Vacations are usually about those little memories that we make with our loved ones, and the experiences that we carry in our hearts for the rest of our lives. If there is anything that can make or break our vacation mood, it is the food. It is very important that we make a list of good restaurants of the place we are visiting for our next vacations.
We can then shorten down that list by selecting those restaurants that serve our favourite meals, so that our entire family can enjoy it thoroughly. If you love trying new cuisines, you can add 1 or 2 restaurants to that list as well. Well-planned meals can really increase the relaxation factor that we expect to get from a good vacation.
Top restaurants in Destin
You can find all types of cuisines throughout the city, but your visit to Destin is incomplete without giving a try to their famous seafood that is served as fresh as humanely possible. They catch their seafood and serve it the very same day on your plate, sometimes just after a couple of hours only.
Here we are listing the top 10 restaurants that we love and we hope that it will help you in narrowing down your search for the perfect plate of food when you are having a memorable vacation with your family in Destin.
Sunset Bay Cafe
Located in the Sandestin Beach resort on the Miramar Beach, people enjoy their casual outdoor dining setup in the day hours. They serve fresh produce that is procured daily from their docks set up in Destin.
During in-season, you can also enjoy chilled beers and exciting cocktails while you sit and enjoy the mesmerizing view of the Choctawhatchee Bay.
They take pride in getting creative with food so that the palate of their guests does not meet with same old flavour combinations. Their creative side is shown on the plates with different takes on various classic recipes such as the Hillbilly Benedict which they serve during breakfast that starts at 7 am every day.
Slick Lips
If you are visiting Baytowne Warf, take a haul at Slick Lips Oyster house located at the Fisherman’s cove. It is an away-place with fewer crowds, but some nights can get really busy here, so you might have to wait for your turn to get served the famous oyster dishes here.
The atmosphere is pretty engaging; you can choose to dine indoors or at the bar where you can see their seafood prep work live in action.
The gulf dishes served to their diners is definitely worth a try. It is a bit pricey restaurant and you will also have to pay a tiny village charge if you are not a resident.
Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer
Situated at 210D Harbor Blvd in Destin Florida, this place is famous for its secret catch of amazingly delicious fish, the Cusk Eel. Their shellfish platters are surely something to die for. Steamed crabs and mussels will also adorn your plate if you make a visit to this rustic, yet very sophisticated locally owned restaurant.
The chef prefers to cook traditional coastal offers and serve them in new exciting ways to feature Southern culinary skills. They are open for dinners all days of the week while lunch is served only on weekdays. You can enjoy their specially designed brunch on the weekends between 10 am to 3 pm.
Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi
The history of this Emerald Coast based restaurant goes back to the 1980’s when the boat captain set out to catch amberjacks, but could only get back with Barracuda. The place was named by the captain as Jackacuda’s and even the fishing spot of Teneco 80 was renamed as Jackacuda’s spot.
The restaurant offers a mouth watering combination of sushi with Jackacuda’s seafood in a very relaxing atmosphere. You can also try their house wine and creative cocktails whenever you visit Destin between 3 to 6:30 pm.
Pompano Joes
This beach shack is world famous for its gulf seafood. Located at the Panama City beach, they specially serve seafood in Caribbean flavours. They have their restaurants in 2 locations; at the gulf highway on Miramar beach and on the beach road at Panama City beach.
Here you can enjoy a relaxed experience. Just chill with your iced beer coupled with amazing seafood while overlooking the gulf coast on a warm summer day.
Back Porch
If you looking for a restaurant that is famous among the locals at DestinFlorida.com or any other travel and tourism website, your search will end at Back Porch, as it has been locals favourite since 40 years. It started with a small building and became very popular since the invention of their famous “Amberjack sandwich”.
Their seating is such that you get the best out of your dining experience with their beachfront breathtaking views of the Golf coast. Their raw oyster platters are enjoyed with chill beverages by most locals. They welcome diners at 2 spots – Panama City beach and Scenic Hwy 98, and they open at 11 am everyday.
McGuire’s
It is an Irish Pub located at a harbor at US98, Destin. The two decks of the harbor are perfect to entertain all sorts of people. If you are someone who likes it more quite and scenic atmosphere, just step upstairs. If you love live entertainment to accompany your meals, stay on the lower deck. It is famous for its nightlife and remains open for people who love band performances till about 2 am.
Lu Lu’s
It is a large space for dining in with live local band performance and beach views. Very famous for their shrimps, it is a must visit place to get those amazing beach vibes. It is located at 4607 Legendary Marine Dr Destin and closes by 9 pm. It is most recommended when you want to have fun with your entire family. People of all age group enjoy their mid-day meals here.
Harbor Docks
With 30 years of history, this place has created a name for its amazing array of super fresh seafood. The sushi bar is a must try that can be enjoyed in the rustic atmosphere of the dock. It also provides beautiful waterfront dining experience and if you are visiting this place, do try their juicy oyster sandwiches. Their weekend special Sushi lunch is worth a try.
Seagar
It is one of the best steakhouse in Destin and features New York style atmosphere and food. This place is a must visit for wine lovers. Do not visit Seagars is you are in a lookout for rushed-up meals. Just chill out there and indulge in the intimate atmosphere without worrying about time.
You can even throw a private party for your family and friends here. They have private dining rooms for those looking for a private cosy meal. Their restaurants can be reached at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa and Sandestin Blvd. South at Miramar Beach.
Enjoy delicious meals at these beautiful locations and make your Destin holiday a truly memorable one.