One of our first nights in the area, we drove by the beautiful 30Avenue village center which sits at the intersection of Highway 98 and Scenic Highway 30A in Inlet Beach, Florida. While admiring the brick-paved streets, beautiful architecture and majestic palms, we noticed the sounds of laughter and conversation coming from one particular area... Amici 30A Kitchen. It looked like a fun, lively restaurant and bar with an upscale vibe, so we decided to return with the family for dinner one night.
One night has now led to many and Amici 30A Kitchen has become one of our constants and favorites. Funny, how I never really imagined I would hunger for Italian food while vacationing on the coast where fresh from the gulf seafood abounds and local seafood style eateries are plentiful. It only took one night to realize that yes, this was going to be a new coastal craving! Whether dining alfresco with the family gathered around a large table listening to live music or sitting as a couple at the kitchen bar overlooking the chef's prep area, we've always found the atmosphere warm and inviting, relaxed yet upscale, entertaining and so very satisfying. There's a reason Amici 30A has tagged the phrase "friends, family and full bellies." The family owners of this restaurant are truly dishing out some love. There's a feeling you get when you walk into the home of a family or friend who is an awesome cook. A feeling that you are about to experience something that was wonderfully and lovingly made with great pride just for you. I begin to forget that I am in a restaurant and feel more like I am in Amy's kitchen. "Amy" is the mom in the family of owners and she is quite magical not only at noticing your presence (even at random) and making you feel so very welcomed but also at creating some of the most magnificent dishes. Have you tried her meatballs?!!
The hand crafted cocktails are delicious and there's a nice selection of good moderately priced wines. There's so much great food here. The Caesar salad is one of the best around and its big enough for two to share. For an appetizer, the Charcuterie board and Brussel sprouts are among our favorites. Did I mention the meatballs? They are tender, moist and topped with fresh ricotta. The Lasagna is amazing. You don't want to miss this one. The pasta is homemade, it's a hefty portion yet the ingredients taste so light and fresh you won't have too much trouble finishing the plate. If you do, take the rest home for leftovers. Believe me, it will still be good tomorrow. If you still have a hankering for seafood, you can't go wrong with the Calamari appetizer or Pan Seared Grouper. For the meatlovers, there's even a ribeye and a filet on the menu. The flexibility of the pasta dishes and sauces along with the variety of amazing Neapolitan style pizzas create a menu that will cater to just about everyone's tastebuds.
Don't forget to try the Tiramisu! All you have to do is watch it being made from the prep kitchen bar and all that willpower to abstain from dessert suddenly disappears. Our family also loves the "Alyssa's Nutella Zeppoles." These are deep fried ricotta dough balls stuff with Nutella and topped with home-made whipped cream, jam and orange zest.
Go hungry! You will leave happy!
