Restaurants in Destin
By John Ishmael Acuyado | December 3, 2025

Destin Dining Picks: 10 Must-Try Restaurants on the Emerald Coast
For food lovers, Destin is more than a beach town—it’s a coastal culinary playground. Here, Gulf-fresh seafood, creative chef-driven menus, beach restaurants and vibrant local flavors come together in unforgettable ways. Whether you’re chasing the perfect oyster, hunting for hidden-gem brunch spots, or seeking out bold coastal cuisine with a modern twist, these Destin dining picks highlight the restaurants every true foodie needs to experience on the Emerald Coast.
1. Harbor Docks

Harbor Docks is one of Destin’s most iconic waterfront restaurants, known for serving some of the freshest Gulf seafood straight from local boats. With a diverse menu featuring sushi, daily catches, and classic coastal dishes, this Destin staple is a top choice for visitors searching for authentic seafood in Destin and unbeatable harbor views.
2. The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House

The Back Porch offers laid-back beachfront dining with signature dishes like chargrilled amberjack and fresh Gulf oysters. Its prime location on the sand makes it a favorite for travelers looking for the best beachfront restaurants in Destin and stunning sunset views.
3. Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant

Famous for its deep local roots, Dewey Destin’s serves traditional Gulf seafood recipes passed down through generations. Travelers searching for historic Destin seafood spots and no-frills, high-quality coastal fare will find this restaurant to be a must-visit.
4. Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House

Boshamps blends upscale coastal cuisine with a casual Southern atmosphere. Featuring wood-fired oysters, fresh catches, and a spacious outdoor deck, it ranks highly among visitors seeking top waterfront restaurants in Destin with live music and harbor views.
5. Louisiana Lagniappe

Serving upscale Creole-inspired seafood, Louisiana Lagniappe is a top pick for travelers searching for fine dining in Destin. Its elegant waterfront setting, flavorful dishes, and consistently excellent service make it ideal for date nights and special occasions.
6. McGuire’s Irish Pub

McGuire’s Irish Pub is a Destin landmark known for its massive steaks, handcrafted beer, and quirky atmosphere filled with ceiling dollar bills. It’s a leading choice for anyone searching for unique restaurants in Destin or hearty comfort food with personality.
7. Beach Walk Café at Henderson Park Inn

Beach Walk Café is Destin’s premier destination for romantic oceanfront dining. With refined coastal cuisine and a peaceful adults-only setting, it appears frequently in searches for most romantic dinner dates. One of the best restaurants in Destin and an upscale beachfront dining experience with a 10 rating on reviews everywhere.
8. Crackings

Crackings is Destin’s top-rated brunch spot, offering gourmet breakfast dishes, creative benedicts, and fresh baked goods. It ranks highly for travelers seeking best brunch in Destin and Southern-style hospitality in a warm, family-friendly setting as a bay restaurant.
9. Camille’s at Crystal Beach

Camille’s is a neighborhood favorite local restaurant offering sushi, coastal cuisine, and a cozy atmosphere just steps from the beach. Known for its fresh ingredients and relaxed vibe, it’s frequently recommended to travelers searching for local restaurants in Destin and high-quality sushi near the shoreline. One of the "unforgettable dining experience” they say.
10. Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer

Brotula’s specializes in steamed and boiled seafood with a strong focus on Gulf-fresh ingredients. With its scenic harbor front patio and flexible seafood preparations, it’s a top choice for visitors searching for the best seafood restaurants in Destin and family-friendly waterfront dining.
Whether you’re planning a culinary-focused getaway or simply want to savor the best flavors Destin restaurants have to offer, pairing your food adventures with the perfect place to stay makes all the difference. At Home Team Luxury Rentals, we offer a curated collection of beautiful, high-end coastal retreats designed for comfort, style, and unforgettable experiences. Explore our handpicked selection of
Luxury Vacation Rentals in Destin, Florida
in Destin and elevate your Emerald Coast escape from memorable to extraordinary.
For more
things to do in Destin, Florida, Click
here








