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Destin Restaurants
Destin, Florida is located on the emerald coast, tucked in along the Gulf of Mexico. The city of Destin has branded itself “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” With some of the world’s whitest sandy beaches, tourists come from all over the globe to kick back and relax and eat some of the world’s freshest seafood in the sunny state of Florida. If a fine dining experience is what you’re after, or you’re packing up the kids for live music at a family-friendly restaurant, you most certainly will have no shortage of options.
Here is a guide to our top 12 picks for fresh seafood, Mexican, pizza and everything in between.
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
“Waterfront dining located on the beautiful Destin Harbor”
Established back in the 1980s, this comfortable, family-friendly restaurant is committed to providing its guests with a fine dining experience and the freshest seafood in Destin.
Worried about taking the kids out to a fancy restaurant? Then this is the place for you. Boshamps prides itself on providing a high-end service while at the same time maintaining an atmosphere where kids and families can relax. So pull out your fancy flip flops, put on a sundress and head out for a night with the kids you won’t soon forget.
Louisiana Lagniappe
Yet another delicious seafood restaurant but this time with a cajun/creole flair. Be sure to take advantage of their outdoor seating for gorgeous views and enjoy your dinner in the evening summer breeze. Louisiana Lagniappe is an expansive restaurant that can easily accommodate you, your friends and your family for large celebrations.
A sister restaurant to The Back Porch and Pompano Joe’s, which also made our top 12 list for best Destin restaurants. This group of restaurants has the corner on delicious food, impeccable service and good times. We have a pro tip for you, though; this restaurant is very popular with locals and tourists, so plan to go early and be ready to wait.
Marina Cafe
“34 years of fine dining on the Emerald Coast”
Marina Cafe is one of the most awarded restaurants in the area, and for good reason. If you are looking for a romantic evening filled with magical sunsets and intoxicating views of the harbour, then this is the perfect place to book a reservation.
This restaurant offers a choice of almost 200 wines and delicious seafood dishes. If you’re not sure which wine to pair with your entree, feel free to get your server’s suggestion, who are always ready to help make sure you have the best fine dining experience possible. This restaurant is our top pick for anyone celebrating something special or wanting a romantic night out.
McGuire’s Irish Pub
McGuire’s Irish Pub is a great place to take a break from all the seafood restaurants available in Destin. Here you’ll be able to let your hair down for some good ol’ Irish craic. Feel free to drop in for drinks and appetizer plates or plan to stay awhile and enjoy the laid-back, positive vibes. If nightlife is what you’re after, ask to be seated on the upper level and take in the live music on the deck while overlooking the harbour.
Feeling a little rough the next morning? We’ve got the fix. Head back on over to McGuire’s for their Irish Coffee Brunch complete with….you guessed it, Irish Coffee and homemade french quarter beignets. It’s sure to get you back up on your feet for another day of fun in the sun.
Landshark’s Pizza
“Local Brews & Tasty Chews”
Landshark’s was voted best pizza in Destin. A local favourite for being a top-notch sports bar with equally good food. Locally owned and operated, they pride themselves on getting to know all their customers and knowing them by name.
To get a feel for life in Destin, this is a great place to come and spend some time and get to know the people in the neighbourhood.
If, after spending a day out in the Florida sun, you just don’t have the energy to get out into the restaurants and you’re looking for something quick and easy to “hit the spot,” Landshark’s should be your go-to. They offer customers take-out and will throw in a free appetizer if you sign up for their newsletter.
If there happens to be a game on, this is the place to take it in on a big screen and toss back a few beers while enjoying their stand-out pizza and wings. Pass the wet naps, please!
The Back Porch
“A Gulf Coast Tradition for over 40 years”
The Back Porch beachside restaurant is everything that tropical vacation dreams are made of. So go ahead, pack your beach bag, head down to the white sands of Panama City beach, knowing that fresh Gulf seafood and delicious cocktails await. What started over 40 years ago as a small A-frame shack serving up fish and oysters has now transformed into a huge eatery that’s become a destination in its own right. Made famous for its incredible location and that they have their fresh seafood delivered daily.
The Back Porch also offers arguably the best gulf views in all of Destin. This restaurant is a true beachfront dining experience. And the best part? Bathing suits are welcome. You and your family can arrive sandy and sun-kissed and will be seated without hesitation. In fact, you’ll fit right in. The only problem you’ll have here is trying to figure out what to order. We recommend trying their Chargrilled Amberjack with their Key Lime Pie Frozen Cocktail…because after all, you are in Florida, right?
Bric a Brac: Destin Family Restaurant
“Where you come to be with friends.”
With its artsy vibe and its colourful atmosphere, this traditional American restaurant is located a little off the beaten path but worth visiting for their crab cakes. Their crab cakes were voted best in Destin 4 years in a row and are made entirely of real crab meat. If you’re planning your vacation itinerary, plan to hit up Bric a Brac on a Friday night to take in the live entertainment with fun and dancing for the whole family. Owned by two local brothers, you can see the pride they put into providing a fun and family-friendly atmosphere that the entire family will rave about. Don’t be surprised if you visit more than once while you’re in the Destin area.
Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer
Locally owned and operated, this is an Emerald Coast gem. Brotulas prides itself on its rustic yet sophisticated vibe offering guests a family-friendly one-of-a-kind dining experience. Known for their “Hook and Cook” service, if you’ve been out fishing for the day, you are welcome to bring in your catch and have their award-winning chef prepare it for you. An experience like this is sure to be any vacationer’s highlight.
On the menu are options for locally sourced steamed and boiled shellfish platters. Brotulas also uses Fish Trax, an innovative tool for eco-conscious consumers who wish to find out exactly where their seafood came from.
On Sundays, we brunch, and if you do too, then you’ll want to plan a visit between 10 and 3 pm for their decadent brunch menu. We highly recommend choosing one of their famed Eggs Benny dishes for a hollandaise sauce that’ll make even the most critical of foodies swoon. Try it for yourself and see. We’re confident you’ll be sending your compliments to the Chef.
Fudpuckers Beachside Grill
More than a restaurant, this beachside grill is an entire attraction. For your visit to Fudpucker’s, we recommend setting aside 3-5 hours to allow enough time to take in the full experience. The kids will love this restaurant and will definitely get a kick out of feeding the gators at Gator Beach. Yes, you heard that right…this restaurant has a full-on gator exhibit. There’s also a photographer on hand to get your photo professionally taken with a baby gator.
Fudpuckers is known for its loud party vibe, so don’t miss out on the live music and entertainment as well as the regularly scheduled teen nights. On teen nights, kids between the ages of 13-17 can dance the night away from 10 pm to 1 am in a controlled, alcohol-free, fun zone giving parents a little free time of their own.
Before you leave, be sure that the kids in your party have had the chance to write their name on their signature wall where they’ll be able to find their name the next time you visit the Destin area for vacation. This is sure to be a kid’s favourite!
Jackacuda’s Seafood + Sushi
Complete with a legendary fishing tale and delicious fresh seafood, Jackacuda’s is the kind of place that brings together locals, tourists and people of all ages for their relaxed atmosphere and exciting twists of beloved dishes.
Believe us when we say that we don’t recommend just any sushi restaurant. We’re full-on sushi snobs that’ll drive great distances just to get the perfect spicy tuna roll or poke bowl. Thankfully, when you’re in Destin, you won’t have to go very far for just that. Jackacuda’s is THE SPOT for all your sushi and poke bowl cravings. Another family favourite for us is the shrimp and grits with its glorious cajun cream sauce for a bit of southern kick.
This place also has a phenomenal dessert menu, so plan to have some room left for their bread pudding. It is a completely unexpected offering but not to be passed over with its fresh blueberries, white chocolate, and caramel sauce. It’s so good you’ll want to kiss the chef.
Pompano Joe’s Seafood House
Pompano Joe’s was featured on the Travel Channel as “The Ultimate Beach Snack Shack and One of the World’s Best Beach Restaurants.” With accolades like that, you’re going to want to make this a must-do on your vacation dining itinerary.
This restaurant has perfected the fusion of Caribbean cooking and Destin’s fresh Gulf seafood with dishes like their Reggae rolls, which locals and tourists alike can’t stop raving about. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by its colourful and friendly exterior only then to be greeted by one of their amazing staff whose main focus is that you and your family have the best customer experience possible.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. With perfect beachside dining, a plethora of delicious seafood and all American classic dishes, you’ll be transported into a moment of sunshine-y Florida bliss. Once dinner is done, be prepared to be stuffed, making an evening stroll on Panama City Beach the perfect ending to what will undoubtedly be a fantastic night.
Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano
No guide to Destin restaurants would be complete without a solid Italian recommendation, and we would have completely failed you if we hadn’t included Mimmo’s.
Serving up fresh, authentic southern Italian cuisine made with heart and soul by Chef Mimmo himself, owner and operator. If Italian food is love, then be prepared to be smothered with it. This restaurant is the perfect selection whether you’re looking for somewhere to eat for date night, drinks on that patio or dinner with family and friends. While the brick oven pizza is divine, we recommend branching out a little and trying the tortellini or even the lobster.
Chef Mimmo only uses the freshest of ingredients and offers generous portions so that everyone leaves full and happy.
Destin Restaurants Wrap-Up
Hungry yet? We sure are! We’re also surfing the net for flights to our next Destin, Florida vacation. Hang on to this guide whether you’re planning your next sunny Florida vacation or you’ve already arrived to make sure you don’t miss out on enjoying some of the best seafood, pubs, and all American restaurants that Florida has to offer.
We’ll see you there!
Header image photo credit: Kristi Blokhin
