13 Best Restaurants in Destin, FL

Just steps from your beautiful Legacy Beach Home are sun-kissed beaches, emerald waters, and vibrant sunsets. But amidst the Gulf Coast fun, the siren song of the stomach always calls.

Fear not, fellow vacationers! Prepare to embark on a journey through the best restaurants in Destin, FL, from waterfront feasts to hidden gems brimming with local charm.

Boshamps Oyster House

• Address: 414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL
• Price point: $$$
• Website: boshamps.com

Located on beautiful Destin Harbor, Boshamps Oyster House, named after their three dogs, is known for its fresh and locally caught seafood, affectionately referred to as “Gulf to Table Southern Cuisine”. Their ample outdoor seating offers stunning sunset views over the harbor.

Reservations aren’t required but are recommended. Keep an eye on their event calendar for upcoming live music.

Open for lunch and dinner.

Favorite menu item: Oysters Boshamps; baked oysters with caramelized Vidalia onion, feta cheese, and house-made bacon marmalade are a customer favorite.

The Back Porch

• Address: 1740 Scenic Highway 98, Destin, FL
• Price point: $$$
• Website: theback-porch.com/locations

The Back Porch is a Destin institution. Famous for its fresh Gulf seafood since 1974, it’s been a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, serving up delicious seafood and incredible Gulf views on their sprawling covered porch. Their Amberjack is a Destin staple. Their menu also includes options like grouper, snapper, mahi, shrimp, oysters, and even classic American burgers and salads.

The Back Porch is open for lunch and dinner. Don’t miss the daily happy hour from 3 to 5 PM.

Favorite menu item: Amberjack reigns supreme; Served your way, fried on a bun, topped with jumbo shrimp or “Chargrilled Amberjack,” invented right here.

Fish On Seafood House

• Address: 791 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL
• Price point: $$-$$$
• Website: fishonseafoodhouse.com

Fish On Seafood House stands out for its “fast-casual” quality seafood at reasonable prices. They source their fish locally whenever possible. It’s a quick and convenient option for tasty seafood. The atmosphere is friendly and casual, perfect for families and groups.

They’re known for their light and crispy batter, but their menu goes further, offering grilled, blackened, and sautéed options.

Open for lunch and dinner.

Favorite menu item: Their fried fish baskets are a popular choice, featuring daily catches like grouper, mahi, and snapper served with coleslaw, fries, tartar, and cocktail sauce.

Blue Mahoe Breakfast & Lunch

• Address:  300 Harbor Blvd Suite D, Destin, FL
• Price point: $-$$
• Website: thebluemahoecafe.com

Blue Mahoe Breakfast and Lunch stands out for its commitment to locally sourced ingredients. They use locally roasted coffee, farm-fresh eggs, and seasonal produce whenever possible. This dedication to quality shines through in every dish. Plus, their creative menu offers unique twists on classic breakfast and lunch staples, making it a culinary adventure.

Dine indoors in their vibrant, beachy atmosphere or al fresco. It’s a great way to soak up the Florida sunshine and people-watch.

Open for breakfast and lunch.

Favorite menu item: The Bourbon Street, a seasoned and fried chicken filet on top of a coconut Belgian waffle, and drizzled with honey.

McGuire’s Irish Pub

• Address: Moreno Plaza, 33 US-98, Destin, FL
• Price point: $$
• Website: mcguiresirishpub.com

McGuire’s Irish Pub and Steakhouse offers a lively atmosphere, hearty grub, prime steaks, and a pint of good spirits.

A staple of the area, the walls and ceiling are lined with a million signed dollar bills (yes, a million!). McGuire’s often hosts live Irish music. Grab a table under the umbrellas and enjoy the harbor views on their spacious waterfront patio.

Open for lunch and dinner and open late.

Favorite menu item: The Reuben Egg Rolls appetizer and 16 ounce “Char-Grilled” Hickory Smoked Prime Rib Steak entree are local favorites.

Dewey Destin Seafood

• Address: 9 Calhoun Ave, Destin, FL
• Address: 202 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL
• Price point: $$
• Website: destinseafood.com

Craving fresh seafood, stunning views, and a super laid-back vibe? Dewey Destin Seafood delivers in spades.

The Original Shack: Tucked away on Calhoun Avenue, this rustic shack embodies the soul of Dewey with unbeatable Crab Island views. Ordering at the window, grabbing a seat, and waiting for your name to be hollered adds to the experience. Before you walk away, order a flavored snow cone called a Snowball to go. Open for lunch; and dinner on Friday and Saturday.

Harborside: Craving a more traditional setting? Head to Harbor Boulevard. This spacious restaurant offers harbor views, table service, and a broader menu, including steaks and salads. Open for lunch and dinner.

Expect a mix of tourists and locals at either location.

Favorite menu item: Dewey’s Grouper Sandwich at either location: Fresh, flaky grouper, lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, served with fries.

The Harbor Tavern

• Address: 306 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL
• Price point: $$
• Website: theharbortavern.com

What sets The Harbor Tavern apart is its authentic local feel. It’s not your typical touristy hotspot. It’s where Destin locals unwind after work and enjoy fresh seafood without the fuss. Their commitment to local ingredients, from the seafood to the craft beers, shines through in every dish.

Open for lunch and dinner.

Favorite menu item: The fish tacos are great, but the Mediterranean bowls are something to write home about. Served on a bed of rice with cucumber salad, feta, tavern tahini, and pickled onions with choice of protein (we recommend the blackened mahi!).

Louisiana Lagniappe

• Address: 775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL
• Price point: $$$
• Website: thelouisianalagniappe.com

Craving Cajun and Creole? Louisiana Lagniappe, a beloved local spot, is serving up a taste of the Big Easy in Destin with waterfront charm. Watch boats bobbing on the harbor and pelicans soaring overhead. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxed, upscale dining experience.

Open for dinner.

Favorite menu item: The Blackened Redfish is a Cajun classic done right. Redfish, blackened and topped with jumbo lump crabmeat, lobster, and both hollandaise and garlic-beurre blanc.

LuLu’s Destin

• Address: 4607 Legendary Marina Dr, Destin, FL
• Price point: $$
• Website: lulusfunfoodmusic.com

Get ready for a beachside shindig at LuLu’s Destin, Florida! This sprawling entertainment complex on the bay promises fun for the whole family.

LuLu’s buzzes with energy, offering a vibrant mix of seafood-loving tourists and locals. Live music, cocktails, beach fun, and kid’s entertainment are what LuLu’s is all about. There are also waterfront decks for fantastic views and family-friendly patios with picnic tables and games.

Open for lunch and dinner.

Favorite menu item: Weeks Bay Original Famous Fish Sandwich;  Grouper with fried green tomatoes, lettuce, LuLu’s wow sauce.

Donut Hole Bakery Cafe

• Address: 635 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL
• Price point: $-$$
• Website: donut-hole-bakery-cafe.weeblyte.com

While the donuts are the star of the show at this eatery, the Donut Hole Bakery Cafe doesn’t only have donuts. It’s a cozy cafe serving omelets, eggs benedict, sandwiches for lunch, and even custom cakes. Expect a mix of locals and tourists.

Open for breakfast all day.

Favorite menu item: There’s only one answer here: donuts! Their glazed donuts are legendary, fluffy orbs of sweetness dipped in a perfectly thin and crisp glaze.

Maple Street Biscuit Company – Miramar Beach

• Address: 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Miramar Beach, FL
• Price point: $$
• Website: maplestreetbiscuits.com

Get ready for a down-home breakfast (or brunch!) feast at Maple Street Biscuit Company in Miramar Beach. This ain’t your average biscuit joint; it’s Southern comfort food done right, served with a side of charm and good vibes.

If you leave hungry, that’s your own fault. These biscuit sandwiches are stuffed, and toppings are piled high. Not to worry, there are also waffles, frittatas, and a salad.

Open for breakfast and lunch.

Favorite menu item: One biscuit to rule them all; The Five and Dime. Fried chicken, bacon, cheddar, egg, sausage, or shiitake gravy with a kick.

The Wine Bar

• Address: 4424 Commons Dr. E, D2, Destin, FL
• Price point: $$-$$$
• Website: thewinebarfl.com

The Wine Bar in Destin isn’t just a bistro to grab a glass; it’s a celebration of good food and casual fine dining vibes.

Don’t miss their daily wine happy hour from 11 am to  6 pm. Enjoy a 12 ounce carafe of wine for the price of a large glass. Choose from their extensive selection of wines from the most famous growing regions in the world.

Open for lunch and dinner.

Favorite menu item: The charcuterie board is a crowd pleaser here for sure. Opt for a cheese board only or select accouterment.

Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano

• Address: 979 US-98 Ste. 5, Destin, FL
• Address: ​​2700 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
• Price point: $$
• Website: mimmos.com

Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano is a taste of Sicily amidst the sunny beaches of Destin. Since 2013, Chef Mimmo has been making your pasta from scratch, baking your bread, and firing pizzas from freshly made dough in their wood fired brick oven.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a full bar and rustic décor with Italian accents.

Open for lunch and dinner.

Favorite menu item: The Spaghetti Bolognese is a local favorite. Pappardelle pasta tossed in a rich house made meat sauce.

Stay And Eat In Destin, Florida

So there you have it, your culinary compass for navigating the best Destin restaurants just steps from your beautiful Legacy Beach Home on Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Remember, great food is often seasoned with adventure. Don’t be afraid to stray from the beaten path. You might just stumble upon your new favorite dish, the memory of which will linger long after the tan fades.

Happy eating, adventurers!