Destin FL is a breathtaking city in the Emerald Coast and has many unforgettable things to do, as well as some amazing restaurants!
From waterfront restaurants at HarborWalk Village or burgers at Destin Commons to seafood throughout the city and the best pizza in Destin, FL, this list has you covered!
We’ll take you through the top spots along Destin’s boardwalk and also explore fantastic dining nearby.
This post covers the best family-friendly establishments and even places to go to have a few drinks and leave the kids at home!
Here’s our list of the best restaurants in Destin FL. Don’t forget about these great places!
15+ Epic Restaurants In
Destin FL To Try!

1. Harry T’s
Harry T’s is one of the best restaurants in the area and serves the freshest seafood in Destin, FL, and has been doing so for over 30 years.
They offer more than just great food, but also spectacular views of the harbor from their restaurant as well as the patio seating area.
Come enjoy some fresh seafood at this local favorite! With dishes like crab legs, stuffed shrimp, or ribeye, you can’t go wrong with any choice you make here.
Their menu features American cuisine that ranges from steak, chicken, and pasta to soups!

Explore the rest of the HarborWalk Village and all its shops and activities while here.
Expert Tip: Take advantage of their daily brunch option with endless champagne!
They also have karaoke here every Friday and Saturday night from 8 pm-midnight!
Harry T’s Lighthouse
📍46 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, FL, 32541
☎️ Phone 800-654- 4800

2. Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
At Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House they offer fresh seafood from the ocean right here in Destin, FL, as well as some of your other favorites like chicken and burgers so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
They offer an extensive wine list featuring wines from around the world and local beers on tap.
There are two bars for you to enjoy the great drink selection.
This restaurant has live music most nights so be sure to check out their calendar before you come!
Expert Tip: Visit the nearby Destin Brewery for the best local craft beers. It’s just a couple of minutes’ walk from Boshamps.
Boshamps
📍414 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, FL 32541
☎️ Phone 850-424-7406

3. Dewey Destin’s
A restaurant with a lot of history in the area, Dewey Destin’s has 2 locations in Destin.
The original Dewey Destin’s is located across from Crab Island while the other is located along the harbor next to Harborwalk Village.
Their menu has everything from steaks, salads, seafood, cheesecake, and fried shrimp to chicken dinners and crab legs!
They have a large wine list as well as local craft beers on tap!
Come see what everyone is raving about at their waterfront restaurants in beautiful Destin, FL.
Expert Tip: Crab Island is a must-visit while in Destin! I recommend Crab Island Cruises.
They give you a tour of the area and take you to the sandbar, and they also have everything you need for the day.
Dewey Destin’s Harborside
📍202 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
☎️ Phone 850-837-7525
Dewey Destin’s Seafood
📍9 Calhoun Ave, Destin, FL 32541
☎️ Phone- 850-837-7575

4. AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
Come visit AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar in Destin, FL where they have been offering great service since 1984. This is the place to go in the area for oysters!
AJ’s is located right at Harborwalk Village. They serve up fresh oysters as well as shrimp, crab legs, lobster tails, and more!
Their menu also includes sushi rolls, soups, salads, and traditional American fare like burgers and tacos, as well as live music most nights of the week!
Come watch sporting events or music videos on their Ocean Reef Jumbo-Tron screen on the deck.
AJ’s has 3 other restaurants near Destin, FL along the Emerald Coast!
Expert Tip: Check out AJ’s Water Adventures while here where they offer Dolphin and Sunset Cruises, Sailing Cruises, and snorkeling.
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
📍116 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, FL, 32541
☎️ Phone- 850-837-1913

5. Fudpucker’s
One of the most recognizable restaurants in Destin, FL, Fudpucker’s sits in the middle of the city and is home to the gator park!
Fudpucker’s is a great place for the kids and has been voted as “Best Family-Friendly Restaurant” in the past.
It is located on Highway 98, just minutes from the beach and attractions like HarborWalk Village shopping center.
They also have an indoor playground with live alligators! This is definitely where you should take the whole family when visiting Destin!
While here, try one of their famous Fudburgers. They even have a Fudinator challenge if you’re up for it!
Expert Tip: Make your way to Gator Beach while at Fudpucker’s!
There’s no admission and you can even go to the gator park without eating at the restaurant.
Also, be sure to visit Henderson Beach State Park while here. It’s right on the other side of Highway 98 from Fudpucker’s!
Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill
📍20001 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL, 32541
☎️ Phone- 850-654-4200

6. Margaritaville
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville is the perfect place for anyone looking for a fun time with delicious food and great drinks.
The menu includes everything from cheeseburgers, shrimp, jambalaya, waffle fries, key lime pie, and frozen margaritas!
It has a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for groups and families alike.
There is live music most nights on their outdoor patio overlooking the beautiful scenery of Destin Harborwalk.
Come see why this is one of Florida’s favorite destinations!
Expert Tip: While at Margaritaville, you’re just across the harbor from Norriego Point Beach.
This serene beach is one of the best places to visit while in Destin.
Margaritaville
📍76 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, FL 32541
☎️ Phone 850-460-7700

7. Coyote Ugly
Coyote Ugly Saloon is a fun place to hang out after eating at one of the nearby waterfront restaurants!
Bring your friends and enjoy some drinks while listening to some top-notch DJs on the weekend.
The bar also has beer pong, shot girls, pool tables, and more!
It’s an awesome place for events like birthday parties or bachelorette parties, too!
They’ve got everything you need at this Destin Harborwalk bar.
Coyote Ugly
📍100 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, FL 32541
☎️ Phone 850-460-7065
8. Louisiana Lagniappe
Louisiana Lagniappe is one of the finest seafood restaurants in Destin, FL, and serves the best of Cajun, Creole, and Southern cooking.
They are located just off Highway 98 along the beautiful Destin waterfront.
At Louisiana Lagniappe, they pride themselves on their fresh seafood and authentic creole recipes.
Their menu offers everything from appetizers to desserts; however, you will find that their specialty is all things shellfish!
Come visit for a laid-back, upscale dining experience.
Louisiana Lagniappe
📍775 Gulf Shore Drive, Destin, FL 32541
☎️ Phone 850-837-0881

9. East Pass Seafood & Oyster House
East Pass is one of the best restaurants to get delicious seafood in Destin, Florida!
They are located inside HarborWalk Village and offer amazing views of the beautiful Gulf Coast waters.
Their menu features fresh fish that is locally caught daily.
This newly remodeled open-air bar has a nice selection of oysters and their Grouper Thermidor will make your mouth water!
If you’re looking for something else on the menu, they have you covered since their kitchen offers everything from burgers and salads to southern boils.
Expert Tip: Bring in your catch to East Pass and they’ll cook it up for you!
East Pass Seafood & Oyster House
📍56 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, FL 32541
☎️ Phone 850-424-3507

10. Boathouse Oyster Bar
Boathouse Oyster Bar claims to be the local’s favorite spot and they’ve also been voted as having the best oysters and gumbo for the last 30 years!
This waterfront restaurant is on the harbor and just off the highway in Destin.
Whether you want seafood, burgers, and salads, or just cold beer and views of the harbor, they’ve got you covered.
They offer live music most days of the week and have different events going on throughout the year, so there is always something going on at The Boathouse!
Come see why customers say they’re “the best-kept secret in Destin.”
Expert Tip: While at The Boathouse, you’re just steps away from the Red Door Saloon, a laid-back bar with great views, as you can see in the above picture.
They also have hot dogs, burgers, and pizza here.

11. McGuire’s Irish Pub
McGuire’s Irish Pub offers the best of Ireland right here in Destin!
This is an authentic Irish pub with live music and entertainment near Destin Harbor since 1996.
Their menu features fresh seafood, steaks, burgers, and more.
McGuire’s claims to be one of America’s best steak houses, try one of their certified prime steaks that have been voted “best of Gulf Coast”!
Plus, they have a large selection of wine and their own hand-crafted beers on tap. Or you can try their McGuire’s Irish Red Ale in a can!
Come To McGuire’s Irish Pub for a memorable experience. They were even featured on NBC’s Today Show.
Expert Tip: Try their large upstairs deck for outstanding views of the Destin Harbor!
And if you’re looking for more casual fare, try a pizza from Vinny McGuires, which is right next door to the main restaurant! They also have a sushi restaurant, as well.
McGuire’s Irish Pub
📍33 US Highway 98, Destin, FL 32541
☎️ Phone- 850-650-0000

12. The Back Porch
The Back Porch is a casual beachfront restaurant on the Gulf of Mexico in Destin.
With locations in Destin and Panama City Beach, the Back Porch has been a staple in the area for 40-plus years!
Come visit The Back Porch Destin for lunch or dinner! They serve fresh, Gulf seafood and steaks with all the fixings.
Their menu also features gluten-free options and they offer a raw oyster bar.
Check out their nice draft beer selection or take advantage of their happy hour specials every day from 3- 5 pm!
Expert Tip: Try the Chargrilled Amberjack that originated here! I also recommend the Crab and Spinach Dip.
Also, when at The Back Porch, you’re right next door to June White Decker Beach Park.
There is public beach access just steps from the restaurant.
The Back Porch
📍1740 Scenic Highway 98, Destin, FL, 32541
☎️ Phone 850-837-2022

13. Graffiti & The Funky Blues Shack
Graffiti Blues Shack is a nice restaurant in Destin if you’re looking for something new or just want some good old-fashioned comfort food at reasonable prices.
They offer an extensive menu with everything from pastas to chicken to seafood dishes like shrimp & grits and cedar plank salmon.
If you’re tired of chain restaurants that all look the same then come see what makes these guys so different.
Come enjoy great food with a side of blues music at one of Florida’s best live music venues today!
Expert Tip: You’ll love their create-your-own pizzas! Named after famous singers, try their Michael Jackson or Stevie Wonder pizza.
Graffiti & The Funky Blues Shack
📍34902 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541
☎️ Phone 850-424-6650
Looking for more of the best pizza in Destin, FL?
(Pictured is a Mozzarella Cheese, Chicken, and Garlic Pizza from Vinny McGuire’s)
Try a pizza from Vinny McGuire’s Pizza Pub!
14. Marina Cafe
Come see some amazing harbor views at Marina Cafe!
This restaurant has been open for over 30 years and has won dozens of awards for its seafood dishes.
If you want to try some fresh local fish, this place is definitely worth checking out.
Their menu includes plenty of great options like grouper, salmon, swordfish, chicken, and prime steaks with sides like salads or roasted potatoes.
They also have daily happy hour specials on drinks every day!
Plus they have a large wine selection if you’re looking to pair your meal with something special.
Marina Cafe
📍404 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
☎️ Phone 850-837-7960

15. Gulf Coast Burger Company
Destin Commons is a popular outdoor shopping area right in the heart of the city.
This outdoor shopping area has lots of stores and boutiques, a movie theater, candy stores, and of course, restaurants.
Located at Destin Commons, Gulf Coast Burger Company is a burger joint and also home to the Cat-5 Milk Shakes!
These impressive shakes are loaded and enough to fill any person up!
They also have chicken and a seafood platter on their menu, as well as salads and fries.
Expert Tip: Stop by World of Beer to try beers from all over the globe. They have trivia and live music here, too.
Gulf Coast Burger Company
📍4346 Legendary Drive, Destin, FL 32541
☎️ Phone- 850-775-1312
Restaurants In Destin FL- FAQ’s
What Are The Best Seafood Restaurants In Destin?
√ Dewey Destin’s
√ Harry T’s
√ East Pass Seafood & Oyster House
√ Louisiana Lagniappe
√ Brotula’s Seafood Seafood & House Steamer
√ Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
Where To Eat The Best Pizza In Destin?
√ Graffiti & The Funky Blues Shack
√ Mellow Mushroom
√ Merlins Pizza
√ Landshark’s Pizza
√ Vinny McGuire’s Pizza Pub
√ Hungry Howie’s
What Are The Best Restaurants In Destin Commons?
√ Gulf Coast Burgers
√ Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill
√ Another Broken Egg
√ Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
√ RedBrick Pizza
√ El Jalisco
√ Formula Fresh
Harborwalk Village/Destin Harbor Restaurants
These Destin Restaurants Are All On The Water!
√ East Pass Seafood & Oyster House
√ AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
√ Harry T’s
√ Dewey Destin’s
√ Margaritaville
√ Boathouse Oyster Bar
Destin Restaurants On The Beach
√ Crab Trap
√ Captain Dave’s On The Gulf
√ The Back Porch
√ Beach Walk Cafe
√ Pompano Joe’s (Miramar Beach)
Best Restaurants In Destin For Families
√ Fudpucker’s
√ Lulu’s
√ Crab Trap
√ Gulf Coast Burgers
√ RedBrick Pizza
√ Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
Pet-Friendly Restaurants In Destin
Some May Be Patio Only
√ Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
√ Dewey Destin’s
√ Harry T’s Lighthouse
√ Kenny D’s Beach Bar & Grill
√ Jackakuda’s Seafood & Sushi
Conclusion- Epic Restaurants In
Destin FL To Try!
As you can see, there are some great waterfront restaurants, as well as pizza and Seafood in Destin FL!
While you’re in the area, check out these 12 Beach Resorts in Panama City Beach and Things To Do!
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Booking a last-minute trip to Destin?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Destin
Crab Island Sandbar Adventure (Crab Island has been my favorite experience in Destin!)
Crab Island 12 Passenger Pontoon Boat Rentals (Half or full-day rentals)
Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise (one of the most beautiful cities to catch a sunset)
Tikis Harbor Lights Cruise (Fantastic Destin Harbor Nighttime Cruise)
Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Ride (Dolphin Watching Off The Coast of Gulf Mexico)
Top Hotels In Destin
Hotel Effie Sandestin – (Top Rated Hotel With Lots Of Activity Options)
The Grand Sandestin – (Best Rated Hotel In Destin)
Hyatt Place Sandestin – (Hotel Near Miramar Beach Destin)
Holiday Inn Express Destin E – (Highly Rated Budget To Mid Range Hotel)
Looking To Get Around In Destin?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
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