Renaissance French Restaurant — Restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach

My wife and I recently celebrated our 10-year anniversary with a culinary adventure to 30A, and we capped off our weekend with a visit to the newly opened Renaissance French Restaurant. With only a month under its belt, this gem offers an intimate dining experience that was perfect for our special occasion and our first taste of authentic French cuisine.

We started our meal with the Le Foie Gras and the charcuterie tray. The foie gras was a velvety masterpiece, rich and decadent, while the charcuterie tray was a delightful assortment of cured meats and cheeses, each bite more intriguing than the last. To complement our starters, we chose a bottle of Rose, which was light, sweet, and the perfect pairing for my wife’s palate. I, on the other hand, sampled two beers recommended by the owner, and they were both exceptional, offering unique flavors that complemented our meal beautifully.

For our main courses, I opted for the duck confit, which was cooked to perfection with a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful meat. My wife’s beef bourguignon was equally impressive, a rich, hearty dish that showcased the depth of traditional French cooking.

Dessert was an absolute highlight: the crème brûlée had a perfect caramelized top that gave way to a creamy, vanilla-infused custard, and the panna cotta was a delicate, silky finish to our meal.

Every element of our dining experience was meticulously crafted and utterly delicious. The owner’s recommendations were impeccable, and her warm, friendly demeanor added a personal touch that made our evening unforgettable. Renaissance French Restaurant is a culinary haven, and we can’t wait to return to explore more of its...

I cannot write enough wonderful things about this restaurant. I have visited twice. The ambiance is elegant without being pretentious, intimate without being crowded. The interior decor and mood with lovely French music transports you to a bistro in Paris.

Mel, Natasha, Valérie, and the other staff work hard to serve their guests and make them feel welcome.

In terms of cuisine: Renaissance French Restaurant excels on all points.

My husband surprised me for an anniversary/birthday dinner for a trip over to Santa Rosa Beach to visit this restaurant, because I had heard about them on social media. I ordered the duck confit and my husband had the ribeye steak. We both had a Kir Royal and a lovely glass of wine with our meal. We enjoyed every sip and every bite.

My next experience at this restaurant involved an organized dinner for students in a course I'm teaching on French and Italian cuisine. I wanted a local experience for students who may have never tried French food, and so I worked with Mel and Natasha, and they created an unforgettable experience for myself and my students. Mel talked us through all of the courses, from foie gras to boeuf bourguignon, and it was made clear to me and my students how passionate and knowledgeable he is about French cuisine. The crème brûlée was delicious as a classic French dessert to end our evening.

My only complaint is that this restaurant is in Santa Rosa Beach, not Pensacola. But I will make the drive.

Merci mille fois, Mel, Natasha et Valérie! C'était une expérience...

Restaurant Review: Renaissance

One of the greatest dining experiences I've had in a long time! My party came from out of town to celebrate a bachelorette party and were pleasantly surprised by what Renaissance had to offer. From the moment we walked through the doors, we felt warmly welcomed and truly special.

A particularly touching gesture was when a friend who couldn't attend sent wine over the phone, and Renaissance went the extra mile by including a handwritten note on her behalf. The owners, a dynamic chef and front-of-house team, have created something truly authentic and beautiful. Their seamless operation is a testament to their skill and passion.

The owners themselves stopped by our table to ensure everything was perfect, and indeed it was. They even joined us for a photo at the end of our meal, adding a personal touch that was greatly appreciated. As someone who works in the service industry, I recognize that their attentiveness and willingness to engage with us was above and beyond.

I frequent Santa Rosa often, and Renaissance will definitely be a top spot on my list for future visits. I’m looking forward to returning and experiencing it all over again.

PS If the salmon dish with lobster sauce is on the menu when you visit, ORDER IT! It was absolutely...