When you think about Pensacola, what comes to mind? It’s undoubtedly the brilliant blue waters gently lapping along the white sandy shores, right? But there’s another thing that’s beckoning when you come to town: the exquisite culinary scene. Fine dining wonders abound all across the cityscape, giving you endless places to enjoy a truly delicious meal served in a superb setting. If that’s how you’d like to spend your evening, use this guide to explore the top six fine-dining restaurants in Pensacola.
Jackson’s Steakhouse
Jackson’s Steakhouse opened its doors in 1999, much to the delight of Pensacola residents and tourists alike. At this fine-dining restaurant, you get the full experience, starting with exceptional service as soon as you walk through the doors. The ambiance is second to none, too, especially if you delight in the warmth of natural hardwood interior designs.
The real magic is in their finest cuts of steak, all aged to perfection well before you arrive. They have all the top cuts available day in and day out, like Delmonico, filet mignon, and prime New York strip. Once you order your steak, go all out by topping it with savory items like jumbo lump crab, moody blue cheese, and white truffle oil.
While that might sound filling all on its own, don’t hesitate to order some of their deep-dish sides. Florida snap beans, three-cheese macaroni with bacon, and pimento cheese grits all pair beautifully with whatever steak you fancy.
Restaurant IRON
At Restaurant IRON, it’s all about serving up Southern fine-dining dishes with flair. Their talented chefs delight in creating local and regional specialties using the finest ingredients and cooking techniques. The most popular dishes on the menu include beer-battered green tomatoes, chicken and dumplings, and fried oysters.
However, the dish that brings people in from far and wide is the imaginative Foie Gras ‘PB & J.’ This tasty treat begins with grade-A foie gras paired with almond butter and strawberry jam. Then, cinnamon milk punch, ECB toast, and balsamic join the party to take all the flavors to the next level.
If you’re just in the mood for cocktails and dessert, they can do that, too. They even have a menu dedicated to those two items. Their Irish coffee and icebox Nutella pie is a winning combo, as is their seasonal cobbler and cordials. Just follow your heart to find the pairings that speak to you most, and then get ready to enjoy your visit to the fullest.
The Grand Marlin
Whenever you’re in the mood for Gulf Coast classics, plan to visit The Grand Marlin in Pensacola. At this iconic restaurant, they specialize in ultra-fresh seafood made to order. In fact, their seafood is so fresh that they print their menus daily depending on what comes in on the boat.
Depending on when you stop by, you might find items like smoked fish dip, Maryland-style lump crab cake, and ahi poke on the starter menu. As for the main course, you’re welcome to fill up on iced seafood like Gulf oysters and jumbo shrimp cocktails. Prefer a hot meal? Go with the shrimp and grits, Maine lobster tails, or swordfish oreganata.
If you’re holding out for the market fish, you might find seared red snapper, grilled yellowfin tuna, or grilled sea scallops available on the daily menu. Just be sure to pair it with a shareable side, like the sweet potato hash, to complete your meal perfectly.
Rodizio Grill
Rodizio Grill goes all out in offering a churrascaria-style dining experience to remember. At this restaurant, all the meat gets cooked in churrasco style, ensuring you can enjoy bite after bite of that fresh barbecue flavor. All the hot sides are homemade as well, plus there’s a huge salad bar for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Upon arriving at this restaurant, you will get a warm welcome from the staff and a quick introduction to what to expect. Then, you’ll get seated at your table and order drinks before making your first trip to the salad bar. Soon after returning, the wait staff will bring by all their best meats and cut them right there at the table.
You just have to flip the card to let them know if you’re ready for more meat. You’re welcome to keep dining at your leisure until you’re fully satisfied with your meal.
Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano
When nothing but the finest Italian dishes will do, it’s time to visit Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano. This upscale eatery treats you to a coveted dining experience in a cozy yet refined establishment. Their talented waitstaff never fails to make you feel like family, ensuring you have the best dining experience at every visit.
At this eatery, there’s a whole crew of chefs working together to prepare and plate every dish to perfection. Together, they create unique dishes like beef tartare, doppio ravioli, pizza, chicken parm, and so much more. They also have a full three-course pasta-tasting menu if you cannot decide between all their offerings.
Want to take your meal on the go? Order their family meal made for four to enjoy together at home, in your hotel, or anywhere you prefer.
Global Grill
If you’d like to enjoy the full shared menu experience, you need to take a trip to Global Grill. At this New American restaurant, they have all the best tapas and entrees ready to serve as you order them. You just have to decide what everyone at your table wants to nosh on and then put in your order one by one.
To start off your meal, you might want to try their baby spinach leaves of mushroom salads. Their cold tapas are also a great choice, especially if you want to sample imported olives, cured and smoked meats, and fresh-baked focaccia bread.
Just be sure to leave room for their hot tapas, which range from Chile rellenos to lamb lollipops. If you arrive with a big appetite, try their main plates like the pesto-crusted tuna, bleu cheese stuffed filet or wagyu ribeye.
You really cannot go wrong, no matter which of these Pensacola fine-dining restaurants you choose. Each one offers a delightful dining experience, complete with the best dishes around. Whether you get apps and drinks or the entire spread, you’re bound to savor a truly memorable meal. So, treat yourself to the finer things in life by selecting your eatery of choice and spending the evening noshing on pure deliciousness.
