Destin Eats

People travel to Destin, FL year after year for the sugar white beaches, fresh seafood and endless emerald green water.  It's truly paradise, and I try to take a moment every day to appreciate where I live and not become jaded by all its beauty. 

But I'll be honest, it has been a huge adjustment for Ross and me moving from a culture-rich city like Austin to a tiny beach town.  I miss the {free} live music, plethora of ethnic restaurants and multitude of happy hour options; the things that I traded for sand between my toes, weekends spent on the boat, and raw oysters.  

All that being said; I couldn't be happier. It takes a while to find the hidden gems in a town that most people know for the over-priced seafood at Gulf-front monstrosities of restaurants, such as Pompano Joe's and Whale's Tail.

I warn you: avoid these restaurants at all costs! Do not waste your money. Spend your days laying on the beach, then leave the beach when you get hungry. There are a handful of really great restaurants in Destin that the curious tourist may have discovered, but are often over-looked by the masses. 

And so, with that, I give you my greatest hits list.

Sushi at Harbor Docks

Best of Destin: Restaurants

Seafood

The Boathouse Oyster Bar :: Stop by this Destin Harbor staple when you've had too much sun but want to keep the party going. We love dropping by Boathouse on a Saturday afternoon for raw oysters, boiled peanuts, cold beer and live music by a few resident musicians. 

Recommended Eats: Raw Oysters and Crab Cake Sandwich

The Big Deck at Harbor Docks :: Sure there's always a nice, long wait to be seated for dinner inside this Destin staple, but The Big Deck boasts an eclectic mix of sushi, stout drinks and live music from local artists. 

Recommended Eats: Seaweed Salad and Amazon Roll or Panhandle Roll

Ethnic

Jasmine Thai :: Destin is at a huge loss for ethnic food, but I've found that this tiny restaurant's red curry and a handful of vegetarian dishes can easily compete with my Austin favorite, Little Thai. 

Recommended Eats: G3 {Panang}

Fat Clemenza's :: If there is one thing in this world I can't get enough of, it's Italian food. I guarantee you will swoon over every single item that comes out of their brick oven.

Recommended Eats: Any of the Wood Fired Pizzas

Fine Dining 

{Take this with a grain of salt, as no place in Destin requires a jacket or tie}

The Wine Bar at Wine World :: This delightful restaurant is located within our favorite wine shop. Think rack of lamb paired with the perfect glass of wine.

Recommended Eats: Chicken Piccata (when available) or Pan Seared Ahi Tuna

Louisiana Lagniappe :: Yet another Harbor view restaurant, but nestled within the Sandpiper Cove neighborhood, this slightly touristy jaunt offers fish prepared every way you could possibly imagine - but they nail it every time. 

Recommended Eats: Corn & Crab Bisque and Grouper Almondine

Lunch

Cabana Cafe :: Tucked inside Seascape Resort, this beachy restaurant boasts live music, awesome sandwiches and really friendly staff. 

Recommended Eats: French Dip {to. die. for.}

Beach Bar :: Located below Camille's {sister restaurant to Harbor Docks} in Crystal Beach, this lunch spot is conveniently located just across the street from the beach but small enough to keep a low profile.

Recommended Eats: Garden Mushroom Sandwich

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