Fruitful fishing waters around Destin, Okaloosa Island and South Walton provide local restuarants with the freshest and largest selection of seafood on the Gulf of Mexico, and local dining establishments flaunt it at its tastiest.
At least 20 tasty types of fish are caught in local waters during any one season, providing a great diversity of savory fare. Red snapper, amberjack, yellowfin tuna and triggerfish are some local favorites that come straight from the docks of the largest charter boat fleet in the state.
| AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar |
| 1/4 mile east of the Destin Bridge on the harbor, 837-1913 |
"Where legends never die!" Enjoy fresh oysters, live entertainment and affordable dockside dining while you overlook the Destin Harbor. No reservations required. L=$7, D=$12. |
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| The Back Porch |
| 1740 Old Hwy. 98 E., Destin, 837-2022 |
Come dine with a view at this casual beachfront restaurant that specializes in affordable seafood. Only the freshest seafood is served here. Lunch served 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily; dinner 4 - 11 p.m. Children's menu available. Handicap facilities. No reservation required.L=$15, D=$15. |
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| Bagels at the Beach |
| 405-D Hwy 98 East, 650-8277 |
| Bagels, Breads, and Sandwiches |
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| Baskin Robbins |
| Shore Shopping Center, Destin, 837-3771 |
| Over "34-derful" flavors with your old favorites and many new ones, including yogurt. Try cool, delicious ice cream drinks, including Blasts, Smoothies, Shakes and tornadoes. Order from the menu or create your own. Also offering cakes for any occasion. |
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| Basmati's |
| 3295 W. Hwy. C30A, Blue Mountain beach, 267-3028 |
Asian cuisine and sushi are featured at sleek and sophisticated Basmati's located on beautiful Draper Lak in Blue Mountain Beach. Come experience a toaste of the Pacific as chef Derek Flores creates a variety of Asian inspired entrees with the freshest of local produce and seafood. Or enjoy sushi from their full sushi bar. Call for reservations and information. D=$18 |
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| Capt. Dave's On The Gulf |
| Located on Destin Harbor o1/2 mile from Destin Bridge, 837-6357 |
| Capt. Dave's is the oldest seafood restaurant in Destin. The orginal restaurant, destroyed by Hurricane Opal in 1995, has been rebuilt on the bluff overlooking the harbor, Gulf and pass. It incorporates a seafood market, gif shop, arcade and a large group dining area. |
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| Capt. Kidd's |
| 100 Hwy. 98 E. Harbor Walk at Destin Bridge, 650-1666 |
| Bring your family in for a seafood feast at their 75-item seafood buffet featuring large Alaskan snow crab legs. Other Gulf fresh seafood offerings include shrimp, scallops, crab, mahi mahi, flounder and raw oysters. Their specialties include crawfish cheescake and stuffed flounder. Don't forget about their delicious salads, veggies and desserts. Kid's buffet. |
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| Chesterfield's |
| 327 Hwy. 98 E., Destin, 837-5500 |
Dining here features steaks, seafood, pastas, gourmet pizzas and salads. Come dressed for a casual evening. Full bar. Children's menu. Handicap facilities. Opens at 4 p.m. D=$12 |
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| Destin Chops |
| 320 Hwy. 98 E., Destin, on the second floor of the Destin Yacht Club, 654-4944 |
The area's "only premium steak house" offers the sincere pleasure of USDA Prime steak, chops and prime rib prepared to perfection. Indulge in a fine dining tradition while taking in a spectacular view of Destin Harbor. Their opulent dining room welcomes you with the comforts of buttery leather seats, rich mahogany and polished brass. Dishes with a taste of our Gulf Coast regional character bring back the solid satisfaction of seafood served the way it should be. Maine lobster rounds out the menu. Savor premium cigars, fine brandies or ports to bring your evening to a close in their elegant lounge. Dinner nightly 5 - 10 p.m. D=$24 |
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| Evergreen |
| 309 Miracle Strip Pkwy Ft. Walton Beach, 837-2506 |
| Chinese, King's Banguet Buffet Including Crab Legs |
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| Fisherman's Wharf |
| 210-D Hwy. 98, Destin, 654-4766 |
For the freshest seafood prepared in all your favorite traditional ways, come to this casual restaurant on the harbor above Destin Fishing Fleet. Lunch served from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily; dinner 4 - 10 p.m. daily. Children's menu available. Handicap facilities. Reservations not required. L=$6, D=$13 |
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| Flamingo Cafe |
| Located on Hwy. 98 E., directly on Destin Harbor, 837-0961 |
Destin's premier restaurant of style. This "must do" restaurant showcases unequaled cuisine featuring the freshest seafood, choicest beef, veal and lamb and exotic evening creations by Chef de Cuisine Andi bell and Executive Chef Jim Richard. Enjoy a spectacular view from every table inside or out on the covered veranda and enjoy premier wines and liqours. Dinner served nightly. Featured entrees: Snapper Destin, featured in Souther Living; Grouper Flamingo recipe, requested by Bon Appetit. Other favorites include soft-shell crayfish, crab en croute and grilled swordfish with glazed papayas. Live entertainment on weekends. Reservations required. Children's menu. D=$20 |
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| Frangista Seafood & Spirits |
| 1820 Old Hwy. 98, Destin. 850-837-2515 |
Featuring a fusion of Mediterranean, French and Coastal Florida flavors, Frangista Seafood & Spirits is an upscale, yet casual establishment providing the area's premier fine dining experience. Open nightly for dinner at 5 p.m. during the winter; 6 p.m. in the summer. Master Card, Visa, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club accepted. D=$23 |
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| Fudpucker's Beachside Bar & Grill |
| Emerald Coast Pkwy. in Destin, 654-4200; and the "original" on Okaloosa Island(Ft. Walton Beach), 243-3833 |
Famous for food and fun since 1982, Fudpucker's is the local's favorite, offering a casual island atmosphere where fun-loving people of all ages gather for great food and good times. With everything from fabulous seafood entrees to sandwiches, burgers and salads, Fudpucker's has something for everyone! Come relax, sip on a cool tropical drink and enjoy the sounds of the best bands on the beach. Whether it's a leisurely lunch, a delicious dinner, a drink on the deck or live entertainment daily 11 a.m. 'til real late. Great food, live music, world-famous T-shirts and friendly people. Dress is casual. Children's menu. No reservations required. L=$6, D=$13 |
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| Grazie |
| 1771 Old Hwy. 98, Destin, 837-7240 |
This casual, high energy restaurant serves Italian cuisine with a flair, featuring seafood, pasta and pizza. Dinner served 5-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 5-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Reservations taken for eight or more. Dancing and entertainment upstairs in the Sky Bar. Handicap facilities. D=$11 |
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| Great Scott's Sandwich Shop |
| 835 US Hwy 98 Suite 17 Destin, 654-9344 |
| Fresh Gourmet Sandwiches, Soups and Salads |
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| Guglielmo's |
| 529 E Hwy 98 Destin, 654-9880 |
| Authentic Northern Italian Cuisine |
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| Harry T's Boathouse |
| 320 Miracle Strip Pkwy. (Hwy. 98) in the Destin Yacht Club next to the Destin Harbor, 654-4329 |
| Featuring sophisticated dining by the water that is on the cutting edge of fine food and fine service. Featuring over 50 menu items created from the freshest ingredients by Chef Kevin Barzani. See for yourself why Harry T's is truly a legendary stay. Stay for late night fun and specials at the bar. All major credit cards accepted. |
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| Louisiana Lagniappe |
| 775 Gulf Shore Dr., Holiday Isle, Destin, 837-0881 |
| Overlooking Old Pass Lagoon, Louisiana Lagniappe is one of Destin's most popular restaurants. Specializing in the finest Louisiana-style seafood, steaks and live Maine lobster. A full-service bar, outdoor deck and beautiful sunsets complete a wonderful evening at Louisiana Lagniappe - a little something extra and a whole lot more! Open seven days a week., March - October. |
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| Luckey Snapper |
| 76 E. Hwy. 98, Harborwalk Marina, Destin, 654-0900 |
Dine on the freshest Gulf seafood on their deck overlooking the beautiful Destin Harbor. Come for the spectacular sunset or dine early and watch the Destin Fleet unload the catch of the day. Inside dining available also. Open daily at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner. Children's menu available. No reservations required. Happy hour Mon.-Fri. 2-6 p.m. Live entertainment year round. Slips available if you come by boat L=$5, D=$17 |
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| Marina Cafe |
| 404 Hwy. 98 E., Destin, 837-7960 |
Their newest creation...Marina Cafe's spectacular new waterfront home is 200 yards east of the Destin Yacht Club where it was previously located. Still situated on the same banks of Destin Harbor, Marina Cafe's new environment, a more casual and relaxed setting, focuses upon the expansive view of the emerald waters that make Destin extraordinary. Artistically designed, colorful, dancing sculptures of the sea invite you to enter the new Marina Cafe's jeweled mosaic archway. Once inside you experience quiet sophistication and award-winning dining all with a breathtaking view of the Destin Harbor and Gulf of Mexico. From the casual delight of a gourmet pizza created in their wood burning oven to elegant culinary fantasies, one's palate is sure to be pleased. Executive Chef Prescott Stuart matches his skill to the challenge of creating their eclectic menu of classic Creole, Meditteranean and American cuisine all complemented by an extensive wine list and bar. Special features: gift shop, private dining room and boat docking for dining customers. Dinner served 5 - 10 p.m. nightly. Reservations suggested. D=$22 |
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| McGuires Irish Pub and Brewery |
| 33 E Hwy 98
Destin, 650-0000 |
| Prime Steaks & Craft Brewed Ales |
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| Pasta House |
| Located in the downtown Destin Shopping Center, 737 Hwy. 98 E., Destin, 654-5388 |
| The Pasta House is a family-owned restaurant featuring authentic Italian favorites prepared by expert chef Kathleen Bartell and her staff. They also offer live entertainment Friday evenings. |
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| Pompano Joes' |
| 2237 Old Hwy. 98 E. Destin, 837-2224 |
For fun and good food, come experience the casual atmosphere and great Caribbean cuisine. Dine inside or outdoors with a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico. Lunch served from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, dinner from 4-10 p.m. daily. Children's menu available. Handicap facilities. No reservations required. L=$6, D=$9. |
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| Sunset Bay Cafe, A Family Circle |
| 9300 Hwy. 98, Destin, 267-7108 |
Make your way to Sunset Bay Cafe, a tropical treat featuring a taste of the Caribbean, Florida and Southern cooking. Soups, salads, sandwiches, steaks, seafood and much more. Overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay on the bayside at Sandestin, Sunset Bay Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week! Children's menu. Call for reservations and information. Early bird dinner special is $7.95. B=$10, L=$14, D=$14. |
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| Trattora Borago |
| 80 E. Hwy. 30-A, Grayton Beach, 231-9167 |
Combining traditional and contemporary Italian food in a relaxed setting reminiscent of Italy's countryside. Italian and American wines, specialty beers, cocktails and their house drink - the Bellini - are served to make your dining experience classic Italian. Dinner 5-10 p.m. nightly. D=$16. |
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