Best Brunch Restaurants in Gulf Breeze

I live in the area in the grand Marlin is by far of my favorite restaurant! The service, ambiance, drinks and food are always top-notch! It was a little loud in the corner in the room overlooking the water due to fans going, but we survived!

I made a reservation for 2 at 5pm a while ago. We arrived at 4:45 pm. When I checked in at the hostess stand I was told my name was on a waiting list as they don't take reservations but here I am making comments to my Open Table reservation that they don't take. A bit strange to say the least. First time I have heard from an Open Table vendor that they don't take reservations when I clearly made one. The meal was great and appreciated the Fish House being open on Christmas.

I was promptly seated, yet was at my table about 8 mins before my server appeared, and only after I asked the bus boy if he could point out my server. Once the server got to my table, the rest of the service was fine. This is my 2nd Christmas to eat at Salt, and I, once again, was pleased. The charcuterie is superb, kudos to the tapenade! For my entree is got the prime rib, rare. The meat could have been more flavorful, and adding a bit of salt helped. The horseradish sauce was flavorful and fluffy (whipped?) and also very watery. The peel-em shrimp were quite tasty, plump, not over cooked, and the cocktail sauce was spot on. The sides were super - I loved the cornbread dressing with pork and sage. Excellent. I also enjoyed the Brussel sprouts and mashed potatoes. (I didn’t try the carrots or green bean casserole, nor the salad selections.) The croutons here are some of the best, house made, flavorful, not crazy-hard but light. I skipped dessert, opting for more shrimp. My drink was consistently refilled, and the waiter was not fussy. Another fine experience at Salt.

Had a wonderful Christmas Eve paella. The saffron rice had a nice crust and was filled with clams, mussels and shrimp. The dollops of aioli finished it nicely. The reserve Rioja was perfect with it. Our server was personable and professional, a great combination. After give a shout out to the bar tenders at Sister Hen. They were absolutely slammed but made those of us at the bar feel like we were the only ones there. As we waited for our table, time flew as we watched them artfully make one cocktail after another. And finally, a shout out about the pan con tomate we had as our starter. That’s worth a trip just for it. So simple but the garlicky toast with the chopped tomatoes was just perfection.

I wanted to take a moment to share how impressed I was with my recent visit to George’s Bistro. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere, the attention to detail, and the quality of the food were absolutely delicious! Every dish we ordered was beautifully prepared and bursting with flavor—it’s clear your chefs take immense pride in their craft. Another fun moment was with my friend who joined me for dinner. She’s not a fan of potatoes and initially wanted to substitute them for another side. However, after trying mine, she loved them so much she ended up taking my leftovers home! We both got a good laugh about it, and it’s just another testament to how outstanding the food is at George’s Bistro. However, what truly made my experience unforgettable was the service, especially from Mark, the bartender. Not only did he craft some of the most delicious drinks I’ve ever had, but he also went above and beyond to make my birthday extra special. I wasn’t sure what to drink, and Mark surprised me with a custom creation that was absolutely perfect—every sip was a revelation! It was evident that he put thought and care into the drink, and it turned what was already a wonderful evening into something truly memorable. I can’t forget to mention the “Home for the Holidays” horchata drink. Initially, I was hesitant to try it, worried it might not sit well with my stomach. But thanks to Mark, who took the time to clarify the ingredients and reassure me that this cocktail would not disappoint, I decided to give it a try—and oh, am I glad I did! It was absolutely phenomenal. Smooth, perfectly spiced, and irresistibly creamy, it exceeded all my expectations. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience! Mark’s expertise, creativity, and friendly demeanor are a true asset to your establishment. I left not only feeling incredibly special but also eager to return and recommend George’s Bistro to everyone I know. Thank you for an incredible experience—I can’t wait to come back!