Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, really lucked out when Crust Artisan Bakery decided to set up shop right off the 30A. Since 2012, they’ve served as locals’ favorite place to get decadent Italian fare, baked goods, and much more.
They always use locally sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes to make their menu items, hitting the ball out of the park each and every time. Even other restaurants have taken notice and come here to get their buns, breads, and other baked goods to jazz up their own menus.
Although their menu is not pages and pages long, it easily checks all the boxes, ensuring you can order whatever you’re craving. They have homemade pasta of all kinds plus Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizzas.
Since they are a bakery at heart, they always make all their pasta, pizza dough, and bread from scratch. They even make their own sauces; no cans or jars of sauce served here. Whatever you order, don’t forget to save room for dessert, which changes every day and includes fan favorites, like cannoli and chocolate cake.
Even though they use quality ingredients and make everything by hand, they keep the portion sizes larger than life. You’ll delight in how much food you get with a single order, easily giving you enough to enjoy the next day as well. They don’t stop at making good food in huge portions either.
Their service is second to none since the owners are always on-site and greet all their guests personally. Expect them to swing by your table as you pour over the menus and take a moment to ask for recommendations to enjoy the best of the best at every visit.
During your visit, make sure to order:
Diver Scallops
Although they bring out a complimentary antipasto plate to every table, it’s never a bad idea to let the Diver Scallops whet your appetite. This appetizer features two large diver scallops that’re perfectly seared on both sides. They are placed on a bed of wilted spinach that complements the seafood flavors perfectly.
Shrimp Fra Diavolo Over Pasta
If you’re ready to bring on the spice, get the Shrimp Fra Diavolo Over Pasta as your meal of choice. This dish starts with perfectly cooked shrimp that’re sauteed in a delightfully spicy tomato sauce. Once that’s done, they pour a generous helping over their house-made spaghetti noodles. Bread comes alongside to ensure you can enjoy every last bit of flavor placed on your plate.
Chicken Parmigiana
When you’re incredibly hungry, let the Chicken Parmigiana fill up your belly. They create this masterpiece by tenderizing a huge chicken breast and covering it in flavorful breadcrumbs. Then, they fry it up crispy and add a rich tomato sauce over the top. After that, it gets tons of cheese and slides under the broiler until bubbly. Since the chicken fillet takes up the entire plate, there’s no room for sides, and you won’t miss them.
Although this restaurant does not serve alcoholic beverages, they are a bottle club. So, you can bring your favorite bottle of wine, beer, or other drinks to enjoy with your meal. If you do, just be prepared to pay a corking fee for each bottle you bring along.
Insider Tips:
– Their small venue fills up fast, so make your reservations well ahead of time to ensure you can get a table when you want it.
– Although they offer a fine dining experience, there’s no dress code. You can go straight from the beach to the restaurant, no problem.
– If you are at the Seaside Farmer’s Market, scope out their pastries to stock your home with tantalizing sweets.
– If you want to enjoy wine with your meal, be sure to bring along your own bottle.