The City of Destin Florida is rich in history and culture. Also known as “the world’s luckiest fishing village,” this location has grown so much from the little village it used to be to the bustling city it now is.
Location-wise, the city meets the Gulf of Mexico just along Florida’s Emerald Coast, this contributes to the large fishing opportunity in the city.
Its large fishing culture, close proximity to the beach, and interesting history have made this city a prime tourist attraction. There are so many fun activities to engage in here, one of them is exploring the restaurant scene.
The amount of seafood you can encounter here is impressive. However, its restaurant options go beyond just seafood. Here is a list of the 20 best restaurants in Destin, Florida.
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
$$$ | (850) 424-7406 | WEBSITE
Boshamps restaurant is a southern-style seafood waterfront restaurant located on the Destin harbor. It’s a place where comfortability and a casual style are highly encouraged.
Come into this restaurant and enjoy one of the finest dining experiences you can have along with amazing ocean views. Try out different types of oysters from their oyster bar, or any of their locally caught shrimp or crabs. Pair that with any of their specially-made cocktails, like their Kentucky Mule or their East Pass Punch cocktail.
Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano
$$ | (850) 460-7353 | WEBSITE
Enter Mimmo’s to get the classic Italian experience. From the restaurant’s decor to the homemade southern Italian dishes, this is one of the hottest restaurants in the city.
The aesthetic of the restaurant can best be described as wooden elegance, coupled with a fully stocked bar and an old-school brick pizza oven. They go a long way to ensure their customers get the best Italian experience possible. Try out their handmade pasta and pizza.
Louisiana Lagniappe
$$$ | (850) 837-0881 | WEBSITE
This is another restaurant located on the harbor front of Destin. Louisiana Lagniappe is a gulf and Creole seafood and steak restaurant.
Among their amazing dishes are; Mardi Gras Shrimp, Jambalaya, and Grouper Meuniere. The atmosphere of the restaurant is relaxing and family-friendly. Watch the beautiful sunset while enjoying tasteful cuisine.
McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin
$$ | (850) 650-0000 | WEBSITE
Craving something a little different and non-American? This Irish Pub is your go-to. This is a very popular spot in the city, and it comes as no surprise either.
Come into McGuire’s where there is space for everyone with their 500-seat dining space and their 150-seat upstairs desk. Enjoy the view of the harbor, Irish entertainment, great food, and ales.
The restaurant really goes all out in their Irish decor with thousands of dollar bills adjourning the restaurant and all green attire. Enjoy any of their numerous ales and beers which are all brewed in their on-site brewery.
Or pick anything from their very extensive wine list/cellar. And of course, try out traditional Irish dishes like their; Shepard’s Pie, Fish and Chips, and bangers & mash.
Crackings
$ | (850) 650-0499 | WEBSITE
This restaurant is family-owned and specializes in breakfast, brunch, and Lunch. Start your day off right with this restaurant. Try out their Lobster Gouda Grits, Croisseignets, any of their Benedicts, or omelets.
Burrito del Sol
$ | (850) 424-6269 | WEBSITE
This is a Baja-style Mexican restaurant. All their dishes are prepared in either Baja, chipotle, bbq, or southwest style. They created a simple process for selecting items off their menu. The first step is to choose your tortilla. Your options are; burrito, tacos, quesadilla, or taco salad. Step 2- add a protein of your choice.
Step 3- Choose a style. Step 4- add on modifiers. Follow this easy process, and you’ll have a tasteful meal ready to eat. Pair this meal with drinks like their house margaritas, craft beers, or soda.
Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill
$$ | (850) 654-4200 | WEBSITE
With a restaurant motto like Food, Fun, and Family, it’s no surprise that this restaurant is a fan favorite. Fudpucker is more than just a restaurant. It’s a whole experience. Their restaurant has a waterfront site, multiple dining rooms, games, attractions such as live alligators, loads of kids, and family-friendly activities.
Stop by this all-in-one entertainment restaurant and try out their crab balls, shrimp and gator pasta, ribeye A La Fud, and lots more. Let’s not forget their colorful drinks.
Try any of their specialty drinks like the Father Fud’s “voodoo Magic” drink, or their ultimate bloodyfudder. In this restaurant, there’s something for everyone. The kids can also enjoy amazing cocktails like the Kid’s VooDoo Magic, or the Virgin Daiquiris.
Crab Trap
$$ | (850) 654-2722 | WEBSITE
This restaurant is located right on the beach. It has a rustic and roomy setting, an open space, local art adjourning its walls, and seaside sculptures.
It’s the perfect location for family, friends, date night, or a place to grab a quick bite after your beach activities. Order their raw Oysters, fried Mozzarella, snow crab & shrimp, or a Mahi Mahi.
Thai Tanic Restaurant
$$ | (850) 353-2954 | WEBSITE
We all love a restaurant with a clever name, and this restaurant is not an exception. This family-owned Thai spot brings you authentic traditional Thal food. Enjoy only the best while in this comfortable and casually styled restaurant.
Try out their Krab Rangoon or their fried Pork Jerky for starters. For soups, have a taste of their Thai Suki Yaki or their Noodle soup. Their Chef’s special includes, Fried Catfish Nuggets, steamed whole Pompano, or Pineapple Fried rice with cashews. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy it.
Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer
$$ | (850) 460-8900 | WEBSITE
Another restaurant located on the Destin Harbour is Brotula’s Seafood House. Its name is gotten from the Bearded Brotula, a type of fish caught in the local waters of Destin. This restaurant has a laid-back casual waterfront dining room. It specializes in locally caught seafood produce.
They offer lunch, brunch, and dinner options. Some of their famous dishes include steamed snow crab, stuffed Portabella Mushrooms, and Pecan-crusted Grouper with Bourbon cream. Join them for brunch on Sundays and have some of their Crab cake benny, fried Shrimp or Fish Patter, or Mahi Reuben.
Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi
$$ | (850) 460-2909 | WEBSITE
This restaurant has a great history to go with its fantastic food. The name “Jackauda” was coined by legendary Charter Boat captain Dale Beebe in the 1990s. Decades later, this restaurant still stands as one of the most popular spots in Destin. This spot offers delicious sushi and Southern- & Asian-inspired seafood dishes.
Set up by the Marina, enjoy mouth-watering food while taking in the views of the ocean and all it has to offer. Stop by and try out any specialty sushi such as their baby shark roll, Tuna Tataki roll, El Fuego roll, or Cowboy roll. For Dinner, have some of their Wok Tossed Shrimp Noodles or their Andouille Crusted redfish.
The Harbor Tavern
$ | (850) 842-2377 | WEBSITE
The Harbor Tavern is a laid-back, simple restaurant with both terrace and marina views where you go to de-stress and have a good time. It has an easygoing atmosphere that reels people in. Try out their peel & eat shrimps, Mediterranean bowls, pitas, burgers, sandwiches, or tacos from their menu.
Bric à Brac
$$ | (850) 424-6369 | WEBSITE
Bric a Brac is both a restaurant and a nightclub. Their menu includes crab cakes, Shrimp Ceviche, Shrimp and crab Chowder, Bric A Brac Chicken, Manicotti, and lots more.
It has an eclectic American menu, live bands that perform nightly, a dance floor & a patio. This is the perfect place to spend your weekend nights with friends if you’re looking to enjoy great food and have a fun time.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
$$$$ | (850) 837-7884 | WEBSITE
This Award-winning restaurant should be on everyone’s list. From their New Orleans-inspired outdoor Courtyard Bar, private dining rooms, private billiard room, live entertainment weekly, and elegant style decor, this restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience.
From their menu, try out their Crabtini or veal Osso Buco Ravioli as an appetizer. For the main, have their Chilean Sea bass, Live Maine Lobster, T-Bone steak, or their Ribeye steak. Wash all these down with anything from their top-of-the-line wine list.
This restaurant goes a step ahead by offering to host weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and lots more. They promise a personalized experience like no other.
Sarah K’s Gourmet
$ | (850) 269-0044 | WEBSITE
This Takeout-only venue offers upscale chef-crafted, ready-to-heat cuisine. This place is home to the world’s famous Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes.
Do not let the takeout-only feature discourage you. Try out some of their unique dishes like the Buckhead Beef Certified Angus Beef Center Cut Filets, their Chicken stuffed with crabmeat, or their Meat Lasagna.
Marina Cafe
$$$ | (850) 837-7960 | WEBSITE
This is Destin’s most awarded restaurant, so you expect the food to be exceptional. In this stylish cafe, they are all about sensational food and service with amazing water views. Have dinner in their candle-lit dining room, inside their private dining room, or out on their patio.
Try out their Thai barbecued Chicken, Carpaccio of Wagyu beef, USDA Prime Ribeye, or their Penne Alfredo Pasta from their menu. Pair any of these with a selection from the wine list, which contains over 100 different tasteful wines.
Harry T’s Lighthouse
$$ | (850) 654-4800 | WEBSITE
This restaurant is not only rich in fantastic food but also in history. The restaurant was named after a famous trapeze artist called “Flying Harry T.” It is located inside an actual lighthouse. The restaurant decor is circus-themed with memorabilia from the sunken luxury cruise ship Thracia.
As if the inside views are not enough, you can also enjoy beautiful ocean views from any spot inside the restaurant. Try out their Seafood Platter, Shrimp & Grits, or their Harbor Steamer.
Captain Dave’s On the Gulf
$$$ | (850) 837-2627 | WEBSITE
Enjoy this airy restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, water views, a full bar, and a spacious lounge. From their menu, try out their Bacon wrapped scallops, shrimp cocktail, broiled lobster tail, grouper & grit cake, or their Grouper Pontchartrain. T
ry out any of their ultimate cocktails from their bar, like their Rim Runner or Dave’s Punch.
Landsharks Pizza Company
$$ | (850) 424-6743 | WEBSITE
This is a local’s favorite pizzeria and sports pub. Come in and try out their amazing pizza selections, mouthwatering hot wings, subs & burgers, and anything from their fully stocked bar.
Yuga Sushi and Sake House
$$ | (850) 837-4744 | WEBSITE
Step into this casual restaurant and enjoy its impressive selection of sushi. Try out any of their numerous sushi rolls, or have their Panko Fried Chicken or Teriyaki Bowl. For appetizers, have some of their Hamachi Jalapeno or their Tuna tataki.
Conclusion
Now you have a list of the 20 best restaurants in Destin, FL. Regardless of your needs or cravings, be sure to visit any one of these restaurants, and you’ll be served fantastic cuisine and incredible views.
Taylor lives in Atlanta, where she spends most of her time working in the food industry as a cook, bartender, and server. Today, she writes for Birch Restaurant as Taylor’s deeply passionate about food and wants to share it with you!
