Where to Eat in Destin: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 14, 2018 Tambra Mccollister

Destin is located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, which gets its name from its beautiful, clear green water. Beaches here have extremely fine, soft sand, so if you’re a beach-walker or your kids enjoy building sand castles, this could be a great destination for you.
Things to do in Destin

1. Capriccio Cafe

810 Highway 98, Shoreline Village Mall, Destin, FL 32541 (Formerly Capriccio restaurant destin,fl) Takeout, Seating, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards American, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch SGD 7 - SGD 16 +1 609-876-6300
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 155 reviews

Capriccio Cafe

We are a local Italian style coffee shop and eatery. We serve a delicious breakfast consisting of Croissant Sandwiches and Crepes. Our lunch consists of Italian style sandwiches and Salads. We specialize in Italian style meats with our Prosciutto, Parmacotto, Bresaola and Mortadella. Our coffees are second to none with a list that will amaze any coffee drinker. Anywhere from brewed coffee to Mochas, we have something for everybody. Open seven days a week from 7AM to 4PM we look forward to serving each customer to the best of our ability.

Reviewed By Denise S - The Villages, Florida

We only get up to the Destin area once a year and the first place we hit is Capriccio. Marco, the owner, is from Milan so he knows his coffee and his food.

Their espressos, cappuccinos, muffins and pastries are the best and you truly feel like you are in Italy - especially when you hear Marco speaking (the most beautiful language in the World) Italian.

We have had their breakfast sandwiches, crepes and lunch items and everything is so very delicious. My husband and I love this place, the manager Daniel and everything about it. This visit, Martina from Italy is working here and she is beautiful and helped us in learning Italian. We can’t wait for her to move here for good! Thank you for everything. Everything and everyone for being here.

2. McGuire's Irish Pub

33 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541-2309 Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Takeout, Parking Available, Accepts Credit Cards American, Irish, Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +1 850-650-0000
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

McGuire's Irish Pub

Reviewed By Michael Y - Fort Walton Beach, Florida

My wife and i have eaten calamari at over 60 seafood restaurants. Hands down mcguires has the best. Really i mean the best. We have eaten even at acme restaurant in new orleans and mcguires still is the best in destin and in pensacola Florida. Try it you will see im right. Now to improve your meal in pensacola mcguires, valerie is the best waiters we have ever had. She made the dinner night a memorable night. I dare you to try it. Its just wow.

3. Beach Walk at Henderson Park Inn

2700 Scenic Highway 98, E, Destin, FL 32541-3413 Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner SGD 20 - SGD 66 +1 850-650-7100
Excellent
83%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 990 reviews

Beach Walk at Henderson Park Inn

Beach Walk Cafe, known as the "Most Unique Dining Experience in Destin", is located inside the Henderson Park Inn. Beach Walk diners enjoy unobstructed views of the Gulf overlooking more than a mile of the world's most beautiful and secluded beaches with spectacular sunset views. In this idyllic private setting Beach Walk Cafe features an intimate atmosphere with dining available inside, with a cozy fireplace and magnificent views of the coast and outside on the verandas of the Inn overlooking the emerald waters of the Gulf. A favorite with locals and tourists alike, Beach Walk Cafe is known for its meticulous service, innovative cuisine and a stunning, unparalleled view. Enjoy the freshest local seafood, steaks, venison, pasta and more with an array of special accompaniments, sumptuous desserts and an extensive wine list. Beach Walk Henderson Park is for patrons 13 years of age and older.

Reviewed By bathtravel123 - Bath, Maine

We were so disappointed with our dining experience, as we had heard wonderful things about Beach Walk. We ordered the 'Catch of the Day', which might have been better labelled "Catch of Last Month". The Catch was described as Yellow Tail Snapper, which we knew was common in Southern Florida. We questioned the waitress about it, since we were seeking locally available fresh fish, but she assured us the "Catch" was indeed caught off local waters. The fish was served luke warm; had obviously been frozen, was mushy in substance and was anything but the wonderful yellowtail that we know. Upon expressing our concerns to the Management, we were assured this was indeed a 'fresh catch'. I think the only thing that was caught was the unsuspecting tourist.

4. Zesty Baguette Bistro

4418 Commons Dr E, Ste C, Destin, FL 32541-8405 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Seafood, French, Asian, Vietnamese, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 13 - SGD 34 +1 850-460-8797
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 118 reviews

Zesty Baguette Bistro

With a menu inspired by traditional French and modern Vietnamese cooking, we focus on comfortable food with energetic flavor and lots of atmosphere. Simply put, we are very proud to offer a menu featuring regional as well as global ingredients, because we believe in enthusiasm appreciation, passion, and zeal!

Reviewed By Melinda P - Crestview

After a hangry day of shopping, it was great to find this small, local place still serving lunch until 3:30 p.m. I had the Epice Chicken sandwich served with pho broth and eggroll and a tasty Vietnamese espresso over ice -- more of a dessert than a beverage, 9.5. My companion had the mild yellow curry with shrimp, 13, and a cold beer. We were both pleased with our meals, both tasty, well-seasoned, and plentiful. The atmosphere here is nice, a good place for a date or girls' lunch out. Service was pleasant. I have been here before with a table full of women and enjoyed that dinner, lemongrass chicken, as well. Excellent local place. Will visit again.

5. Mimmo's Ristorante Italiano

979 U.S. Hwy. 98 E., Destin, FL 32541 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Pizza, Vegan Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks SGD 9 - SGD 33 +1 850-460-7353
Excellent
74%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 942 reviews

Mimmo's Ristorante Italiano

Reviewed By Fiveojo - Columbus, Georgia

First...I want to qualify this review to state my wife and I usually eat homemade Italian food here locally, usually with premix ingredients from the closest grocery store. However, I am a foodie and coming from a family background mixed with real italian food eaters/cooks, I know what real Italiano is suppose to taste like! Mimmo's is probably one of the best to represent for Italian foodies in the Florida panhandle.The service was spot on with our waitress (Miss Roxy) and the food was served hot from the stove-top and oven. I had the hearty Lasagna and house salad, and for starters we shared some Bruschetta and fresh garlic bread. My wife had the spaghetti marinara, a hearty large bowl for one (she didn't finish it). It took a second for our tastebuds to initially adjust to the fresh ingredients (real tomato sauce here), but once we "settled in" pretty quick with the fresh taste- it was fabulous. We were so full we had to take home the Canoli's and left overs..which were awesome as an evening snack. Take note the restaurant opens at 5PM CST on Saturdays, and the line was already started, so reservations for groups is well advised. Not a huge restaurant but very accommodating with nice atmosphere and lighting. There is a separate large drink bar and Brick oven pizza bar with large granite counter tops for individual seating at both areas as well. Our table seating was close enough to the open kitchen I could see the assistant cooks and chef making dinner for everyone from scratch, fresh out of the pots and pans. Very clean kitchen and well ran staff...impressive clockwork as I sat and watched from my dining table awaiting the entrees! I would highly recommend doing this restaurant if you are passing through Destin, as it was recommended to me as a local secret form another local....Well, apparently the secret is out!

6. Louisiana Lagniappe

775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541-3138 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Private Dining, Street Parking, Valet Parking, Accepts Credit Cards American, Seafood, Cajun & Creole, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Dinner SGD 33 - SGD 52 +1 850-837-0881
Excellent
73%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Louisiana Lagniappe

In 1984, Louisiana Lagniappe was opened and established inside Sandpiper Cove condominiums in what was at one time the Sandpiper Cove Yacht Club. A loyal following was quickly established due, in no small part, to the quality of the food and the attention to detail of the service. In 1998 The Southern Restaurant Group took ownership of the restaurant with a commitment to maintain the same level of food quality and service. Since then, Louisiana Lagniappe has consistently served only the freshest seafood and steaks. Now open year round, Louisiana Lagniappe is the spot for a memorable dining experience on all levels. In 1999, a second Louisiana Lagniappe was opened in the San Roc Cay Shopping and Marina Complex in Orange Beach, Alabama. Offering the same fine Louisiana seafood with a Creole flair, the attire is casual, yet an upscale waterfront dining experience is provided for the entire family.

Reviewed By DonKnox25

Dining at Louisiana Lagniappe was like a step back in time. Decor was a bit dated and the menu was reminiscent of steak and seafood houses of years ago. For the money there was nothing special about their menu. My fried group was delicious but was swimming in butter and served with a premade double baked potato. The house salad was also premade in order to serve guests quickly. Professional staff with a beautiful location for sunset views but not a fine dining experience. We were in and out in just over an hour!

7. Vintij Wine Boutique & Bistro

10859 US Highway 98 W, Ste 103, Destin, FL 32550-7869 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +1 850-650-9820
Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 508 reviews

Vintij Wine Boutique & Bistro

Reviewed By kool-karz - Knoxville, Tennessee

First -The service was excellent! The atmosphere was cozy and comfortable! Would highly recommend the Cioppino and their wine selection is outstanding !

8. Sarah K's Gourmet

34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Unit 183, Destin, FL 32541-3468 Takeout, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Seafood Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 850-269-0044
Excellent
78%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 474 reviews

Sarah K's Gourmet

Reviewed By WanderingToesTiger - Clemson, South Carolina, United States

Sarah K's is always a stop during our visits to Destin. During our last trip to Destin, we stopped twice!! We are absolutely addicted to the brownies, which have the perfect amount of espresso infused into them. The folks at Sarah K's are so fantastic that if you tell them you are headed out of town they will pack your order to place in your cooler. We always stop before leaving town and pick up enough brownies to freeze to get us through until our next visit to Destin. The crab cakes and twice baked potatoes are also amazing. You really can't go wrong at Sarah K's!

9. Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer

210 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541-2345 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, American, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks SGD 12 - SGD 38 +1 850-460-8900
Excellent
79%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer

Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer is a locally-owned & operated, casual, family friendly seafood restaurant on the Destin Harbor. The name Brotula's is derived from the Bearded Brotula or Cusk Eel that is caught right here in the local waters at depths of 350 feet. It is one of the best kept secrets among the local fishing community and some amazing tasting fish. Here at Brotula's we specialize in fresh, locally-sourced seafood, produce, and a wide array of steamed and boiled shellfish platters that are integrated into a fun and rustic, yet sophisticated southern fish house. Some of our most popular dishes includes the steamed snow crab, lobsters, and mussels. The Chef Inspired menu will display a wide variety of flavors, with focuses on New South culinary preparations of traditional coastal offerings from around the country. Come and join us for a one-of-a-kind dining experience!

Reviewed By Cherylmilton

We caught a King Mackeral fishing and Brotulas cooked our catch. It was fabulous!. The chef prepared the fish three different ways with several sides, and a perfect presentaion. Danielle provided excellent service and the manager Erin and Chef both added their personal touch. Another...MoreWe're so glad you enjoyed the Hook N' Cook! We'll be sure to pass along the kind words to Chef Tommy. Looking forward to having you all back soon! All the best, Chris and Tyler, Co-Owners

10. Pazzo Italiano

34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy Ste 114, #114, Destin, FL 32541-3498 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Seating Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks +1 850-974-5484
Excellent
75%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 117 reviews

Pazzo Italiano

Trendy local eatery featuring indulgent Italian traditional cuisine, wood-fired pizza and full bar in a cosmopolitan yet family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Reviewed By JBentraveler - Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Tray an new off the path Italian restaurant next to Borders and enjoy. This family owned place has a chef from Naples and not Florida! The environment is not fancy, but the food is very good. There is an old fashion fire pizza oven that...MoreThank you for your kind words! We are happy to know that you enjoyed dining with us! We look forward to having you back soon!

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