12 Best Restaurants in Destin, FL

Destin has become one of the top food destinations on the Florida Panhandle, thanks to its combination of fresh Gulf seafood, regional Southern dishes, and creative takes on global cuisine. The city features waterfront dining, chef-driven menus, and casual restaurants that locals visit regularly. Whether you're staying in town or live nearby, you’ll find dependable and enjoyable meals throughout the area. Restaurants in Destin, FL, continue to expand their appeal, offering a full spectrum of dining options for locals and visitors alike.

The following guide explores some of the best restaurants in Destin based on food quality, local reputation, and overall experience.

The Edge Seafood Restaurant & SkyBar is located on the Destin Harbor and offers two levels of dining. The main restaurant sits above the docks and focuses on Gulf seafood and coastal fare. The menu includes blackened grouper, peel-and-eat shrimp, and seasonal raw oysters. The SkyBar on the second floor features small plates, cocktails, and live music. Both levels include views of the harbor and boat traffic. This restaurant is popular during sunset hours and weekends, with indoor and outdoor seating available. Parking is shared with other harbor businesses, but valet is often offered. 

McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin is a well-established Irish pub near the Destin Bridge. Known for its dim lighting, ceiling covered in signed dollar bills, and traditional pub feel, it offers hearty meals and an extensive beer and whiskey selection. The menu includes shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, and their popular steak options. Portions are large, and the prices are reasonable for the location. The pub also brews its own beer on-site, with styles ranging from lagers to porters. Live music is a regular feature in the bar area, and there’s often a wait during peak hours.

Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill is located near Henderson Beach State Park and offers an extensive menu focusing on fried seafood, sandwiches, and burgers. The restaurant also features a live alligator habitat, which guests can visit before or after meals. The décor includes bright murals, neon signs, and handwritten notes covering the walls. A large outdoor bar and seating area provide space during busy seasons. Live music and entertainment for guests adds to the social energy of the space. The laid-back vibe and extensive menu make it an easy stop for casual lunches or dinners near the beach.

Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant sits on a dock overlooking Crab Island and is known for its straightforward seafood dishes and waterside setting. The restaurant offers picnic table seating on an open-air deck and a limited menu that includes boiled shrimp, blackened fish sandwiches, hushpuppies, and fresh-caught specials. The setting consists of boat docking access and a clear view of the bay. Guests often dine here after spending the day on the water or visiting Crab Island by boat. There is also a more formal sister location nearby with indoor seating and an expanded menu.

Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House is located on the Destin Harbor and offers Gulf-to-table cuisine in a multi-level dining space with waterfront views. The menu includes fresh oysters, fried Gulf snapper, braised short rib, and local favorites like seafood gumbo. A large outdoor area includes lounge seating, a sandy play space, and a dockside bar. Live music plays several times a week, and many guests arrive by boat. The bar offers an impressive wine list and craft cocktails with regional spirits. 

The Harbor Tavern combines a casual dining room with a full-service bar located near the docks on Destin Harbor. The space includes indoor booths, high-top tables, and an outdoor patio overlooking the water. The menu features flatbreads, seafood tacos, salads, and sliders. The bar focuses on regional beer, simple cocktails, and wine. Happy hour includes small plates and drink discounts, making it a popular spot in the late afternoon. The relaxed pace and open setup encourage longer stays and social dining. 

Domo Izakaya is a Japanese-style pub located near Emerald Coast Parkway. It offers sushi, ramen, grilled skewers, and small plates in a relaxed, modern dining space. The bar includes Japanese beers, sake, and seasonal craft cocktails. Booth seating and a sushi bar give guests options for different dining experiences. Popular items include the spicy tuna rolls, pork belly bao buns, and miso ramen bowls. The setting is quiet and well-maintained, with minimalist décor and quick service. Domo fills a specific niche in Destin’s dining scene for those looking for quality Japanese food in a casual setting.

Ruby Slipper offers brunch all day and is located near Crystal Beach. The café-style space includes indoor dining and a front patio, with a menu focusing on comfort food with Southern roots. Popular items include shrimp and grits, eggs cochon, and breakfast sandwiches with house-made biscuits. The coffee and cocktail menu includes signature mimosas and spiked cold brews. Wait times can build on weekends, but the restaurant manages crowds with an efficient waitlist system. Ruby Slipper is ideal for brunch or a late breakfast on beach days. View Ruby Slipper Destin.

Pazzo Italiano Destin is off Highway 98 and serves classic Italian dishes in a contemporary dining room. The restaurant includes a wood-fired pizza oven and a bar offering Italian wines and house cocktails. Menu items include seafood linguine, veal marsala, lasagna, and margherita pizza made with house dough. Seating is available indoors or on the small front patio. Pazzo Italiano is frequently mentioned by locals for its quality and consistency. Reservations are accepted and recommended during peak times.

Bitterroot offers modern American dining with a seasonal menu and a stylish interior. The restaurant is located near Regatta Bay and focuses on composed dishes such as duck breast, short ribs, pan-seared scallops, and hand-cut fries. The open kitchen and bar create a more interactive dining environment. The wine list is curated and changes with the seasons. Bitterroot is quieter and smaller than many other restaurants in the area, making it ideal for a slower dinner or special occasion.

Crackings is a breakfast and brunch restaurant located near Holiday Isle. The interior is simple, clean, and set up for efficient service. The menu includes crab cake benedicts, omelets, cinnamon roll French toast, and coffee roasted by local partners. Outdoor seating is available in a covered area near the entrance. Many guests make it a regular stop during vacations or before heading out on the water. Crackings is known for balancing portion sizes and menu variety, with everything made fresh to order.

Garden Bistro @ Destin Gift Garden is a small café attached to the Destin Gift Garden along Indian Bayou Trail. The space includes a shaded outdoor seating area surrounded by plants and seasonal garden décor. The café serves fresh salads, paninis, smoothies, rotating baked goods, and coffee and tea. The location is quiet and tucked away from major roads, offering a slower pace for lunch or a mid-morning stop. It’s one of the more hidden places to eat, but well worth visiting for those in the know.

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