Best Places to Eat In Destin: Summer 2025 Guide

Breakfast & Brunch in Destin

The Donut Hole Café & Bakery

• • Classic Destin breakfast spot serving donuts, pies, and full breakfast plates
  • Generous portions and retro diner vibe
  • Family-friendly and beloved by locals and tourists
  • 💡 Arrive early on weekends to avoid long waits!

Crackings.

• • Southern-style brunch with a cozy, family-owned feel
  • Shrimp & Grits and homemade biscuits are standouts
  • Known for friendly service and comfort food
  • 💡 Feels like dining in grandma’s kitchen, warm and welcoming!

The Pancakery

• • Giant, creative pancakes with flavors like banana foster and cinnamon roll
  • Savory breakfast options available
  • Casual, laid-back setting perfect for families
  • 💡 The banana pancakes are Instagram-famous!

Cafe Destin

• • Breezy café serving omelets, waffles, and French toast
  • Good coffee, quick service, beachy vibes
  • Great for a casual brunch or breakfast on the go
  • 💡 The strawberry Nutella waffle is a fan favorite!

Big Bad Breakfast (Miramar Beach)

• • Trendy Southern brunch spot with scratch-made biscuits
  • Bacon, eggs, and pancakes with bold, creative twists
  • Popular for its elevated comfort food
  • 💡 Get the brown sugar bacon and ask for the house-made jam!

Takeout & Quick Lunch Spots

The Local Market

• • Sandwich shop with house-made sides, juices, and snacks
  • Laid-back indoor picnic table seating
  • Scratch-made fried chicken biscuit and Cubano are top choices
  • 💡 Perfect for takeout on the way to the beach!

Burrito del Sol

• • Build-your-own burritos, bowls, or tacos with fresh toppings
  • Fish and shrimp tacos are top-rated
  • Fast-casual with beachy, colorful vibes
  • 💡 Try it “Baja style” with pineapple salsa!

La Paz

• • Long-time Tex-Mex spot with fresh seafood twists
  • Great tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas
  • Vibrant, festive vibe with beach-town charm
  • 💡 Don’t miss the mahi-mahi taco or shrimp quesadilla!

East Pass Seafood & Oyster House

• • Simple, fresh seafood right on Destin Harbor
  • Raw oysters, shrimp po’boys, and seafood baskets
  • Casual local tavern feel
  • 💡 One of the best oyster spots in town, and they do takeout!

Must-Try Dinners (Gulf-to-Table & Top-Rated)

Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House

• • Gulf-to-table seafood in a harborfront setting
  • Fried green tomatoes with crab, grouper with feta soufflé
  • Live music, sand play area for kids
  • 💡 Get there before sunset and enjoy drinks on the dock!

Harbor Docks

• • Local seafood legend since 1979
  • Grouper, snapper, sushi, and even Pad Thai
  • Unpretentious with harbor views
  • 💡 Try the Backdown Roll, Destin’s best-kept sushi secret!

Louisiana Lagniappe

• • Upscale seafood with New Orleans-style flair
  • Grouper Pontchartrain and soft-shell crab dishes
  • Romantic harbor deck seating
  • 💡 Entrees include salad, hush puppies, and a twice-baked potato!

Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano

• • Authentic Sicilian dishes and wood-fired pizza
  • Famous garlic rolls and lobster pasta
  • Cozy, upscale, family-style Italian restaurant
  • 💡 Get the pappardelle with vodka sauce and lobster, it's simply unforgettable!

Destin Classic Restaurants

The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House

• • Historic beachfront eatery with Gulf views
  • Known for char-grilled amberjack and oysters
  • Casual, beachy atmosphere loved for generations
  • 💡 Smoked tuna dip and hush puppies are a must!

McGuire’s Irish Pub

• • Eclectic Irish pub with steaks, shepherd’s pie, and craft brews
  • Dollar bills cover the walls and ceilings
  • Lively, fun atmosphere for all ages
  • 💡 Order the 18¢ Senate bean soup for nostalgia points!

Dewey Destin’s (Bayside)

• • No-frills dockside seafood joint founded by town descendants
  • Fresh fried shrimp, crab legs, and grilled fish
  • Dine at picnic tables over the water
  • 💡 Original location = the most Old Florida vibes in town!

Pompano Joe’s (Miramar Beach)

• • Caribbean seafood meets casual beach bar
  • Jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, and fruity drinks
  • Bright, festive, and beachfront
  • 💡 Reggae Rolls are a fan favorite appetizer!

Special Occasion & Fine Dining

Beach Walk Café (Henderson Park Inn)

• • Adults-only beachfront fine dining
  • Signature Grouper Vince and filet mignon
  • Romantic “Toes in the Sand” dinner available
  • 💡 Reserve early and ask for a Gulf-facing table!

Marina Café

• • Destin’s most awarded restaurant with harbor views
  • Sushi, steaks, wood-fired pizzas, and elegant entrées
  • Extensive wine list and half-price happy hour
  • 💡 Come early for sunset views and drink deals!

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood (Miramar Beach)

• • AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse with top-tier service
  • Prime steaks, fresh seafood, 600+ wine labels
  • Live piano music in an elegant setting
  • 💡 Perfect for anniversaries or upscale nights out!

Bijoux (Miramar Beach)

• • Coastal French-Creole fine dining in a chic setting
  • Pepper-crusted tuna, lobster spring rolls, and craft cocktails
  • Small, intimate, upscale vibe
  • 💡 Locals love it for romantic dinners and foodie nights!

Bon appétit and happy dining in Destin!

Destin’s dining scene is as enjoyable and varied as its famous sugar-white beaches. From sunrise to sunset, casual to upscale, you’ll find delicious options for every craving and occasion. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a month, there’s a meal waiting to become your new favorite.

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Published on Wednesday, June 4, 2025