Whether you’re exploring the Emerald Coast for a family vacation, to plan your wedding, or just to see the sites, food can have a huge impact on your experience.  As summertime tourists pack the local restaurants from Destin to 30A and beyond, there are still ways to beat the crowds and have the restaurant experience- through personal chefs and catering companies!

Thankfully, over the years we’ve gotten to know some outstanding personal chefs and catering companies so we thought we’d share a couple of our go-tos, and some fan favorites too.

Townsend Catering

Townsend has been our favorite catering company for ten years and counting!  They have catered dozens of the weddings we’ve photographed over the years, and even catered Ryan’s own 30th birthday party.  We consider the owners David and Donna amazing friends and their catering services are certainly a crowd pleaser.  They also have personal chef options if that’s what your heart desires! Contact Townsend at 850.622.0663 or by email at donna@townsendcatering.com.

 

Richard Pascalli

Pascalli Kitchen out of Miramar Beach offers high quality menu items to-go from 8am-7pm daily.  With breakfast, lunch, dinner, and baked dessert options, you’re sure to something for everyone in your group.  You can reach them at 850.424.6500 or info@pascallikitchen.com.

Éclat 30A

Éclat 30A offers private chef services available for your dinner party, including in Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, and Seaside, Florida as well as other communities along 30A. No matter your taste, they are sure to craft a meal worth raving about!  You can give them a call to discuss your dining needs, and let them know we sent you!  You can inquire directly on their website: www.eclat30a.com.

Signature 30A

Signature 30A has a wide variety of options for groups of any size.  From themed menus to specialty cocktails, they can work with you to create the catering experience of your dreams.  They even offer beach boils and sushi options!  Get in touch at 850-428-2624 or signaturecatering30A@yahoo.com.

Roux30A/Chef Nikhil

Not only is Roux30A a beautiful, intimate venue option nestled away in Grayton Beach, but they offer a personal chef experience anywhere in 30A.  Chef Nikhil is also a personal friend who can create unforgettable meals in the comfort of your own home (or rental!). Check out the venue, Chef Nikhil’s availability, and get him booked by calling 850.213.0899.

Marrow Private Chefs

Chefs Richard McCord and Ryan McNay of Marrow Private Chefs offer a wide variety of menus available throughout South Walton and surrounding areas.  With a $500 minimum for most options, Marrow offers an affordable option for private chef experiences. You pick the meal, they’ll bring the dishes, cookware, and food.  They can even prepare fish you’ve caught during your stay!  Get in touch at marrowprivatechefs@gmail.com.

Swiftly Catered

With options starting as low as $45 per person, Swiftly Catered will work with you to create a low country boil (shrimp, potatoes, corn, and more!) or a four-course meal.  You can reach them at 850.972.0850.

Damiano, the Tuscan Chef

From birthdays to weddings, and every type of intimate dining experience in between, Chef Damiano and his team can craft an authentic Italian meal in your own kitchen.  They service Destin and surrounding areas including Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Niceville, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Miramar Beach and more!  Give him a call to schedule at 850.896.0420.

Personal Chef Kali

Whether you have an intimate group or upwards of 20 guests, or want a buffet style or a plated experience, Chef Kali and her team have raving reviews for all of the above!  Their meal selection is plentiful and you’re sure to find something you’d love!  You can find Chef Kali at 850.974.2665 or by email at personalchefkali@gmail.com.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, we hope you are excited about all the dining options you have along the coast!  If you’re still wanting to brave the crowds and go out to a restaurant during your Emerald Coast visit, you can find some of our picks who made the roundup of our favorite local businesses here.  Either way, enjoy the sunshine and the food!

We’ll continue to add to this list as we find amazing local chefs and catering companies in the area that we love. Do you have a favorite that’s not on our list that you’d like to suggest? Please drop us a line and let us know!

Like these recommendations?  We are sharing more of our favorite local businesses in our newsletter and upcoming posts.  Join our email list here to stay in the know!