Destin's Best Restaurants

Introduction to Destin’s Culinary Scene

Destin, a city located on the Emerald Coast of Florida, is renowned for its pristine beaches, rich marine life, and delectable seafood. The city’s culinary scene is a reflection of its coastal location, with a plethora of restaurants serving up fresh seafood, succulent steaks, and decadent desserts. From casual eateries to fine dining establishments, Destin’s best restaurants offer something for every palate and preference. In this article, we will delve into the world of Destin’s culinary delights, highlighting the top restaurants that showcase the city’s gastronomic excellence.

Seafood Restaurants

Destin’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes it an ideal location for seafood lovers. The city is home to numerous restaurants that serve up fresh, mouth-watering seafood dishes. Some of the top seafood restaurants in Destin include: * The Donut Hole: A Destin institution, The Donut Hole is a bakery and restaurant that serves up fresh seafood, including shrimp, oysters, and fish. * Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant: This family-owned restaurant has been a Destin staple for over 20 years, offering a wide range of seafood dishes, including seafood platters, fish tacos, and seafood gumbo. * Harbor Docks: Located on the waterfront, Harbor Docks is a popular spot for seafood lovers, serving up fresh catches of the day, including grouper, snapper, and shrimp.

Steakhouses

For those who prefer a good steak, Destin has plenty of options. Some of the top steakhouses in the city include: * Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood: This upscale steakhouse offers a range of premium steaks, including filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip. * Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville: While not strictly a steakhouse, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville offers a range of steak options, including a signature “Cheeseburger in Paradise” dish. * The Boathouse Oyster Bar & Grill: This casual, waterfront restaurant serves up a range of steak and seafood options, including a popular steak and shrimp combo.

Casual Eateries

Destin is also home to a range of casual eateries, perfect for families or those looking for a quick bite. Some of the top casual eateries in the city include: * The Crab Trap: A Destin institution, The Crab Trap is a casual seafood restaurant that serves up fresh seafood, including crab legs, shrimp, and fish. * AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar: This popular spot serves up a range of seafood options, including oysters, shrimp, and fish, in a casual, laid-back atmosphere. * Lulu’s Destin: This family-friendly restaurant serves up a range of casual dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, in a fun and lively atmosphere.

Breakfast and Brunch Spots

For those looking to start their day off right, Destin has a range of excellent breakfast and brunch spots. Some of the top breakfast and brunch spots in the city include: * The Breakfast Club: This popular spot serves up a range of breakfast dishes, including pancakes, waffles, and omelets. * Another Broken Egg Cafe: This casual breakfast spot serves up a range of dishes, including omelets, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches. * The Donut Hole: In addition to its seafood options, The Donut Hole is also a popular spot for breakfast, serving up fresh donuts, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.

🍴 Note: Reservations are highly recommended for many of Destin's top restaurants, especially during peak season.

Food Festivals and Events

Destin hosts a range of food festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing the city’s culinary delights. Some of the top food festivals and events in Destin include: * Destin Seafood Festival: This annual festival celebrates the city’s seafood heritage, with a range of seafood vendors, live music, and cooking demonstrations. * Emerald Coast Food and Wine Festival: This festival showcases the region’s culinary excellence, with a range of food and wine vendors, live music, and cooking demonstrations. * Destin Oktoberfest: This annual event celebrates German culture, with a range of traditional German dishes, live music, and beer.

Restaurant	Cuisine	Price Range
The Donut Hole	Seafood/Bakery	$10-$20
Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant	Seafood	$15-$30
Seagar's Prime Steaks & Seafood	Steak/Seafood	$20-$50

In summary, Destin’s culinary scene is a reflection of its coastal location, with a range of restaurants serving up fresh seafood, succulent steaks, and decadent desserts. From casual eateries to fine dining establishments, Destin’s best restaurants offer something for every palate and preference. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a steak enthusiast, or just looking for a casual bite, Destin has a range of options to suit every taste and budget.