Iron & Grape Italian Kitchen — Restaurant in DeFuniak Springs

My father moved over 15 years ago to Defuniak Springs and year after year during my visits to his small town I've gotten to try the town's "best restaurant" of the time. The "best" have kept getting better, but it was still small town food, decent and enjoyable, but nothing to write home about. Then on my most recent trip back, we were advised by several local friends to try Iron and Grape. It did not disappoint. This restaurant isn't just "the best" in Defuniak Springs, it is hands down some of the best food I've had anywhere in the world. The ambience is welcoming and classy, but not pretentious. The by-the-glass wine list is more extensive than the majority of fine dining establishments in New York or Singapore, and far more affordable too. Our server was professional and fantastic, the owner stopped by to check in. When I wasn't happy with the first wine I chose, they immediately replaced it with another that was delicious - not to mention served with a generous pour. The shrimp scampi linguine is a signature dish of theirs and it was mind blowingly good. As a low carb guy I planned to indulge in a few bites of pasta and enjoy the succulent prawns mostly. I finished everything on my plate. Bold delicious flavors, firm and fresh large prawns served in a generous quantity, and the most fantastic al dente linguine that I just couldn't stop eating. If I had to find one fault in the whole meal, it would be the slightly heavy handedness of the chef with the salt. The flavors speak for themselves, half the salt would have been perfect. Otherwise I can't find a single fault. The restaurant was busy and I hope it stays that way - this is the best food Defuniak has ever served and enjoyable enough that I can't wait to try it again. If only the commute from Singapore to Defuniak Springs wasn't quite so long, I'd already have gone...

I am traveling for work, and brought my wife with me this time. We decided to try and find a place to eat close to our hotel because work didn’t go as planned and the beach/food I had promised had to be pushed to the next day. We saw some pictures of their food, then their prices, and thought it was too good to be true. I am so pleased that this place checked all of our boxes. This restaurant is one of the best I’ve ever been to! The service was the best I’ve had in years! The servers seemed to work together very well and any time we needed anything it was like they had it in their hands before we asked. Ashley was our server, and she was perfect! She made us forget we had spent 22 of the last 30 hours in a vehicle. She knew the menu and the drinks very well, and had an opinion ready any time we asked for a recommendation. The food was so well made. The pasta was cooked perfectly, the chicken was moist, not overdone. The steak was perfect and tender, they offered a steak knife but after using it we realized a butter knife or even the fork would do the trick. We decided on 3 of their desserts; The Tiramisu was fantastic, the chocolate hazelnut cake was so rich, and the pineapple parfait was a take home I just had to have. The menu is simple, in the best way, and I cannot say enough good about it. Ashley mentioned that they shop fresh and local when they can, and the food really tasted like whoever was cooking actually cared about their food. I only wish we had thought to try it for lunch. I would have loved to try more of their menu! I added this place to my reminders so I’m notified any time I’m within an hour and a half of it while traveling for work. I do not leave reviews very often, but this place really stood out and I’m so happy...

My fiancé and I were in the area and decided to stop by tonight despite being worried about visiting during opening week. It was day two! As a self proclaimed foodie, authentic Italian food is my favorite. I was beyond pleasantly surprised with my experience.

There was only a 20 minute wait for a table, and from being seated to leaving the restaurant was under 1 hour 15 minutes. I have no doubt that this amazing crew will shorten those wait times quickly.

The atmosphere was lively and inviting. Staff was extremely helpful, pleasant, and attentive. Our drink refills kept coming. Updates were provided on our order by both our waiter, Larry, and the owner.

For an appetizer, we had the Polpettes. From my first bite, I knew I was in for a treat. They were tender and perfectly seasoned. The butter, ricotta, and oil dip for the bread was a nice change of pace.

My entree was the Pappardelle alla Vodka (tested out my all time favorite dish). Freshly made pasta, sauce that I could've drank from a cup, and I can't even begin to guess what wizardry was done with the chicken but I do know it was one of the best things I've ever tasted. I am not a dramatic person but I told my partner I was having an out of body experience. Please never change anything about this dish.

His entree was the Gemelli Carbonara. He loved it, but added salt and black pepper as well. The peas and pork belly additions to a classic dish were amazing in his opinion.

We are thrilled to have a restaurant of this quality in DeFuniak Springs, as we have been driving out to Mimmo's when we want Italian food for the past 8 years. I can't say enough good things about this place. A gigantic thank you to the owners for gifting us with this gem of a restaurant. We can't wait to...