Cafe Nola Defuniak

I stopped here on a complete whim. I am so glad I did. We were greeted at the front door by Chef Ernie. He was beyond friendly and welcoming . It must have been a slow night because there were only 2 other tables occupied. He sat us and unfortunately the staff seemed to be busy chatting and playing on their phones. We waited for about 10 minutes until I decided to approach one and ask for service. We received the food and let me tell you it was beautiful . Hands down the most fresh and flavorful dishes I can ever remember having. This chef needs to be discovered. I do not live near here but I will make it a point to return one day for his creations.

This restaurant is now on my favorites list here in Florida, mind you is a hard list to hit I’ve lived in Florida for two years now I have 2 places that hit that list. I grew up being in kitchens with my Italian father and Japanese grandmother. So I can be picky but when I say the food was absolutely phenomenal I mean it! The chef/manger makes this place! He is the true star I watched him interact with each table ask them about their food make recommendations say happy birthdays. You could feel the pride and love he puts into his dishes just by listening to him talk! When I got my food I about went to heaven! The red fish Nola and mahi mahi was chefs kiss we also got the salad the spring lettuce was perfectly crisp and fresh dressings were spot on! The crawfish ettoufee soup was the best I’ve ever had! We also ordered a bottle of the Belair blue champagne! The fruity notes and blue color was amazing! 🖤 at the end of our dinner the chef came over and I was extremely excited to speak to the person who makes this restaurant a FIVE STAR fine dinning experience. We will definitely be back! The hostess at the front with spilt die hair is also incredibly sweet! She was so very helpful!

We were in New Orleans yesterday but in Florida today, so I was confused by the husband's request for Cajun food today - but this was the perfect find! We ordered a blackened mahi sandwich, veggies, and a jambalaya pasta, and everything was so good! Large portions, fresh, and delicious! And it's in such a cute little town that would've been fun to walk around if we'd had the time (and if things were open - looked like most things weren't open on Sunday afternoon).

We stopped in just as we were on a random Monday after visiting the Springs (state park) in Ponce De Leon but you could get a lil more dressed up than fresh from the creek and feel great going for a tasty dinner. It was so yummy! We started with the fried bread pudding. Yes, dessert first. It was a different twist on a classic. Be ready for the calories. You can get ice cream on it but we didn't this time. Ordered an extra salad and shared the Redfish Nola between two of us. Got the redfish blackened and it wasn't too spicy just flavorful. Had to resist licking the plate it was sooooo good. There are plenty of other dishes to try if you're hungrier than we were.
Service was prompt, polite and friendly.
Fyi- the sun comes in the front windows pretty bright in the afternoon but the atmosphere is nice and subdued so it'd be really great later on. We just timed it earlier in the day due to our schedule. Ready to return any time we're nearby.

Considering I use to be a food critic and still give reviews all over the internet, this is by far the best and freshest food I have consumed to date. The presentation was beautiful and the food was cooked to order and hot. I can only give 5 stars, yet they deserve 10!! I cannot begin to tell you how friendly everyone was and how truly impressed I am. The flavors in the food are true Nola style. The atmosphere is relaxed and very sophisticated all at the same time. We will definitely be going back soon. Thank you all for a marvelous experience!!!