Cuvee 30A is one of the most awarded restaurants on 30 Avenue or anywhere in the Panhandle area. Many people will be familiar with the restaurant from its appearance on the show Emeril’s Florida, and it’s also won industry accolades such as multiple Distinguished Restaurants of North America and a Wine Spectator awards.
The dinner menu here features signature dishes that draw inspiration from the South but infuse a good dose of creativity. One of the appetizers combines warmed brie cheese, sauteed crawfish tails, and fried green tomatoes, and this is just a glimpse of the varied flavor combinations. For entrees, there’s a good selection of Gulf of Mexico fish, pork, venison, duck, chicken, and steak.
Vegetarians will find appropriate menu options fairly limited, but there is a handful of salads that are mostly meat-free. While not specifically noted, a kitchen of this skill and capability will also be able to accommodate other food allergies and sensitivities.
There’s a bar menu for adult drinks, but it’s the wine list that really stands out here. The list has been recognized by Wine Spectator with a Best of Award of Excellence four years in a row. Even if you don’t know the difference between a Cabernet and a Pinot, ask the staff to help you make a selection and it’s sure to be delicious. As a bonus, the cork of every bottle purchased is engraved and given to diners as a keychain memento.
Of course, a fine dining establishment like this has an impressive dessert menu. The dessert teas, coffees, and martinis are all good, as are the more solid choices like Key West Lime Pie and Valrhona Chocolate Crepes.
You don’t have to be dressed for a black-tie event to get in here, but be prepared for a fancy place. Sandals and tank tops will clearly be out of place.
Live music by award-winning Space Junkie plays Wednesday through Sunday.
If you’re looking for a special place to celebrate a special moment, Cuvee 30A has everything a fine dining establishment should. Make reservations, and your night is sure to be one that you’ll remember. Naturally, you can also come even if you don’t have something big to celebrate.
A few of our menu favorites at Cuvee 30A include:
Bottle of Wine
With a wine list this impressive, you’re going to want to try at least one. Ask the staff for a recommendation since they’ll likely be more knowledgeable, and get a bottle to share. You’ll get the cork to take home with you.
Grouper Vince
Grouper is offered at a lot of restaurants on the Gulf, but the preparation here is some of the best you’ll find anywhere. The Grouper Vince is tender and flavorful, thanks to its pecan crust and honey Worcestershire sauce topping. A garlic potato cake comes on the side.
New Zealand Venison Steak
Also tender and flavorful, but with an entirely different flavor than the grouper, the New Zealand Venison Steak is a fine cut that’s cooked to perfection. It comes with mashed potatoes and onions on the side, and a basil tomato red wine reduction sauce that enhances the meat.
Cuvee Dessert Sampler
If you can’t decide which of the desserts to go with, get the Cuvee Dessert Sampler. With five mini desserts, it’s specifically designed for indecisive diners who want to enjoy some sweets.
Espresso Martini
Top off dinner with an Espresso Martini, and you’ll be ready for whatever is next in your night. You might just need a ride to your next intended locale because all the drinks here come strong.
Insider Tips:
– On major holidays, the dinner menu is served at both lunch and dinner times. While all of the food on the menu is excellent, this does mean lunch can cost more than a typical fine dining experience early in the day would.