Nestled between the towns of Carillon and Rosemary Beach, The Terrace Restaurant has been a hidden gem for locals and lucky tourists out to savor Gulf seafood, tender juicy steaks, lobster, lamb, chicken, wine from an award winning list, or a great martini, since 1990.
Raised in the culinary industry, New York chefs of Greek descent, Thom and Katherine Kindos, opened their family business that quickly gained a reputation as one of the top restaurants on the Emerald Coast, and twenty-five years later, they continue to receive accolades.
Using only the finest ingredients, they have created a menu that combines their rich Greek heritage with the local flavors of the Gulf Coast, for a truly memorable dining experience. All menu items are prepared to order, are carefully hand crafted and not rushed, while the atmosphere provided is intimate, cozy and charming. Chef Thom says, “ We offer fantastic food with an elegant touch for every appetite. We provide a wonderful dining experience to all of our guests and loyal patrons.”
In Inlet Beach’s historic setting, once known as soldiers beach for the World War II veterans who purchased land through a government homestead program, and also named Phillips Inlet, as it separates Walton and Bay Counties, The Terrace Restaurant sits at the most eastern side of South Walton’s sixteen famed beach communities, located where Scenic Highway 30A intersects with U.S. Highway 98.
The Terrace Restaurant is in a space more than five decades in age, where Chef Thom, Katherine, and their daughter Helena, strive to keep the restaurant one that invites a relaxed, friendly and laid-back environment. They have an honest and straightforward reputation, built on hard work and their love for the restaurant business. “Our restaurant is like a small European Inn”, said Chef Thom.
Popular appetizers include Spanakopita, a Greek spinach pie, filled with feta cheese and herbs in filo pastry, and the Terrace Baked Oysters, topped with a trio of cheeses before being drizzled with a lemon herb seafood sauce. All entrees at The Terrace Restaurant include a salad, assorted breads, hummus, and a selection of entree accompaniments. Additional fried or grilled gulf shrimp, or fried oysters can be added to any main dish for just six dollars. Locals salivate over Chef Thom’s fresh Chargrilled Inlet Beach Shrimp served with citrus butter in an herb beurre blanc sauce, but his signature dish is the tantalizing Delicious Grouper Gourmet. The seafood is always fresh, locally sourced, and the grouper is served in a Chardonnay wine sauce with artichokes, wild mushrooms and Basil. My personal favorite is the Chargrilled Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin. It melts like butter when sliced, is served in veal demi-glace with Terrace butter, and the additional fried oysters send this dish over the top.
Don’t plan to depart The Terrace Restaurant without at least trying one of the made from scratch desserts, like The Terrace Classic Coconut Cake, so moist, yet light and fluffy, or the sinfully delectable Chocolate Bourbon Pie. All of the desserts pair well with the signature Terrace Coffee, made with French brandy, Kahlua and Cointreau, or the local’s favorite, the Chocolate Martini.
The Terrace Restaurant is located at 13741 U.S. Highway 98 at Inlet Beach, Florida, 32413. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday 5:30 p.m. till closing. Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited. Well-behaved children are welcome. For more information or reservations, please call 850-231-5202. To view the full menu offered, visit www.TerraceR.com. Extra parking is located behind the restaurant.
Susan Benton is the owner of 30AEATS.com, where she writes about local chefs, restaurants, farmers, fishermen, and the secrets of Gulf Coast food. She is publishing a cookbook about South Walton area and restaurants in 2015, and The Terrace Restaurant will be included.