Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, one thing’s for sure: Destin knows how to serve a great meal. We’re not just talking fresh-off-the-boat seafood (though there’s plenty of that). Around here, locals love everything from fish tacos on the beach to upscale date-night dinners with a view.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots, the top places we recommend to family and friends, and yes, where you might find us grabbing lunch or winding down with oysters and a sunset cocktail.
Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer
210D Harbor Blvd, Destin
Right on the harbor, this casual spot is a go-to for locals looking to unwind with a seafood feast. Start with their Hot Crab Dip, a creamy blend of lump crab, cream cheese, and cheddar, served with roasted garlic crostini. For the main course, the Blackened Snapper and Pecan-Crusted Grouper are standout dishes. If you’re with a group, the Family Feast Steamed Seafood Platter offers a generous assortment of steamed snow crab, lobsters, and mussels. https://www.brotulas.com/
The Surf Hut
551 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach
You’re not really doing Destin right if you haven’t dined with your toes practically in the sand. This beachside favorite serves up solid seafood and Gulf views. Start with the Oysters on the Half Shell or the Open-Faced BBQ Sliders. For the main course, locals love the Captain’s Platter, featuring a mix of fried fish, shrimp, scallops, and oysters, or the Endless Summer Seafood Salad with chilled shrimp, marinated red onion, and raspberry walnut vinaigrette. https://www.surfhutdestin.com/
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
414 Harbor Blvd, Destin
Ask any local where to go for oysters and killer coastal vibes, and they’ll probably say Boshamps. It’s a favorite for everything from happy hour to special occasions. Begin with The Devil’s Crab, Chef Andi Bell’s special version of a classic jumbo lump crab dish, or the Fried Green Tomato & Jumbo Lump Crab, topped with lemon butter and béarnaise. For sides, the Southern Style Mac & Cheese and Bacon Braised Collards are highly recommended. https://boshamps.com/
Pompano Joe’s
2237 Scenic Gulf Hwy, Miramar Beach
You’ll spot the colorful exterior before you even park— this place is hard to miss. Known for Caribbean-style seafood and a lively beach scene, it’s a great place to grab fish tacos or a grouper plate after a day in the sun. Start with the Reggae Rolls, jerk-seasoned chicken with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and peppers, deep-fried and served with mango-papaya chutney and pico de gallo salsa. For the main course, the Garlic Crusted Grouper topped with a half Maine lobster tail and smothered in a garlic-basil cream sauce is indulgent and flavorful. https://www.pompano-joes.com/
The Back Porch
1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin
This classic beachfront shack has been around since the ’70s, and it’s still one of the best places in town for fresh oysters and amberjack sandwiches. We recommend grabbing a drink and a spot on the porch during happy hour, 3 to 5 PM daily. Start with their famous Smoked Tuna Dip, a creamy blend of smoked tuna served with crackers. The Char-Grilled Amberjack Sandwich is a must-try, featuring fresh amberjack grilled to perfection and served on a toasted bun. https://www.theback-porch.com/
La Paz
950 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin
Locals love La Paz for fresh fish with a Mexican twist— and we mean fresh! They hand-select seafood daily from the market. Taco Tuesday is the best time to visit, but the Caribbean Shrimp Quesadilla and Fish Tacos are great any day of the week. The La Paz Signature Salad, with mixed greens, roasted corn salsa, avocado, queso fresco, and jalapeño vinaigrette, is a refreshing starter. https://www.lapazdestin.com/
Burrito Del Sol
517 Harbor Blvd, Destin
Build-your-own tacos, burritos, or bowls with a Baja twist. It’s quick, casual, and always hits the spot. Choose from chipotle, BBQ, or Southwest flavor styles. We like this place for a post-beach lunch or an easy dinner after exploring town. Popular choices include the Blackened Shrimp Tacos “Baja style” and the Steak Nachos “Chipotle style.” https://www.burritodelsol.com/
Louisiana Lagniappe
775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin
A long-time favorite for locals celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or just craving Creole. Expect dishes like Jambalaya, a hearty mix of chicken, sausage, and shrimp cooked with rice in a rich tomato sauce, and the Grouper Pontchartrain, fresh Gulf grouper pan-sautéed and topped with fried jumbo soft-shell crab, hollandaise sauce, and honey-roasted nuts. All entrees are served with homemade hushpuppies, house salad, and a twice-baked potato. https://www.thelouisianalagniappe.com/
Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano
979 US-98 E Suite 5, Destin
This classic Italian spot is beloved by locals for celebrations, romantic dinners, or when you’re simply craving great pasta. Start with their famous Garlic Rolls, served hot with a buttery herb dipping sauce.
Their Lobster Ravioli and Pappardelle Corleone are rich, flavorful, and perfectly portioned. For pizza lovers, the Mimmo’s Special Pizza with prosciutto, mushrooms, arugula, and fresh mozzarella is a house favorite. Save room for their made-from-scratch Tiramisu. https://mimmos.com/
Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant
9 Calhoun Ave, Destin
This place isn’t just local, it’s legendary. Dewey Destin’s is run by the descendants of Leonard Destin, the town’s founder, and it’s a casual waterside shack serving some of the freshest seafood in the area.
Order at the window, grab a picnic table on the dock, and enjoy dishes like Fried Gulf Shrimp, Grilled Grouper Sandwich, and Snow Crab Legs.
Their Broiled Sea Scallops are a standout, and the Key Lime Pie is the perfect end to a true Destin meal. https://www.destinseafood.com/
All of these spots are just a short walk or drive from our Gulf Style Rentals properties, making it easy to sample the best of Destin’s dining scene without straying far from the beach.
Here are a few of our guest-favorite stays:
Green Reef 16
Spacious beachfront townhome perfect for groups or large families (sleeps 15) with private beach access, three outdoor spaces, and stocked beach gear. Great for cooking at home between meals out-and-about.
SunDestin 1518
Newly remodeled Gulf-front condo with 2 beds/2 baths. Located within walking distance of several restaurants and attractions in central Destin.
Destin Retreat
Private 3BR/2BA home with a heated pool, open-concept layout, and everything you need for a beach day, from a wagon to fun beach toys. Great for relaxing after a full day of food and fun.
Exploring Destin’s food scene is one of the best parts of staying here. Whether you’re planning a date night, family outing, or casual lunch after the beach, there’s something nearby you’ll love. Book your stay with Gulf Style Rentals and bring your appetite—you’re in for a good time.
