Savor the Coast + Make an Impact: 2026 Emerald Coast Open Restaurant Week

By Emily

The spring time in Destin-Fort Walton Beach not only brings beach days, shorts + flip-flops, and families together, it also brings the entire Gulf Coast together for an important cause. This award-winning destination hosts one of the most unique and impactful events along Northwest Florida, the Emerald Coast Open (ECO). Blending conservation, competition, and coastal cuisine, this annual celebration brings the community, families and guests of the destination together to tackle one of the Gulf’s most pressing environmental challenges: invasive lion-fish.

From high-stakes diving competitions to unforgettable dining experiences with views of the crystal-clear waters and a lively festival atmosphere, ECO offers visiting families and locals alike a chance to make a difference while enjoying everything that makes this destination so special. The Emerald Coast Open is known as the largest lion-fish tournament in the world, drawing divers from across the region who are eager to compete for impressive cash and gear prizes. The concept is simple but impactful: the more lion-fish removed from local waters, the better the chances of winning, and the greater the positive results on the Gulf’s vibrant ecosystem. With opportunities to participate even before the main tournament begins, this event builds excitement while actively contributing to marine conservation.

While the tournament takes place beneath the surface, Restaurant Week, brings the mission straight to the table. Eating lion-fish is one of the most effective and delicious ways to help control their population. Known for its light, flaky texture and buttery flavor, lion-fish has quickly become a favorite among chefs and seafood lovers alike. During this special week, May 10-16, some of Destin’s most beloved restaurants transform this invasive species into creative, can’t-miss dishes that highlight both flavor and sustainability. While these fish are venomous, they are not poisonous and their meat is safe to consume as the venom is only located in the spines of lion-fish.

On Sunday, May 10, The Crab Trap Destin kicks off Restaurant Week with a crave-worthy appetizer that perfectly balances texture and flavor. Their blackened lion-fish is served over crispy fried wontons, creating a satisfying crunch beneath the tender, flaky fish. A fresh, vibrant Asian slaw adds brightness, while a drizzle of creamy yum yum sauce brings a subtle sweetness. The dish is finished with a cool cucumber-wasabi sauce that delivers a subtle heat, creating a layered bite that is both bold and balanced.

On Monday, May 11, Sura Korean Steakhouse offers a deeply savory and visually striking dish that blends coastal seafood with rich, umami-forward flavors. Their pan-seared lion-fish is paired with silky squid ink pasta, coated in a luxurious nori butter that adds a subtle ocean brininess. Each bite is rich yet refined, with the delicate sweetness of the lion-fish cutting through the depth of the sauce for a perfectly balanced, chef-driven creation.

Tuesday, May 12 brings La Paz into the spotlight with bold, vibrant flavors. Their lion-fish fajitas, prepared Chef Felipe-style, feature fillets dusted in New Mexican red chile and grilled to smoky perfection. Served sizzling hot, the fish is complemented by a fresh mango salsa that adds a bright pop of sweetness, creating a dynamic contrast that makes every bite both refreshing and full of flavor.

On Wednesday, May 13, Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer highlights the versatility of lion-fish with a rich, indulgent preparation. Their crab-topped lion-fish is delicately cooked and finished with a velvety beurre blanc, adding a buttery, citrus-kissed richness that enhances the natural flavor of the fish. The sweetness of the crab pairs beautifully with the light, flaky lion-fish, resulting in an elevated coastal dish that feels both comforting and refined.

On Thursday, May 14, Primrose Coastal Italian takes center stage with an elegant and thoughtfully composed dish that layers complex flavors with finesse. Their Lion-fish alla Pescatora Verde features pan-roasted lion-fish served in a vibrant tomatillo and yellow tomato brodo, offering a tangy, slightly sweet depth. A smooth white bean purée adds creaminess, while roasted fennel contributes a subtle caramelized note. The dish is finished with a bright castelvetrano olive and caper relish, delivering pops of briny acidity that tie everything together beautifully.

On Friday, May 15, Harbor Docks presents a fresh and innovative take with a handcrafted lion-fish sushi roll. Featuring delicate slices of lion-fish paired with crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and smooth cream cheese, the roll is both refreshing and indulgent. Wasabi-infused roe adds bursts of heat and texture, while a hint of lemon zest brightens the entire dish. The result is a clean, vibrant flavor profile with just the right amount of spice to enhance the naturally mild, buttery fish.

Saturday, May 16 brings a dynamic finale to Restaurant Week with two standout experiences. Destin Brewery leans into its Italian roots with a comforting yet elevated lion-fish scampi. Tender pieces of lion-fish are served atop house-made linguini, coated in a fragrant white wine garlic sauce that is both light and deeply flavorful. The pasta’s rich, herbaceous character provides the perfect foundation, allowing the delicate fish to shine as the centerpiece of this beautifully balanced dish.

Also on Saturday, AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar delivers a show-stopping presentation with a whole fried lion-fish designed to impress. Crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside, this dish offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to the fish’s naturally mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s a bold, memorable way to experience lion-fish, both visually striking and incredibly delicious.

Beyond the tournament and Restaurant Week, the Emerald Coast Open Lion-fish Festival brings everything together in one unforgettable, family-friendly celebration. With local vendors, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to learn more about lion-fish and their impact on the Gulf, the festival creates a space where education meets entertainment. Guests can see lion-fish up close, sample dishes, and gain a deeper understanding of why this effort matters.

At its core, the Emerald Coast Open is more than just an event, it’s a movement. Lion-fish continue to pose a serious threat to the Gulf’s native marine life, but through collective action, awareness, and participation, real knowledge and awareness is spreading. Whether you’re diving into the tournament, exploring the festival, or simply enjoying an incredible meal, you’re playing a role in protecting the emerald waters that make Destin-Fort Walton Beach so extraordinary.

This year, come hungry, come curious, and come ready to make an impact, one bite at a time.