The Great Southern Cafe

Tucked away in the quaint central square of Seaside is a culinary oasis that's perfectly paired with its charming surroundings. While quite a few restaurants label themselves "great," when it comes to Southern food with an International flair for flavor, the Great Southern Cafe takes the cake, or in this case, the grits.

Styled in the same manner as its craftsman cottage neighbors, the Great Southern Cafe exudes charm all the way from its tin roof to its bay windows.

To accommodate summer tourists, snowbirds and residents, the restaurant stays open year round.

Sit inside during cooler months or under the spacious covered patio during the warm months, which extend pretty much from mid-February through October. It's the perfect spot for both casual lunches and special events.

While you're busy taking in the earthy smell of sea salt drifting up from across the street, let the mingled aromas of delicious dishes hit you with all of their savory powers.

Co-owner and chef, Jim Shirley, combines his love of Southern cuisine with the dishes from the far away places he's lived.

Begin your dinner with Oysters Rockefeller (1/2 dozen baked oysters with spinach, bacon and Pernod, $8.95) or Soul Rolls (chicken, collard greens in a wrapper with peach chutney, horseradish cream and creole mustard, $9).

But save room for the favorites like Grits a Ya Ya (smoked Gouda cheese grits with bacon, spinach, shallots, garlic portobello mushrooms and cream, $20), the Gulf Shrimp (prepared your way with coleslaw, hushpuppies, roasted corn tarter sauce, $20), or the Filet Mignon (8 oz. hand-cut filet, with scallion mashers and griddled green beans, $28).

The cafe also serves lighter fare like salads and sandwiches, such as the Chicken Muffuletta (with ham, swiss cheese and coated with olive salad, $9) or the Oyster Po' Boy (crispy fried with smoked corn tarter sauce, $12.95).

Check out the website for a featured recipe and learn how to make something new!

- by Christine Foster, Destin Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Christine Foster

Christine is a freelance writer currently living in North Atlanta. She has worked as a reporter for numerous newspaper, magazine and online media companies, including the Florida Keys Keynoter and The Sunday Paper in Atlanta. When she's not working Christine enjoys baking and antiquing.