Where to Eat in Destin & 30A

Looking for the best restaurants in Destin, Florida and along the Emerald Coast? From fresh Gulf seafood and waterfront dining to hidden local favorites, Ed and Terri Smith of RE/MAX Coastal Properties share some of their favorite restaurants in Destin, Miramar Beach, 30A, Okaloosa Island, and surrounding areas.

Restaurants come and go. Hours, menus, ownership, and quality can change, so this list is updated frequently.

Restaurant, Joint, or Dive?

Restaurant: Matching furniture, taped or live piano/light jazz, printed menus. Accepts credit cards. Member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Joint: Screen door, jukebox, beer, chalkboard menu. The cook is nicknamed Bubba. Cash or checks. Member of AAA.

Dive: Torn screen door, beer, whiskey, stray cats, cash only. No menu. The cook’s real name is Bubba, she sports prison tattoos, and binge-watches Sons of Anarchy and Road House. You don’t tell your mama you go there.

Okay, seriously, the restaurants on the Emerald Coast range from classic elegance to barefoot casual, although none require a jacket or tie. With hundreds of restaurants to choose from, visitors to the Emerald Coast never go home hungry.

To follow is a list of area restaurants that, for the most part, we like personally. Since we are not professional food critics, no one pays us or gives us free food for endorsements — although we wish they would.

Area Restaurant Favorites

Acme Oyster House

90 Seascape Dr., Miramar Beach, FL 32550 850.460.7773

Since 1910, Acme has been serving has been serving great seafood in New Orleans. Now in Destin, serving delicious po-boys, crawfish, jambalaya, red beans & rice, fresh oysters and plenty of ice cold beer. If you are feeling brave, try the “15 Dozen Oyster Challenge” made famous by Adam Richman on Man vs. Food. If successful, you get your name on the Wall of Fame! FYI, I (Ed, not Terri) did it in 32 minutes! Lunch & Dinner

AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar

116 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL 32541 (850)837-1913

AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1984. AJ’s serves a wide variety of food including burgers, seafood sandwiches, boiled shrimp, boiled mud bugs (when in season), steaks, pastas, salads, finger foods and of course, great fresh shucked oysters. The outdoor Jumbotron is a great way to enjoy your favorite games on Saturdays and Sundays. You just can’t visit Destin without a trip to AJ’s!! Opens at 11:00 am 7 days per week and closes whenever …

Angler’s Beachside

1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Okaloosa Island (850)796-0260

Really fun place for the entire family and smack dab on the beach at the Okaloosa County Fishing Pier. Seafood is served basket style. Angler’s features a beachside playground for the kids. Parents can dine above while watching the kids below. Popular sports bar upstairs as well. Lunch and Dinner

Another Broken Egg

104 Hwy 98 East, Destin (850)650-0499 and Baytowne Village, Sandestin Resort (850)622-2050

You will love the breakfast/brunch/lunch menu selections! Unique omelettes and sandwich selections certain to please any appetite. Even the coffee is exceptional!

For some bizarre reason, they will not seat you unless your entire party is present, even if there are no other guests in the entire restaurant!!

Oh well, policies are policies, right? Breakfast and Lunch

Bay Café

233 SE Alconese, Ft. Walton Bch., (850)244-3550

Ooo-la-la, our favorite area French restaurant. Bay Cafe has been here for 25 or more years. Casual, quaint, cozy. Indoor/outdoor dining directly on Santa Rosa Sound. Food and service are always great. Lunch and Dinner

Boathouse Oyster Bar

At East Pass Marina, Destin (850)837-3645

A rather unique place, we love the Boathouse for lunch. It is not just waterfront, it is actually over the water! This place has been significantly expanded over the past few years. Has fantastic gumbo and great cheese burgers. Tuna steak sandwich is also great. Food served indoors or out. Right on/over the Destin Harbor. Entertainment nightly. Go by boat and tie up at the dock! Lunch and Dinner

Boshamps

414 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL 32541 (850)424-7406

Located on the Destin Harbor, this family-owned restaurant has been serving up great food along the Emerald Coast for 40 years. No table cloths at Boshamps, but both the food and service are fabulous. From the pan sauteed Gulf snapper to the 20 oz bone-in ribeye, there is something on the menu to suit every palate.

Lunch and Dinner

Bric a Brac

824 Gulf Shore Drive, Destin (850)424-6369

Another restaurant owned by the “Red Bar” family. The restaurant actually faces Gulf Shore Drive near Highway 98 (Harbor Blvd). This location features the same basic menu items, yet the decor does not quite congeal as well as do the other family ventures. Still, the food is great and the service very good. Tuna dip appetizer is highly recommended, as is the bread pudding. Prices are good, great value. Open for lunch and dinner with happy hour daily and music most evenings. Lunch and Dinner

Brotula's

210 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL 32541 • (850) 460-8900

Brotula's sources their seafood through local vendors, supporting small businesses of the Panhandle and bringing guests the freshest product. They take care to highlight natural flavors with made-from-scratch dishes.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company

14059 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin (850)650-1881

Okay, this one we’ve not personally tried. It is said to be a popular chain and a fun place to visit though. Stays very busy during tourist season. Lunch and Dinner

Bud and Alleys

2236 East County Road 30-A Seaside, Florida (850)231-5900

Great food and fun overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at Seaside. Indoor seating downstairs and open air seating on the roof deck bar. No reservations here. A very creative menu. Something for everyone. Lunch and Dinner

Café 30-A

Scenic Highway 30-A, Seagrove (850)231-2166

Dinner only, and reservations are recommended. The best description we’ve heard is “contemporary eclectic cuisine”. Very popular spot with open air dining upstairs.

Camille’s at Crystal Beach

2931 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541 (850)337-8860

Small place, some might even say cozy. Situated at the corner of Old Highway 98 and crystal Beach Drive. Eclectic menu ranging from shrimp and grits to sushi. Salads, pizza, smoothies, grilled grouper and much more. Everything is very good, creatively prepared and the seafood is ALWAYS fresh.

Cantina Laredo

585 Grand Boulevard, Mirimar Beach (850)654-5649

A little hard to find, Cantina Laredo is nestled back in Grand Boulevard, an upscale shopping, dining complex. Regardless, the fish, chicken and steak options are all great, but you cannot eat here without the fabulous made-tableside guacamole!! The combo dinner is truly exceptional. And while we do not drink margaritas, we have it on good authority that they are superb! We have found all the food here to be great!! Lunch and Dinner

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

10562 Emerald Coast Pkwy at Silver Sands Outlet (850)837-2861

We can’t say enough good about Carrabba’s … Definitely one of our favorites. Usually a wait to get in so go early! The mixed grill is one their very best menu selections. The small pizzas are also great and are fairly cheap. Happy hour features beer and wine specials. Lunch and Dinner

Cuvee Bistro

36120 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541 (850)650-8900

Cuvée Bistro is a semi-casual, fine dining restaurant with a great wine cellar. Owned by award winning chef Tim Creehan, Cuvee’s creative menu features seafood, steak, lamb, and Ed’s personal favorite, duck! Dinner only

Dewey Destin’s

9 Calhoun Drive, Destin, FL 32541 (850)837-7575

A local’s favorite, Dewey’s original location across from Crab Island can be a little tricky to find. Just north of the Destin Bridge on Calhoun Avenue, directly on Choctaw Bay . Order and pay at the cash register inside, then listen for your name outside and someone will deliver the order to your table. Great local-caught seafood, served in baskets, not on plates! Beer and wine available. Great for families and couples alike. The orientation is west so the sunsets are fabulous from the deck! Lunch $ Dinner

Dewey Destin’s Harborside

202 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL 32541 • (850) 837-7525

Another local’s favorite, this is Dewey’s newer and upscale version of the original situated directly on Destin Harbor. Same great local-caught seafood, served fresh off the boats! You actually get real plates and cloth napkins, although the restaurant retains a local, very laid-back, casual atmosphere. American Express? You can leave home without it. Dewey’s only accepts MasterCard and Visa. Lunch and Dinner

Donut Hole

635 Highway 98 East, Destin (850)837-8824 and 6745 US Highway 98 W, Santa Rosa Beach (850)267-3239

Everything is great, breakfast lunch and dinner. Omelets are top notch as are the most fabulous baked goods including cakes, pies, gourmet doughnuts and more. The sandwiches are wonderful, especially the patty melt and club sandwich. Chef salad is really great, especially with the homemade Ranch dressing. One big problem. There is most often a wait to be seated. If you are so inclined, you can usually slide up to the counter for faster service. Breakfast Lunch Dinner

El Jalisco

4304 Legendary Dr Destin FL, 32541 US (850)460-8355

This is one fabulous Mexican restaurant! Actually, one of nine in the El Jalisco family. This chain began in Panama City and now has locations as far east as Tallahassee. Lots of combo options and the food is simply great TexMex. Open for lunch and dinner.

Fish Out of Water

WaterColor Inn, Seagrove Beach (850)534-5050

Local seafood and steaks with a sushi bar and private wine room overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Very impressive wine list and outstanding service. Always a pleasure to dine at Fish Out Of Water. Dinner only

Fleming’s Steak House

600 Grande Blvd, just west of Sandestin Resort (850)269-0830

Famous for their great steaks and upscale wine list by the glass, Fleming’s has grown rapidly since its inception in 1998!

Dinner Only

Great Southern Cafe

Seaside Town Square, (850)231-7327

Indoor and outdoor seating featuring a truly creative menu. Soul Rolls are a must. The raw oysters are always fabulous, as if they had all been hand-picked. If Chef Jim Shirley is not on a celebrity tour, you will find him in the kitchen! Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

Harbor Docks

538 Hwy 98 East, Destin (850)837-2506

Fresh local seafood, very well prepared. Sushi/oyster bar. Indoor/outdoor dining. Great views overlooking the Destin Harbor. Grouper Parmadine is fabulous, as is the Amazon Roll. Lunch and Dinner

Harry T's

46 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 (850 654-4800

Harry T’s is situated in HarborWalk Village at the mouth of the Destin Harbor. Just about every seat in the house has a great view of the Harbor, Pass or Gulf. The menu here is extensive. It ranges from steamed seafood to burgers and from crab claws to tacos! Sandwiches are definitely great, but if you can visit on Saturday and Sunday between 10:00 am and 2:00 you can enjoy one of the best brunches on the Gulf Coast! One more thing … Harry T’s offers a Monte Cristo (best sandwich on planet earth) on a limited basis during most week days.

Hightide Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar

1203 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Ft. Walton Beach (850)244-2624

Really great, local caught fresh seafood. About as fresh as you will find anywhere. Specialty oysters, seafood fried or grilled, served in a basket. Not a fancy place, more like middle of the road nautical decor. Just friendly employees and great food. They don’t even have a website! Locally owned and operated since 1975! Grab a table or just slide in and eat at the oyster bar. Lunch and Dinner

La Paz

950 Gulfshore Drive, Destin (850)837-2247

Fantastic Mexican and seafood items. From fajitas to red snapper, it’s all well prepared. Featuring unique nightly specials. The Fish Tacos and Grouper Fajitas are awesome! Entertainment on Friday nights. Lunch and Dinner

Louie Louie’s

35 Musset Bayou Road ~ Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850)267-1500

Owned by the “Red Bar” family, Louie Louie’s features a great yet simple menu with many of the same items as found in the Red Bar. Crab cakes are super delicious! Happy hour every Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10-Midnight. Late night bar food until midnight. Leave the credit card at home because like it’s Grayton Beach and Holiday Isle counterparts, this place is cash only! Dinner only

Louisiana Laignaippe

Sandpiper Cove, 775 Gulfshore Dr., Destin (850)837-0881

You couldn’t find better gourmet Cajun food if you were in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Indoor and outdoor dining at the east end of the Destin Harbor. If they are featuring the “scamp baked in parchment” when you visit, it is definitely worth ordering! Other personal favorites … Grouper Pontchartrain and Grouper Cocodrie. Dinner only

Magnolia Grill

157 Brooks Street, Ft. Walton Beach (850)302-0266

Situated near the original site of the infamous gambling spot The Magnolia Bar, this restaurant features décor and area memorabilia from the 50’s. Several of the most popular menu items are recycled favorites from local landmark restaurants from the past. Lunch and Dinner

Margaritaville

Located in HarborWalk, 76 Harbor Blvd., Destin (850)460-7700

Just opened in February 2014 and located directly on the Destin Harbor. This particular Margaritaville features a new menu that is unique to the franchise. The fish and chips (at Margaritaville??) is said to be knock-your-socks-off fabulous. Great views all around. Lunch and Dinner

Marina Café

404 Hwy 98 East, Destin (850)837-7960

Unique entrées and appetizers created by its chef, Marina Cafe features seafood, steaks and pastas with Cajun flair. Premium cigar selections. Early bird specials. You can’t order appetizers first for some reason, they must be ordered at the same time as entrees?? Dinner only

McGuire’s Irish Pub

33 Hwy 98 East-HarborWalk, Destin (850)650-0000

One of Destin’s most famous restaurants. Award winning burgers, steaks and Irish fare. Brewery sausage plate is huge, as are most entrees. Beautiful steaks and prime rib, although the prime rib is heavily smoked and may be a little strong for some palates. Also the home of McGuire’s micro-brewery featuring special Irish beverages. Nightly Irish entertainment. Besides the great food, you will not soon forget McGuire’s “expensive” décor and confusing bathrooms! Lunch and Dinner

Millers Ale House

34906 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin (850)837-0694 Rather extensive menu featuring ribs, lobster, prime rib, sandwiches, fajitas and more. The place features 50 or more TV’s throughout. Prices seem competitive. Food and service have been a little hit and miss so far, but a fun place to visit. Wine, cocktails and 75 different beers. Lunch and Dinner

Mimmos Italian Restaurant

979 US Hwy 98 East, Destin (850)460-7353

One of our favorites. Mimmos has really fabulous pastas, seafood, salad and pizza. Very comfortable (cozy) decor as well. Only a few booths, the rest are open tables, although you can eat at the bar or by the wood fired pizza station. Call for reservations during tourist season and always on weekends. Lunch and Dinner

O’Quigley’s Seafood Steamer

34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy Ste #101 (850)837-1015

O’Quigley’s is not on the water, but does serve fresh Gulf seafood, crab legs and more. A fun place with a great local crowd, O’Quigley’s, is located behind the Olive Garden on Emerald Coast Pkwy.

The Shack

104 SW Miracle Strip Pkwy, Ft. Walton Bch (850)664-0345

Crab, seafood, shrimp and more! Dine inside or out (we prefer out), directly on Santa Rosa Sound. Go by car or by boat.

Lunch and Dinner

Osaka

34845 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin (850)650-4688

Lots of fun at the hibachi grill. Also featuring sashimi, sushi and saki. The grandkids love this place! Especially fun for small groups. Lunch and Dinner

PF Chang's

640 Grand Blvd, just west of Sandestin Resort (850)269-1806

A Chinese bistro with Southeast Asia influence? Everyone seems to love P.F. Changs! Located at Grand Blvd near Sandestin and Silver Sands Outlet Mall. Lunch and Dinner

Seagar's

4000 Sandestin Blvd., in the Hilton at Sandestin Resort. (850)622-1500

Fabulous service, fabulous steaks. For a real treat, try the porterhouse with bleu cheese/hickory glaze! Very impressive wine and cordial selections. Seagars will absolutely impress your guests. Dinner only

Sonny's BBQ

925 N Beal Pkwy, Ft. Walton Bch. (850)314-0717

If you like real smoked BBQ (not the “drowned in sauce” variety), you should like Sonny’s. Also featuring award winning baked beans and all-u-can eat salad bar. Lunch and Dinner

Stinky's Fish Camp

5960 West County Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach • (850) 267-3053

One of our favorites. Lots of really great fried options, but the pasta, crab legs, shrimp and grits, and crawfish pie are really hard to beat.

Large portions, perfectly prepared, every time. Service is always great as well. No reservations, and there will almost always be a wait to be seated. Go early if possible.

Open: Lunch & Dinner

The Back Porch

1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541 • (850) 837-2022

The Back Porch has been serving Gulf seafood in Destin since 1974. One of the best places in town for raw oysters.

Directly on the Gulf, you will enjoy great views and a great vibe.

Open: Lunch & Dinner

The Melting Pot

11394 US Highway 98 W, Destin, FL 32550 (850)269-2227

Melting Pot is of course the original fondue restaurant featuring several fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrees, salads, and unforgettable desserts. Especially fun for small groups. Unfortunately, dinner only.

The Red Bar

70 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach, (850)231-1008

No reservations, no credit cards, closed Monday and Tuesday and a limited menu. You will love it. Anytime they have crab cakes on the chalkboard menu, order them! Food and prices are fantastic. Very eclectic, some would say funky. Beer, wine, cocktails. Lunch and Dinner

Have a Favorite?

We would love to hear from you. What’s your favorite area restaurant? If you tried one of the listed restaurants, please let us know how you liked it. If one of your favorites is not listed, give us the name and we will gladly review it for this list.

And of course, we can help you find a home or condo near your favorite restaurant, beach, harbor, golf course, or fishing spot.

Bon Appétit!

Ed and Terri Smith
RE/MAX Coastal Properties
725 Harbor Blvd.
Destin, Florida 32541
(850) 837-5500

Restaurants come and go, hours change, and ownership changes over time. Information is believed accurate but cannot be guaranteed.

Where to Eat in Destin & 30A

Restaurant, Joint, or Dive?

Area Restaurant Favorites

Have a Favorite?

Additional Emerald Coast Resources