Restaurants in Destin
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Best Restaurants
“We try to visit McGuire’s of Destin whenever we’re close. Always enjoy. Michael Brandon was our server this time and was wonderful.”
“Absolutely wonderful dining experience. Our server Theda was so kind and courteous. She had some amazing recommendations for appetizers and our main course as well as cocktails and dessert. This was by far one of the best dinners my wife and I have had during our vacation trips. Definitely a must try!”
“Omgoodness. This place is so well staffed. The food is to die for. The owners are super personable and have made such a lovely experience. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️”
“My husband had raw oysters and said they were some of the best he ever had. He then got the blackened grouper with an amazing sauce. I had the chicken alfredo and it was delicious! We had a great server, TJ!”
“Went to Fish-On in Destin today and had an awesome experience. The manager and chef both came out and introduced themselves, which you don’t see much anymore. We learned they’re one of only three restaurants in Destin serving locally caught seafood that’s truly fresh — never frozen — and you can taste the difference. The chef has been on Hell’s Kitchen twice, and you can tell he takes real pride in what he puts on the plate. Everything we ordered was excellent, and the prices were surprisingly fair for the quality you’re getting. If you’re in Destin and want something legit, this place is a hidden gem. Highly recommend.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“AMAZING FOOD!! Our server, Josie, was so accommodating to our group of 14!! Definitely recommend!”
“Great Italy like experience. Food is served hot and taste amazing. There is a large selection of food with a kids menu that has real food! Service is good and very family friendly.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“We visited Fort Walton for the first time and I had already planned to visit this restaurant. I was so excited because of what I saw on the internet. It absolutely did not disappoint. We enjoyed the nachos & mixed drinks. The scavenger hunt was so much fun with my husband and 3 year old and the alligator show was so educational. We will definitely go back!! Oh, and we met “Henry” the 1 year old baby gator that we took a photo with!”
“Absolutely wonderful dining experience. Our server Theda was so kind and courteous. She had some amazing recommendations for appetizers and our main course as well as cocktails and dessert. This was by far one of the best dinners my wife and I have had during our vacation trips. Definitely a must try!”
“My team and I have had the opportunity to dine at Dat Burrito Place multiple times over the past month, and each visit was a delightful experience from start to finish. I can confidently say that their commitment to friendly and prompt service is unmatched. From hearty burritos and flavorful rolled quesadillas to mouthwatering Mexican street corn, rich and savory birria, and light and crispy fish tacos, there's something to please every palate on their menu. Treat yourself and support local by giving Dat Burrito a try!”
“This place is a MUST if you go to Destin. Our daughter moved there last year and introduced us to them and it is a staple of our visits now. The two guys working behind the counter are very friendly, and always playing around and teasing. It’s apparent they love their work and their customer service is top notch. All of the employees there are friendly and helpful! And, hands down…..the best ice cream!!”
“Went to Fish-On in Destin today and had an awesome experience. The manager and chef both came out and introduced themselves, which you don’t see much anymore. We learned they’re one of only three restaurants in Destin serving locally caught seafood that’s truly fresh — never frozen — and you can taste the difference. The chef has been on Hell’s Kitchen twice, and you can tell he takes real pride in what he puts on the plate. Everything we ordered was excellent, and the prices were surprisingly fair for the quality you’re getting. If you’re in Destin and want something legit, this place is a hidden gem. Highly recommend.”
“After hearing so many great things about this place, I finally made it out here to try it for myself. The atmosphere was beautiful and elegant. Brandon our server was amazing. The way Brandon described the specials and the menu items, he made it sound like it was going to be the best meal of my life. The food was spectacular so HUGE kudos to the chef. You are doing everything perfect. Atmosphere is 10 out of 10, service is a 100 out of 10 and the food was a 10 out of 10. I will definitely be back and thank you for the amazing dining experience.”
“We’ve been here several times during the evening hours. But our first time experience at lunch was a bit disappointing. My food came out but my wife’s calzone came much later. Our waiter was hardly checking on us for refills and never apologized or even tell us the food would come out late. (Plus no bread or their special oil.) I know it was lunch, but my highlight was the bread. I don’t know if we will come for lunch for a while, but we will give it a chance for evenings. I even wrote a note on the receipt and left my phone#. But as yet have I received a call.”
Outdoor Dining
“We’ve been here several times during the evening hours. But our first time experience at lunch was a bit disappointing. My food came out but my wife’s calzone came much later. Our waiter was hardly checking on us for refills and never apologized or even tell us the food would come out late. (Plus no bread or their special oil.) I know it was lunch, but my highlight was the bread. I don’t know if we will come for lunch for a while, but we will give it a chance for evenings. I even wrote a note on the receipt and left my phone#. But as yet have I received a call.”
“Staff - 5 stars Iced Coffee - 5 stars Berry Burrata Toast - 5 stars Atmosphere - 5 stars Cozy spot in the middle of the chaos of Destin. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful! The iced coffee they recommended was so good. Indoor / Outdoor seating so you can enjoy every "season" Destin has to offer. I can't wait to go back and try some of their lunch items. 100% recommend next time you're in the area.”
“Great place with really good food and amazing staff. This place never gets old and is a favorite to eat at when in Destin. I can always find something new on the menu to try. Ali and Liezl are great too! They can always point you in the right direction if you don't know what to order. Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting.”
“The Back Porch did not disappoint one bit. We loved the atmosphere. We were seated out on the back porch right in front of the gulf and had a wonderful breeze blowing the whole time, which was great since we were visiting Florida in August. We got seafood and steak. The steak was amazing and tender. The grouper, crab bites and twice baked potatoes were delicious! We will definitely be back!”
“My husband & I both got oatmilk caramel machiatto's, eggs benedict, & 1 biscuit & gravy. The latte was delicious & so was the food! It's a cute place & very clean. They had yummy pastries & all food I saw looked fabulous. There was no wait when we arrived, & then lunch rush came. I'll go back again! The staff is pleasant & the food is fresh quality!”
“Our server, Tom, was so patient with our large group of adults and children, kept our glasses filled and bellies full. He also made an excellent recommendation for me with the Cajun chicken pasta (I was not blessed with seafood or spicy tastebuds), and stated he would recommend the chicken just be “golden” and not blackened so that it wouldn’t be spicy- it was delicious! Not too spicy, delicious flavor, and large portion size. Thank you Tom for the excellent recommendation and service!”
“Great place with really good food and amazing staff. This place never gets old and is a favorite to eat at when in Destin. I can always find something new on the menu to try. Ali and Liezl are great too! They can always point you in the right direction if you don't know what to order. Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting.”
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Definitely a 5 Star experience. Food is great in dining area and the SkyBar above is always fun and entertaining.”
“The Back Porch did not disappoint one bit. We loved the atmosphere. We were seated out on the back porch right in front of the gulf and had a wonderful breeze blowing the whole time, which was great since we were visiting Florida in August. We got seafood and steak. The steak was amazing and tender. The grouper, crab bites and twice baked potatoes were delicious! We will definitely be back!”
Online Reservation Available
“After hearing so many great things about this place, I finally made it out here to try it for myself. The atmosphere was beautiful and elegant. Brandon our server was amazing. The way Brandon described the specials and the menu items, he made it sound like it was going to be the best meal of my life. The food was spectacular so HUGE kudos to the chef. You are doing everything perfect. Atmosphere is 10 out of 10, service is a 100 out of 10 and the food was a 10 out of 10. I will definitely be back and thank you for the amazing dining experience.”
“A hidden gem in Destin! A tiny spot with parking in the back. The atmosphere is quaint with maybe 7 tables inside and 4 tables outside. I’d imagine during peak season you’d need a reservation. Out bottle beer and champagne split was not ice cold, but that’s the only thing I’d complain about. I had the gyro platter, the meat was perfectly seasoned and served over a bed of rice. The salad was served on the same platter with a nice balsamic type dressing and plenty of feta cheese crumbles. My husband ordered the Swedish meatballs served on garlic mashed potatoes and the salad on the same platter. He did say some of meatballs were a touch overcooked but over all enjoyed the meal. We will definitely go back to try other dishes.”
“We had a wonderful dinner at Ruth's Chris in Destin. The food was amazing, and everything came out perfectly cooked. The staff was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The atmosphere felt comfortable and upscale. Highly recommend the filet and the mashed potatoes—they were incredible. We'll definitely be back!”
“Solid Second Visit – Great Service, Good Food, Price a Bit High
This was our second time visiting, and while our first experience was great with no complaints, we returned on July 30, 2025, and had another mostly positive visit.
We were seated and served by a waitress named “T,” who was very polite and attentive. Despite the restaurant being fairly busy, she took our order quickly and checked in often to make sure we had everything we needed. Excellent service all around.
We started with the spinach artichoke dip served with flatbread, which was delicious and didn’t last long at our table. For our entrées, I ordered the grilled chicken Alfredo with broccoli—very flavorful and well-prepared. My wife had the chicken tortellini Alfredo and said it was good, but she didn’t really care for the chicken. Our daughter went with the shrimp Alfredo and enjoyed it.
The total bill came to around $100 for the three of us, which I feel is a little steep for what we got. Don’t get me wrong—the food and service were good—but the pricing is a bit off-putting and may give us pause next time.
All in all, a solid experience with great service and good food, just wish the value matched the price a little more closely.”
“We had beyond amazing experience at the emerald coast location. We sat outside with our two little kids. Our server walked out (Chante) and right away started to engage with the kids and made them smile and feel so welcome. As a parent it was just heartfelt and amazing to have someone so kind to the kids. It made our night the kindness that was shown. If we are ever back in Destin we will be going back.”
“Debbie, Ashley and Juan (and I forget the other younger lady’s name) were AMAZING. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel welcome and were attentive to our needs throughout our meals. The service was prompt, friendly and shouts to Juan for the avocado chicken flatbread recommendation!!! It’s clear that the staff truly cares about providing a memorable experience for every guest. I’m sad to leave but they’ve truly left an imprint. From Florida back to NYC we go with smiles on our hearts ❤️”
“Our server, Tom, was so patient with our large group of adults and children, kept our glasses filled and bellies full. He also made an excellent recommendation for me with the Cajun chicken pasta (I was not blessed with seafood or spicy tastebuds), and stated he would recommend the chicken just be “golden” and not blackened so that it wouldn’t be spicy- it was delicious! Not too spicy, delicious flavor, and large portion size. Thank you Tom for the excellent recommendation and service!”
24 Hour Restaurants
“I stayed in condo 910 five nights starting November 10. The condo was perfect for our stay. It is spacious, very clean, adequate towels, an entire closet of coolers, boogie boards, chairs, umbrellas, and beach supplies etc. The kitchen is generously stocked with everything that one needs to make a delicious meal. The view of the ocean is amazing. This complex is one of the few places that has two heated pools, one cool pool, an indoor pool, and two hot tubs. Also a teki bar and little restaurant on site and both are seasonal. The owner of the condo is very helpful and reaches out to you to make sure your stay is everything one would expect. I would definitely stay here again.”
“Mariah was the best all servers should be so talented. She made our day so fun. They call the wind. If you see this Mariah watch for Brad. Food was good also we have gone to PJ for years when in Destin always good. Shout put to Ed.”
“A hidden gem in Destin! A tiny spot with parking in the back. The atmosphere is quaint with maybe 7 tables inside and 4 tables outside. I’d imagine during peak season you’d need a reservation. Out bottle beer and champagne split was not ice cold, but that’s the only thing I’d complain about. I had the gyro platter, the meat was perfectly seasoned and served over a bed of rice. The salad was served on the same platter with a nice balsamic type dressing and plenty of feta cheese crumbles. My husband ordered the Swedish meatballs served on garlic mashed potatoes and the salad on the same platter. He did say some of meatballs were a touch overcooked but over all enjoyed the meal. We will definitely go back to try other dishes.”
Takeout Restaurants
“We stayed in Destin for a week and stumbled upon this place. It’s a little rough from the outside - looks like it’s in a mobile home trailer - but don’t let that fool you. The food and service were both excellent. My daughter insisted we come back and eat at Thai Smile our last night in town. We are vegetarians and they were very polite, informative and accommodating, and remembered us when we came back. Highly recommend.”
“This place is amazing ! I tried the White Cranberry Sangria! Amazing ! We also did 2 flights with multiple beers! All great! The pretzel amazing as well! If you are ever in Destin a must do! Not easy located but worth searching for!!! You will not be disappointed!”
“We just had dinner at Dewey Destin’s and it was amazing. We just did appetizers but holy moly! I had the medium heat peel and eat shrimp, we had the best hush puppies I’ve ever had, and grit cakes. I believe Jenn was our server and she was so very helpful and sweet. The Dock Rocker cocktail was delicious! Glad after 5 years of coming to the area we tried this place! Highly recommend!”
“We had a wonderful dinner at Ruth's Chris in Destin. The food was amazing, and everything came out perfectly cooked. The staff was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The atmosphere felt comfortable and upscale. Highly recommend the filet and the mashed potatoes—they were incredible. We'll definitely be back!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“SLOANE WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING . She remembers us from a previous visit and remembered what we ordered and our names . I think we will make this our spot when we are in town . Food of choice was the menu item on dinner where you can pick four sides absolutely amazing. Get the collards Mac and cheese and the black eye peas succotash . ASK FOR SLOANE SHE IS THE TRUTH ! Hope you can see this SLOANE !”
“Hands down one of the best dining experiences we’ve had! We sat at the bar and were lucky enough to be taken care of by Ricky and Sheyla, both of whom were so warm, friendly, and genuinely accommodating. They made us feel right at home from the moment we sat down. I don’t personally drink, and they didn’t make it awkward or treat it like a hassle at all. Instead, they brought out an ice-cold Heineken 0.0, poured it into a chilled mug, and even added a lime wedge without me asking. It was such a thoughtful touch that made me feel included and taken care of. Ricky and Sheyla also gave us amazing food recommendations. I ordered the mahi mahi tacos with charro beans, and let me just say, I’m still thinking about those beans. They were loaded with tender pieces of brisket that added such depth of flavor. The tacos came topped with a fresh mango pineapple salsa that had actual chunks of pineapple and mango, so juicy, sweet, and perfectly balanced with the fish. The queso was also super fresh and flavorful, and they made sure our chips were always topped off. The attention to detail really made the whole experience feel elevated without being pretentious. On top of all that, they took the time to chat with us and even gave us some awesome local recommendations for things to do after dinner. It’s rare to find staff who are not only great at their jobs but also so down-to-earth and genuinely kind. Highly recommend sitting at the bar if you can, Ricky and Sheyla are a dream team! We’ll definitely be coming back the next time we’re in town. An all-around fantastic vibe, incredible service, and delicious food!”
“Had the Dragon Roll, Ultimate Spicy Tuna Roll and Hurricane Roll. Was absolutely delicious!! Our waitress Rochelle was the best!!”
“SLOANE WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING . She remembers us from a previous visit and remembered what we ordered and our names . I think we will make this our spot when we are in town . Food of choice was the menu item on dinner where you can pick four sides absolutely amazing. Get the collards Mac and cheese and the black eye peas succotash . ASK FOR SLOANE SHE IS THE TRUTH ! Hope you can see this SLOANE !”
Cheap Eats
“Joined in on a hot hatha yoga sesh with Ashley. The drop in rate was $20, mat, props and water provided. Ashley is really fun to talk to. Her class was the perfect blend of breath work and yoga poses. I am advanced in my practice and would recommend this class to all levels from beginner to expert. The vibes were on point and Ashley was very welcoming and knowledgeable. I will be back!”
“Our Valentines Day dinner was amazing!!”
“This was by far the BEST service I’ve ever had at Smoothie King!!! Didn’t get his name but he took my order with such detail to ensure my smoothie was right. Another customer came in to get her daughter’s online order corrected. He remade the order and then revised it at the customer’s last minute request. Awesome service from this young man. Great job!!!”
“This place was a vibe, the neon lights, music, the food. We enjoyed everything we ordered.
I ordered the axl roll which is fried. My husband ordered a hibachi trio and was an adequate serving. Taste was good. My sister ordered a bowl and roll, spicy ramen was pretty spicy and the roll was tasty.
My kids enjoyed the ginger salad and kids ramen which tasted better than I expected. I thought it’d be like an instant ramen thing but it had actual chicken flavored broth. My kids loved it.
Highly recommend experiencing this place at least once! We ordered takeout and ate at the location another day because we enjoyed it so much.
Our server was very helpful and patient with our energetic toddlers.
Overall great experience. Definitely worth the price.”
“Came in here to purchase a Florida mug. My husband and I are here on honeymoon. Extremely welcoming and friendly staff. I did not feel rushed as I do in many Starbucks locations. Clean and aesthetically Florida vibes! Love the modern architecture and palm trees. Starbucks, this is one of your best stores!”
“Our Valentines Day dinner was amazing!!”
“The food is absolutely AMAZING, but the service is EVEN BETTER, a couple of friends and I went and sat in to this establishment. Pimlada was outstanding from beginning to end!! Please continue to have this great spirit float around your restaurant. Definitely coming BACK!”
“Love the truffle fries and lamb burger! The lunch plates are a great value especially the meatloaf. Fish is always fresh. Our little dog likes going with us too!”
“We ate at Captain Dave’s Friday night.The atmosphere is relaxed and loved the view.Our server was wonderful,Robyn B.,The food was great ,would definitely go again.”
“The staff at healthy coast is always so inviting and helpful, this makes such a great experience every time I walk through the door! The choices and options available are all great and I have not had one thing that was not outstanding in flavor! I appreciate all that healthy coast does to help people with clean eating and always having the most friendly staff!!”
Latest Reviews
“The Back Porch did not disappoint one bit. We loved the atmosphere. We were seated out on the back porch right in front of the gulf and had a wonderful breeze blowing the whole time, which was great since we were visiting Florida in August. We got seafood and steak. The steak was amazing and tender. The grouper, crab bites and twice baked potatoes were delicious! We will definitely be back!”
“We love Chippers and make it a weekly visit. I get the Destiny burger every time bc it is just so good, I can’t think of ordering anything else. My husband loves the ribs. Sweet potato fries and fried cornbread are excellent. Highly recommend this place for consistent deliciousness!”
“This place is amazing! Was here last your and this came with another great experience, and plan on being a patron for as long as I keep coming to Destin! Great people and always willing to share there cooking ideas, and not to mention they will cook it for you. My experience is a 10 all the way ! Thanks guys”
“We recently had the pleasure of enjoying the food for an event catered by Artistic Catering. The food was just amazing! Our favorite was the shrimp & grits, but everything absolutely fantastic. Even the tablescape & serving platters looked awesome. The staff was knowledgeable, professional while the owners, Tommy & Kylie were extremely hospitable & friendly. You could tell they take pride in their craft. ♥ Our whole party loved them. I just wished they were in Orlando! ☺ We would definitely recommend them for your next party or event.”
“Great place with really good food and amazing staff. This place never gets old and is a favorite to eat at when in Destin. I can always find something new on the menu to try. Ali and Liezl are great too! They can always point you in the right direction if you don't know what to order. Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting.”
“The food is absolutely AMAZING, but the service is EVEN BETTER, a couple of friends and I went and sat in to this establishment. Pimlada was outstanding from beginning to end!! Please continue to have this great spirit float around your restaurant. Definitely coming BACK!”
“We stayed in Destin for a week and stumbled upon this place. It’s a little rough from the outside - looks like it’s in a mobile home trailer - but don’t let that fool you. The food and service were both excellent. My daughter insisted we come back and eat at Thai Smile our last night in town. We are vegetarians and they were very polite, informative and accommodating, and remembered us when we came back. Highly recommend.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“We had beyond amazing experience at the emerald coast location. We sat outside with our two little kids. Our server walked out (Chante) and right away started to engage with the kids and made them smile and feel so welcome. As a parent it was just heartfelt and amazing to have someone so kind to the kids. It made our night the kindness that was shown. If we are ever back in Destin we will be going back.”
“We just had dinner at Dewey Destin’s and it was amazing. We just did appetizers but holy moly! I had the medium heat peel and eat shrimp, we had the best hush puppies I’ve ever had, and grit cakes. I believe Jenn was our server and she was so very helpful and sweet. The Dock Rocker cocktail was delicious! Glad after 5 years of coming to the area we tried this place! Highly recommend!”
New Restaurants
“we had nachos, burgers, shrimp quesodilla and WOW excellent! the place was incredibly clean... the staff was beyond any service we've gotten anywhere this entire week vacationing... best service and most welcoming atmosphere that I can recall experiencing in a really long time. had we found them on day one of our trip there's a good chance we just would have ate here every day! FANTASTIC”
“We visited Fort Walton for the first time and I had already planned to visit this restaurant. I was so excited because of what I saw on the internet. It absolutely did not disappoint. We enjoyed the nachos & mixed drinks. The scavenger hunt was so much fun with my husband and 3 year old and the alligator show was so educational. We will definitely go back!! Oh, and we met “Henry” the 1 year old baby gator that we took a photo with!”