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It’s not a vacation if you don’t indulge yourself! Find out the best places to eat and the best places to have a foodie-friendly vacation in Destin.
A Taste of the Coast
Though it is synonymous with white sand beaches and turquoise waters, Destin, Florida also serves up a vibrant palette of flavors. We don’t doubt for a second that the food in Destin is as sensational as its sunsets, what with the abundance of seafood and historical Southern recipes!
We already know that this city is dubbed the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. But did you know that it gets that title because of what is called “The 100-Fathom Curve”? This is the fastest and most excellent route to the deep seas – only 10 miles from the coast of Destin! This allows for amazing catches of cobia, grouper, tuna, and flounder.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a trip that gives you a literal taste of the coast! We’ll explore the top restaurants that even Destin locals themselves keep coming back to. Plus, we’ll show you where in the city you can book your stay, so you can feast on both the comforts and the food in Destin.
Local-Loved Food Places in Destin, Florida
We’ve curated a list of ten local-approved restaurants. These establishments showcase the best of the local cuisine, making them must-visit destinations for anyone interested in the food in Destin.
BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE
210D Harbor Boulevard | +1 850-460-8900
Brotula’s Seafood House is more than just a local eatery; it’s a warm, welcoming destination that specializes in seafood delicacies. Known for its delectable brunch menu, Brotula’s champions fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, with dishes such as gulf grouper with orzo and baby shrimp. Their New Southern cuisines, such as the country meatloaf blending beef, pork, and veal, offer exciting twists on traditional favorites.
HARRY T’S LIGHTHOUSE
46 Harbor Boulevard | +1 850-654-4800
The playful decor and circus memorabilia of Harry T’s Lighthouse might first catch your eye, but it’s the carefully curated seafood menu that’ll keep you coming back. Enjoy fresh and locally sourced grouper and snapper served alongside creamy risotto or bacon-wrapped shrimp. With its vibrant ambiance and tasty fare, Harry T’s Lighthouse is more than just a seafood spot; it’s a quintessential Destin experience.
DEWEY DESTIN’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
9 Calhoun Avenue | +1 850-837-7575
This restaurant is closely tied to the history of Destin. How close, you ask? Well, it was established by Dewey, the great, great-grandson of the city’s founder, Captain Leonard Destin.
Because it is intertwined with the city’s long-standing fishing industry, Dewey Destin’s prides itself on its extraordinary selection of fresh seafood. Situated in a quaint shack by the water, the restaurant offers delicious menu options ranging from fried gulf shrimp and steamed snow crab legs to grilled sea scallops and a delightful key lime pie, promising a unique dining experience with fantastic harbor views and a dash of history!
JACKACUDA’S SEAFOOD & SUSHI
36120 Emerald Coast Parkway | +1 850-460-2909
Straying from the conventional Floridian seafood offerings, Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi infuses a dash of Asian culinary art into local dishes. You’ll find traditional sushi rolls and poke bowls alongside the local catch. Diners craving a different style of seafood or those wanting to explore beyond fried or grilled fish will find Jackacuda’s a refreshing change of pace in the Destin food scene.
MIMMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO
979 U.S. Highway 98 East, Suite 5 | +1 850-460-7353
When it comes to authentic and high-end Italian food in Destin, Mimmo’s is the preferred choice among locals. The restaurant’s classy, modern ambiance sets the stage for an array of pasta, veal, lamb, and chicken dishes, and pizza. Start your meal with Mimmo’s famous Italian garlic rolls and delve into a feast of flavors with a Prosciutto-topped Mimmo’s pizza.
THE DONUT HOLE
635 Harbor Boulevard | +1 850-837-8824
The Donut Hole stands as a testament to time-honored local culinary traditions. Loved by locals and visitors alike, this destination serves breakfast all day, offers an extensive range of entrees, and boasts a bakery known for its delectable doughnuts. So if you’re craving the classic maple glaze or looking to try a filled variant, The Donut Hole has got your sweet tooth covered, any time of day!
BEACH WALK CAFE
2700 Scenic Highway 98 | +1 850-650-7100
A visit to Beach Walk Cafe is a delightful experience that extends beyond food. Positioned within a luxury hotel, this restaurant offers a classy dining experience with a beachfront view. As the only fine-dining establishment directly on the beach in Destin, Beach Walk Cafe provides a blend of seafood, steak, and creative culinary creations. Its close proximity to the ocean adds a serene, intimate feel to your dining experience, making it a top choice for locals.
LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE
775 Gulf Shore Drive | +1 850-837-0881
Louisiana Lagniappe is a gem that brings together the best of Louisiana’s vibrant culinary tradition and Florida’s fresh seafood. This charming establishment, offering a breathtaking view of the Destin Harbor, serves delightful dishes like Grouper Almandine and stuffed shrimp. Its warm, inviting ambiance is complemented by the authentic and flavourful dishes on offer.
MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB
33 U.S.-98 East | +1 850-650-0000
A trip to Destin is incomplete without a visit to McGuire’s Irish Pub. This hangout is famous for its genuine Irish feel, old-world charm, and $1 million dollars worth of signed bills hanging from its ceilings and crowding its walls. Ambiance aside though, McGuire’s offers a comprehensive menu filled with rich, hearty Irish delicacies. Whether you’re after the legendary shepherd’s pie, or fancy trying the corned beef and cabbage, you’ll find an array of options here.
CALLAHAN’S RESTAURANT & DELI
791 Harbor Boulevard | +1 850-837-6328
Callahan’s is a beloved casual diner and deli. Its unpretentious ambiance and straightforward service make it a great quick stop for food in Destin. Here, you’ll find everything from classic spinach salads to hearty steaks, and a broad selection of sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers. They even have a unique “cook your catch” service that allows you to bring in your freshly caught fish and have it cooked to your liking!
Where to Book Your Stay in Destin, Florida
After sampling the food in Destin, Florida, you might be wondering where to rest your head and recharge for another day of gastronomic adventures. Here are districts that are close to culinary hotspots, offer numerous comfortable accommodations, and put you at the heart of Destin’s many attractions:
1. HARBORWALK VILLAGE
HarborWalk Village is located just a stone’s throw away from many of the restaurants listed above. Aside from a plethora of shops, cafes, and nightlife, it’s also home to HarborWalk Adventures, offering fun activities such as ziplining, free fall, and a climbing wall. You’ll also find establishments like Harry T’s Lighthouse here, perfect for a meal after a day of fun.
2. CRYSTAL BEACH
Crystal Beach is an idyllic community famous for its white sand beaches and emerald waters. This area is brimming with charming beach houses and a few select cafes and eateries. It’s a short distance from The Donut Hole and other local food places, allowing for convenient access to the local cuisine.
3. HOLIDAY ISLE
Holiday Isle is a picturesque peninsula located in the heart of Destin. It boasts many vacation rentals, marinas, and beach access points. Its close proximity to Brotula’s Seafood House and other popular eateries make it a great spot for food in Destin.
4. SANDESTIN
Sandestin is a prime location for golf lovers and beachgoers alike. Resorts here offer everything from deluxe rooms to beach-front villas, as well as golf courses, pools, tennis courts, and a marina. Its vibrant dining scene includes eateries like Louisiana Lagniappe, making it a perfect base for exploring the food in Destin.
5. MIRAMAR BEACH
Just a short drive away from Destin, Miramar Beach is a delightful blend of resort living and local culture. Here, you’ll find the popular Donut Hole Bakery Cafe, and the location’s proximity to Destin means it’s not too far from all the other amazing food places in Destin, Florida.
Travel, Dine, Relax & Repeat with Hotala
As we wrap up this gastronomic journey through Destin, Florida, we invite you to travel, dine, relax, and repeat with Hotala. Discover the joy of curating your own adventure, from savoring mouth-watering local dishes to exploring vibrant neighborhoods and relaxing in comfortable accommodations.
Hotala, with its extensive listing of over 10 million hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals around the world, makes planning your next trip effortless! Plus, we regularly publish travel content to keep you informed and inspired to answer the call of your wanderlust. Embark on your culinary journey and relish the food in Destin with Hotala today!
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