Located in Grayton Beach (just West of Seaside - between Destin and Panama City Beach), Criolla's might be my new favorite restaurant!

Owner, Chef Johnny Earls has been in business over 20 years in the area. I think he opened Criolla's 17 yrs ago? Anyway, he has traveled extensively and brought back flavors from all over the world (Criolla's has menus from some of the most famous restaurants in the world, framed and hanging on the walls everywhere).

We had a 5-course meal and every dish was not only a masterpiece in presentation, but also in taste. Criolla's unique combinations of ingredients provided the most amazing (and NEW!) taste sensations I've ever experienced. Who would have guessed that grilled peaches are a perfect match for filet mignon? Amazing. Every dish was just like that. New. Unique. And overflowing with taste.

I was told that Criolla's does not have a freezer because they use only fresh ingredients. And everything from the Pistachio Ice Cream to the Worcestershire Sauce is made at Criolla's. (They could make million$ off bottling and selling the Worcestershire alone!)

We were given a tour of their wine cellar. Many consider it one of the Top 5 wine cellars in Florida, and with good reason, since they stock over 1,300 bottles of fine wine.

Another thing we liked about Criolla's was the unique artwork found throughout the restaurant. From original pieces by Grayton Beach artists to world-renown artists like George Rodrigue (the Blue Dog artist), the artwork added another pleasant dimension to our experience.

Service was outstanding. The staff was very attentive, yet unobtrusive.

It's a little out of the way, but well worth the drive. If you have a few extra minutes, take HWY 30A and drive through Seaside. That little town has grown so much the past few years... but it has managed to retain the charm that made it so popular.

Congratulations to Criolla's for creatring not only a five-star meal, but a five-star dining experience! We'll definitely be back!