In the heart of a bustling coastal town of Miramar Beach, Florida, Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant stands as a beacon of culinary excellence. Renowned chef Emeril Lagasse’s current endeavor has captured the essence of the ocean in a way that leaves diners spellbound. With its captivating ambiance, impeccable service, and a menu that showcases the best of coastal cuisine, Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts and foodies alike. We dined in celebration of Monique’s birthday in grand fashion at this culinary mecca, and this is my review of our dinner experience on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
The ambiance excites you the moment you step foot inside Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the restaurant’s coastal theme. The well-spaced tables ensure privacy while allowing diners to enjoy the lively atmosphere.
The service at Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant is impeccable from start to finish. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about their craft. From the moment we were seated, our server provided helpful recommendations and guided us through the menu, ensuring we made the most informed choices. The waitstaff’s professionalism and warmth elevated our dining experience and made us feel like valued guests.
Fresh Raw Oysters from the Florida and Alabama coasts
Emeril Lagasse’s culinary expertise shines through in every dish at Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant. The menu showcases an array of tantalizing seafood options, each prepared with finesse and creativity. We started with a selection of a half-dozen of each of three different varieties of raw oysters, Emerald Tide (FL), Naked Jade (AL), and Isle Dauphine (AL), each were delicate and tasty in their own way, each selection was served with a side plate that included cocktail sauce, prepared horseradish, a classic mignonette sauce, and crackers.
The main course was a seafood lover’s dream. The Brick Oven Roasted Whole Fish was perfectly cooked, with a harmonious blend of spices that enhanced the delicate flavors of the fish topped with jumbo lump crabmeat, asparagus, and a lemon butter sauce. I ordered the Vermillion Snapper, and Monique enjoyed the Speckled Trout. Benjamin devoured the Fresh Catch Grilled Grouper served with fingerling potatoes, haricot vert, and a lemon butter sauce.
Whole Roasted Vermilion Snapper with Asparagus, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, and Lemon Butter Sauce
At Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant, the Whole Roasted Vermilion Snapper with Asparagus, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, and Lemon Butter Sauce takes center stage as a showstopper entrée that combines the freshness of the sea with exquisite flavors and textures.
Presented on a platter, the whole roasted Vermilion Snapper commands attention with its impressive display. The glistening skin of the snapper is perfectly crisped, offering a tantalizing promise of what lies beneath. The snapper is expertly roasted, ensuring a moist and succulent flesh that effortlessly flakes apart with each forkful.
Nestled alongside the snapper, a vibrant arrangement of asparagus showcases the bounty of the land. These slender green spears are tender-crisp, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich and delicate snapper. Their fresh, grassy flavors blend harmoniously with the seafood, creating a balanced and satisfying combination.
To elevate the dish to new heights of indulgence, generous portions of jumbo lump crabmeat adorn the snapper. The sweet and briny crabmeat, known for its delicate texture, enhances the richness of the snapper and adds an extra layer of luxuriousness. Each bite reveals the buttery and decadent nature of the crab, complementing the seafood flavors in a truly delightful manner.
Completing this extraordinary ensemble, a velvety lemon butter sauce drizzles over the snapper, infusing it with vibrant citrus notes and a touch of richness. The sauce adds a zesty and tangy element, enhancing the flavors of the seafood and brightening the entire dish. Its velvety texture glides over the snapper, bringing all the elements together in a symphony of taste.
The Whole Roasted Vermilion Snapper with Asparagus, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, and Lemon Butter Sauce is a true celebration of coastal cuisine. With its succulent snapper, tender asparagus, luscious crabmeat, and zesty lemon butter sauce, this entrée is a masterpiece that showcases the skill and creativity of the culinary team at Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant. It is a dish that transports diners to the shores of the sea, where flavors intertwine to create a memorable and truly exceptional dining experience.
Whole Roasted Speckled Trout with Asparagus, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, and Lemon Butter Sauce
Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant offers an entrée that showcases the delicate flavors of the sea with their Whole Roasted Speckled Trout. This culinary masterpiece captures the essence of coastal cuisine and leaves diners with an unforgettable experience.
Presented with flair, the Whole Roasted Speckled Trout is a visual delight. The glistening skin of the trout boasts a golden-brown hue, hinting at the perfectly crispy texture that awaits beneath. The fish is expertly roasted to perfection, ensuring a moist and flaky flesh that effortlessly falls off the bone.
As you savor the first bite, the inherent sweetness of the trout takes center stage. The flesh is tender and succulent, with a delicate flavor that is both mild and satisfying. The natural richness of the trout is enhanced by the roasting process, allowing the flavors to develop and shine.
Fresh Catch Grilled Grouper with Fingerling Potatoes and Haricot Vert
Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant takes pride in showcasing the freshest seafood, and one standout entrée that embodies their commitment to excellence is the Fresh Catch Grilled Grouper with Fingerling Potatoes and Haricot Vert.
As the dish is placed before you, the vibrant colors and enticing aroma immediately captivate your senses. The star of the show is a perfectly grilled grouper fillet, glistening with a light marinade that promises a burst of flavor with every bite.
The grouper fillet itself is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to quality. The fish is impeccably fresh, with firm, flaky flesh that melts in your mouth. The grilling process imparts a subtle smokiness while retaining the natural sweetness and delicate flavor of the grouper.
Accompanying the grouper are tender fingerling potatoes, which serve as a hearty and satisfying complement to the fish. These petite potatoes are cooked to perfection, boasting a creamy interior and a slightly crisp exterior. Their subtle earthy notes harmonize beautifully with the flavors of the grouper, creating a well-rounded and satisfying combination.
Adding a touch of elegance and freshness to the dish, haricot vert, a slender and tender variety of French green beans, completes the ensemble. These vibrant green beans are blanched to retain their crispness and vibrant color, providing a delightful textural contrast to the succulent grouper and velvety fingerling potatoes. With each bite, their mild, grassy flavor complements the overall composition of the dish, elevating it to new heights.
The Fresh Catch Grilled Grouper with Fingerling Potatoes and Haricot Vert embodies a celebration of coastal cuisine. The expertly grilled grouper, accompanied by the creamy and satisfying fingerling potatoes, and the crisp, vibrant haricot vert, results in a symphony of flavors and textures on the plate. This entrée is a true reflection of Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant’s commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients and delivering an exceptional dining experience that showcases the very best of the sea.
Sweet Treats at Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant
Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant offers a delectable selection of desserts that are the perfect ending to a remarkable meal. We couldn’t resist trying the Olive Oil Cake, and the special Banana Cream Pie, and they did not disappoint.
Emeril’s Banana Cream Pie
Among the delightful selection of desserts at Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant, one standout creation that demands attention is Emeril’s Banana Cream Pie. This exquisite dessert is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, showcasing the perfect marriage of bananas, cream, chocolate, and caramel.
As the pie arrives at your table, you can’t help but be captivated by its elegant presentation. Shards of chocolate jut out of a luscious layer of velvety whipped cream. The pie is then artfully drizzled with rich chocolate and caramel sauces, adding an indulgent touch to the already enticing creation.
With the first bite, you are greeted by the smooth and creamy banana filling. The flavor of ripe bananas is perfectly balanced, neither overpowering nor overly sweet. The creamy texture melts in your mouth, leaving a delightful sensation that lingers with every bite.
The addition of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy element, providing a contrast to the richness of the banana cream. Its cool and delicate sweetness enhances the overall experience, ensuring a harmonious combination of flavors.
Emeril’s Banana Cream Pie with Whipped Cream, Chocolate, and Caramel is a dessert that truly delights the senses. Its artful presentation, coupled with the perfectly balanced flavors, makes it an exceptional choice for those seeking a sweet finale to their dining experience. Whether you are a banana enthusiast or simply appreciate a well-crafted dessert, this decadent creation will leave you craving another heavenly slice.
Olive Oil Cake
In the realm of desserts, where butter often reigns supreme, Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant takes a delightful departure with their Olive Oil Cake—a unique and enticing creation that celebrates the flavors of the Mediterranean.
At first glance, the Olive Oil Cake stands out with its golden-brown exterior, hinting at the moistness within. The use of olive oil in lieu of traditional butter lends the cake a subtle richness and a tender crumb that is both luxurious and comforting.
With the first bite, you are greeted by a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The olive oil imparts a distinct earthy note, subtly intertwined with the sweetness of the cake. The result is a delicate balance of savory and sweet, creating a unique taste profile that is both intriguing and delightful.
The texture of the Olive Oil Cake is exceptional—moist and tender, with a slightly denser crumb that showcases the quality of its ingredients. The olive oil lends a lusciousness and depth to each bite, ensuring a rich and satisfying experience.
To complement the flavors of the cake, Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant often pairs it with a variety of accompaniments. A dollop of tangy citrus-infused whipped cream adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake, while a sprinkling of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey enhances its natural sweetness.
For an added textural element, a scattering of toasted nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, may adorn the dessert. Their crunchy texture and nutty undertones add a delightful contrast, elevating the overall experience and creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
The Olive Oil Cake at Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant is a testament to their commitment to innovation and culinary mastery. This unexpected twist on a classic dessert showcases their creativity and ability to push boundaries, resulting in a dessert that is both unique and deeply satisfying. A slice of Olive Oil Cake offers a memorable finale to your dining experience, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the versatility of this Mediterranean-inspired treat.
In conclusion, Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant is a testament to Emeril Lagasse’s culinary prowess and his ability to create a dining experience that truly captures the essence of coastal cuisine. From the captivating ambiance to the attentive service and mouthwatering dishes, every aspect of the restaurant exceeded our expectations. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or simply seeking an unforgettable dining experience, Emeril’s Coastal Restaurant is a must-visit destination. Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey by the sea that will leave you longing for a return visit.
