Criolla's

170 East Scenic Hwy 30-A
ph: 850-267-1267

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.

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.

Now, 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.