Sand and water. Sunshine and relaxation.
We’re all about great pairings on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and is there any better duo than decadent meals and perfectly paired libations?
Not that we can think of…that’s why we’re sharing three of our favorite coastal pairings in Orange Beach.
We have to start our tour at Villaggio Grille at The Wharf. Often recognized as one of the best restaurants on the coast, this is the place for Mediterranean Italian fusion. It’s also the place for upscale cuisine at affordable prices.
Villaggio Grille | Grouper + Sauvignon Blanc
When on the coast, do as the locals do and indulge in Gulf seafood. Villaggio Grille serves up Brown Butter Gulf Grouper and suggests a pairing of Wagner Family, Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc. The clean, bright, and crisp Napa Valley white wine goes great with seafood, and cuts through the richness of the truffle infused mashed potatoes they serve with it. And did we mention the squash succotash? This is coastal cuisine at its finest.
A Wine Spectator Award Winner and winner of Open Table Diners’ Choice award, Villaggio serves fresh local ingredients, and is ideal dining regardless of whether you have a large or small party. They also offer full service catering and monthly wine dinners.
Gilbey's | Filet Oscar + Draft Red Wine
If you’re in the mood for steak, you can still get that at Villaggio (and as a matter of fact, you totally should because it’s amazing) but we also love Gilbey’s Seafood & Steak for a classic pairing of Filet Oscar and draft red wine...yes, draft. The juicy filet mignon is piled high with lump crab and béarnaise sauce – it’s so rich, so decadent…to call it just another steak would be a disservice.
With both outdoor patio and gorgeous indoor dining options, Gilbey’s caters to Orange Beach diners’ need of upscale casual at a reasonable price point, plus they host a Champagne Brunch on Sundays and it doesn’t get much better than that. Well, except for the Penny Cocktails they serve daily! Whether you’re all dolled up and out for the night, or are just-off-the-beach-flip-flop casual, you can’t go wrong indulging in the cuisine or sipping libations at Gilbey’s.
Ginny Lane | Penny Cocktails + Shrimp and Grits
Lunch and dinner perfection can also be found at Ginny Lane Bar & Grille. This darling spot at The Wharf features lunch prices starting at only $10, plus they also offer Sunday Champagne brunch and penny cocktails. The only thing we love more than the waterfront dining is the live music featured on the weekends.
If you’re like us, then meals at Ginny Lane should always start with a cocktail! We’re fond of the penny cocktails (of course), like the Gin Punch (cranberry, orange, and pineapple juices, plus strawberry puree and gin) or the Blue Marga-tini (tequila, blue curacao, lemon lime mix, and a salted rim). These delicious concoctions can be paired with just about anything on the brunch, lunch, or dinner menus, which are full of mouth-watering appetizers like baked oysters covered all of our favorite toppings like cheese, butter, and bacon…and more cheese. For entrees, diners can’t seem to get enough of the Ginny Lane Burger but our favorite dish is the shrimp & grits (and we’re not the only ones). The rich and velvety grits make the ultimate bed for hot, flavorful shrimp. Your palate will thank you with every luscious bite!
If penny cocktails, champagne brunches, decadent cuisine, and alluring atmosphere are your thing, then Villaggio Grille, Gilbey’s Seafood & Steak, and Ginny Lane Bar & Grill are three perfect dining options for you and your crew (and, let’s be honest, those are everyone’s thing, right?).