Louis, Louis is an excellent restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. In my view, it is one of the best restaurants in the Destin area.
The decor is unusual. "Campy" comes to mind whenever I first sit down for dinner.
It is filled with posters, usually older ones, from France, Germany, and the United States. There are chandeliers that look as though they are from another era. Red lights adorn the wall in many parts of the restaurant.
The service is friendly and usually quick. There is a limited menu written out on a chalkboard the waiter brings to the table. Prices are not inexpensive. When eating there the last two times, the total price—including the tip—came to about $130.00. That included two glasses of wine. One member of our party, on both occasions, ordered an appetizer only.
And, since I mentioned wine, there is an extensive menu of various wines. There are not a large number of wines that are available by the glass. The best wines require ordering a bottle.
The servings are large. On my latest visit,
Crab cakes are one the best selling item on the menu and a favorite of those who like crab. I have a crab allergy so I cannot comment on it. My dining companion says they are among the best in the Destin area as there is not a large amount of breading and the seasoning is just right without overwhelming the taste of crab.
The grilled salmon was excellent. It was cooked perfectly.
Mashed potatoes and salad accompanied the fish along with a French roll. It was a large piece of fish and the cost was about $36. Two people could split this meal and not be hungry after finishing the dish.
Desserts are made in-house. The key lime pie and bread pudding are outstanding and, as with the entre, the servings are large.
The restaurant is not inexpensive.The food is excellent, the atmosphere is informal and different. It offers a delightful dining experience when in the Destin area.
For many years, this restaurant did not take credit cards. That has changed and cards are...
Read moreI'll start off by saying I wish restaurants would not put red lighting in their dining rooms. Any basic interior designer would tell you it makes the food unflattering. The interior overall is eclectic. Maybe it was trying for a European bohemian design but it misses the mark completely. I would recommend they watch Moulin Rouge frame by frame and redo their interior. The outdoor space was absolutely lovely, by the way.
The food. I ordered the pork tenderloin, topped with mushrooms and a balsamic sauce, that was accompanied by mashed potatoes and a salad with house made tomato basil vinaigrette. It was delivered on a wooden "plate" reminiscent of a plain cutting board. The plating soaked up any juices the pork had to offer and the vinaigrette from the salad was also lost. What I did manage to taste on top of the salad was wonderful. It was bright and very tasty. The potatoes could have been half of the serving size, very heavy handed with that, and the pork faired better without the balsamic sauce.
Though it is hard for any restaurant to fail in a touristy town, it needs to be said that just because you're busy doesn't mean you cannot improve. Any other location and Louis Louis would be no more than a 2.5 star hole in the wall that my late father would say, "This looks like the bedroom of a poor street worker that just keeps her red light on."
I see the potential and will come back to try a few other dishes to make sure the food alone holds the four stars. The 4 stars are for my fiance who insisted I give the restaurant...
Read moreMy recent dining experience at Louis Louis in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, left me thoroughly impressed, earning the restaurant a well-deserved four stars. From the delectable food to the inviting atmosphere and attentive service, this establishment certainly knows how to create a memorable dining experience.
The first thing that caught my attention was the restaurant's small but thoughtfully curated menu. While some may view a limited menu as a drawback, I found it to be a refreshing change, as it allowed the chefs to focus on perfecting each dish. And perfection they achieved! The food was nothing short of great—each bite bursting with delightful flavors and expertly cooked to perfection.
The atmosphere at Louis Louis is both fun and inviting, making it an excellent choice for a gathering with friends or a relaxing evening out. The ambiance was lively, yet not overwhelming, striking a perfect balance between energetic and comfortable.
Additionally, the service was top-notch. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely seemed to care about providing an exceptional dining experience. Their attentiveness added a personal touch to the evening, making us feel welcomed and valued as guests.
Overall, Louis Louis left a positive impression on me, and I would gladly return for another delightful culinary adventure. The great food, inviting atmosphere, and excellent service make this restaurant a standout choice in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. I highly recommend giving it a try if you're...
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