Top 15 Restaurants In Destin FL, Florida
Destin, Florida, is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culinary scene. Here are 15 popular restaurants in Destin that offer a diverse range of dining experiences:
- Beach Walk at Henderson Park Inn:
- Offers Gulf-front dining with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Known for seafood and steak dishes.
- The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House:
- A waterfront restaurant with a casual atmosphere. Specializes in seafood, including oysters, shrimp, and fish.
- Harbor Docks:
- A longstanding local favorite with a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, sushi, and a variety of dishes.
- McGuire’s Irish Pub:
- A unique Irish pub known for its hearty dishes, including steaks, seafood, and traditional Irish fare. Famous for its Senate Bean Soup.
- Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House:
- Offers a relaxed waterfront setting and a menu featuring Gulf-to-table seafood, steaks, and Southern-inspired dishes.
- Louisiana Lagniappe:
- Specializes in Louisiana-style cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. Waterfront dining with a diverse menu.
- Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant:
- A family-owned restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere. Known for its seafood baskets, po’boys, and Gulf-to-table offerings.
- Camille’s at Crystal Beach:
- A beachside restaurant offering a diverse menu with a focus on fresh seafood, sushi, and creative cocktails.
- Pazzo Italiano:
- A popular Italian restaurant known for its authentic cuisine, including pasta, pizza, and seafood dishes.
- Cuvee Kitchen + Wine Bar:
- Offers a modern and upscale dining experience with a menu featuring creative dishes, wine, and craft cocktails.
- Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer:
- Waterfront dining with a focus on Southern seafood and steamed dishes. Casual and family-friendly atmosphere.
- The Crab Trap:
- A beachfront restaurant with a laid-back vibe. Known for its crab dishes, seafood platters, and Gulf views.
- Captain Dave’s on the Gulf:
- A beachside restaurant with a diverse menu featuring seafood, steaks, and Southern classics. Gulf views from the deck.
- Margaritaville:
- Part of the popular Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville chain. Offers a fun and tropical atmosphere with a menu of island-inspired dishes.
- The Surf Hut:
- Beachfront dining with a casual and family-friendly vibe. Known for its seafood dishes, burgers, and tropical drinks.
Top 15 Restaurants In Destin FL, Florida
These restaurants represent just a selection of the diverse dining options available in Destin, Florida. Whether you’re craving fresh Gulf seafood, Southern cuisine, or international flavors, Destin has something to satisfy every palate.
Destin is a city in the Florida Panhandle that has a coastline on three sides. Therefore, fresh fish and seafood abound in this city. Local restaurants take advantage of this new supply of ingredients, and many of them specialize in serving seafood. If you are a fan of seafood, you will find seafood restaurants for all budgets and tastes in Destin. The following are the top 10 seafood restaurants in Destin.
What food is Destin known for? Fresh gulf seafood, Angus steaks, zesty corn & crab chowder, local Gulf seafood gumbo, cool salads, and five options from the oyster bar – raw, fried, and three types of baked oysters. You’ll love the food and the view overlooking Destin Harbor.
Top 15 Restaurants In Destin FL, Florida
Average Daily Costs: While meal prices in Destin can vary, the average cost of food in Destin is $41 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Destin should cost around $16 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.
Yes, restaurants and bars in Destin-Fort Walton Beach are open. Restaurants and bars are permitted to be open and operating at 100% capacity while following CDC approved guidelines. The best time to visit Destin is in April and May when the water is warm, the sun is shining and the temperatures are comfortable (expect highs in the mid-70s and 80s). If you visit any earlier, you risk cooler weather and chilly water. A summer trip will put you among the crowds and the peak prices.
Here are a few things that you’ll want to keep handy during your drive to Destin:
- GPS (or a smartphone with a GPS)
- Sunglasses.
- Snacks.
- Cell phone charger with car adapter.
- Music, tablet, books, magazines, or other entertainment.
- Paper towels and trash bags.
- Medications and First Aid Kit.
- Jumper cables.
On Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin has clear, deep-water waters and sugar-white beaches and has slowly developed a reputation for fine dining. Here’s our guide to Destin’s best 15 places to eat.
1. Beach Walk Café at Henderson Park Inn
Beach Walk Café at Henderson Park Inn is an elegant establishment located right on the white beach, offering perfect gulf views from its spacious veranda. The restaurant can organize a ‘Toes in the Sand’ culinary experience where your table is located right on the beach for special occasions. In this place, the highly qualified chef proposes creative and delicious dishes. Favorites include filet mignon and seared snapper. To wash up your food, Beach Walk has an extensive wine list.
Address: Beach Walk Café at Henderson Park Inn, 2700 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, Florida, USA, +1 850 650-7100
2. Vintij Wine Boutique & Bistro
Vintij Wine Boutique & Bistro has been going strong since 1998, despite hiding in a strip mall opposite a mall. The entrance is marked with a stained glass window of brightly colored squares created by the staff. The glass mural is paired with a wine box wall painted in bold, blended colors. This well-stocked wine merchant offers innovative dishes made from first-rate ingredients, often accompanied by a suggested wine. Every Thursday, Vintij also organizes themed wine tastings.
Address: Vintij Wine Boutique & Bistro, 10859 US-98, Destin, FL, USA, +1 850 650-9820
3. Caribbean Joe’s
Caribbean Joe’s is a simple, little place run by an energetic and friendly couple. You’ll receive a genuinely warm welcome, even if you arrive a bit worn straight from the beach. The food is freshly prepared, the bread is baked on the premises, and the sides are homemade. It’s all about the sandwiches here. Try the famous Cuban Panini with Pork Tenderloin on Crusty Cuban Bread or the Tequila Lime Burrito with Marinated Angus Beef before adding the flavorful side of black bean and corn. Caribbean Joe’s is ideal for lunch or a light dinner.
Address: Caribbean Joe’s, 517 Harbor Blvd, Destin, Florida, USA, +1 850 269-0318
4. McGuire’s Irish Pub
McGuire’s Irish Pub is a fun and friendly pub with healthy cuisine. It’s famous for its soft, sizzling steaks, delicious Shepherd’s Pie, and 18-cent white bean soup. A selection of locally brewed beers accompanies generous portions or cocktails served in a jar. For creative visitors, DIY Bloody Marys are available for Sunday brunch and include options of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments. Before leaving, be sure to staple a dollar bill to the walls; Apparently, the total value of all the hung and fastened invoices is close to USD 1 million.
Address: McGuire’s Irish Pub, 33 US-98, Destin, FL, USA, +1 850 650-0000
Top 15 Restaurants In Destin FL, Florida
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5. Sushimoto
A short drive from Destin, tucked away in an unpromising-looking mall, is Sushimoto, considered by many to be the best sushi place in the area. It is sushi with an innovative touch. Popular dishes include rainbow rolls with boiled shrimp and cucumber inside, tuna, salmon, white fish, and avocado on top; Or surf and roll with steak and cooked shrimp. There are many alternatives for sushi fans, such as selecting tempura and yakisoba noodles with egg, cabbage, and a piece of meat.
Address: Sushimoto, 11394 US-98, Miramar Beach, FL, USA, +1 850 424- 5977
6. The Red Bar
The Red Bar is a local institution with quirky decor, gregarious crowds, and live music. This funky shack offers a minimal menu of six to eight options. As a result, the food is hot and delicious despite the crowds. The menu is geared toward seafood lovers, with dishes including black grouper and shrimp pasta. The Red Bar is famous for its Bloody Mary, designed to wake you up for brunch. Most nights, they have live jazz as well as a late DJ on Friday and Saturday nights.
Address: The Red Bar, 70 Hotz Ave, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, USA, +1 850 231-1008
7. Buck’s Smokehouse
Buck’s Smokehouse established itself as an old-school barbecue spot, serving first-class smoked dishes including smoked pork, beef, chicken, and fish. It is a no-frills place with a laid-back atmosphere, where your food comes wrapped in paper, and all the attention is on the food itself. The pulled pork is tender and full of flavor, enhanced by choice of four good sauces. The generous serving of smoked ribs is a house particular best enjoyed by getting your hands dirty. This place is the ideal place to take a break from seafood.
Address: Buck’s Smokehouse, 303 Harbor Blvd, Destin, Florida, USA, +1 850 837-3600
8. Louisiana Lagniappe
Established in 1984 in the Sandpiper Cove Condominiums, Louisiana Lagniappe is one of the best seafood restaurants if you are going for lunch. One of the best options on the menu is the red lobster, as it is a dish that former diners have hailed as exceptional. However, it doesn’t matter which seafood dishes you choose from the menu, as they are all cooked to perfection. Each dish is beautifully presented and served with a house salad as an aside. In addition to seafood options, there are also vegetarian and gluten-free options, as they meet various dietary needs.
Louisiana Lagniappe has been serving seafood with a Creole flavor in the Gulf since 1984. Located in Sandpiper Cove, the restaurant offers good views of the harbor and has very attentive service. The Lagniappe is famous for its hushpuppies, but it behaves sparingly to focus on main courses with fresh seafood and meats on the menu. Try the blackened shrimp and the house special: stuffed grouper.
Address: Louisiana Lagniappe, 775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, Florida, USA, +1 850 837-0881
9. The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House
The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House is a local institution with a 40-year history that sits right on the beach, making it ideal for watching the sunset. But it’s not just about the points of view. Famous for inventing the amberjack sandwich, the restaurant prides itself on its offering of Gulf seafood. Try the Appalachicola oysters fresh, served raw, or baked. Other popular options include Gulf snapper and Gulf grouper sandwiches, firecracker shrimp, and smoked tuna sauce. Save some room for the key lime pie.
Serving Gulf seafood is a priority at The Back Porch. It has been open since 1974 and has earned an excellent reputation among the locals. The restaurant’s specialty is grilled amberjack, which is a dish that this restaurant claims to have invented. Diners enjoy the stunning views and relaxed atmosphere while dining.
Address: The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House, Pier Park, Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, Florida, USA, +1 850 233-1750
10. Dewey Destin’s Seafood
Dewey Destin’s Seafood is a bit difficult to find, but you’ll be glad you made an effort. It is an indescribable hut on the water that overlooks Crab Island. This casual and relaxed restaurant offers a wide selection of excellent local seafood served grilled, fried, or blackened. Fried shrimp and crab cakes are trendy. Keep an eye out for the wide variety of ‘catch of the day’ fish. Pick a sunny day to make the most of the splendid sunset views from the outdoor picnic tables.
According to many peoples, the best seafood restaurant in Destin is the Dewey Destin Seafood Restaurant. This restaurant’s specialties include seared grouper and sesame-crusted seared tuna. The rest of the varied menu consists of classic American dishes and local cuisine.
There are some gluten-free options on the menu for those who are gluten intolerant. In addition to the seafood options, there are also a few chicken dishes on the menu, with guests saying that you should try the desserts.
Address: Dewey Destin’s Seafood, 9 Calhoun Ave, Destin, Florida, United States, +1 850 837-7575
11. Sugar Sands Inn & Suites
Friends, Sugar Sands Inn & Suites is centrally located in Destin to allow guests access to the warm sandy beaches that the Emerald Coast offers and the main tourist attractions. Sugar Sands Inn provides a range of rooms and suites, including intimate studios for couples looking to escape the routine and two king-size suites that offer space for the whole family.
Sugar Sands Inn offers guests complimentary breakfast each morning. While there is no on-site restaurant, Sugar Sands Inn situates in an area where guests will find a tasty restaurant to fulfill all their desires within a few minutes’ walk or drive. Facilities at this hotel include a 24-hour fitness center and a versatile gym, and heated outdoor pools. And when it’s time to hit the streets, Sugar Sands Inn is close to all kinds of attractions.
Website: bestwestern.com
12. Silver Shells Beach Resort and Spa
Silver Shells Beach Resort and Spa is a stunning beachfront property that enchants both the beauty of the resort and the views from the rooms. Guests can choose from rooms overlooking the beach and ocean, with private, furnished balconies. Rooms with city views are also available, ranging from standard guest rooms to suites with lounge and kitchen.
Located on-site at the Silver Shells Beach Resort is Ruth’s Chris Steak House, where guests can dine on the best steaks and local seafood and cuisine inspired by New Orleans style. The Spa at Silver Shells is the perfect place to relax for guests looking to get away from everyday life. It allows trained professionals to relax your troubles with relaxing treatments that will keep you refreshed and energized.
Website: silvershells.com
13. Wyndham Vacation Resorts at Majestic Sun
This resort is across the road from the scenic white sands of Miramar Beach. Wyndham has the atmosphere of a seaside town combined with all the luxurious amenities guests deserve. Each guest will be able to enjoy the Wyndham condo, with a lounge and dining area separate from the bedrooms and a view of the ocean that stretches for miles in both directions.
Centrally located in Destin, Wyndham Vacation Resorts offers guests the chance to discover the area’s hottest local restaurants. The resort offers four outdoor pools and an indoor/outdoor pool, hot tubs, tennis courts, and even a golf course. Guests will be able to spend their time as they wish and even experience all the other attractions that local Destin has to offer, including Miramar Beach just across the road.
Website: clubwyndham.com
14. Palms of Destin Resort
With its several nearby beaches and oceans and the magnificent gardens and trees surrounding them, Palms of Destin Resort maintains the authentic Florida atmosphere. Guests staying at the Palms of Destin will be able to choose from one, two, or three-bedroom apartments, bedrooms, living rooms, and balconies. They can also look into a holiday villa rental that can accommodate up to six people – perfect for family vacations and get-togethers!
The Palms of Destin offers guests access to the gourmet restaurant on-site, serving American specialties and delicious seafood. Although this resort is not beachfront, guests can benefit from the free shuttle service to Calhoun Beach, which is just a 3-minute drive away! There is a playground where parents can relax while their children burn off this holiday energy for children.
Website: palmsofdestin.com
15. Fairfield Inn and Suites
The Fairfield Inn and Suites are located across the street from Henderson Beach State Park, where guests will access the beautiful white sands of Florida’s unforgettable Emerald Coast. The Fairfield Inn offers both guest rooms and apartments, and studios with a furnished and private balcony. Guests will be treated to the view of the bay’s waters and the breeze right on the water from the balconies.
A complimentary continental and hot breakfast are served each morning at the Fairfield Inn, and for dinner, you can order from local restaurants and taste the best food Destin has to offer. Centrally located in Henderson Beach State Park, guests have access to deep-sea fishing charters and wonderful white sand beaches that stretch along the Florida coast.
Website: marriott.com
Top 15 Restaurants In Destin Florida
If you’re packing and getting ready for your Florida vacation, chances are you’re looking for the perfect destination. Florida offers many cities and towns to hide from, and each one will be just as great and fun as the last. But if you’re looking for the picturesque and iconic Emerald Coast, take a look at Destin. Destin is a city known for its sandy beaches and popular tourist attractions.
It situates on the peninsula that separates the Gulf of Mexico from Choctawhatchee Bay, and the city boasts the largest fleet of fishing vessels in all of Florida. Destin is known as a vacation destination and, as such, attracts millions of tourists each year.
Due to its popularity, Destin is committed to having an appropriate facility or hotel for each visitor. If you’re looking for something intimate and fun or are looking for a resort big enough to accommodate the whole family, you won’t be disappointed with what Destin has to offer.
Destin is a city worth traveling to, with hot summers and relatively mild winters regardless of the season. Whether you’re looking for a vacation for the holidays or the start of an exciting spring break, Destin has all your needs met.
Top 15 Restaurants In Destin FL, Florida
