Looking for the best places to eat in Destin? We’ve got you covered! Joanna Davis, also known as The 850 Foodie, has curated a list of her absolute favorite restaurants in Destin that are sure to satisfy every craving. As a local influencer with over 55,000 loyal followers on Instagram, Joanna has become a trusted resource when it comes to discovering where to eat and drink along the Emerald Coast. You’ll often find her judging local food competitions or hosting the popular Foodie Friday segment on Destin FM, where she dishes on the newest openings and all the culinary buzz in the area.
From fresh Gulf seafood to craft cocktails, Joanna has taste-tested her way through Destin’s diverse dining scene and each of these restaurants has earned her coveted seal of approval. Be sure to add these local gems to your Destin itinerary!
Best Coffee/Lunch
East Pass Coffee Co.
Recommended Order: Salted Honey Latte & Harvest Bowl
East Pass Coffee Co. is a locally owned café offering a bright and welcoming space with plenty of indoor seating and a fenced outdoor area for kids and pets. The menu features coffee, acai bowls, breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, an incredible burger, and more. One of their most popular dishes is the Harvest Bowl (pictured above), which is made with quinoa, grilled chicken, fresh greens, sweet potato, avocado mash, pickled red onion, feta, and topped with homemade green goddess vinaigrette. Healthy never tasted so good!
Best Steak
McGuire’s Irish Pub
Recommended Dish: Molly’s Cut Filet
McGuire’s is a lively, eclectic restaurant in Destin known for its hearty pub fare, house-brewed beers, and quirky decor—think dollar bills covering the ceiling and walls. With its classic Irish dishes, steaks, and generous portions, it’s a favorite for both tourists and locals alike. They also serve up an Irish Coffee Brunch on Sundays from 10am to 2pm, which features huge portions, frozen or hot Irish coffee, beignets, bottomless mimosas and more.
Best Seafood
Louisiana Lagniappe
Recommended Dish: Anything with Grouper
Louisiana Lagniappe is located right on the harbor, offering beautiful views and a refined dining experience. Known for its flavorful Gulf seafood and Creole flair, this upscale Destin restaurant is a popular spot for date night or a special occasion. You can’t go wrong with any of their grouper dishes! Plus, entrées are served with homemade hushpuppies, house salad, and delicious twice-baked potato.
Best Date Night
Marina Cafe
Recommended Dish: the Redfish plate
Marina Café offers an elegant dining experience with stunning views of the harbor, perfect for a romantic evening or special night out. The menu showcases fresh seafood, prime steaks, and a variety of refined dishes that pair perfectly with their extensive wine list. A local favorite for happy hour, this Destin restaurant features half-priced wines, martinis, cocktails, and domestic beers, along with specially priced appetizers daily from 5pm to 7pm. In the dining room, take advantage of their “Buy One, Get One Entrée” special from 5pm to 6pm. Best of all, reservations are accepted, making it easy to plan your perfect dinner out in Destin.
Best Italian
Pazzo Italiano
Recommended Dish: Pappardelle Dello Chef
Pazzo Italiano brings authentic Italian cuisine to Destin in a cozy, stylish setting. The menu features house-made pastas, wood-fired artisanal pizzas, and inventive chef specialties, all crafted with high-quality ingredients and bold Italian flavors. A fan favorite is the Pappardelle Dello Chef—a rich, comforting dish made with egg pasta, savory Italian sausage, porcini mushrooms, and a creamy smoked Gouda sauce, finished with a drizzle of truffle oil for an extra layer of indulgence. Whether you’re out for a cozy dinner or a celebratory meal, Pazzo Italiano offers a memorable dining experience that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
Best Burger
The Craft Bar
Recommended Dish: Bistro Burger
This local gastropub offers craft beers, specialty cocktails, and elevated pub fare in a laid‑back yet refined setting. Their half-pound burgers are consistently praised for being juicy, flavorful, and anything but ordinary. A standout is the Bistro Burger, which is stacked with creamy brie, fig jam, arugula, applewood-smoked bacon, bistro sauce, and served on a buttery brioche bun. Pro tip: Mondays are Burger Night! Dine in between 5pm to 9pm and try their famous burgers for nearly half off.
Best Brunch
Crackings.
Recommended Dish: Maque Choux Benedict
Crackings. is a delicious brunch destination known for its creative Southern-inspired dishes and welcoming atmosphere. One of the star attractions is their Maque Choux Benedict featuring crispy fried green tomatoes, perfectly seared crab cakes, and delicately poached eggs. The dish is brought to life with their scratch-made maque choux, which is a vibrant mix of corn, onion, red bell pepper, roasted garlic, pickled jalapeño, and seasoned cream sauce. It’s all topped with a rich Creole Hollandaise, smoky andouille sausage, a sprinkle of paprika, and fresh green onion. Served alongside hearty country potatoes, this dish alone makes Crackings. a must-visit for brunch lovers seeking bold, comforting, and expertly crafted Southern cuisine.
Best Sandwich
Sandos Beachside
Recommended Dish: Old 98
Housed in repurposed shipping containers off of Scenic Hwy 98, this laid-back cafe serves coffee and specialty sandwiches that can be enjoyed at the picnic tables or taken to the beach. A signature menu item is the Old 98 sandwich, which is made with roasted turkey breast, crispy bacon, chipotle mayo, creamy avocado, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion, all “dusted” with salt, pepper, spices and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This sandwich captures the playful, indulgent spirit of Sandos: familiar ingredients elevated into something new, bold, and immensely satisfying.
Best Asian Cuisine
Domo Izakaya
Recommended Dish: Domo Chashu Black Ramen
From sushi and sake to ramen and rice bowls, this popular restaurant offers a variety of Japanese and Asian Fusion dishes. The casual eatery is a great spot for date night, girls night out, or family dinner while vacationing in Destin. Want to eat like The 850 Foodie? Order the Domo Chashu Black Ramen, which is made with Tonkotsu broth, pork chashu, kikurage, green onion, nori dried seaweed, seasoned egg, garlic chips, black garlic oil, fried onion and buttered corn.
Best Mediterranean
Red Onion Organic
Recommended Dish: Filet Mignon Salad or Gyro Nachos
For the best Mediterranean cuisine in Destin, head to Red Onion, a charming eatery tucked inside a cozy white-and-blue building that evokes the feel of the Mediterranean coast. From the moment you walk in, the warm and friendly staff make you feel right at home. Kick off your meal with a must-try appetizer—the Gyro Nachos (trust us, you won’t regret it!). Then dive into a flavorful menu featuring tender kebab platters, hearty gyros, fresh salads, and mouthwatering sandwiches, all made with quality ingredients and bold spices. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, Red Onion is a local gem you won’t want to miss.
Best Cocktails
Bitterroot
Recommended Drink: Lavender Fields and Zapata
Bitterroot is a stylish and inviting spot known for its expertly crafted cocktails and unique culinary creations. Whether you want to enjoy happy hour at the bar or pair your entrée with a seasonal sipper, their drink menu will not disappoint! Fan favorites include the Zapata (a summer special made with Blanco tequila, watermelon, basil, lime, and basil foam) and Lavender Fields (Reposado tequila, lime, grapefruit, lavender and egg white). Cheers!
Best Overall
Boshamps
Recommended Dish: Pan Roasted Gulf Grouper
With stunning views of the harbor, a relaxed beachside atmosphere, two full bars, and a menu full of locally sourced, Southern-style seafood, it’s no wonder Boshamps is a favorite among both locals and visitors in Destin. Not sure which dish to try first? You can’t go wrong with the Pan Roasted Gulf Grouper. Served over a delicate feta cheese soufflé with garlic-braised spinach, house-made tomato jam, and citrus butter, the flavors come together perfectly. It’s the kind of meal (and setting) you’ll find yourself craving long after your visit.
From fresh Gulf seafood to Southern comfort food and everything in between, Destin’s dining scene offers something for every taste and craving. Whether you’re grabbing a casual bite with a view or sitting down to a chef-driven culinary experience, the city’s restaurants combine local flavor with warm hospitality in a way that keeps visitors coming back year after year. No matter where you choose to dine, one thing’s for sure—your taste buds are in for a treat.
Be sure to follow Joanna on Instagram or TikTok for even more must-try eats, hidden gems, and mouthwatering recommendations to make your next meal unforgettable.
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