Top 10 Restaurants in Destin You Can't Miss
Destin isn't just famous for its sugar-white beaches and emerald waters—it's also a culinary paradise. Known as "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin boasts Florida's largest fishing fleet, which means incredibly fresh seafood at nearly every restaurant. But the dining scene offers far more than just Gulf catches. From waterfront casual spots to award-winning fine dining, Destin's restaurant scene has something for every taste and occasion.
Whether you're planning a romantic dinner, a family meal after a beach day, or want to experience the freshest seafood you've ever tasted, this guide to the top 10 restaurants in Destin will help you discover the area's best dining experiences.
1. The Donut Hole – A Destin Institution Since the 1970s
Location: 635 Highway 98 East, Destin
Cuisine: Breakfast All Day, Lunch, Dinner, Fresh Donuts & Pastries
Atmosphere: Casual, family-friendly diner
Price Range: $-$$
The Donut Hole is one of Destin's most beloved restaurants, and it's been a local staple for decades. What started as a donut shop has evolved into a full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner—but those famous fresh-baked donuts are still the star. The portions are enormous, the service is consistently excellent, and the coffee never seems to run empty.
What to Order: Fresh Donuts (arrive early for best selection!), "Diet" Plate (ironically massive breakfast with biscuits, sausage, eggs, gravy, and hash browns), Crab Cake Benedict, Texas Sweet Potato Pancakes with Praline Sauce, Key Lime Pie (some say it's the best on the coast)
Why Visit: This is authentic Destin dining at its finest. The Donut Hole serves breakfast all day, which means you can order pancakes at 8pm or a burger at 8am. Expect lines during peak breakfast hours (especially 8-10am in summer), but the wait is always worth it. The restaurant doesn't take reservations, so it's first-come, first-served. The donuts are made fresh daily, and locals recommend arriving early to get your favorite flavors. Pro tip: If you just want donuts, you can walk right in and skip the seating line!
2. Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant – Old Florida Charm
Location: 10 Harbor Boulevard (Original Location)
Cuisine: Fresh Gulf Seafood
Atmosphere: Waterfront dining with views of Crab Island
Price Range: $$-$$$
For authentic "Old Florida" atmosphere combined with fresh-from-the-boat seafood, Dewey Destin's is unbeatable. The original location sits right on the water with gorgeous views of Crab Island and passing boats. This family-owned restaurant has been serving locals and visitors since 1979, earning its reputation for quality and consistency.
What to Order: Fresh Catch of the Day (prepared however you like), Royal Red Shrimp, Grouper Throats (a local delicacy)
Why Visit: The sunset views alone are worth the visit, but the incredibly fresh seafood and friendly service keep people coming back year after year. This is a first-come, first-served restaurant (no reservations), so arrive early, especially during peak dining hours. After dinner, walk next door to Pink Coyote for ice cream or grab a snoball from Dewey's Snoballs for the perfect ending to your meal.
3. Louisiana Lagniappe – Creole-Inspired Waterfront Dining
Location: 775 Gulf Shore Drive
Cuisine: Gulf Seafood with Creole Flair
Atmosphere: Upscale casual waterfront
Price Range: $$-$$$
With over 30 years of serving Creole-style seafood dishes, Louisiana Lagniappe has earned its place among Destin's best restaurants. The waterfront location provides beautiful views, and the Gulf seafood prepared with authentic Creole seasonings creates a dining experience you won't forget.
What to Order: Crab-Stuffed Shrimp, Blackened Fish of the Day, Lobster Bisque
Why Visit: Louisiana Lagniappe offers an excellent special during winter months where two people can dine with a bottle of wine for $59—making upscale dining surprisingly affordable. The combination of quality food, waterfront ambiance, and reasonable prices makes this a must-visit. Reservations are recommended for dinner service.
4. Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House – Harbor Views and Fresh Oysters
Location: 414 Harbor Boulevard
Cuisine: Seafood, Oysters, Steaks
Atmosphere: Upscale casual with harbor views
Price Range: $$-$$$
Located on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, Boshamps offers spectacular waterfront views and some of the freshest oysters in town. The restaurant sources local Gulf seafood and has an extensive raw bar. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between upscale and comfortable—fancy enough for a special occasion but casual enough that you'll feel welcome in your beach attire.
What to Order: Oysters (prepared any style), Grouper Pontchartrain, Seafood Tower
Why Visit: The harbor location means you can watch fishing boats and yachts while dining, and the service is consistently excellent. Boshamps accepts reservations, which is recommended for dinner, especially on weekends. It's perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a memorable meal.
5. The Edge Seafood Restaurant & SkyBar – Modern Waterfront Excellence
Location: 208 Harbor Boulevard, Destin Harbor Boardwalk
Cuisine: Fresh Florida Seafood, Caribbean-Inspired
Atmosphere: Upscale-casual, built over the water
Price Range: $$-$$$
Since opening in 2022, The Edge has quickly become a local favorite, earning numerous awards including Best New Restaurant, Best Outdoor Dining, and Best Waterfront Restaurant. Built directly over the water with two stories of covered outdoor seating, The Edge offers unmatched views of the historic Destin Harbor.
What to Order: Whole Fried Yellowtail Snapper, Rum-Soaked Coconut Shrimp, Fresh Ceviche, Key West Pink Shrimp
Why Visit: The upstairs SkyBar is adults-only with live music seven nights a week and weekend brunch. The menu features bright, citrus-kissed seafood with Caribbean and Southern coastal influences. Watch dolphins, boats, and harbor life unfold around you while enjoying some of the freshest seafood on the Emerald Coast. Reservations are available for the main restaurant level; the SkyBar is first-come, first-served.
6. Commelfo Restaurant – Modern European Excellence
Location: 10859 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 303, Miramar Beach
Cuisine: Modern European, Fine Dining
Atmosphere: Intimate, elegantly decorated fine dining
Price Range: $$$-$$$$
Commelfo (meaning "done the proper way" in French) opened in May 2022 and has quickly become a locals' favorite for special occasions. This intimate restaurant features stunning gold-accented decor and serves innovative European cuisine with dishes like their famous 24K Golden Cheesecake. The smaller size creates an exclusive, romantic atmosphere perfect for celebrations and date nights.
What to Order: Lobster Ravioli, Osso Bucco, New Zealand Rack of Lamb, Filet Mignon, Seafood Risotto, 24K Golden Cheesecake, Nutella Pancakes (brunch)
Why Visit: Commelfo offers an unforgettable fine-dining experience with exceptional service and beautifully plated dishes. Servers like Isa and Dara are known for going above and beyond, and the staff often remembers regular guests. The restaurant is gluten-friendly and perfect for romantic dinners, engagements, anniversaries, and special celebrations. Reservations are essential—book well in advance as this intimate spot fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
7. Mimmo's Ristorante Italiano – Authentic Sicilian Excellence
Location: 979 US Highway 98 East, Suite 5, Destin
Cuisine: Authentic Southern Italian, Handmade Pasta
Atmosphere: Warm, family-friendly Italian trattoria
Price Range: $$-$$$
Mimmo's has become an icon in Destin since opening in 2013, winning "Best of Emerald Coast" twice. Owner Mimmo La Innusa brings authentic Sicilian family recipes passed down through generations. Everything is made from scratch daily—handcrafted fresh pasta using flour flown in from Italy, perfectly baked bread, brick oven-baked pizza, and more.
What to Order: Lobster Pappardelle in Vodka Sauce, Chicken or Veal Marsala, Homemade Lasagna, Brick Oven Pizza, Handmade Cannoli
Why Visit: This is the real deal—authentic Italian cuisine prepared by true Sicilian chefs. The service is impeccable, portions are generous, and the full bar features creative martinis and an extensive wine list. Many regulars say the food is as close to Italy as you can get without a passport. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as this local favorite fills up quickly. The bartender Tim is known for excellent wine and food recommendations!
8. Harbor Docks – Sushi and Seafood Since 1979
Location: 538 Harbor Boulevard
Cuisine: Fresh Sushi, Seafood, Asian Fusion
Atmosphere: Casual waterfront
Price Range: $$-$$$
Harbor Docks has been a Destin staple since 1979, and it's famous for serving some of the best sushi on the Emerald Coast. The restaurant combines traditional seafood dishes with creative sushi rolls, and locals consistently rate the Pad Thai as the best in town.
What to Order: Backdown Roll (shrimp, cream cheese, tempura, cucumber, spicy sauce, topped with tuna, avocado, and crab salad), Pad Thai, Fresh Yellowfin Tuna
Why Visit: If you're craving excellent sushi along with fresh Gulf seafood, Harbor Docks is your destination. The waterfront location and consistently high quality have made this a local favorite for over 40 years. Walk-ins welcome; no reservations needed.
9. Crab Trap – Family-Friendly Beach Dining
Location: 3500 Emerald Coast Parkway
Cuisine: Seafood, Southern Coastal
Atmosphere: Casual family-friendly with beach access
Price Range: $$
Located near James Lee Park, Crab Trap offers the perfect combination of great seafood and family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant has an outdoor bar and nearby beach access with a playground, making it ideal for families with kids. If there's a wait (and there often is), the kids can play on the beach while you enjoy a drink at the bar.
What to Order: Tuna Dip (locals say it's the best in Destin), Steamed Crab Legs
Why Visit: Crab Trap delivers delicious seafood in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where families feel comfortable and kids are truly welcome. The convenience of beach access nearby and a playground makes dinner stress-free for parents. This is first-come, first-served (no reservations), but the outdoor bar and beach access make waiting enjoyable.
10. McGuire's Irish Pub – More Than Just a Pub
Location: 33 Highway 98 East
Cuisine: Irish-American, Steaks, Seafood
Atmosphere: Lively pub with unique character
Price Range: $$-$$$
McGuire's is famous for its ceiling covered in dollar bills (over a million of them!), but don't let the pub atmosphere fool you—the food here is surprisingly excellent. This isn't your typical pub fare. McGuire's serves high-quality steaks, fresh seafood, and traditional Irish dishes alongside craft beers brewed on-site.
What to Order: Irish Wake (8 oz. filet wrapped in bacon), Fish and Chips, Shepherd's Pie, any of their craft beers
Why Visit: The atmosphere at McGuire's is unlike anywhere else—fun, lively, and covered in memorabilia and dollar bills. The food quality exceeds what you'd expect from a pub, and the portions are generous. It's perfect for a fun night out with friends or family. Walk-ins welcome; large groups may experience waits during peak times.
Honorable Mentions
These restaurants didn't make the top 10 but are absolutely worth visiting:
The Back Porch – Classic beachfront dining with grilled seafood and stunning Gulf views
Seagar's Prime Steaks & Seafood – Northwest Florida's only AAA Four Diamond steakhouse with impeccable service and award-winning wine list
Beach Walk Cafe – Intimate fine dining with spectacular oceanfront views, perfect for romantic dinners
Jackacuda's Seafood & Sushi – Creative specialty rolls and local craft beer in a laid-back atmosphere
The Local Market – Fantastic breakfast and lunch spot with scratch-made sandwiches (the Cubano is legendary)
Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer – Excellent steamed seafood and waterfront dining
East Pass Seafood & Oyster House – Fresh local seafood with Cajun and Creole influences at HarborWalk Village
Insider Tips for Dining in Destin
Know the Reservation Situation
Many Destin restaurants operate on a first-come, first-served basis and don't take reservations. Fine dining establishments like Commelfo, Mimmo's, Seagar's, and Marina Cafe do accept (and often require) reservations—book at least a week in advance during peak season. For popular spots that don't take reservations like The Donut Hole, Dewey Destin's, and Crab Trap, arrive early or expect to wait during busy times, especially during summer and spring break.
Embrace the Fresh Catch
Many restaurants offer a "fresh catch of the day" that changes based on what local fishing boats brought in. These are often the best choices on the menu—ultra-fresh and prepared to perfection.
Happy Hour Specials
Many restaurants offer excellent happy hour deals on drinks and appetizers. Louisiana Lagniappe, The Craft Bar, and others have seasonal specials that make upscale dining more affordable.
Sunset Timing
For restaurants with Gulf or harbor views, timing your reservation around sunset creates an unforgettable dining experience. Sunset times vary throughout the year, so check before making your reservation.
Dress Code
Most Destin restaurants are "beach casual" or "resort casual." Fine dining establishments like Seagar's and Marina Cafe prefer "upscale casual" (no shorts or flip-flops), but even these aren't overly formal. When in doubt, nice jeans and a collared shirt work almost everywhere.
Supporting Local
Many of Destin's best restaurants are locally owned and operated, often for decades. Supporting these establishments helps preserve the character that makes Destin special.
Seafood Seasonality
While fresh seafood is available year-round, certain species have peak seasons:
- Spring: Grouper, Cobia, Amberjack
- Summer: Mahi-Mahi, Red Snapper, Triggerfish
- Fall: Tuna, Wahoo, King Mackerel
- Winter: Sheepshead, Oysters (best in months with "R")
Tuna Dip is a favorite all year 'round! Try it everywhere you go. Ask your server what's currently running—that's what local fishermen are catching in abundance.
Why Destin's Restaurant Scene is Special
Destin's culinary scene reflects its unique character—a perfect blend of Old Florida fishing village charm and modern sophistication. The abundance of truly fresh seafood (often caught that same day) sets Destin apart from other beach destinations. Many restaurant owners and chefs have deep roots in the community, some operating for 30, 40, or even 50 years.
The waterfront locations aren't just about views—they're about connection to the Gulf that provides the incredible seafood on your plate. Whether you're watching fishing boats unload their catch at the harbor or gazing at the sunset over the Gulf, dining in Destin connects you to the sea in a way that's increasingly rare.
Make Your Destin Vacation Complete
Exceptional dining is just one part of the perfect Destin vacation. After enjoying these incredible restaurants, you'll want a comfortable, well-appointed place to relax and recharge. Our luxury vacation home at Sea-Viche offers the perfect home base for your culinary adventure—spacious accommodations for up to 14 guests, a private heated pool, and just a short three-minute walk to private beach access.
With a full kitchen, you can also enjoy preparing fresh Gulf seafood you pick up at local fish markets, though with restaurants this good, you might never want to cook!
Whether you're planning a family reunion, friends' getaway, or romantic escape, combining Destin's world-class dining with comfortable, luxurious accommodations creates the vacation of a lifetime.
Ready to experience the best restaurants in Destin? Book your stay at Sea-Viche and start planning your culinary adventure today!
Have you dined at any of these restaurants? Have a favorite we missed? The Destin dining scene is always evolving, with new restaurants opening and established favorites maintaining their excellence. Let us know your favorites when you book your stay!