9 Must-Try Destin Area Restaurants

In addition to captivating white-sand beaches, the food scene in Destin and Miramar Beach, Florida will leave you just as impressed. After a long day of sun and swimming, these 9 must-try eateries are sure to satiate your hunger.

Group of friends dining

The best part? They’re only minutes away from our affordable OhanaDestin Vacation Rentals!

1. 2 Birds Coffee & Cafe

This cozy cafe serves diner-style breakfast and lunch, classic espresso drinks, craft beer, and wine. The menu is simple, yet refined.

Fancy toast at 2 Birds Coffee & Cafe
Photo Credit: 2 Birds Coffee & Cafe

What to Eat

We recommend trying the Fancy Avocado Toast with walnut oil, pistachios, red pepper, and flaky salt.

2 Birds Coffee & Cafe
80 Seascape Drive, Unit 103
Miramar Beach, FL, 32550

2. Harbor Docks

A Destin tradition in seafood since 1979, Harbor Docks serves Gulf-to-table dishes straight from their downstairs seafood market.

What to Eat

You can’t go wrong with the Chef’s Platter. Feast on the catch of the day (blackened), two stuffed shrimp, lump crab cake, and ginger rice.

Harbor Docks
538 Harbor Blvd,
Destin, FL 32541

3. Marina Cafe

If you’re looking for fine dining on the Emerald Coast, this is the place to go. Marina Cafe is Destin’s most awarded restaurant, offering seafood, steak, and more. Enjoy dinner over amazing, candlelit harbor views.

Sushi roll at Marina cafe
Photo Credit: Marina Cafe

What to Eat

We recommend the Pepper Crusted Seared Yellowfin Tuna, served with chimichurri sauce, olive tapenade, tomato-anise jam, and garlic braised spinach.

Marina Cafe
404 Harbor Blvd
Destin, FL 32541

4. Pazzo Italiano

If Italian food is what your heart desires, Pazzo Italiano has you covered. Co-owner, Alfonso Di Bonito, is an award-winning pizza chef who began mastering his craft in Napoli, Italy at just 14 years old.

What to Eat

Anything on the menu, but their wood-fired artisanal pizzas are the best in town!

Pazzo Italiano
34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy,
Destin, FL 32541, USA0

5. AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar

Looking for fresh oysters and cold beer? AJ’s is an iconic hotspot on the Destin Harbor for cold Gulf Coast oysters, a thriving night scene with live music, and more. You can even book a variety of harbor cruises through AJ’s.

AJ's sailing cruises in destin florida

What to Eat

Oysters, of course! If you’re not a fan though, you can choose from a full menu of other fresh seafood, burgers, tacos, and sandwiches.

AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar
116 Harbor Blvd,
Destin, FL 32541

6. VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

Go for the hibachi experience or for fresh sushi, both are great options at this family-friendly Japanese steakhouse. While not technically in Destin or Miramar Beach, if you’re craving Japanese cuisine, this is worth the drive to Santa Rosa Beach.

What to Eat

We recommend trying the NY Steak Hibachi and any of the sushi rolls.

VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
4552 US-98
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

7. McGuire’s Irish Pub

For great drinks, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere, give McGuire’s Irish Pub a try! Established in 1977, McGuire’s is celebrated for its fun New York Irish Saloon theme. You can tour the brewery and enjoy live Irish music just about every night.

Table of beer at McGuire's Irish Pub
Photo Credit: Mcguire’s Irish Pub

What to Eat

McGuire’s has an extensive menu of classic American and Irish dishes, along with your standard pub-style cuisine and then some, but their steaks are unmatched. Voted “Best Steaks of the Gulf Coast”, we recommend trying anything from their Steaks & Chops menu with an Old Fashioned Ale.

McGuire’s Irish Pub
33 US-98
Destin, FL 32541

8. Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House

Another long-time favorite within the seafood scene in Destin is Boshamps. Fine dining in a casual atmosphere featuring fresh southern seafood and family vibes.

What to Eat

Try the Cornmeal Dusted Gulf Grouper Pecan. Served with balsamic grilled veggies, mashed red potatoes, Worcestershire pecans, and a sauce meuniere.

Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
414 Harbor Boulevard
Destin, Florida 32541

9. Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant & Snoballs

Thanks to Dewey Destin’s great, great, grandfather, the beloved city of Destin was founded in 1835. It only seems natural to stop by and eat at the Destin family’s restaurants. There are 3 locations along the Emerald Coast, two in Destin.

Snoballs from Dewey Destin's
Photo Credit: Dewey’s Snoballs

What to Eat

We recommend the catch of the day at either location in Destin, but if you’re also looking for dessert or just a cool treat to counter the warm sun, check out Dewey’s New Orleans Style Snoballs at the Calhoun Ave. location (next door).

Dewey Destin’s Harborside
202 Harbor Blvd.
Destin, FL 32541

Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant & Dewey’s Snoballs
9 Calhoun Ave
Destin, FL 32541

beach vacation rental behind palm trees

Where to Stay in Destin

If you want to remain close to the food scene during your stay in Destin or Miramar Beach Florida, here are 5 Incredible Vacation Rentals that are just minutes away, (some just steps away). These rentals include swimming pools, a free beach cart, an umbrella, and beach chairs to take with you to the beach ($50 daily savings), plus they are all pet-friendly.

Want More Vacation Rental Options?

Check out our full list of properties in the Destin area. All of our vacation rentals are close to powder-white beaches, premium shopping, and delicious dining.

View All Vacation Rentals

Have Questions? Feel free to reach out anytime!

Email – Jerry@jnlsmartrealty.com
Phone – 678-975-0441

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