty restaurant and was informed that the only place the three of us could sit was outside. The single highchair was reserved for a reservation an hour from our arrival. Our sleeping six month old must have been a disturbance based on being sat in the corner outside. Our umbrella was not able to be opened due to the wind. A quick glance around the deck showed open umbrellas. (We contemplated trying to shade our daughter and continue our dining experience. We even applied sunscreen on her. The Florida summer sun mid day can be brutal to a baby.) When we found out that the previously purchased gift certificate was no longer honored without reason, we politely thanked the staff and left. No shade No highchair Not honoring their certificate Not worth it. The two stars is for our previous dining experiences, this experience alone is a one star.
(2)Susan N.
Once again, great food and mediocre service. Tried to talk to the manager but he was not approachable. Water? More wine? Took forever to get our entree. Usually over tip but 15% was generous. Have a vacation house close by but will not go back and will NOT be going back or recommend. So sorry..........
(2)Nico F.
Good food overall, expect to spend $100 for a dinner for 3. Typical french portions, not the kind of restaurant you can share a plate at. You won't bring home a to go box either. Bread was delicious.
(4)Charmed Life S.
Excellent is all I can say!! Bay Cafe is a hidden treasure in FWB. I have been here several times and the service and food have been consistently good. It's a cozy little place hidden away, under a bridge with outside seating over looking the bay. Just a very nice and laid back calming atmosphere, so much so that even the other customers always seem happy and friendly too. But I guess that would be that way because the place is just so damn fab you can't help but be happy here. I had the Sauteed Scallops and they are top chef prepared. Excellent on presentation and taste. A very skillful and creatively prepared entree that could easily be a disaster if left to novice hands. But that is NOT the case here. I give it an A. I had the Escargot which is very tasty but my only complaint about this one is that it has a little too much oil in it, however it doesn't ruin the creation but less would make it better. I give this one a B. The price is above average but that is perfectly ok, because it is well worth the price.
(5)Joshua T.
I started out at 5 stars. The sautéed scallops were wonderful, the creme brûlée was great, and the crab cakes were good. The atmosphere and scenery were very nice.I worked my way down to 2 stars as we spent more and more time waiting - NOT on our food - on everything else we needed from our waiter! Aside from waiting too long, every time he visited our table he was rushed and ran off quickly, while the other servers were attentive, relaxed, and personable. I ended up at 3 stars when he apologized twice at the end of the meal. In total, we probably spent 45m-1h waiting on our waiter, which tarnished an otherwise good experience. If you get the right server, this can probably be a great place to eat.
(3)R R.
The steak & scampi marinara were enjoyable. Liver & onions: ew. The liver itself was liver- you like it or you don't. But this entree came with a sauce that seriously tasted the way musty old water-damaged houses smell. Maybe that was on purpose, and I'm not accustomed to French Food. Sitting outside is beautiful, enjoyable, unhurried. Food came kind of slow for an un-packed restaurant.
(3)Lisa B.
Tasty classical French fare. Great view. A bit of a challenge to find the location, but so totally worth it. I felt whisked away to a private spot. Loved getting away from the typical tourist spots. Service was friendly and accommodating. Our waitress was delightful; friendly,warm, and observant. I would agree, the service was a bit slow at times, but for us it was just fine and we knew we were being taken care of. A great place to enjoy a romantic dinner or time with friends.
(4)Chris T.
Grouper slightly overlooked but still flavorful (that was the special.) Green beans were under seasoned but well cooked and the sauce was excellent. The French onion soup was not very flavorful with a big kick of peppercorn on the bottom. Service was excellent and also had an excellent view. Drinks were prompt and servers were concerning but not overwhelming. I recommend but be careful to order in their specialty. Was split between 3 and 4 stars but the service pushed me to 4.
(4)DeeAnn L.
I have been visiting the Bay Cafe' for years. It has a wonderful, intimate atmosphere and there is the option to sit either inside or outside overlooking the water. If you are a boater, you can even dock, walk on up the pier and enjoy some great food. Classical French is served and prepared by a French chef. The steak au poivre is excellent, and one of my favorites. Over the years, I have enjoyed their Pate' plate, the scallops, chicken picata, liver and onions, and escargot en croute. It's a small family owned place that has a very friendly wait staff. Highly recommend.
(5)Angie A.
Great little place off the beaten path. Pretty quiet and low key, which was a nice break from the typical tourist trap restaurants around here. Everyone's food was great - Grouper Wellington, sea bass, and gumbo - and the service was excellent.
(4)Alice C.
I have been to Bay Cafe twice in the last year and both occasions were wonderful. You cannot beat the beautiful view of the water from all tables inside. I wonder how wonderful it could be on the deck weather permitting. Went in July last year and it was so hot and just a few weeks ago when it was raining. On the latter occasion, my friend and I enjoyed wonderful wine and both of us had the specials. I had the mussels and my friend had the crab salad. I did not try hers but it looked beautiful. I have a thing for mussels and I will order them any chance I get. I was given plenty of bread to sop up the delicious broth. The first time, it was my 20th wedding anniversary. My husband got the Steak Au Poivre and I got the Duck Montmorency. Both were delicious. I also splurged on the Escargot En Croute (snails in puff pastry with plenty of butter and garlic). It was rich but delicious. If you are looking to splurge, this is one of the nicest restaurants that I have been to in the area.
(4)Rick j.
Always a good meal at Bay Cafe, whether lunch or dinner. The Steak au Poive was nicely done. The filet my wife had was like butter. One of the few places you can find French Silk pie for dessert. Two thumbs up.
(5)Jana R.
Great gem of a find. Off the beaten path with no touristy, catered to approach. The ambience was fantastic; open, airy dining room with that splurge feeling of having the windows open with the air conditioning on. Service was professional and patient and happy we were there without being in our face. I tried the duck with cherry sauce. It was half of a deboned duck with crispy skin. The flavor was great. It was a tad overdone which is a big no no for duck and could have used a little more cherry, a little more tart. The potato cake was nothing special. That is the only reason I am not giving this place a five. All of my co-workers ordered grouper and loved it. The crab claw appetizer was different and tasty. Definitely worth trying. French is hard to find!
(4)Ravi B.
Came here with my aunt and cousin almost two months ago on a random weeknight. We had the place to ourselves and it was an amazing experience! We sat outside by the water and there was a nice breeze going on. We could see some ships and the whole ambience was very relaxing. It was a great environment and time for us all to talk and be in the moment. The food was also amazing! We had a great melbec with excellent quality fish, asparagus, and mashed potatoes. The chicken marsala was also amazing. The dessert at the end was also fantastic! If I am ever back in Walton Beach, I want to come here for lunch and see the ships.
(5)Danielle G.
Kind of a small menu without a lot of description but the grouper was excellent! Very flavorful and tender and a very generous size filet. Atmosphere was very quiet and cozy with a beautiful view of the water. Only complaint was the lack of attention from the employees as I had ordered a coffee that never arrived and they only stopped by to take the orders and deliver checks. I believe this might be a problem with short staffing, though, so I'm giving the benefit of the doubt. Reasonable prices and delicious food!
(4)Lin G.
Put down the hot pocket and listen up: this is now one of my favorite restaurants on the Gulf Coast. Amazing view, delicious food, good service, and oh so romantic. Did I mention that on top of all that, it is literally seconds from my house? $10 corkage fee or you can order drinks there. I loved it so much the first time I came that I made a reservation to return on my birthday. It turned out to be a great birthday experience. I was decked out in more bling than a gypsy bride and the staff were great. They helped serve the cake I brought as well. Thus far I've had the liver and seafood pasta and both dishes were delicious. The pate was not as great but the tiramisu was outstanding. I don't even like tiramisu and could not stop eating it. Definitely check this place out for a romantic evening and she will be impressed.
(5)Laura L.
Stopped for lunch. It was a beautiful day to eat outside. French Onion Soup is like no other- fantastic! I had fresh trigger fish florentine. Wonderful flavors. Fresh. We will be back, hopefully by boat next time.
(5)Aaron B.
Amazing food, service and atmosphere. Never have I had a waitress so quickly refill my drink. Got the steak au parvoua (or however you spell that) and it was fantasitc. Also, the BEST french onion soup I've ever had. Not too salty. Definately visit here when you're on your trip to the Destin area, it'll be worth it!!
(5)Randy C.
The Grouper Wellington was incredible! This was one of the best meals I've had in the Destin area. A little pricey for what you get but was overall worth every bite. The service was great after what looked like it might be a problem to start with. Looking forward to returning here again when we are back in the area.
(5)Dawn L.
This place never fails me! It is consistent and always wonderful. From the beautiful views, great staff and absolutely wonderful food! I ALWAYS get the grouper wellington with lobster sauce. My fave!!! Husband loves the steak with the green peppercorn sauce. Always cooked perfectly!
(5)Keryn C.
Loved it!!!! Shared several aps and an entree. Everything wAs wonderful. Service was superb. Try the escargot and the gazpacho if they have it. It was also the best price for the quality around here by far. We spent way more last night at one of those crab shacks and were disappointed to say the least.
(5)Rachael A.
This was my first French restaurant experience, so while I can not speak for the authenticity of their food, I can encourage you to try it! My spouse and I arrived shortly after opening for lunch, and had an amazing meal on the patio. Our waitress was very polite, helpful, and attentive. Their staff never let our drinks get more than a quarter empty. The view was pleasant, and it was amazingly quiet. We even saw three dolphins swimming by. We can highly recommend the croissants, cappuccinos, apple tarts, and chocolate and caramel crunch cake. Visiting here really added to our vacation.
(5)Samantha J.
Fantastic meal at the Bay Cafe! My server was attentive, my food and wine delicious, and the view was great. I chose the special- grouper munierre (sp? My French sucks) but spelling aside, possibly the best fish I've ever eaten. It literally melted to nothing in my mouth. The sauce was spectacular. My Chardonnay, Copper Ridge I believe, went great with my meal. Can't wait to bring my family here next week when they arrive!
(5)Barbara P.
Second time tonight.... Wonderful food and great service. Could not ask for better. Everything is to die for ...... Including view/location.
(5)Zach G.
2nd time here and first time reviewing. Came in late around 9pm after a long day of shopping and time for date night. Promptly set down outside on the patio by the Fort Walton Bay on a gorgeous evening. I enjoyed the Chilean Sea Bass while my Wife ate everything she had. Fantastic!
(5)Liz D.
The location and service were great! I ordered steak which was incredible, but I was underwhelmed by the sides (potato and vegetable). Dessert and wine selection were also very good. Go here for a romantic meal and watch the sunset while you enjoy drinks and dinner.
(3)Mary P.
New favorite restaurant on the emerald coast. It is a hidden gem that hasn't been overtaken by tourist. It is a welcoming atmosphere with a bay view. The staff is friendly and enjoying serving with a smile on their face. For appetizer we got a pound of sautéed crab claws. These were by far better than any fried or sautéed crab claws I have ever eaten. These alone will make me return to eat again. They were seasoned to perfection. We also had the seafood omelette with shrimp and scallops. My sister enjoyed the amberjack croissant it was life changing. I suggest the croissant over the omelette but to tell the truth you can't go wrong with either one! Delicious dining with friendly staff without the hustle & bustle of the tourist traps! Great classic restaurant that has been providing satisfaction since the '80's
(5)Nikki B.
This place is very good. The food is good, and the customer service is great. The food is very well priced for the quality.
(5)Bruce B.
Food is better than all the tourist restaurants nearby but understaffed and very slow. Spent almost 2 hours waiting on our dinner. Great view but don't come hungry... and no liquor license. Just beer and wine.
(3)Christine Z.
Don't let the drive to the location worry you or even the outside of the restaurant - open the door and you see a wall of wine bottles! My daughter, 8 years old, and I ate here tonight and we LOVED IT! My parents flew back home today but my daughter and I are staying for a few more nights and found this restaurant on Yelp. I made reservations for two and they sat us outside near the water, which was excellent! The service was EXCELLENT (our server was Brandy) and the food was WONDERFUL! They also have lots of wines on the menu and several by the glass that are not necessarily listed on the menu so just ask. I started with a La Crema Chardonnay followed by a glass of Poilly Fuisse. We both had salads to start and shared an order of escargot. The pasty was excellent on the escargot - very well done. My daughter had the chicken with special Teriyaki sauce for entree and absolutely loved it. I had the grouper wellington and also loved it! It comes in a pastry just like wellington. Very good! I highly recommend this place! Seems like mainly locals here too, which is a nice getaway from all the tourist trap restaurants out there. I highly recommend if you are a foodie, love good wine and enjoy taking your time over dinner with a nice view of the bay/harbor.
(5)Joe S.
My boyfriend took me out here for our 6 month anniversary. I had no idea it existed. It is a nice restaurant. I don't mean nice like it was pretty nice I mean it's like a fancy have a glass of wine, dress pretty nice restaurant. I love how it is decorated and right on the water. I was so happy our hostess sat us outside on the deck on the sound. We had the perfect most romantic corner table. The menus were classy as far as the layout and the wine list was impressive. (It's a super French joint). I went with a house merlot out of modesty and it was spectacular! For an appetizer we ordered the crab cakes which were on special (they had an extensive specials list) and loved them. For my main course I wasn't as modest and ordered the filet mignon. Ahhhh! Sooooo freakin good! I'd say the best part of the restaurant is the atmosphere for sure. It's such a romantic setting and it's not a chain! When I go to a nice fancy restaurant I like to see character and this place really has that as far as the location and atmosphere. The music was a subtle yet substantial quality for instance. It did take a while for us to receive our food but no big deal.
(5)P R.
Very good staff, great wine recommendations. Excellent food. Nice for a special occasion
(5)Carol P.
We had been told this was a great local restaurant and it was, I had grouper Wellington, very good, the crab corn chowder was also delicious. Will be back when in area. The staff was very nice.
(5)Amanda M.
Excellent meal, thoughtful presentation, high quality food and wine list! So romantic and nostalgic! From the mussels, pate, duck and lamb, I cannot wait to go back!
(5)James S.
Went to the Bay Cafe again last night. This may very well be the best restaurant in the Florida panhandle. Try the lamb. Awesome! Fine dining at a reasonable price. If you are visiting from up north ask for the house dressing on your salad. The salad dressing taste very close to a remoulade dressing which is a very Southern type of salad dressing usually served with boiled shrimp but is also wonderful on a good salad.
(5)Joe V.
Eating here for the second night in a row in the Fort Walton area. The seafood is fantastic and not expensive. Almost every wine is available by the glass. I had the mussels marineure, grouper wellington (in puff pastry with lobster sauce), and the scallops. All were excellent!
(5)Curry M.
Enjoyed a relaxing evening at the Bay Cafe. We were never rushed and staff were great. Food excellent. All 4 of us were very happy with everything. A bit tricky to find but worth the search. I believe the best review is "would you return" and my answer is "absolutely".
(4)Rob B.
Amazing food with a gorgeous view!
(5)Arnold N.
For those of you old timers around the panhandle area, you may remember a little french restaurant that was located in the Seville district of downtown Pensacola that was called Jamie's. It was always a special place with outstanding food. This place is the new version of Jamie's. Location and views are superb, the wait staff is prompt and curtious, the food is absolutely outstanding. Without a doubt one of the best meals that we have had over the last year. It is not yet the busy season, and only two of their tables were not reserved, so we were happy to take one of them, so it would be a good idea to make reservations. The place is a little hard to find, but well worth the effort. The area of Fort Walton Beach and Destin have some of the best restaurants on the Gulf Coast, and this is certainly one of them. It is a small place with only about 12 to 14 tables inside, and weather permitting about the same number outside. I had the Grouper Wellington and my wife had the special, Chilean Sea Bass, both of which would melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more. We both left stuffed and happy. Don't miss this little gem at the foot of the Brooks Bridge.
(4)Susan L.
Great secret gem to escape the tourist crowds. Great food from the mussels, corn and crab chowder, and the finale Grouper Wellington. All delicious and served with great service!
(4)Ivy T.
I don't see the hype in this place. I went here witht he hubby for Valentine's Day. I made a reservation, knowing that it was going to be busy. We got there and there was no table available. We waited for about 30 minutes past our reservation time before being seated. What a bummer. The only redeeming factor was that we brought our own wine and they corked it for us for relatively cheap. We sat on the patio and drank the whole bottle before we were seated. We shared the antipasto salad which was anti-climatic and over priced. I did like the osso bucco entree though, so rich and flavorful. I can't say that the wait was worth it, but this being one of the fancier restaurants on the Fort Walton side, I'd probably give it another chance.
(2)Jeff G.
WOW! This place is great! Came here for lunch. Who would've expected a gourmet French inspired lunch in a little house under a bridge on the bay? This place is definitely a find. Got the grouper that was perfectly broiled with an excellent sauce topping it. Bread was great and the accompanying salad was fresh with tasty house dressing. Probably the best restaurant I've been to in the past 3 months!
(5)Tasmin R.
Cute location, seemingly off the beaten path, but not really. Attentive staff, until overwhelmed by new arrivals. Standout food though that will have you coming back for more. Fiancé had the grouper Wellington which he devoured and I had the special, which was braised lamb shank cooked to perfection. The tiramisu was very good, if you think of it not as a tiramisu (in which case it's weak), but instead, as a nice light dessert to round off a fabulous meal. Definitely in the top tier for the area.
(5)Sean M.
Our first attempt at "walk-in" supper (6pm) was unsuccessful ... they asked us to return after 60mins, so we found another place that night. We returned the next night (with reservations - but only three tables occupied that night) and sat outside. The restaurant had a nice atmosphere (nice to sit along the bay), the service was great - as was the food. My wife and I will go back to this restaurant again, but (as written in other posts) we will probably leave the kids (our 13-year-old loved the $30 Sea Bass). The place definitely does not cater to kids (we have three so our bill was close to $200).
(4)Matthew B.
this is by far the most romantic meal you will have with your SO in Okaloosa County. check them out, for sure!
(5)Emily C.
My husband and I wandered across this place as our original destination for lunch was closed. Boy am I glad it was closed; this place was extremely good! We ordered several things off the menu and shared. The waiters were quite happy to do this. I am always grateful to places who don't mind when their patrons share dishes, as portion sizes are usually way too large. Try the local fish, crab cakes, spinach salad, and vegetable soup (YUM!)
(5)Melonie T.
This is a very secret spot so don't go telling everyone about it. It is very hard to find but you can pull right up to it in your boat (or drive in circles trying to find the entrance). It is right under the bridge going to Ft Walton , the majority of seating is on a big back deck that overlooks the water. The atmosphere is quiet and quaint with lots of locals seated at the candle lit tables. The food is some of the best I have had in the Destin area. Not made for the masses this food is succulent, creatively parring local seafood with French style. There is a great wine list, wonderful desserts and a lot of ambiance. Try it out for a nice and classy evening. Leave your kids at home please, this is a quiet retreat from the long days at the beach.
(5)Kurt N.
The gf and I ate here recently and we loved it, although it was awkward to be the only patrons for most of the night! I had grouper in a puff pastry. The fish and pastry were cooked well and the sauce was decadent. I had no complaints other than it probably set me back a few pounds. They have a nice deck outside that overlooks Brooks Bridge and one of the bayous. It would've been nice to dine out there if it weren't too cold. What really got me was how empty the place was. We were there on a Thursday night at 6ish and the only other people we saw showed up just as we were leaving. Needless to say we got a lot of attention from the waitress and even the chef, but it was definitely odd. The food was great so I don't know why it was so empty...
(5)Paiul V.
We found a plastic sanitary food service glove in my wife's meal. We dined there on the night of May 3, 2011. We chose the restaurant based on the reviews here and elsewhere. We ordered mixed drinks to begin, specifically Mimosa's. To our surprise, our mimosa's were red wine mixed with orange juice. Maybe a local champagne shortage. Maybe a local tradition, so we laughed, hoisted our glasses, and drank them down. I ordered an aperitif, the gumbo which turned out to be scrumptious. I'm a fan of really good gumbo, and this was really good gumbo. Creamy, thick, and made with a perfect roux like any good Cajun Gumbo. I ordered Grouper Wellington for my entree and my wife ordered the Pasta dish with mussels, clams, and shrimp. I can't recall the name of her entree, but it was essentially seafood pasta. When my entree arrived I dug in. The lobster sauce was almost perfect, just a tiny bit too salty but well within my tolerance level. The crust of the pastry was absolutely perfect. I was on my 5th or 6th bite when my wife and I changed plates to sample each others menu choice. Her's was a bit bland, and the seafood didn't seem fresh. The mussels were flavorless and seem to have been pre-cooked or reheated. We both commented that my entree was probably the better dish and we tucked in hoping for a dessert that would finish the meal perfectly. And then it happened. My wife said "What's this?" I looked over and at first it seemed to be a clump of pasta that was under the main pile of pasta. She moved it around a bit and it didn't look like pasta anymore. So I reached over and picked it up and knew immediately it wasn't food. It felt like plastic. It was a tight semi-hard ball of something. I slowly unrolled it and it began to assume the shape of a plastic glove like one would wear while preparing food. When I splayed out the fingers I knew what it was. I asked my wife to wait in the car and called for the check. I told the waiter I didn't want to make a scene. I showed him the glove and told him where we found it. He looked panicked, and he was very young, so it wasn't his fault. He's the server, not the cook. So I paid the bill and left. We barely made it 50 feet down the street and my wife asked me to pull over. She vomited on the side of the road. Since we'd both had a bite out of her plate, I felt worried that we might have ingested something harmful, but two days later, we seem to be healthy. Was it an accident? I will never know. I probably should have stayed and spoken to the manager or the chef but I couldn't figure out what information they could provide to me that would change what happened. Carelessness? A new sous chef? An accident? A long day? An Avant-Garde Chef testing the boundaries of Petroleum products? A glove in your pasta is a glove in your pasta. Nothing more, nothing less. I have to admit some of the items we ate were darn good. But an error like this one, serving a plastic glove as part of an entree is an error of magnitude that would cost a restaurant it's license in most locales, or even worse, a lawsuit one might never recover from. Needless to say we will never eat there again. Bon Appetit!
(1)Glenn M.
Second time here in a month. The blackened Grouper on Croissant is the best! I've travelled the country searching for the best fish sandwich and until I found this place thought it was elsewhere. You wont be disappointed, i promise. A touch pricey, but worth it. Creme Brulee is the best i've had in a long time. Brought a party of three for lunch and all of us were impressed. A truly must-do lunch/dinner locale.
(5)Michelle W.
WOW! I travel to the area once or twice a year and eat in the Destin/Fort Walton Beach areas, while a little hard to get to, Bay Cafe' wowed me. I ate the best meal I have ever had! Their lunch menu is great, such a variety, I had the blackened amberjack croissant, served with salad (the dressing is amazing) the croissant melts in your mouth, so fresh, that combo at first scared me a little but the flavors together are incredible! The staff is super friendly and it feels so laid back. If you don't give this place try you will miss out!
(5)Troy D.
Came here 2nd year in a row and had a wonderful meal again. Kid friendly atmosphere when sitting outside but not most kid friendly menu. Crowd looks like more licals than tourists, and that is a good thing
(5)Monica V.
On a recent trip I stopped by for lunch. The location is nondescript little spot under the bridge but definitely do not let that deceive you! Inside it's elegant and perfect place for quiet dinners or lunch. The outside eating area overlooking the bay is beautiful. I had a croissant stuffed with a crab and shrimp salad and it was flaky and so delicious.
(5)J P.
Sunday brunch. Scenery = upper 10% for the area, but regrettable service & Bad coffee. I might try again for dinner.
(2)Beth B.
This place IS kid-friendly...they would have to be in a place such as the Panhandle of FL!!! Our two 12-year-old girls absolutely loved the dishes they prepared for them - the choosy eater got pasta with alfredo sauce and chicken while the other ordered a chicken dish off the menu with the sauce on the side. BOTH girls loved their food and the bread was a huge hit too! As the adults paying for the meal we absolutely loved the view (even though we stayed inside due to the August heat), we loved the wine list (thanks to Shawna we found out they had a Rose not on the list and loved that one), and we loved the fantastic service that complimented the excellent flavors of our apps and entrees. How we found room for dessert I do not know - but we ordered three of them, and the girls did not share a bite of theirs!!! I loved that we discovered this place while on a walk for health and fitness and left the dining experience feeling so fit and content.
(5)Rebecca L.
Maybe I ordered the wrong thing (shrimp marinara for lunch), but this place was nowhere close to what the rave reviews led me to believe. The service and atmosphere were excellent, but the meal was not very good. The shrimp were tough and the pasta and marinara were average at best. Not at all what I was expecting based on all the 5 star reviews!
(2)Debbie G.
Oh my! We've been here often, but tonight's specials were amazing! Grouper with artichokes, clean plate. Grilled veal chop (not easy to find in the south) with a mushroom sauce, melted in my mouth. Off the beaten track, but outstanding!
(5)Rose H.
Great food with a French flair. Quaint interior with colorful umbrellas on the bay side deck. There is also a/c indoor seating. I tried it for lunch but it's also open for dinner. The waitresses are sweet & swift. The gazpacho, crab salad, grilled amberjack, steak & French Silk pie are must haves. Enjoy!
(5)Lindsey M.
Please get a website Bay Cafe! A little treasure in FWB. We searched our Yelp app for something different after having a drink at a local Irish pub. It was hard to find a restaurant that didn't "fry" their seafood. I had the fish special with artichokes and it was great! The traditional steak Au poivre was also delicious. Only one weird thing. They had a tray of "salt" in the ladies room. Not sure if that's French thing, but I just used the regular soap! I would go back here again even though it is in a remote-hard-to-find spot. Worth finding!
(4)Steve M.
Dining here was a culinary delight. I had the grouper wellington, it was excellent with a sauce that was to die for. Their pastries were perfectly fluffy and flakey. We had a special of crab claw in a garlic-butter sauce--delicious. From the street the restaurant does not look nearly as elegant as it did from the inside or out on the balcony -- so go in and eat!
(5)Timothy H.
I had a wonderful experience here. The Amberjack covered in a wine sauce was amazing! If the weather is nice, then sit outside.
(5)Lee L.
I think giving this place even 1 star is being overly generous. We came here after reading all the rave reviews and were REPULSED by the horrible customer service. Upon arrival we were the only other patrons seated outside. By the time we had placed our orders, several other patrons began to come in & be seated. After about an hour we still had not gotten our food, but every other patron that came in after us seemed to already be eating. When we finally received our food, it was cold & sloppily put together & the waitress basically shoved our plates at us. All of this might have been forgivable had our food been good. The only thing that was good was the Grouper Croissant, everything from the Seafood Omelette to the Shrimp Omelette was dry and left alot to be desired. After finally getting our checks, we attempted to give our waitress some feedback (in a non threatening way) about our negative experience and this is when ALL HELL broke loose. She proceeded to tell us that we as patrons were "too needy" because we asked for water when our glasses were empty and that we "didn't have to tip her". We were ASTONISHED by her blatant disregard and disrespect. Hoping we could speak to a manager about our experience, we spoke to the hostess who informed us that "unfortunately we are a family business and our father owns the restaurant and there is no way to contact him. Thank you for your business," in a very dismissive manner. I mean, at this point there really were no words to describe how angry & insulted we were. Our waitress then comes out again to instigate saying "sorry, we don't have time to deal with this." All in all I have never in my life had such a negative dining experience in regards to customer service. Not only were we insulted & disrespected, it was pretty clear to us that "our kind" was not welcome here and our needs would not be accommodated. This establishment along with all those that run it are trash.
(1)L And T S.
Hidden under the bridge, but worth the drive. This little place has great service and even better food. Our table ordered: Grouper with lemon, white wine, and artichokes Grouper covered with crab lobster sauce Shrimp Scampi (garlic lovers delight) mmm Cobia with sweet chili sauce They all came with string beans and potato cake and all of our plates were wiped clean at the end of our meals with their tasty bread (which we had 5-6 baskets of). We ended dinner with creme brulee, chocolate toffee cake, and apple tart with ice cream. Our bellies were full and we were smiling.
(5)Donna S.
I searched Yelp for places to eat before getting to Destin area. This place sounded intriguing. Went 4th of July. They were closed! We were worried we wouldn't be able to try it. Went the next day for lunch. Absolutely one of the best places we have ever eaten. I had the amberjack piccata. Awesome! My husband had the Jumbo Shrimp marinara it was Excelllent. We had Mussels as an appetizer. Superb! Service awesome. I give it 2 Thumbs up,,,,,
(5)Samuel F.
I must say, this place STILL is rude!
(1)Jack B.
My wife loved it, I disliked it. She had Chile-Lime Salmon, I had the Chicken Picatta. Bread was great. The kids meal was absolutely disgraceful. You should offer kids at least the same quality of food as the adults......not some frozen BS.....Service was OK. View is great.
(2)Kris P.
This was an amazing surprise. We had asked some of the locals for a good hole-in-the wall place...and this was definitely it! The chef was French and had owned it for over 30 years with his late brother. It's a small, but charming little restaurant. We both had the crawfish soup (AMAZING!!) and Grouper with the special French sauce that was divine! The tiramisu was a perfect ending to a delicious meal.
(5)Kelly M.
Just under the bridge, this looks like a dive bar from the outside; but inside is a nice French restaurant with a view of the bay. My wife had the Grouper Wellington and I had the Grouper Special with an Escargot en Croute appetizer. We shared the strawberries and bananas with ice cream for dessert. The food was good but for the price I was expecting more ($99 not including wine) Nice, intimate atmosphere though.
(4)Benjamin S.
Being the only French restaurant probably in the entire vicinity of the Florida Panhandle, my husband and I were excited to try this restaurant when we found it on Yelp. The menu is somewhat limited, but it still contains the main french staples such as pate, escargots, etc. The food turned out pretty great, but the service was EXTREMELY slow. It took us over 2 hours to finish lunch because we waited almost a hour for the appetizers to come, and then another hour for the entrees to come. Comparing the prices to a French restaurant in Paris, the prices were reasonable. Not great, but reasonable. Food authenticity was a little off, but hey, we are in the US, where everything must be drowned in heavy creams and butter to be accepted. So, I wouldn't entirely blame the owner/chef for that. Just a word of advice: Good luck trying to find this place, it took us a while to find the tiny street this restaurant is situated on.
(3)Amy M.
My husband and I have been dining at this little hidden jewel every year for over 25 years and have NEVER had a bad experience! It is our favorite restaurant in the world and any bad reviews you read are either due to mistaken identity or weird people. Bay Cafe IS NOT A PLACE FOR CHILDREN SO DO NOT TAKE THEM. They are not set up to serve children and do not welcome them. Get a babysitter... The menu contains such entree's as Grouper Wellington, Snapper Picatta, Seafood Pasta, Liver and Onions, and Filet Mignon. The salads are freshly made and the dressings are homemade. The bread served is real French bread which is hard and crusty by nature. The dessert list is fabulous and has such things as Creme Brulee, Tiramisu, Stawberries Romanoff, French Silk Pie, and Cheesecake. The wine list is extensive. The service has varied somewhat over the years, but my husband and I have always felt welcome there and have always felt our patronage was appreciated. It is best to make reservations for dinner dining, but usually not necessary at lunch. As far as I know they are closed on Sundays unless they have changed this rule. The atmosphere on the deck is calm and quiet, and the cheesy French music playing softly in the background is perfect. We always stay at least 2.5 hours and have NEVER been rushed. We have been there when it was VERY busy and when it was VERY slow, but the service has ALWAYS been nothing sort of fabulous. It is NOT located on a main drag, but is fairly simple to find. I cannot imagine where the reviewer Lee L. was, but I really wonder if she was at Bay Cafe.
(5)Jenn W.
very very good! my mom and i go here every year for special occasions and we love it. the fish is amazing and the side salad is very great! the desserts are all good so i cant suggest just one!
(5)Charmed Life S.
Excellent is all I can say!! Bay Cafe is a hidden treasure in FWB. I have been here several times and the service and food have been consistently good. It's a cozy little place hidden away, under a bridge with outside seating over looking the bay. Just a very nice and laid back calming atmosphere, so much so that even the other customers always seem happy and friendly too. But I guess that would be that way because the place is just so damn fab you can't help but be happy here. I had the Sauteed Scallops and they are top chef prepared. Excellent on presentation and taste. A very skillful and creatively prepared entree that could easily be a disaster if left to novice hands. But that is NOT the case here. I give it an A. I had the Escargot which is very tasty but my only complaint about this one is that it has a little too much oil in it, however it doesn't ruin the creation but less would make it better. I give this one a B. The price is above average but that is perfectly ok, because it is well worth the price.
(5)Joshua T.
I started out at 5 stars. The sautéed scallops were wonderful, the creme brûlée was great, and the crab cakes were good. The atmosphere and scenery were very nice.I worked my way down to 2 stars as we spent more and more time waiting - NOT on our food - on everything else we needed from our waiter! Aside from waiting too long, every time he visited our table he was rushed and ran off quickly, while the other servers were attentive, relaxed, and personable. I ended up at 3 stars when he apologized twice at the end of the meal. In total, we probably spent 45m-1h waiting on our waiter, which tarnished an otherwise good experience. If you get the right server, this can probably be a great place to eat.
(3)R R.
The steak & scampi marinara were enjoyable. Liver & onions: ew. The liver itself was liver- you like it or you don't. But this entree came with a sauce that seriously tasted the way musty old water-damaged houses smell. Maybe that was on purpose, and I'm not accustomed to French Food. Sitting outside is beautiful, enjoyable, unhurried. Food came kind of slow for an un-packed restaurant.
(3)Lisa B.
Tasty classical French fare. Great view. A bit of a challenge to find the location, but so totally worth it. I felt whisked away to a private spot. Loved getting away from the typical tourist spots. Service was friendly and accommodating. Our waitress was delightful; friendly,warm, and observant. I would agree, the service was a bit slow at times, but for us it was just fine and we knew we were being taken care of. A great place to enjoy a romantic dinner or time with friends.
(4)Chris T.
Grouper slightly overlooked but still flavorful (that was the special.) Green beans were under seasoned but well cooked and the sauce was excellent. The French onion soup was not very flavorful with a big kick of peppercorn on the bottom. Service was excellent and also had an excellent view. Drinks were prompt and servers were concerning but not overwhelming. I recommend but be careful to order in their specialty. Was split between 3 and 4 stars but the service pushed me to 4.
(4)Jana R.
Great gem of a find. Off the beaten path with no touristy, catered to approach. The ambience was fantastic; open, airy dining room with that splurge feeling of having the windows open with the air conditioning on. Service was professional and patient and happy we were there without being in our face. I tried the duck with cherry sauce. It was half of a deboned duck with crispy skin. The flavor was great. It was a tad overdone which is a big no no for duck and could have used a little more cherry, a little more tart. The potato cake was nothing special. That is the only reason I am not giving this place a five. All of my co-workers ordered grouper and loved it. The crab claw appetizer was different and tasty. Definitely worth trying. French is hard to find!
(4)Charles T.
We walked in to a half empty restaurant and was informed that the only place the three of us could sit was outside. The single highchair was reserved for a reservation an hour from our arrival. Our sleeping six month old must have been a disturbance based on being sat in the corner outside. Our umbrella was not able to be opened due to the wind. A quick glance around the deck showed open umbrellas. (We contemplated trying to shade our daughter and continue our dining experience. We even applied sunscreen on her. The Florida summer sun mid day can be brutal to a baby.) When we found out that the previously purchased gift certificate was no longer honored without reason, we politely thanked the staff and left. No shade No highchair Not honoring their certificate Not worth it. The two stars is for our previous dining experiences, this experience alone is a one star.
(2)Susan N.
Once again, great food and mediocre service. Tried to talk to the manager but he was not approachable. Water? More wine? Took forever to get our entree. Usually over tip but 15% was generous. Have a vacation house close by but will not go back and will NOT be going back or recommend. So sorry..........
(2)Nico F.
Good food overall, expect to spend $100 for a dinner for 3. Typical french portions, not the kind of restaurant you can share a plate at. You won't bring home a to go box either. Bread was delicious.
(4)Alice C.
I have been to Bay Cafe twice in the last year and both occasions were wonderful. You cannot beat the beautiful view of the water from all tables inside. I wonder how wonderful it could be on the deck weather permitting. Went in July last year and it was so hot and just a few weeks ago when it was raining. On the latter occasion, my friend and I enjoyed wonderful wine and both of us had the specials. I had the mussels and my friend had the crab salad. I did not try hers but it looked beautiful. I have a thing for mussels and I will order them any chance I get. I was given plenty of bread to sop up the delicious broth. The first time, it was my 20th wedding anniversary. My husband got the Steak Au Poivre and I got the Duck Montmorency. Both were delicious. I also splurged on the Escargot En Croute (snails in puff pastry with plenty of butter and garlic). It was rich but delicious. If you are looking to splurge, this is one of the nicest restaurants that I have been to in the area.
(4)Rick j.
Always a good meal at Bay Cafe, whether lunch or dinner. The Steak au Poive was nicely done. The filet my wife had was like butter. One of the few places you can find French Silk pie for dessert. Two thumbs up.
(5)Ravi B.
Came here with my aunt and cousin almost two months ago on a random weeknight. We had the place to ourselves and it was an amazing experience! We sat outside by the water and there was a nice breeze going on. We could see some ships and the whole ambience was very relaxing. It was a great environment and time for us all to talk and be in the moment. The food was also amazing! We had a great melbec with excellent quality fish, asparagus, and mashed potatoes. The chicken marsala was also amazing. The dessert at the end was also fantastic! If I am ever back in Walton Beach, I want to come here for lunch and see the ships.
(5)Danielle G.
Kind of a small menu without a lot of description but the grouper was excellent! Very flavorful and tender and a very generous size filet. Atmosphere was very quiet and cozy with a beautiful view of the water. Only complaint was the lack of attention from the employees as I had ordered a coffee that never arrived and they only stopped by to take the orders and deliver checks. I believe this might be a problem with short staffing, though, so I'm giving the benefit of the doubt. Reasonable prices and delicious food!
(4)Angie A.
Great little place off the beaten path. Pretty quiet and low key, which was a nice break from the typical tourist trap restaurants around here. Everyone's food was great - Grouper Wellington, sea bass, and gumbo - and the service was excellent.
(4)Keryn C.
Loved it!!!! Shared several aps and an entree. Everything wAs wonderful. Service was superb. Try the escargot and the gazpacho if they have it. It was also the best price for the quality around here by far. We spent way more last night at one of those crab shacks and were disappointed to say the least.
(5)Rebecca L.
Maybe I ordered the wrong thing (shrimp marinara for lunch), but this place was nowhere close to what the rave reviews led me to believe. The service and atmosphere were excellent, but the meal was not very good. The shrimp were tough and the pasta and marinara were average at best. Not at all what I was expecting based on all the 5 star reviews!
(2)Debbie G.
Oh my! We've been here often, but tonight's specials were amazing! Grouper with artichokes, clean plate. Grilled veal chop (not easy to find in the south) with a mushroom sauce, melted in my mouth. Off the beaten track, but outstanding!
(5)Donna S.
I searched Yelp for places to eat before getting to Destin area. This place sounded intriguing. Went 4th of July. They were closed! We were worried we wouldn't be able to try it. Went the next day for lunch. Absolutely one of the best places we have ever eaten. I had the amberjack piccata. Awesome! My husband had the Jumbo Shrimp marinara it was Excelllent. We had Mussels as an appetizer. Superb! Service awesome. I give it 2 Thumbs up,,,,,
(5)Rose H.
Great food with a French flair. Quaint interior with colorful umbrellas on the bay side deck. There is also a/c indoor seating. I tried it for lunch but it's also open for dinner. The waitresses are sweet & swift. The gazpacho, crab salad, grilled amberjack, steak & French Silk pie are must haves. Enjoy!
(5)Troy D.
Came here 2nd year in a row and had a wonderful meal again. Kid friendly atmosphere when sitting outside but not most kid friendly menu. Crowd looks like more licals than tourists, and that is a good thing
(5)Monica V.
On a recent trip I stopped by for lunch. The location is nondescript little spot under the bridge but definitely do not let that deceive you! Inside it's elegant and perfect place for quiet dinners or lunch. The outside eating area overlooking the bay is beautiful. I had a croissant stuffed with a crab and shrimp salad and it was flaky and so delicious.
(5)J P.
Sunday brunch. Scenery = upper 10% for the area, but regrettable service & Bad coffee. I might try again for dinner.
(2)Michelle W.
WOW! I travel to the area once or twice a year and eat in the Destin/Fort Walton Beach areas, while a little hard to get to, Bay Cafe' wowed me. I ate the best meal I have ever had! Their lunch menu is great, such a variety, I had the blackened amberjack croissant, served with salad (the dressing is amazing) the croissant melts in your mouth, so fresh, that combo at first scared me a little but the flavors together are incredible! The staff is super friendly and it feels so laid back. If you don't give this place try you will miss out!
(5)Beth B.
This place IS kid-friendly...they would have to be in a place such as the Panhandle of FL!!! Our two 12-year-old girls absolutely loved the dishes they prepared for them - the choosy eater got pasta with alfredo sauce and chicken while the other ordered a chicken dish off the menu with the sauce on the side. BOTH girls loved their food and the bread was a huge hit too! As the adults paying for the meal we absolutely loved the view (even though we stayed inside due to the August heat), we loved the wine list (thanks to Shawna we found out they had a Rose not on the list and loved that one), and we loved the fantastic service that complimented the excellent flavors of our apps and entrees. How we found room for dessert I do not know - but we ordered three of them, and the girls did not share a bite of theirs!!! I loved that we discovered this place while on a walk for health and fitness and left the dining experience feeling so fit and content.
(5)Lindsey M.
Please get a website Bay Cafe! A little treasure in FWB. We searched our Yelp app for something different after having a drink at a local Irish pub. It was hard to find a restaurant that didn't "fry" their seafood. I had the fish special with artichokes and it was great! The traditional steak Au poivre was also delicious. Only one weird thing. They had a tray of "salt" in the ladies room. Not sure if that's French thing, but I just used the regular soap! I would go back here again even though it is in a remote-hard-to-find spot. Worth finding!
(4)Steve M.
Dining here was a culinary delight. I had the grouper wellington, it was excellent with a sauce that was to die for. Their pastries were perfectly fluffy and flakey. We had a special of crab claw in a garlic-butter sauce--delicious. From the street the restaurant does not look nearly as elegant as it did from the inside or out on the balcony -- so go in and eat!
(5)Timothy H.
I had a wonderful experience here. The Amberjack covered in a wine sauce was amazing! If the weather is nice, then sit outside.
(5)Ivy T.
I don't see the hype in this place. I went here witht he hubby for Valentine's Day. I made a reservation, knowing that it was going to be busy. We got there and there was no table available. We waited for about 30 minutes past our reservation time before being seated. What a bummer. The only redeeming factor was that we brought our own wine and they corked it for us for relatively cheap. We sat on the patio and drank the whole bottle before we were seated. We shared the antipasto salad which was anti-climatic and over priced. I did like the osso bucco entree though, so rich and flavorful. I can't say that the wait was worth it, but this being one of the fancier restaurants on the Fort Walton side, I'd probably give it another chance.
(2)Jeff G.
WOW! This place is great! Came here for lunch. Who would've expected a gourmet French inspired lunch in a little house under a bridge on the bay? This place is definitely a find. Got the grouper that was perfectly broiled with an excellent sauce topping it. Bread was great and the accompanying salad was fresh with tasty house dressing. Probably the best restaurant I've been to in the past 3 months!
(5)Tasmin R.
Cute location, seemingly off the beaten path, but not really. Attentive staff, until overwhelmed by new arrivals. Standout food though that will have you coming back for more. Fiancé had the grouper Wellington which he devoured and I had the special, which was braised lamb shank cooked to perfection. The tiramisu was very good, if you think of it not as a tiramisu (in which case it's weak), but instead, as a nice light dessert to round off a fabulous meal. Definitely in the top tier for the area.
(5)Sean M.
Our first attempt at "walk-in" supper (6pm) was unsuccessful ... they asked us to return after 60mins, so we found another place that night. We returned the next night (with reservations - but only three tables occupied that night) and sat outside. The restaurant had a nice atmosphere (nice to sit along the bay), the service was great - as was the food. My wife and I will go back to this restaurant again, but (as written in other posts) we will probably leave the kids (our 13-year-old loved the $30 Sea Bass). The place definitely does not cater to kids (we have three so our bill was close to $200).
(4)Matthew B.
this is by far the most romantic meal you will have with your SO in Okaloosa County. check them out, for sure!
(5)Emily C.
My husband and I wandered across this place as our original destination for lunch was closed. Boy am I glad it was closed; this place was extremely good! We ordered several things off the menu and shared. The waiters were quite happy to do this. I am always grateful to places who don't mind when their patrons share dishes, as portion sizes are usually way too large. Try the local fish, crab cakes, spinach salad, and vegetable soup (YUM!)
(5)Glenn M.
Second time here in a month. The blackened Grouper on Croissant is the best! I've travelled the country searching for the best fish sandwich and until I found this place thought it was elsewhere. You wont be disappointed, i promise. A touch pricey, but worth it. Creme Brulee is the best i've had in a long time. Brought a party of three for lunch and all of us were impressed. A truly must-do lunch/dinner locale.
(5)Benjamin S.
Being the only French restaurant probably in the entire vicinity of the Florida Panhandle, my husband and I were excited to try this restaurant when we found it on Yelp. The menu is somewhat limited, but it still contains the main french staples such as pate, escargots, etc. The food turned out pretty great, but the service was EXTREMELY slow. It took us over 2 hours to finish lunch because we waited almost a hour for the appetizers to come, and then another hour for the entrees to come. Comparing the prices to a French restaurant in Paris, the prices were reasonable. Not great, but reasonable. Food authenticity was a little off, but hey, we are in the US, where everything must be drowned in heavy creams and butter to be accepted. So, I wouldn't entirely blame the owner/chef for that. Just a word of advice: Good luck trying to find this place, it took us a while to find the tiny street this restaurant is situated on.
(3)Amy M.
My husband and I have been dining at this little hidden jewel every year for over 25 years and have NEVER had a bad experience! It is our favorite restaurant in the world and any bad reviews you read are either due to mistaken identity or weird people. Bay Cafe IS NOT A PLACE FOR CHILDREN SO DO NOT TAKE THEM. They are not set up to serve children and do not welcome them. Get a babysitter... The menu contains such entree's as Grouper Wellington, Snapper Picatta, Seafood Pasta, Liver and Onions, and Filet Mignon. The salads are freshly made and the dressings are homemade. The bread served is real French bread which is hard and crusty by nature. The dessert list is fabulous and has such things as Creme Brulee, Tiramisu, Stawberries Romanoff, French Silk Pie, and Cheesecake. The wine list is extensive. The service has varied somewhat over the years, but my husband and I have always felt welcome there and have always felt our patronage was appreciated. It is best to make reservations for dinner dining, but usually not necessary at lunch. As far as I know they are closed on Sundays unless they have changed this rule. The atmosphere on the deck is calm and quiet, and the cheesy French music playing softly in the background is perfect. We always stay at least 2.5 hours and have NEVER been rushed. We have been there when it was VERY busy and when it was VERY slow, but the service has ALWAYS been nothing sort of fabulous. It is NOT located on a main drag, but is fairly simple to find. I cannot imagine where the reviewer Lee L. was, but I really wonder if she was at Bay Cafe.
(5)Jenn W.
very very good! my mom and i go here every year for special occasions and we love it. the fish is amazing and the side salad is very great! the desserts are all good so i cant suggest just one!
(5)Paiul V.
We found a plastic sanitary food service glove in my wife's meal. We dined there on the night of May 3, 2011. We chose the restaurant based on the reviews here and elsewhere. We ordered mixed drinks to begin, specifically Mimosa's. To our surprise, our mimosa's were red wine mixed with orange juice. Maybe a local champagne shortage. Maybe a local tradition, so we laughed, hoisted our glasses, and drank them down. I ordered an aperitif, the gumbo which turned out to be scrumptious. I'm a fan of really good gumbo, and this was really good gumbo. Creamy, thick, and made with a perfect roux like any good Cajun Gumbo. I ordered Grouper Wellington for my entree and my wife ordered the Pasta dish with mussels, clams, and shrimp. I can't recall the name of her entree, but it was essentially seafood pasta. When my entree arrived I dug in. The lobster sauce was almost perfect, just a tiny bit too salty but well within my tolerance level. The crust of the pastry was absolutely perfect. I was on my 5th or 6th bite when my wife and I changed plates to sample each others menu choice. Her's was a bit bland, and the seafood didn't seem fresh. The mussels were flavorless and seem to have been pre-cooked or reheated. We both commented that my entree was probably the better dish and we tucked in hoping for a dessert that would finish the meal perfectly. And then it happened. My wife said "What's this?" I looked over and at first it seemed to be a clump of pasta that was under the main pile of pasta. She moved it around a bit and it didn't look like pasta anymore. So I reached over and picked it up and knew immediately it wasn't food. It felt like plastic. It was a tight semi-hard ball of something. I slowly unrolled it and it began to assume the shape of a plastic glove like one would wear while preparing food. When I splayed out the fingers I knew what it was. I asked my wife to wait in the car and called for the check. I told the waiter I didn't want to make a scene. I showed him the glove and told him where we found it. He looked panicked, and he was very young, so it wasn't his fault. He's the server, not the cook. So I paid the bill and left. We barely made it 50 feet down the street and my wife asked me to pull over. She vomited on the side of the road. Since we'd both had a bite out of her plate, I felt worried that we might have ingested something harmful, but two days later, we seem to be healthy. Was it an accident? I will never know. I probably should have stayed and spoken to the manager or the chef but I couldn't figure out what information they could provide to me that would change what happened. Carelessness? A new sous chef? An accident? A long day? An Avant-Garde Chef testing the boundaries of Petroleum products? A glove in your pasta is a glove in your pasta. Nothing more, nothing less. I have to admit some of the items we ate were darn good. But an error like this one, serving a plastic glove as part of an entree is an error of magnitude that would cost a restaurant it's license in most locales, or even worse, a lawsuit one might never recover from. Needless to say we will never eat there again. Bon Appetit!
(1)Melonie T.
This is a very secret spot so don't go telling everyone about it. It is very hard to find but you can pull right up to it in your boat (or drive in circles trying to find the entrance). It is right under the bridge going to Ft Walton , the majority of seating is on a big back deck that overlooks the water. The atmosphere is quiet and quaint with lots of locals seated at the candle lit tables. The food is some of the best I have had in the Destin area. Not made for the masses this food is succulent, creatively parring local seafood with French style. There is a great wine list, wonderful desserts and a lot of ambiance. Try it out for a nice and classy evening. Leave your kids at home please, this is a quiet retreat from the long days at the beach.
(5)Kurt N.
The gf and I ate here recently and we loved it, although it was awkward to be the only patrons for most of the night! I had grouper in a puff pastry. The fish and pastry were cooked well and the sauce was decadent. I had no complaints other than it probably set me back a few pounds. They have a nice deck outside that overlooks Brooks Bridge and one of the bayous. It would've been nice to dine out there if it weren't too cold. What really got me was how empty the place was. We were there on a Thursday night at 6ish and the only other people we saw showed up just as we were leaving. Needless to say we got a lot of attention from the waitress and even the chef, but it was definitely odd. The food was great so I don't know why it was so empty...
(5)Samuel F.
I must say, this place STILL is rude!
(1)Jack B.
My wife loved it, I disliked it. She had Chile-Lime Salmon, I had the Chicken Picatta. Bread was great. The kids meal was absolutely disgraceful. You should offer kids at least the same quality of food as the adults......not some frozen BS.....Service was OK. View is great.
(2)Kris P.
This was an amazing surprise. We had asked some of the locals for a good hole-in-the wall place...and this was definitely it! The chef was French and had owned it for over 30 years with his late brother. It's a small, but charming little restaurant. We both had the crawfish soup (AMAZING!!) and Grouper with the special French sauce that was divine! The tiramisu was a perfect ending to a delicious meal.
(5)Kelly M.
Just under the bridge, this looks like a dive bar from the outside; but inside is a nice French restaurant with a view of the bay. My wife had the Grouper Wellington and I had the Grouper Special with an Escargot en Croute appetizer. We shared the strawberries and bananas with ice cream for dessert. The food was good but for the price I was expecting more ($99 not including wine) Nice, intimate atmosphere though.
(4)DeeAnn L.
I have been visiting the Bay Cafe' for years. It has a wonderful, intimate atmosphere and there is the option to sit either inside or outside overlooking the water. If you are a boater, you can even dock, walk on up the pier and enjoy some great food. Classical French is served and prepared by a French chef. The steak au poivre is excellent, and one of my favorites. Over the years, I have enjoyed their Pate' plate, the scallops, chicken picata, liver and onions, and escargot en croute. It's a small family owned place that has a very friendly wait staff. Highly recommend.
(5)Karoline K.
After the tourist season ended, the hubby and I tried to check this place out. Unfortunately, they were closed from mid December up until last week or so. I was glad that they opened before spring breakers invade the area. We went on Friday night and it was relatively full of people! To our surprise! We ordered the special appetizer, crab cakes, and two entrees: liver and onions, duck montmorency. He could have done a better job with the crab cakes. They were good for the area but he got lazy with mixing in large chunks of crab. He might have just put all the ingredients and chopped it in the food processor. However, the salad paired very nicely with the dish. I don't normally order meat dishes but I was craving memories from my childhood, aka liver and onions. Most people don't have the palate to eat another animals liver but I loveeeeed it as a kid. I chose to indulge myself. Let's just say it brought back memories of mommies cooking. The duck was moist and paired nicely with a cranberry sauce. Both our entrees came with a potato pancake looking thing (was delicious) and green beans. We also got two glasses of red wine. This is the closest to descent food outside of the typical tourist hot spots. We ordered two deserts, well, just because. We got the crème brûlée, and chocolate caramel crunch cake. The crème brûlée was thin and the top crystallized layer cracked, so yummie yummie in my tummy. Now the chocolate caramel crunch cake was decadent. We may have gone overboard but it's all in good fun. If you enjoy a moist cake with a crunch and caramel sprinkled on top, get this! Definitely will be back for lunch. Our waiter Martin was GREAT! He seemed to enjoy his job and was very polite throughout the entire meal. If you are looking for good food and wonderful service. I would recommend it for boys or girls going out on a date. It has a nice ambiance. Although the eating arrangement can get a bit tight.
(4)Christine Z.
Don't let the drive to the location worry you or even the outside of the restaurant - open the door and you see a wall of wine bottles! My daughter, 8 years old, and I ate here tonight and we LOVED IT! My parents flew back home today but my daughter and I are staying for a few more nights and found this restaurant on Yelp. I made reservations for two and they sat us outside near the water, which was excellent! The service was EXCELLENT (our server was Brandy) and the food was WONDERFUL! They also have lots of wines on the menu and several by the glass that are not necessarily listed on the menu so just ask. I started with a La Crema Chardonnay followed by a glass of Poilly Fuisse. We both had salads to start and shared an order of escargot. The pasty was excellent on the escargot - very well done. My daughter had the chicken with special Teriyaki sauce for entree and absolutely loved it. I had the grouper wellington and also loved it! It comes in a pastry just like wellington. Very good! I highly recommend this place! Seems like mainly locals here too, which is a nice getaway from all the tourist trap restaurants out there. I highly recommend if you are a foodie, love good wine and enjoy taking your time over dinner with a nice view of the bay/harbor.
(5)Lin G.
Put down the hot pocket and listen up: this is now one of my favorite restaurants on the Gulf Coast. Amazing view, delicious food, good service, and oh so romantic. Did I mention that on top of all that, it is literally seconds from my house? $10 corkage fee or you can order drinks there. I loved it so much the first time I came that I made a reservation to return on my birthday. It turned out to be a great birthday experience. I was decked out in more bling than a gypsy bride and the staff were great. They helped serve the cake I brought as well. Thus far I've had the liver and seafood pasta and both dishes were delicious. The pate was not as great but the tiramisu was outstanding. I don't even like tiramisu and could not stop eating it. Definitely check this place out for a romantic evening and she will be impressed.
(5)Laura L.
Stopped for lunch. It was a beautiful day to eat outside. French Onion Soup is like no other- fantastic! I had fresh trigger fish florentine. Wonderful flavors. Fresh. We will be back, hopefully by boat next time.
(5)Aaron B.
Amazing food, service and atmosphere. Never have I had a waitress so quickly refill my drink. Got the steak au parvoua (or however you spell that) and it was fantasitc. Also, the BEST french onion soup I've ever had. Not too salty. Definately visit here when you're on your trip to the Destin area, it'll be worth it!!
(5)Randy C.
The Grouper Wellington was incredible! This was one of the best meals I've had in the Destin area. A little pricey for what you get but was overall worth every bite. The service was great after what looked like it might be a problem to start with. Looking forward to returning here again when we are back in the area.
(5)Rob B.
Amazing food with a gorgeous view!
(5)Amanda M.
Excellent meal, thoughtful presentation, high quality food and wine list! So romantic and nostalgic! From the mussels, pate, duck and lamb, I cannot wait to go back!
(5)James S.
Went to the Bay Cafe again last night. This may very well be the best restaurant in the Florida panhandle. Try the lamb. Awesome! Fine dining at a reasonable price. If you are visiting from up north ask for the house dressing on your salad. The salad dressing taste very close to a remoulade dressing which is a very Southern type of salad dressing usually served with boiled shrimp but is also wonderful on a good salad.
(5)Joe V.
Eating here for the second night in a row in the Fort Walton area. The seafood is fantastic and not expensive. Almost every wine is available by the glass. I had the mussels marineure, grouper wellington (in puff pastry with lobster sauce), and the scallops. All were excellent!
(5)Curry M.
Enjoyed a relaxing evening at the Bay Cafe. We were never rushed and staff were great. Food excellent. All 4 of us were very happy with everything. A bit tricky to find but worth the search. I believe the best review is "would you return" and my answer is "absolutely".
(4)Rachael A.
This was my first French restaurant experience, so while I can not speak for the authenticity of their food, I can encourage you to try it! My spouse and I arrived shortly after opening for lunch, and had an amazing meal on the patio. Our waitress was very polite, helpful, and attentive. Their staff never let our drinks get more than a quarter empty. The view was pleasant, and it was amazingly quiet. We even saw three dolphins swimming by. We can highly recommend the croissants, cappuccinos, apple tarts, and chocolate and caramel crunch cake. Visiting here really added to our vacation.
(5)Samantha J.
Fantastic meal at the Bay Cafe! My server was attentive, my food and wine delicious, and the view was great. I chose the special- grouper munierre (sp? My French sucks) but spelling aside, possibly the best fish I've ever eaten. It literally melted to nothing in my mouth. The sauce was spectacular. My Chardonnay, Copper Ridge I believe, went great with my meal. Can't wait to bring my family here next week when they arrive!
(5)Barbara P.
Second time tonight.... Wonderful food and great service. Could not ask for better. Everything is to die for ...... Including view/location.
(5)Zach G.
2nd time here and first time reviewing. Came in late around 9pm after a long day of shopping and time for date night. Promptly set down outside on the patio by the Fort Walton Bay on a gorgeous evening. I enjoyed the Chilean Sea Bass while my Wife ate everything she had. Fantastic!
(5)Liz D.
The location and service were great! I ordered steak which was incredible, but I was underwhelmed by the sides (potato and vegetable). Dessert and wine selection were also very good. Go here for a romantic meal and watch the sunset while you enjoy drinks and dinner.
(3)Mary P.
New favorite restaurant on the emerald coast. It is a hidden gem that hasn't been overtaken by tourist. It is a welcoming atmosphere with a bay view. The staff is friendly and enjoying serving with a smile on their face. For appetizer we got a pound of sautéed crab claws. These were by far better than any fried or sautéed crab claws I have ever eaten. These alone will make me return to eat again. They were seasoned to perfection. We also had the seafood omelette with shrimp and scallops. My sister enjoyed the amberjack croissant it was life changing. I suggest the croissant over the omelette but to tell the truth you can't go wrong with either one! Delicious dining with friendly staff without the hustle & bustle of the tourist traps! Great classic restaurant that has been providing satisfaction since the '80's
(5)Nikki B.
This place is very good. The food is good, and the customer service is great. The food is very well priced for the quality.
(5)Bruce B.
Food is better than all the tourist restaurants nearby but understaffed and very slow. Spent almost 2 hours waiting on our dinner. Great view but don't come hungry... and no liquor license. Just beer and wine.
(3)Arnold N.
For those of you old timers around the panhandle area, you may remember a little french restaurant that was located in the Seville district of downtown Pensacola that was called Jamie's. It was always a special place with outstanding food. This place is the new version of Jamie's. Location and views are superb, the wait staff is prompt and curtious, the food is absolutely outstanding. Without a doubt one of the best meals that we have had over the last year. It is not yet the busy season, and only two of their tables were not reserved, so we were happy to take one of them, so it would be a good idea to make reservations. The place is a little hard to find, but well worth the effort. The area of Fort Walton Beach and Destin have some of the best restaurants on the Gulf Coast, and this is certainly one of them. It is a small place with only about 12 to 14 tables inside, and weather permitting about the same number outside. I had the Grouper Wellington and my wife had the special, Chilean Sea Bass, both of which would melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more. We both left stuffed and happy. Don't miss this little gem at the foot of the Brooks Bridge.
(4)Susan L.
Great secret gem to escape the tourist crowds. Great food from the mussels, corn and crab chowder, and the finale Grouper Wellington. All delicious and served with great service!
(4)Dawn L.
This place never fails me! It is consistent and always wonderful. From the beautiful views, great staff and absolutely wonderful food! I ALWAYS get the grouper wellington with lobster sauce. My fave!!! Husband loves the steak with the green peppercorn sauce. Always cooked perfectly!
(5)Joe S.
My boyfriend took me out here for our 6 month anniversary. I had no idea it existed. It is a nice restaurant. I don't mean nice like it was pretty nice I mean it's like a fancy have a glass of wine, dress pretty nice restaurant. I love how it is decorated and right on the water. I was so happy our hostess sat us outside on the deck on the sound. We had the perfect most romantic corner table. The menus were classy as far as the layout and the wine list was impressive. (It's a super French joint). I went with a house merlot out of modesty and it was spectacular! For an appetizer we ordered the crab cakes which were on special (they had an extensive specials list) and loved them. For my main course I wasn't as modest and ordered the filet mignon. Ahhhh! Sooooo freakin good! I'd say the best part of the restaurant is the atmosphere for sure. It's such a romantic setting and it's not a chain! When I go to a nice fancy restaurant I like to see character and this place really has that as far as the location and atmosphere. The music was a subtle yet substantial quality for instance. It did take a while for us to receive our food but no big deal.
(5)P R.
Very good staff, great wine recommendations. Excellent food. Nice for a special occasion
(5)Carol P.
We had been told this was a great local restaurant and it was, I had grouper Wellington, very good, the crab corn chowder was also delicious. Will be back when in area. The staff was very nice.
(5)