An Artful Foodie Tour of Pensacola
No matter the taste your palette prefers there’s a place in downtown Pensacola that can appeal to your liking. The atmosphere and dishes offered at the places listed below are all an eclectic array of what makes a city a culinary experience of note. The food you can experience when you’re Vacationing Artfully speaks for itself. So, whether you’re stopping in for brunch, a break for lunch between activities, or capping off the day with a delicious dinner, be sure to take the time to get an authentic taste of Pensacola.
The Greek word for love, agapi was picked to illustrate the love of the crew. A love of food, cooking, and community. A newer addition to the culinary scene, it’s a Mediterranean restaurant helmed by Chef Gus Silivos and Chef de Cuisine Justin Robinson. Here, you’ll find dishes that come from the heart, with ingredients sourced with the utmost care as well.
Alice’s Gulf Coast Restaurant & Wine Bar is another new addition to Pensacola’s food scene. Alice sprang forth from the love of our city combined with the love of great food… all paired with outstanding wines! Alice was originally from North Carolina but fell in love with the city while in college, so she moved back to open this upscale eatery that was voted Best New Restaurant in 2020.
In heart of downtown is Angelena’s – an authentic Italian restaurant with Gulf Coast roots featuring handmade pasta and thoughtfully prepared dishes. Led by Food Network personality and nationally renowned Chef James Briscione, it has plenty of southern touches to go with the classic Italian cuisine. Also, Wine Director, Brooke Parkhurst curates the extensive wine list highlighting wines from 13 different Italian regions.
Scenic coastal views accompany any order on the menu at Atlas Oyster House. On Pensacola Bay, it’s a bayfront dining experience that can’t be missed during a visit. Steps away from the historic Seville neighborhood, it’s a casual experience that’s the favorite of locals and visitors alike. It’s been around since 2002 and stands by its name as “the place” to find delicious local oysters.
Located in historic downtown Pensacola is Bodacious Café, where you never need an excuse to stop in for a breakfast bowl, breakfast quiche, or one of their artisanal coffees. Too late for breakfast? Stop by for a bodacious lunch, which features a variety of easy-to-eat items like acai bowls, pizzas, and salads.
Located inside Hilton Pensacola Beach, Bonsai brings the Japanese dining experience to Pensacola’s food scene. Beautiful coastline views accompany sushi, Wagyu beef, and Southern “smoked” rainbow rolls with two varieties of caviar. It’s also home to the best sake list in the South, and the sake has been perfectly paired with everything the menu offers – including the desserts.
Talk about an eclectic menu – Carmen carries everything from soups and salads to tapas and boutique wines. The menu changes with the time of the day, but drop by for lunch or happy hour on the patio for some flavorful southern or international cuisine presented in a relaxing atmosphere.
Seafood, American, brunch, sushi – Dharma Blue has something for everyone. With its cheerful and casual ambiance, they are a local favorite – and they also offer a delectable dessert menu that’s an absolute must.
This is Pensacola’s only outdoor food hall, and they offer an incredibly unique experience that features foods from around the world in one location. Home to four food airstreams – MELT Gourmet Sandwiches and Mac N’ Cheese, BOCA Latin Kitchen, Calavera Tacos, and E-Saan Thai Street Food – the Garden holds options that will lead to an unforgettable meal.
A menu as eclectic as Pensacola’s culture and history, The Global Grill takes guests around the world for a global culinary experience that also includes a variety of twists on American food. Offering tapas, salads, and main plates that are all full of flavor, the menu is an array of items that are all so appealing and appetizing that it’s hard to pick just one (Whatever you pick get the Lamb Lollipops and Baby Brussels, too).
A longstanding must-visit while in town, this steakhouse is renowned for serving up local seafood and hand-cut steaks that are always prepared under the watchful eye of renowned Executive Chef Irv Miller. Reservations are recommended because seats fill fast when the food is this fantastic.
Southern flare with a contemporary twist is the motto behind Restaurant IRON in downtown Pensacola. Using local and regional ingredients they’re focused on detail and every recipe is prepared in their open kitchen by knowledgeable staff. The setting is comfortable, yet elegant – and several awards have been received since IRON’s inception in 2012.
Breakfast at the Ruby Slipper is a staple of brunch in the south. They use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible and prepare meals to order from scratch. It’s the spot to enjoy an outstanding bite to eat and a cup of coffee before walking around downtown or soak it all in and enjoy the southern charm with the BBQ Shrimp & Grits or the ever-popular Trifecta.
A southern pub at its finest, UPH is the brainchild of Chef Blake Rushing. They focus on local gardens, seafood from the Gulf and quality meats from Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi to curate something special and unique for Pensacola. They also house-cure a mix of meats and cheeses in addition to the southern staples that make them the “best pub in Pensacola.”