Restaurants in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL

Destin-Fort Walton Beach isn’t just paradise for beach bathers, water sports adventurers, and nature lovers. It's a haven for foodies too. 

While our area is famous for its gulf-to-table seafood, don’t miss out on mouth-watering steaks, finger-licking barbecue, and unique dishes like alligator tacos. There’s something for everyone here, even the pickiest of eaters. Wash any dish down with award-winning craft beer, expert wine pairings, exotic tropical cocktails, and authentic sweet tea.

The atmosphere is just as diverse as our cuisine. Find everything from kid-friendly outdoor dining and upscale oyster bars to casual taco joints and scenic waterfront restaurants – accessible by car or boat. You can eat like a local all along our coast, from Destin and Okaloosa Island to Fort Walton Beach. Here’s how:

A Fusion of Gulf Flavors & Experiences

From fusion to seafood cuisine, you can enjoy all the flavors found in our delicious corner of Northwest Florida – with a side of family-friendly entertainment.

Situated along the Destin Harbor, Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer is a popular seafood spot with steamed and boiled shellfish platters. Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill takes dining up a notch with an on-site gator beach. Its menu has a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and popular items, like the Seafud Combo featuring shrimp, crab balls, fresh fish, and alligator gumbo. LuLu’s on Choctawhatchee Bay has plenty of seafood and comfort food items and entertainment options ranging from paddleboard rentals to a beach arcade.  

For seafood (Mexican-style), dine at La Paz Restaurante & Cantina, serving fresh fish and shrimp tacos. And discover a bit of Taiwan and Hawaii at Taiwan Ice Cream & Poke, which offers made-to-order poke bowls, boba tea, and shaved ice.

Restaurant Hubs

Find a vast array of restaurants within walking distance, and shopping deals, at some of the area’s top entertainment attractions. 

Harborwalk Village is teeming with some of the best seafood in Destin, thanks to the Destin Fishing Fleet. Restaurants include the legendary Harry T’s Lighthouse, known for its award-winning gumbo, and Rhumcay Island Grille, which serves “Floribbean” food and offers a selection of craft beer.

Another local shopping destination with numerous food options is Destin Commons, where big-name spots like World of Beer and RedBrick Pizza reside. For more shopping and food, check out The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, home to standout Rockin’ Tacos Grill & Tequila Bar, featured on the Travel Channel, HGTV, and Forbes Magazine. Rockin’ features tequila flights from 75 varieties, avocado fries, and gigantic 12-inch blackened shrimp burritos.

Locally-Crafted Brews

Destin Fort-Walton Beach is a popular craft beer destination with laid-back establishments, like Destin Brewery. Choose bar or table seating and pick from a selection of Destin Brewery's gold, silver, and bronze-medaled beers. Try the East Pass Ale, named after the local landmark; Breakfast Beer, the most important beer of the day; and Dog-Harmony Ale, which pictures long-time shelter dogs on the label to help them find their forever homes.

Another local craft beer spot is Props Brewery, which has two locations in Fort Walton Beach. The veteran-owned-and-operated brewery honors U.S. vets through its locally-crafted ales, IPAs, lagers, and more. 

For more dining options, see below.