Cafe Nola Defuniak — Restaurant in DeFuniak Springs

Cafe Nola has established itself in the rekindling heart of downtown Defuniak. It's a short drive from the interstate, just off of highway 90, but it's worth the trip. When you step inside you immediately feel transported. The magic of New Orleans ambiance pairs nicely with the palpable desire to return this charming community to its vibrant roots. The architecture in the building is simply beautiful, showing a level of craftsmanship that seems lost in the modern age. The design choices accent the construction to elevate the atmosphere to nearly old-world fine dining status.

But this is a restaurant, not an architectural or design review. The only thing here I liked better than the architecture was the food. It was, quite simply, delicious. I had the crawfish etouffee and boudin balls to start. The etoufee had a perfect flavor with generous chunks of crawfish and that hearty comfort food feel. The boudin balls were crisp and light, and the creole pepper sauce was their perfect compliment. I had the half muffuletta with cheese grits and loved it. The sandwich was served on crispy, delicious bread, and the grits were the perfect consistency and flavor. Most of the cheese grits that I've had in the area are the standard gruelish consistency but these grits were a gourmet dish all on their own: fluffy and almost a whipped consistency with just the perfect amount of cheese. For dessert I had beignets, of course. They were piping hot, airy, fried to perfection, and covered in powdered sugar.

The pricing was more than reasonable for a restaurant of this caliber. For two people with soup, appetizers, desert, and drinks I managed to make it out of there for around $50. If I had eaten alone and skipped the drinks and apps (which I normally do), I could've eaten well and left a tip for less than $20.

The waitstaff was friendly and laid back. In my opinion, the attitude of the waiter that helped me was a little too laid back for the atmosphere. It felt like he was unprepared to lead me to seating or answer basic questions regarding the menu. He fumbled over the specials ("crab things" I believe is what he said before flipping over his notepad and reading the list he'd copied earlier in the day), was unsure what beer they had (sadly, they didn't have any Abita brews, which I would've expected from a New Orleans restaurant), and just generally seemed a little confused. All that being said, he was very attentive. He made frequent visits to refill waters and check on me, see how I was enjoying the food, etc. I may have inflated expectations for wait staff since I worked in the industry for many years. His performance was fine and I wouldn't dock the restaurant for a few minor foibles.

I would suggest this restaurant to anyone who wants to experience casual-fine New Orleans style fare at a reasonable price in a charming, burgeoning neighborhood. It's...

Some Good, Some bad. 3Star At Best maybe 2Star. (Experience was good only because of my company, not service or food)

-THE GOOD; #1 Condiment-Pepper Dipping Sauce is great and free with dish. I'm not sure if this is made here, but would love this recipe. #2 Brussel Sprouts Sliced/Grilled was excellent. #3 Grilled Shrimp was Very Good. #4 Very Clean #5 Nice atmosphere, the old hotel and the older 40s music was nice. (Take a gander at the old Hotel Lobby if you visit) #6 Very Nice Town, great Train Museum and nice House Drive around lake.

-THE BAD; #1 Cheese Grits below average, actually not good. #2 Fried Fish Plate was just Flour Fried and resembled frozen fillet, no flavor ALSO served without corn nuggets (on menu). #3 Fried Green Tomato Appetizers, not 1, not 2 but 3 Slices of Small Green tomato.. was not tart like a fresh (in fact, not fresh but actually could be frozen) and tasted average at best all for $8 (seriously 3 Slices)... The only thing that saved this was the Pepper Dipping Sauce (#1 free condiment above) that was drizzled over slices. Of course if you don't like the sauce, the Tomatoes would be bad. #4 Pricing and Atmosphere pushed off as Elegance ... I.e. Formica tables with ketchup and mustard (See Photo) #5 Pricing fair to rediculous. I felt as if the actually believe their Burger was somehow special since they are fine dinning and worth the $9.50 price. Just a burger with fries (picture on this site). I certainly know the Appetizers were way over priced ($8 for 3 Slices of Fried Green Tomato that looked and tasted like frozen). Basically 4STAR pricing for 2STAR food pretending to be 5STAR. #6 Service was fair, but again it was 1STAR service for pricing and pretense of 4STAR. #7 (Small Item I didn't mind) Pretence and pricing would dictate fine dinnerware, Instead we were served on what appeared to be Dishes from a Dinner (just missing the Waffle House Logo). #8. THIS MAY BE JUST ME... But, we came in around 4pm dressed for travel (myself, nice shorts and T) and walked into the nicer dinning area and was immediately ushered up front in less attractive area... 5STAR SNUBBING in a 2STAR restaurant??? Again, just a feeling here.. I was uncomfortable! --------- In the end, those who think atmosphere and high priced food makes fine ding may like it. Those who like excellent food will have some disappointment. If you are exploring this Very Nice Small Town and want a unique experience, this may be O.K. Those looking for good food, fair priced, great service in a small...

“Cafe Nola: A Culinary Gem in historic De Funiak Springs, FL

Nestled in the charming streets of historic De Funiak Springs, Cafe Nola is a delightful taste of New Orleans in the heart of old downtown. With its authentic Cajun flair and charming ambiance, this restaurant truly transports you to the vibrant streets of the French Quarter.

From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality that echoed the spirit of the Big Easy. The aroma of tantalizing spices filled the air, hinting at the culinary delights awaiting us.

Our dining experience began with their famed BBQ shrimp, a dish that surpassed all expectations. Each succulent bite burst with bold flavors, leaving us craving more.

For my main course, I savored the Red Fish New Orleans, a true masterpiece of Cajun cuisine. The fish was perfectly cooked, and the accompanying sauce danced on my taste buds with its exquisite blend of spices.

My husband opted for a special loaded with crawfish, and it was a decision he didn’t regret. Every bite was a symphony of flavors, showcasing the restaurant’s dedication to using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

What truly impressed us was the personal touch from the owner and chef, Chef Ernie. He took the time to visit every table, discussing meal options and sharing his passion for Cajun cuisine. It was a level of care and attention that elevated our dining experience to new heights.

In every aspect, Cafe Nola exceeded our expectations. From the impeccable service to the unforgettable culinary journey, this restaurant deserves every bit of its five-star rating. If you’re craving authentic Cajun cuisine that transports you to the heart of New Orleans, look no further...