Criolla’s
170 East Scenic Highway 30-A
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459

Phone:  850-267-1267
Fax: 850-231-4568
Web Site Address: www.criollas.com
Email:  staff@criollas.com
Location:  Santa Rosa Beach

Criolla's opened in February 1989 and is owned by Johnny and Debbie Earles. Since 1991 Florida Trend Magazine has claimed Criolla's as "One of Florida's Top Twenty Restaurants".

Johnny was the chef and co-owner of Grayton Beach's legendary Paradise Cafe' and it was there that couple first met. In fact, the last event held there was when Johnny catered their wedding and the couple then went on to design and build Criolla's.

Cuisine Type: 
Exotic. Tropical. Cutting Edge. Caribbean Creole. Dazzling.

Pricing: $$$$

The menu at Criolla's has developed over the years as Johnny has grown as a chef. In the early years Johnny's menu was built upon his Louisiana heritage and developed further by studying with some of the greatest chefs in the world. During the early years the Earles' would close Criolla's in the winter and Johnny spent the time working in New York with Jean Georges Vongerichten, Charlie Palmer and Tom Colicchio and in San Sebastian, Spain with Chef Martin Berasetegui.

Signature Dishes: 
Churassco Grilled T-bone Steak, Criolla's Warm Chocolate Gateau , Crispy Pixy, Stix Tapas, Shrimp & Lobster Margarita, Tuna Casablanca , Turks & Cacios Conch & Coconut Soup

Recipes have been published in the New York Times Magazine and Simply Seafood as well as featured in most major southeastern newspapers.

Menu:
Starters Menu
Entrees Menu
Desserts Menu
Children’s  Menu
Vegetarian Menu

Chef Bio:
Johnny travels as guest chef at special event such as the James Beard Foundation, Viking Range Corporation, the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley wine auctions and many more. But most nights you can find him at Criolla's creating the most innovative, exciting cuisine on Florida's Emerald Coast.

Awards:

• Distinguished Restaurants of North America Award 1996 through 2000
• Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 1995, 1996, & 1997
• Wine Spectator "Best Award of Excellence" 1998
• Florida Trend Magazine "Best Newcomer Restaurant" 1990
• Florida Trend's "Golden Spoon Award" 1991 through 2000 (Given to the state's top 20 restaurants)

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Saturday 5:30 p.m.