Pensacola Area-Restaurant Recommendations

Friend,

Uncle has a condo at Portofino on Pensacola Beach so he spends significant time there. I will ask him for his suggestions and get back with you tonight.

Yours,
TulaneLSU

Friend, I have had a lengthy discussion with Uncle and we have together come up with TulaneLSU and Uncle's Top 10 restaurants of Pensacola

10. Philly's Cheesesteaks
Uncle enjoys cheesesteaks; I do not. I much prefer roasted beef poorboys. Uncle also enjoys Philadelphia, which I do not. Anyway, he informs me that this cheesesteak shack is as good as the best authentic steaks in Philadelphia. They even have Amoroso bread delivered. There is a small dining room, but it seems most people eat out.

9. Joe Patti's
While no restaurant is in the seafood market -- there is an overrated sushi bar that is overpriced and does not know how to make good sushi rice -- getting some fresh shrimp steamed there and eating them outside is an experience you should try at least once. Frank Patti's brother or cousin runs the restaurant outback, but it is not very good IMO. Your best best is enjoying the best seafood market on the Gulf Coast, getting some fresh shrimp and having them steamed right there. The soups are quite nice as well.

8. Sky's Pizza
Exceptionally great New York style pizza with the best calzones south of wherever is known for making good calzones. It's sad that a place with the low stature of Pensacola has two, or perhaps three, pizzerias that are better than anything New Orleans has. Kids will love it if you get the 24" pizza. Ignoring the great flavor, the sheer size of a slice from a 24 will impress kids and give them much joy.

7. Graffiti Pizza
Just nudges out Sky's. One thing I really appreciate about Graffiti is that garlic-style pizza. It would survive in Brooklyn, I promise. They also posted my Top 40 pizzas in the USA list. I believe it is takeout only, but you could bring the kids and sit in the downtown park or go to the marina, just a half a mile south.



6. The Fishing Hole
If you enjoy fried seafood, they serve the best fried seafood in town. Please avoid the mullet though. Regardless of what locals say, it is disgusting. Fishing Hole edges out the chain Shrimp Basket. Neither place is well known by tourists, as they seem drawn to tourist traps like the Fish House and the places on the beach. Nonetheless, there is no denying well cooked seafood and The Hole does it best.

5. Iron
I have not tried it, but Uncle says the best comparison for it is Restaurant August. High praise indeed.

4. Carmen's
I do not enjoy tapas bars often, but my one meal at Carmen's was absurdly cheap, fragrant, and delicious. Close your eyes and you might forget you're in a small town.

3. O'Brien's Bistro
Uncle informs me this one is off the beaten path in suburban Pensacola. Nonetheless, it serves the highest of bistro French-American seafood cuisine. If I recall, Uncle took us here several years ago and I can confirm it was superior. Its location and food reminded me of Crozier's. Sadly, apparently, the chef owner died a few years ago, but his family continues the tradition.

2. Global Grill
Uncle assures me that this is a top flight restaurant, good enough to survive in New Orleans, which is the real litmus test for a good restaurant. I have not been, but its menu looks superb. It is downtown and one of the pricier restaurants. While many will recommend Jackson's downtown, Global Grill is where you want to go if you want a good steak, that our McGuire's, although the atmosphere is not very enjoyable at that cavern of a chain restaurant.

1. Taste of Jerusalem
While Uncle has not been here, I have and I found it marvelous. Its new building is a great upgrade from the previous one. TOJ has authenticity, amazing pricing, and exceptional flavors. I wrote a review for Taste of Jerusalem last year. Perhaps you will enjoy it.

Peg Leg Pete’s always good

Global Grill

Fish House. Get the Grits A Ya Ya