Feast Your Senses: Your Ultimate Destin Foodie Guide to Blissful Bites!

Destin, Florida, is full of fun things to do: beach days, dolphin cruises, underwater-themed bowling… but what’s the scoop on the dining scene? This ultimate vacation destination has some amazing eats, and we’ll devour them all in our Destin foodie guide!

Like many beachside communities, Destin is known for fabulously fresh seafood. However, it’s also known for having an incredible variety of cuisines to satisfy any vacation craving! From Thai to Tex-Mex, Destin has it all.

Many of Destin’s best restaurants boast spectacular views to go along with their scrumptious dishes. Located alongside the beach and the harbor, you can savor a juicy steak with a gorgeous sunset on the side!

Whether you’re in the mood for fancy or fun, our Destin foodie guide has you covered.
I hope you’re hungry!

Destin Foodie Guide: Good Eats!

There are so many wonderful restaurants in Destin, and we’re so excited to share 16 of our favorites! We’ll give you an overview of the menus, recommended orders, and the atmosphere of each eatery. When it comes to Destin dining, the view is almost as important as the food, so we’ll also break down our list by location: Harbor Boulevard, On The Beach, and Waterside Nearby.

The Best of Harbor Boulevard

Home to glittering waterfront views and the iconic HarborWalk Village, Harbor Boulevard is a bustling thoroughfare with some of the best restaurants in Destin. There are many great restaurants within HaborWalk Village itself, but the ones we’ll be focusing on are just outside of village limits.

1. McGuire’s Irish Pub

There’s a restaurant in Destin that’s famous for having dollar bills on its walls and ceiling: McGuire’s Irish Pub. (Green is truly its color!) Lively and fun, the upper deck of this turn-of-the-century saloon overlooks the sparkling harbor so you can imbibe on a beautiful view and a pint of beer.

This New York Irish establishment has a fun and casual atmosphere with dim lighting, flowing drinks, and a giant stuffed moose head. It maintains that cozy tavern vibe while still seating 500 guests. Known as “One of America’s Great Steak Houses,” McGuire’s has a delicious menu of authentic Irish pub fare for both lunch (with rotating daily specials) and dinner.

For lunch, try the classics like Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, or Irish Lamb Stew. You can also opt for a juicy ribeye steak or one of their two dozen angus steak burgers (ranging in flavor from tried and true Sharp Cheddar & Bacon to wildly tropical Hawaiian Pineapple).

During dinner, the menu expands to include seafood specialties like Yellow Fin Tuna Steak and pasta dishes such as Shrimp Scampi Alfredo. Yum!

Appetizers are always available and include Paddy’s Spinach, Artichoke & Cream Cheese Dip, McGuire’s Jumbo Bavarian Pretzel, and Trash! (“Trash!” is McGuire’s fun name for smoked rib trimmings served with a side of BBQ sauce; no gum wrappers, used coffee filters, or empty bottles in sight. Phew!)

McGuire’s also serves omelets during their Sunday Irish Coffee Brunch and has a slightly pared-down menu during their night owl hours (11:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. every night). No matter what time of day you choose to drop in, you’ll feel lucky as a leprechaun to be eating at McGuire’s Irish Pub!

2. Harbor Docks

One of the best seafood restaurants in Destin, Harbor Docks, is dedicated to serving up fresh locally sourced food. When it comes to fish and produce, you can be sure you’re getting the finest Florida-authentic dish at Harbor Docks!

This Gulf-to-table menu includes an expansive selection of sushi, seafood platters, and Thai plates. Lunch menu highlights include grilled, blackened, or fried catch of the day, stuffed shrimp, and Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles, egg, bean sprouts, peanuts, lime, spring roll). The dinner menu expands to include a mouthwatering Gulf grouper parmadine (broiled gulf grouper, crabmeat, parmesan cheese, roasted almonds, yukon gold mash), Surf & Turf (6 oz. filet mignon, two stuffed shrimp, yukon gold mash, vegetable of the day), and what we like to call “Just Turf” – a 12 oz. ribeye!

It’s worth noting that Harbor Docks is on the pricey end, with appetizers like spring rolls starting at $9.00 and entrees ranging from $15.00 (Fried Green Tomato B.L.T. at lunch) to $46.00 (Surf & Turf at dinner). With gorgeous waterfront deck seating, Harbor Docks is great for an upscale date night meal!

3. The Donut Hole

The name alone makes this sweet spot a definite Destin favorite.

The Donut Hole is a delicious bakery and cafe that serves up the best of hot breakfast staples: bacon, eggs, sausage, hashbrowns, pancakes… but of course, the real star of this Harbor Boulevard bakery is the homemade donuts!

Fresh from the fryer every day, these glazed delights are ranked as some of the best desserts in Destin! (The Donut Hole also makes a pretty mean key lime pie!) Winner of a 2022 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award, this cafe is a must for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

4. Dewey Destin’s

Dewey Destin’s seafood restaurant is a delicious homage to Destin itself, as Dewey’s great-great-grandfather, Leonard Destin, was the founder of this fantastic fishing town.

Today, Dewey Destin’s serves up spectacular fresh seafood that would make Leonard proud. Boasting two locations – the original “shack on the water” on Calhoun Avenue and the more traditional sit-down restaurant on Harbor Boulevard – this is one of the best restaurants in Destin. Personally, we think the unique experience of the Calhoun Avenue location is the most fun; there, you’ll order from a window and take a seat overlooking the gorgeous waves below.

Dewey Destin’s serves up shrimp in every way imaginable: steamed, broiled, buffalo fried, regular fried, and stuffed. They also have some tasty crab cakes, oysters, and scallops! However, if you’re in the mood for fish, that’s where they really shine. Take your pick of perfectly prepared grouper, swordfish, wahoo, snapper, flounder – or even have Dewey cook up your own catch!

With a kids meal that includes both popcorn shrimp, grilled cheese, and classic chicken tenders, it’s a great choice for the whole family, even if you have some picky eaters!

(Note: menu options may differ slightly between locations.)

5. Marina Cafe

Marina Cafe specializes in fantastic seafood and fostering a romantic atmosphere. With beautiful views of the sparkling harbor, a dinner here is one to remember!

This upscale restaurant boasts a dinner menu brimming with fine dining. Fresh seafood, tender steaks, perfectly rolled sushi, pasta, and wood-fired pizzas are coming to a plate near you! Marina Cafe also has an extensive wine collection for connoisseurs.

While Marina Cafe is a little pricey, it is perfect for a special date or anniversary.

6. Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House

One of the best restaurants in Destin on the water, Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House offers fine dining while encouraging a laidback atmosphere. Eating a fancy soufflé while wearing shorts and a Star Wars t-shirt? Yes, please!

With authentic Gulf-to-table southern cuisine, you’ll find your table piled high with mouthwatering delights like Boshamps signature corn and crab chowder, oysters Rockefeller (spinach, Pernod, garlic, asiago cheese), and pan-sauteed Gulf snapper. There are also amazing appetizers to split with the entire table, like local blue crab claws or “Puttin’ on the Grits” (roast garlic, Spanish Mahon cheese grit cakes, sautéed Gulf shrimp and crab, and mild habanero butter).

Oh, and when we say Boshamps is waterfront dining, we mean right on the sand! And if that wasn’t cool enough, Boshamps often has live music on the weekends. It doesn’t get much better than that!

On the Beach!

Looking for the best restaurants in Destin on the water? These delicious eateries are all nestled right against the beach!

7. 790 on the Gulf

“Florida seafood with Louisiana flavors” is the motto of this superb Gulfside restaurant!

790 on the Gulf has spectacular oceanside views and – can you guess what they serve? Yup, seafood! However, this seafood is special because it’ll transport your tastebuds straight to New Orleans. If you enjoy ragin’ cajun flavors, you’ll love 790 on the Gulf! (Their affordable $10.99 lunch specials are also very appealing!)

The Old Time Shrimp Poor Boy sandwich, Napoleon’s Chicken Marengo, and authentic Louisiana gumbo (chicken and sausage, crawfish and shrimp, duck and andouille) are some of the most heavily cajun-inspired dishes on the lunch menu.

The dinner menu is smaller but still includes gumbo, a New Orleans muffaletta sandwich, and BBQ shrimp pasta. There are also nightly dinner specials, including ribeye, filet mignon, and tortellini alfredo, and Mediterranean triggerfish and scallops.

With beautiful views and delicious comfort food, it’s hard to go wrong with a visit to 790 on the Gulf!

8. The Back Porch

Savor one of the most scenic views of the Gulf along with fresh oysters, mahi mahi, or snapper florentine.

At The Back Porch, oysters reign supreme as the most notable specialty, but classics like fish and chips, tuna, and grouper are also popular with visitors. In fact, with its fantastic fare and wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, The Back Porch earned a 2022 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award!

It’s definitely one of the best restaurants in Destin on the water, but what if seafood isn’t your thing? Don’t worry. You can order a 14 oz. ribeye, blackened chicken linguine, or foolproof chicken tenders! There’s also a kids menu, so there’s something everyone can enjoy!

9. Fudpuckers Beachside Bar & Grill

If you want the fun to be your main course, then Fudpuckers is definitely for you!

They have all sorts of tasty appetizers, entrees, and sides – several of which have delightfully wacky names. The “Seafud Combo” is a particularly popular choice, as it comes with large Gulf shrimp, fresh fish, crab balls, and a cup of seafood and alligator gumbo. For adventurous seafood lovers, this platter is a great way to experience a bit of everything Fudpuckers has to offer! Not sure about having alligator in your gumbo? (Yeah, me neither!) Try the best-selling “Shrimp A La Fud” – a whole of mess of fresh Gulf shrimp perfectly cooked to your specifications (chargrilled with signature basting sauce, blackened with Father Fud’s secret spices, or fried).

Fudpuckers is also known for its mouthwatering burgers, including a classic bacon and cheddar burger, a gator burger, and the ultimate food challenge: The Fudinator. Tackle the triple-decker Fudinator, finish off a side of fries, and chow down on a cup of coleslaw in 30 minutes to win a free Fudpuckers t-shirt and bragging rights!

It’s also worth noting that Fudpuckers has an extensive kid’s menu, making it a great option for a family outing! And if those menu highlights weren’t sounding fun enough, this might seal the deal: Fudpuckers is also home to Gator Beach – an amazing alligator park where you can see, feed, and take a picture with Florida’s most riveting reptile!

10. The Crab Trap

It’s a trap! A sand trap, that is, because this tasty restaurant is located right on the beach, and you may never want to leave!

Listen to the soothing crash of the waves as you indulge in a delicious menu brimming with crab-themed cuisine! From southern-style crab cakes drizzled in remoulade sauce to Alaskan crab legs that are longer than your plate, The Crab Trap is cooking up some of the best crustacean bites in Destin!

They also serve up local catches (grouper, snapper, and mahi mahi) and a whole bundle of shrimp dishes! There’s also pasta, chicken tenders, a beach burger, and tenderloin fillet medallions if you aren’t in the mood for seafood. Similarly, the kids menu will also appeal to the seafood apprehensive.

Be aware there may be a wait to be seated at The Crab Trap, as they don’t take reservations. However, you can sip on a cocktail on the beach while you wait, and kiddos can romp around the restaurant’s beach playground. This relaxing wait is part of the Crab Trap experience!

Waterside Nearby

These are some of the best restaurants in Destin. While they may not all have a coveted waterside view, they are all within minutes of the beach or harbor and have amazing food!

11. Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood

Part of the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood is actually just a few steps away from the beach! However, due to its positioning within the resort complex, you’re not necessarily going to get a great beachside view.

That being said, Seagar’s is by far the fanciest restaurant on our list, and it has a string of awards longer than the Emerald Coastline. Plus, a good steak makes up for just about anything! (Oh, and when we say fancy, we mean they’ve got a dress code and a collection of over 600 wines!)

This upscale restaurant serves steak and seafood in elegant style. First course options include mouthwatering morsels like seared duck, lobster bisque, and French onion soup. Entree offerings include a perfectly cooked 22 oz. bone-in ribeye, Maine lobster, or even a 20 oz. lamb chop. End the night on a sweet note with vanilla bean creme brulee, cheesecake, or s’mores like you’ve never seen before! (Who knew a camping snack could be transformed into a fine-dining delicacy?)

Perhaps the most notable item on the menu is the wagyu, a small portion of specialty beef exclusively cultivated in Japan. Though it’s only served in 4 to 6-ounce portions, tasting properly prepared A-5 wagyu is the richest culinary experience a meat lover could ask for!

12. Ruby Slipper Cafe

Just a few blocks from the beach, Ruby Slipper Cafe is one of the best brunch restaurants in Destin.

Casual and comforting, the Ruby Slipper Cafe will make you feel like you’ve come home with a heaping helping of biscuits and gravy, omelets, pancakes, and French toast. The pancakes here are something special as they come with fantastic fillings like cinnamon swirl, white chocolate bread pudding, or peaches and cream! (Rest assured, you can always opt for classic old buttermilk, too!)

If you like Perkins, you’re going to love the Ruby Slipper!

13. La Paz Tex Mex Cantina

Located in the heart of downtown Destin, La Paz Tex Mex Cantina isn’t far from either the beach or the harbor!

Indulge in your favorite Taco Bell dishes done up right: loaded nachos, tacos, burritos, and quesadillas are next level here! You can also opt for more specialty items like fajitas, chiles rellenos, and tamales.

La Paz takes full advantage of being perched on the Gulf of Mexico, with plenty of dishes that incorporate fresh, locally caught seafood. Fish tacos, shrimp tostada, and championes (grilled fresh catch, mango salsa, garlic mushroom sauté, and lime cabbage) are some yummy highlights!

14. Louisiana Lagiappe

Louisana Lagniappe is located right by Destin Harbor and specializes in giving Gulf-fresh seafood a Creole twist.

The appetizers alone are reason enough to visit. They have stuffed mushrooms, Mardi Gras shrimp (fried shrimp tossed in remoulade sauce), and lobster rangoons. Nothing is better than ‘goons!

Entrees are a delicious mix of seafood and steaks, with everything from yellowfin tuna to filet mignon. Although the food is upscale, attire is casual, and the atmosphere is relaxingly lowkey. Although a little on the pricey side, the laidback vibes, and the kid’s menu make it a great option for the whole family! Consistently ranked among the top 10 restaurants of Destin, this 2022 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award winner is certainly worth a visit.

15. Crackings

Not far from the harbor, you’ll find another top 10 and Traveler’s Choice Award-winning restaurant. It’s Destin’s go to for breakfast and brunch: Crackings!

Crackings has classics like eggs benedict and pancakes – as well as ooey gooey cinnamon rolls! – but they also have some more adventurous morning meals like “croisseignets.” Pronounced krah-sen-yeyz, this powdered sugar-covered pastry is a croissant-beignet hybrid that comes drizzled with honey.

16. Gulf Coast Burger Co.

You’ll also find a variety of omelets, french toast, and unbelievably good banana foster.

Located in Destin Commons, we’re finishing off strong with the Gulf Coast Burger Co.

While seafood is a Destin must-have, sometimes you just need to bite into a big, juicy burger – and Gulf Coast Burger Co. delivers! They have a number of enormous signature burgers, each modeled after a southern state. Needless to say, we’re partial to the Florida, a thicky patty piled high with bacon, egg, avocado spread, American cheese, spring mix, and skewered through its brioche bun with an orange slice topper.

However, it’s not just the burgers that are over-the-top amazing – Gulf Coast Burger Co. is also home to Cat 5 shakes topped with entire cookies and mini cupcakes! The “Celebration” Cat 5 milkshake is appetizingly colorful, with a strawberry shake base crowned by a mini cupcake, a big round sucker, two cherries, two small suckers, and whipped cream. There are even spiked shakes for adults who like to partake, including the “Bam Bam” – a delectable combination of strawberry ice cream, berry vodka, and whipped cream.

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We hope we’ve helped you track down some of the best bites on the Emerald Coast! But let us know in the comments below if we missed a spectacular hole-in-the-wall restaurant – we’re always willing to do some taste testing. (For work purposes, of course. Creating a Destin foodie guide is serious business!)

See you at the restaurant! Maybe we can split some lobster ‘goons.

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Featured photo: borchee via Canva.com