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These restaurants reviewed by our staff
of professional eaters are rated; all others
give an overview of the type of food being
served, the price range, address and phone.
The rating reflects the level of excellence
on one day only. Happy eating!

Key:
Order takeout or cook at home
Worth checking out
Honorable
Terrific
Excellent

Restaurants by Category

Cabana Cafe
Located in the lower level of Ariel Dunes at Seascape Resort. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Entertainment Wed -Sat. Live jazz brunch Sunday. Stone fired pizzas, salads, sandwiches, pastas, steaks and seafood. Coffee and ice cream bar .Full service bar open late. 112 Seascape Blvd. Arial Dunes, Destin, 850-424-3574

Callahan’s Restaurant and Deli 2/3
A local lunch and dinner favorite for years, it offers a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, burgers, steaks and chops. Favorties are New York strip steak, prime rib and you-name-it deli sandwich classics. Daily specials, wine and beer, $4-19. 791 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-6328.

Connie Kay’s Flight Line Pub & Cafe
2/3
An authentic blast from the past, the Flight Line is a neighborhood place with chili, wings, burgers, grilled cheese, and other bar noshes. If you clean your pitcher, you can buy ice cream for dessert. Beer and wine plus daily specials, $3-6, 538 N. Eglin Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach, 862-0445. Review

Fudpucker’s on the Island
Burgers, pasta, salads, creative libations, seafood, and sandwiches. Also a full selection of souvenir items, plus a playground for the kids. $7-17, 108 Santa Rosa Blvd, Okaloosa Island, 243-3833

Hog’s Breath Cafe
A variety of food options including hamburgers, pasta, appetizers, certified Angus beef, and local Gulf seafood entr»es at great prices. Daily specials. Live music 7 days a week.
$4-19, 541 Hwy 98E, Destin, 837-5991.

Magnolia Grill
Long-established for lunch and dinner with entrees from veal parmesan to broiled stuffed flounder, chicken and steaks. $10-18, 157 SE Brooks St., FWB, 302-0266

Mary’s Kitchen
A country outpost since 1950, Mary’s offers pork barbecue, fried catfish and a well-chosen list of hearty homestyle items. Meatloaf, burgers, sandwiches, and plenty of sides. Pies made in-house daily. Lunch and dinner, Mon - Sat. $4 - 11. 186-G Eglin Pkwy. NE, Fort Walton Beach, 863-1141. Review

Rum Runners
This is the Baytowne Wharf place with the dueling pianos. It’s also a comfortable spot for lunch and dinner, with a variety of appetizers, wraps, sandwiches and main dishes featuring beef, chicken, and plenty of Gulf seafood. Full bar, open for lunch and dinner. $7-25. 130 Fisherman’s Cove, Sandestin, 351-1817.
Review

Sandcastles Restaurant and Lounge
Casual comfort and fresh seafood, steaks and continental specialties for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Coastal buffet every Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday brunch. $9-30, 4000 Sandestin Blvd, in the Hilton Sandestin, 267.9500.

Scully’s on the Bayou 1/3
Enjoy American and Italian style pub food at this relaxed Fort Walton Beacj hangout. Bar snacks, baskets, hot and cold subs, sandwiches, burgers, and a list of pizzas cover everyone’s taste. Full bar service. $4-20. 200 Eglin Pkwy NE, Fort Walton Beach, 862-2542. Review


(Top)

Hog’s Breath Boss Hog Bar-B-Q
Smoked chickens and turkeys, sandwiches and plates, food service catering, homemade pie, and picnics to go. Pulled pork and chicken sandwiches with our own special sauce. Take-out only. Located right next to Hog’s Breath. 837-5991.

Porter’s Carolina Style Bar-B-Q
Serving a wide variety of moist, flavorful and tender pork, beef and poultry BBQ done right. Side items are made fresh daily. We cater to your every need. $4-10.50, 4677 E. Hwy 20, Niceville, 897-6500


(Top)

Silver Sands
Serving breakfast 7 mornings a week from 5:30-10:30 a.m. Big country breakfasts fit for the sea-going fisherman in the true tradition of Destin. $3-12 538 Hwy 98, Harbor Docks restaurant, Destin, 837-2506

Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse Cafe
Nestled amongst the trees, surrounded by herb and flower gardens andÜserving vegetarian breakfasts from 7:30-11:30 a.m. with comfortable rooms in the Old Florida laid back atmosphere. 2-10. Rooms $115-260. 85 DeFuniak Street, Grayton Bch, 231-2733. www.hibiscusflorida.


(Top)
Blue Orleans
3/4
The “Big Easy” on Scenic 30A. Po-boys, red beans, gumbo, jambalaya and beignets. Specialty shrimp and scallop k-bob over Tasso grits. Open 8 a.m. seven days a week serving breakfast, lunch dinner and the blues. $3-25 2260 W Hwy 30A Blue Mountain Bch, 622-1909

Calypso Beach Cafe & Sports Grille

The menu features recipes from New Orleans and the Caribbean. Appetizers, Gulf-fresh seafood, tasty chicken, steaks, sandwiches, made from scratch soups, salads and award-winning desserts. New Orleans style brunch on weekends, open daily at 11 a.m. $5-26, 15812 Front Beach Road, Panama City Bch, 850-234-6788.

Cocodrie’s 1/2
If you like your Louisiana style food with a view, try Cocodrie’s on Navarre Beach. Seafood, sandwiches, steaks and chops served in huge portions, indoors and outdoors. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Full bar, including some favorite Louisiana beers. $4 –23, 8649 Gulf Blvd., Navarre Bch, 850- 939-8777. Review

New Orleans Creole Cookery
The pick of some of New Orleans’s most famous restaurant dishes, served in a pleasant Garden District atmosphere. BBQ shrimp, crawfish bisque, roast duck, shrimp Creole, gumbo, and seafood sandwiches. Wine and beer, $4-32. Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin, 351-1885.
Review


(Top)

Barley’s
Buffalo wings a specialty, plus burritos, Michigan dogs, sandwiches, and appetizers. Happy hour ‘til 9 pm daily. $2-7, 138 Hwy. 98SE, FWB, 244-5515

Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub
(2 Locations) 1/3
A range of wings, sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads served in a traditional, but family-friendly, sports bar atmosphere with lots of TV choices and a kid’s game room. Excellent chicken wings, hot deli sandwiches, fresh salads, and great kids menu. Beer and wine. $4 - 10. 9375 Emerald Coast Parkway (The Market Shops at Sandestin), 837-9710 and 4540 Hwy 20E, Niceville, 897-3964. Review

Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe 3/4
Sandwiches of many kinds and colors are the star at this busy cafe. An extensive menu offers hot and cold meat and vegetable wraps, panini, salads, and soups, washed down with fruit smoothies. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served. $4-8. 10406 Emerald Coast Parkway, (Silver Sands Factory Stores) Sandestin, 650-2920. Review

Whale’s Tail Beach Bar & Grill
If you want to feel like you’re at a real beach bar, this is the place; good food and drinks, plus superb bloody mary’s. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. $4-15, 1373 Scenic Gulf Dr. Destin, 650-4377


(Top)
Bad Ass Coffee Company
A gourmet coffee company specializing in Kona coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and lattes. The deli features Boar’s Head products and homemade muffins, breakfast sandwiches and desserts. The store carries a unique line of merchandise and provides free wireless Internet access. Open daily at 7 a.m. $1-6.50, 1708 Scenic Gulf Drive (Old Highway 98) 269-3997

Camille’s at Crystal Beach
A coffee and market shop, overlooking the gulf. Camille’s offers a wide variety of coffee, breakfast, muffins, sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit smoothies and a package store.Open daily. 2931 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin Hwy 98, 337-8860.

Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse
Nestled among the trees, surrounded by herb and flower gardens and serving vegetarian breakfasts from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. with comfortable rooms in the Old Florida laid back atmosphere. CafÈ $2-7, rooms, $115-260, 85 DeFuniak Street, Grayton Bch, 231-2733. www.hibiscusflorida.com

Picnix Deli
A specialty market featuring StarbucksÆ coffee, Pizza Hut™ menu items, deli sandwiches, imported chocolates, Ben & Jerry’sÆ ice cream treats and other specialty foods. $10-15. 4000 Sandestin Blvd, in the Hilton Sandestin, 267-9500.

Slick Mick’s
This is a family owned deli, grill, and sports bar featuring authentic Philly cheese steaks, brick oven pizza, deli and specialty sandwiches and salads in a laid back family atmosphere. A great draft beer selection too. $8-12, 19 N. Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 864 5577.

Sweet Thyme Deli
Casual atmosphere, home-cooked daily specials, made-to-order sandwiches and a breakfast much-prized by locals. Assorted omelettes, almond French toast, meat loaf, lasagna, soups, deli sandwiches and more. Breakfast and lunch, Mon - Sat. Wine and beer. $4 - 8. 202 Ferry Street SE, Fort Walton Beach, 243-2566. Review


(Top)
Bud & Alley’s
This Seaside perennial just keeps getting better. Lunch and dinner daily, with a varying menu offering grilled, roasted, and sautÈed fish and shellfish, quail, chicken, pork, and plenty of interesting accompaniments. Full bar, $4-34. 2236 CR30A East, Seaside, 231-5900. Review

Courtyard Wine & Cheese
Featuring 50 wines by the glass, open-air courtyard seating and the only environmentally controlled wine store in the Panhandle. Gourmet cheese plates are served all day and wireless Internet connectivity is available. Wine flites available, inquire about tasting events. 66 Main Street, Rosemary Bch, 231-1219.

Fire
A warm place to eat in Grayton Beach, offering a seasonally varied menu of fish, shellfish, meat and poultry served with imaginative sides in a cozy, homelike setting. Pheasant, pork roulades, veal, grouper, and short ribs are among the choices. Lunch and dinner, wine and beer. $6-35, 55 Clayton Lane, Grayton Beach, 231-9020. Review

Seacrest Cafe
Offering a varied selection of salads and hot and cold sandwiches, featuring traditional deli meats, chicken, steak, and Gulf seafood. Breakfast and lunch until March then serving dinner through September. The menu includes a lengthy dessert list and wine and beer. $4-10, 10343 E. Hwy 30A, Seacrest Beach, 231-1363. Review

Solaris Dinner/Dance Cruise 3/4
Drink, dine, and even dance on the water with an evening cruise from Baytowne Marina. SunQuest Cruises’ entertainment yacht Solaris offers fine ining and musical entertainment. Limited advance reservation menu, wine and full bar, as well as special cruises. $65 for dinner and cruise. SunQuest Cruises, Baytowne Marina, Sandestin. 650-2519. Review


(Top)
Big City American Bistro
A bistro offering an extensive menu of both high toned and comfort food such as meat loaf and mac and cheese. Other choices are rack of lamb, grilled fish and steaks, and pizza. Polished service, and swoon-inducing desserts. Wine and beer. $5-29, 171 SW Brooks Street, FWB, 664-0664.

Bluewater Bistro & Bar
Serving lunch M-F and dinner Tu-Sat. Salads, sandwiches, enchiladas, steak, seafood, and pasta. Separate menus for lunch and dinner. $5- 20, 14 NE Racetrack Rd, FWB, 863-2143

Cafe Thirty-A 1/3
Follow the crowd to the big house, and choose from an ever-changing menu offering local seafood, steaks, lamb, and pizzas. Starters, salads, and main courses with a taste of Europe, Asia, and North African spice. Wine list, full bar. $8-37, 3899 E Hwy 30A, Seagrove Beach, 231-2166. Review

Camille’s at Crystal Beach

Gulf Coast/New Orleans cooking meets the flavors of Japan in this warm, cozy dining establishment with a Gulf view. Seafood rules both on the regular menu and at the sushi bar. Full bar service offered. $4-20, 2931 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, 337-8860.

Cuvee Beach Cellar & Wine Bar
Wine county cuisine including steaks, chicken, seafood pasta and grilled tuna and shrimp. Only dinner is served here, but they offer nightly specials. Has a full bar and wines by the glass, plus retail wine cellar. $6-29, 36120 Hwy 98W, Destin, 650-8900 Review

Picolo and the Red Bar
Blackboard specials every day for lunch and dinner. Salads, burgers, soup, fish of the day, baked eggplant, pasta, and manicotti. Crab cakes on the weekends. $5-18, 70 Holt Ave, Grayton Bch, 231-1008

Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club
Fine food, attentive service and a great view of the Gulf, all in one place. Well-chosen club menu offers both land and sea based food, simply and elegantly presented in a comfortable atmosphere. Grilled fish, beef, pork, and pasta dishes. Daily specials and full bar for lunch and dinner. $5-31, 4801 Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, 267-2305. Review

Seagrove Village Market Café
Lunch and dinner served from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Also a full service grocery store featuring fresh cut steaks, salads, beer and wine. A local’s habit for 53 years. $4-16, 3004 Hwy 395 South, 231-5736.

Sunset Charlie’s
Eat light or eat hearty, you’ll enjoy choosing from the varied menu of seafood, steaks, pasta and chicken, seasoned with spices from the Caribbean, Far East, Gulf Coast and Mediterranean. Great house made potato chips. Full bar. $3-24. 1096 Scenic Gulf Drive, Destin, 837-9834. Review

Vin’tij
For 10 years, Vin’tij has served some of the best-prepared fresh fish around, along with pork, chicken, and beef, prepared with imaginative sides and paired with a variety of wines. Fish of the day, snacks, sushi on Friday and Saturday. Lunch and dinner daily, wine and beer. $5 - 31. 10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin, 650-9820.
Review



Bay Cafe
Splendid French and French-inspired food served in a romantic atmosphere indoors or outdoors just under the Brooks Bridge. Choose from seafood, beef, chicken, duck, and some rarely seen French specialties. Terrific bread. Wine by the glass or bottle. Reservations accepted. $4-28, 233 Alconese Avenue, FWB, 244-3550. Review

Café Provence
Fresh made soups, fois gras everywhere, excellent breads and pastries baked on the premises. Fish, seafood, chicken, beef, lamb, and duck prepared and served in a stylish country French atmosphere. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. Reservations suggested. $5-39, 35C Musset Bayou Road, Santa Rosa Bch, 622-3022.
Review


(Top)

Caffe Italia 1/3
Set in an 80-year-old house on the water, Caffe Italia offers comfort and friendly service. Traditional Italian-style appetizers, pastas, lasagna, pizzas, and house specialties, made with fresh herbs and local fish. Wine, beer, and bar. $4-24.,189 Brooks Street, Fort Walton Beach, 664-0035. Review

Carrabba’s
Enjoy well-prepared and generously portioned Italian classics and specialties in a comfortable atmosphere friendly to adults and kids. Lasagne, ravioli, veal marsala, house made sausage, wood-fired pizzas, beef, chicken and seafood options, with nightly specials. Dinner daily, lunch and dinner on Sunday and full bar service. $4-22. 10562 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Silver Sands Factory Stores, 837-1140. Review

Enzo’s
Small and elegant, Enzo’s serves an ambitious menu of Italian standards and specialties, including pastas with chicken, seafood, or veal with an interesting selection of appetizers. Steaks, pizzas, and calzones of all kinds. Excellent desserts. Wine and beer. $5-21. 1598 CR393, Santa Rosa Beach, 267-3003.
Review

Fat Clemenza’s 2/3
Pizza the way it should be, served piping hot from a brick oven, with simple and flavorful toppings. Traditional Italian menu offers bruschetta, pasta, calamari, ravioli, lasagna, and calzones. Don’t pass up dessert. Beer and wine, daily specials. $4-22. 12273 U.S. 98, Holiday Plaza, Destin, 650-5980.
Review

Graffiti
Mediterranean meets relaxed Florida coastal. Graffiti offers seafood, steak, various pastas with a range of sauces, pizza, and walls covered with local artwork. The crayons are still on the tables. Wine and full bar service. $4-29, 707 Harbor Blvd. East, Destin, 654-2764. Review

Locanda Italiana 2/3
A nice little spot for dining, whether you’re a couple or a couple of dozen. The kitchen offers a wide variety of Italian and house specialties, featuring pasta, seafood, chicken, beef and veal. Chef’s choice family-style meals are available for larger groups. Full bar. $5-30. 4942 Hwy 98W, Santa Rosa Beach, 622-1119. Review

The Magnolia Grill 1/3 Enjoy Italian favorites, or old-fashioned Florida-style seafood in a warm, friendly, homelike atmosphere. Pasta, grilled, fried, blackened or broiled seafood, giant steaks, and a lengthy, worthy dessert list. Wine and beer. $5-24, 157 Brooks Street SE, Fort Walton Beach, 302-0266.

Tradewinds
Niceville’s little Italian joint, sitting just off the road and filled with hungry patrons. Chicken, veal, sausage and fresh seafood come served with a long list of tomato, cheese, and wine-based sauces. There’s pizza and calzones too. Wine and beer. $7-22. 205 Government Street, Niceville, 678-8299. Review

 

What do you have a taste for?

American | Barbecue | Breakfast
Cajun/Creole | Casual | Coffee/Deli
Contemporary | Eclectic | French | German
Italian | Latin/Mexican | Mediterranian
Oriental | Pizza/Pasta | Seafood
Steaks
| Sushi | Southern | Thai


Cancun's Mexican Restaurant
Authentic Mexican cuisine tucked away in Miramar Beach. Open daily at 11 a.m. for lunch,m dinner, and drink specials. Can accommodate parties up to 50, $4-25. 269.7788. 12889 Hwy 98W, Miramar Plaza, Destin.

Destin Taqueria
The real Mexican deal here, short on pretty but long on tasty, with a menu featuring home cooked tamales, tacos, enchiladas, and other hearty Mexican fare. Usually crowded at lunch, and a good place to practice your Spanish. Daily specials. Beer and Mexican sodas. $2-10. 209 Main Street, Destin, 543-8670. Review

LaPaz 2/3
Since 1993, this has has been a sure bet for generous portions of Mexican and southwestern fare. Grilled local fish and seafood, enchiladas, fajitas, tamales and tacos, and combinations of all kinds. Lunch and dinner specials with full bar service. $4-19, 950 Gulf Shore Drive, Holiday Isle, Destin, 837-2247.Review

Pepito’s 1/2
An enormous menu, plenty of room, and a friendly staff make Pepito’s a good bet for a Mexican snack or feast. Traditional and unusual fare includes carnitas, enchiladas, fajitas, vegetarian dishes, steaks and seafood specialties. $4-19. 757 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 650-7734. Review


(Top)
Ali Baba Grill Cafe 2/3
Satisfy your Greek and Middle Eastern cravings at this Fort Walton Beach lunch and dinner spot. Grilled lamb, beef, chicken and fish, as well as traditional Middle Eastern specialties like hummus, tabbouleh and baklava. Buffet available. $3-20, 550 Mary Esther Cut Off, FWB, 986-5555. Review

Bombay Masala
One-of-a-kind Indian dining, with assorted curries, rice dishes, and savory breads. Chicken, lamb, shrimp and goat dishes, spiced from mild to fiery, plus an extensive vegetarian menu. Exotic desserts and beverages. Lunch and dinner. $2-15, 326 Eglin Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach, 862-0978 Review

Grecian Gardens Restaurant
Traditional Greek cuisine served in a pleasant, open-air atmosphere on scenic 30A. Beer and wine served and the restaurant is also available for special events and parties. $7-18, 3375 W. Cty Hwy 30A, Blue Mountain Bch, 267-3011.


(Top)

Dynasty Chinese Cuisine

All your Chinese favorites, classically prepared with individuality and served with style. Beef, chicken, pork and seafood, noodles and family-style dishes. Beer and wine. $2 - 19. 12889 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Plaza, Destin, 837-6675. Review

Kim’s
Choose lunch or dinner from a wide variety of Korean dishes, along with a full sushi bar. Kim’s offers bulgogi, man du, soups, stir-fries, pork, chicken, seafood, and unusual homestyle Korean specialties, ranging from mild to fiery with beer and wine. $4-32, 99 Eglin Pkwy, Uptown Station, Fort Walton Beach, 244-2872. Review

Lotus Thai Restaurant
Thai cuisine prepared by natives of Thailand. Hot bar offered as a lunch special and full menu all dad including stir-frys, pad thai and more. Open for lunch and dinner. 550 Mary Esther Blvd. (Longhorn Plaza), $3-$15, 243-3744.

Osaka
Choose sushi, hibachi, or traditional dining. Osaka offers bites or banquets of raw and cooked fish, seafood, tempura, steaks and noodles, served in a multi-roomed, designer-decorated atmosphere. Lunch and dinner daily, full bar. $5 - 27 and up. 34745 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Destin, 650-4688.
Review

Osaka Sushi Rocks
It’s the little Sushi house on the Lagoon. Osaka Sushi Rocks offers an extensive list of sushi, sashimi, and rolls, both classic and regional specialties. Friendly, serene atmosphere. Tempura, noodles and teriyaki favorites also available. Wine and beer. $4-50. 108 Cannery Lane, Village of Baytowne Wharf, 351-1006
. Review

Sai-Kyo 1/2
Whether you go Japanese, Vietnamese, or pay a visit to both, this is the place. Sushi, rice dishes, and traditional soups (pho), meat and seafood rice platters, teriyaki, and stir-fries. Beer, wine, and sushi bar. $5-30. 14091 Emerald Coast Pkwy, (Emerald Coast Centre) Destin, 650-5319. Review

Samurai 2/3
Enjoy a variety of sushi and sashimi at Samurai’s bar. Or go for a full meal of beef, chicken, seafood, and noodles simply prepared and served with Japanese trimmings. Inside and outside dining, lunch specials. Beer, wine. $3 - 30, 4424 Commons Drive East, Destin, 269-0185. Review

Sushi Siam 1/2
East meets West and everyone wins at this attractive restaurant with an elegant atmosphere with reasonable prices. A full range of sushi, Japanese, Thai and a touch of European fare. Fish, shellfish, duck, beef, noodle and curry dishes, with full bar and sushi bar. $4-25. 4236 Legendary Drive, Destin Commons, 650-5861.Review


(Top)

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakery
Widely, wildly assorted menu of stone baked pizzas, hoagies, calzones, salads, and specialty items. Pizzas traditional and exotic include pesto, jerk chicken, gourmet white, and the Magical Mystery Tour. Colorful psychedelic dÈcor and friendly service. $4-25. 960 Hwy 98E, Sunsations Plaza, Destin, 650-6420.

Roberto’s Pizzeria
Authentic Italian cuisine includes stromboli, calzones, grinders, bakes pastas, muffelettas and seafood. Beer and wine available. Special children’s menu. Waterfront seating available with dine-in, take-out and delivery within Sandestin Resort. $5-13,Village of Baytowne Wharf, 351-1998.

Theo’s Pizza Pub
Pizza, beer, appetizers, salads, and sandwiches in a casual atmosphere along the beach. Live music Tuesday through Sunday, $4-12, 1688 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, 650-8558.


(Top)
AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar
Seafood plus atmosphere overlooking the harbor. Oyster happy hour every day,1/2 off sunset dinner entrees inside the restaurant from 4 - 6:30 PM. Live bands, dancing, late hours and 1/2 off appetizers from 4-7 p.m. at Club Bimini Sunset Central. $8-18, 116 Hwy 98E Destin, 837-1913.

Boathouse Oyster Bar
Award winning gumbo, oysters you’ll suck off the shell and a cast of characters plus authentic harbor atmosphere. $3.50-$17.95; 288 Hwy. 98E, Destin, 837-3645. (Open Fri., Sat., and Sun. through December)

Capt. Dave’s on the Gulf 3/4
A tradition since 1977, Capt. Dave’s is a go-to place for the kind of seafood that made this area famous. A time-tested selection of fried, grilled, and broiled fish, shellfish, steaks and chicken, with house and seasonal specialties. Full bar. $5-25. 3796 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, 837-2627. Review

Crab Trap (2 locations)
Getting seafood to the people is what it’s all about at Crab Trap. Huge space and plenty of tables, efficient staff, and a menu full of crab, shrimp, fish and shellfish prepared in old and new-fashioned ways. Full bar, $5-40. 3500 Scenic Hwy 98E, Destin, 654-2722 and 1430 Hwy 98W, Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, 301-0959. Review

Elmo’s Grill
Family seafood house, also serving burgers and more. $7-20, Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Bch, 267-2299

Fisherman’s Wharf
Terrific view of the Destin Harbor from the deck, excellent service, fried green tomatoes and oodles of seafood prepared in a variety of ways. Full bar service and special items for the kids. $6-18, 210 Hwy 98E, Destin, 654-4766.

Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille
Party to live music and sunsets on the open deck overlooking the bay. Featuring chargrilled oysters on the half shell, steamed seafood buckets, grilled sandwiches and a large selection of specialty cocktails. $9-25, Village of Baytowne Wharf, 351-1997.

Harbor Docks
Overlooking the Destin Harbor featuring original atmosphere and great seafood from our own seafood market, sushi and hibachi. Live entertainment on the deck. $4-25, 538 Hwy 98, Destin, 837-2506.

Nick’s
Going strong at 40-plus, Nick’s is a local tradition for the best of the Gulf’s fish and shellfish. Fish, shrimp, oysters, scallops, and crab served grilled, steamed, or fried in a casual family atmosphere. Daily specials and raw oysters in season. Serving beer and wine. $4-26, 7585 Hwy 20, Basin Bayou, Freeport, 835-2222. Review

Old Bay Steamer - 1/3
Wide variety of fresh steamed seafood served in every imaginable combination. Choose from crab, shrimp, lobster, oysters, clams, mussels, and fresh catch of the day. Pasta and steak/seafood pairings also offered.Friendly, efficient service. Open daily for dinner, with full bar. $4 –27, 102 Santa Rosa Blvd., Okaloosa Island, 664-2795.
Review

Old Florida Fish House 1/3
A great big ole place deep in summer tourist country, offering an attentive staff and seafood served deep-fried, grilled with fancy sauces or even uncooked at the sushi bar. Plenty of choices of fresh fish, shellfish, and beef. Daily specials, full bar, live music. $4-29. 5235 E Hwy 30A, Seagrove Beach, 534-3045.

Original Waterfront Crab Shack 1/3
A taste of the good old days in one of the oldest waterfront seafood houses in the area. A menu crowded with fresh local seafood served fried, grilled, or steamed in every combination. Soups, salads, steaks, and sandwiches too. Full bar service with open patio/deck. Arrive by car or boat. $5-25, 104 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, FWB, 664-0345. Review

Poppy’s Seafood Factory
Fine dining offering local and regional fish and shellfish boiled, steamed, grilled, broiled, blackened, fried, or in sauce with pasta. Steaks, chicken and pork are also offered, all with a coastal/Caribbean flavor and featuring an open air bar overlooking the bay. Open for lunch and dinner daily, with full bar service. $5-50, Village of Baytowne Wharf, Destin, 351-1996. Review

Shades at the Loop
Good selection of local seafood and land fare, simply prepared, served with efficiency and a smile. Grilled, fried, and blackened fish and chicken, sandwiches and salads. Pork chops, steak, even wings and pizza. Open late, with full bar, wide choice of draft and bottled beers. $5-24, 10952 Hwy 30A, Inlet Beach, 231-9410.
Review

Staff’s Seafood Restaurant
Excellent service is a hallmark of one of the area’s oldest dining establishments. Open only for dinner. $14-25, 24 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, 243-3482.

Stinky’s Fish Camp 2/3
Seafood is king at this informal Santa Rosa eatery. Oysters “all ways,” crawfish pie, catfish or frog legs meuniere, and gumbo are a few the Louisiana-inspired dishes. Service is friendly and attentive, and you can come as you are. Wine and beer, $7-32. 5994 CR 30A, Dune Allen Beach, 267-3053.
Review

Zampieri’s Harbor Grille
Glittering on the water, Harbor Grille offers superb fish, seafood, beef, and chicken, prepared with style and served attentively. Loin of swordfish with shrimp gravy, free range chicken with mushroom cabbage rolls, steaks, and a wider-than-usual array of desserts and daily specials. Full bar and live music too. $6-32. 320 Hwy 98E, Destin, 650-3900.
Review


(Top)
Boar’s Head Restaurant & Tavern

Since 1978, a good reason to drive to Panama City Beach. Beef, seafood, pork, chicken, and game foods simply prepared, with an emphasis on grilling. Regular house specialties, nightly specials and live entertainment Wed-Sat. Full bar service. $3.50 - $27. Review

Johnny O’Quigley’s Irish Pub & Grille
1/2
Bustling, friendly sports bar/Irish pub atmosphere with an array of eccentrically titled but substantial and tasty grill and pub style snacks and main courses. Offering coconut shrimp, Reubens, wings, daily specials, soups, salads, pasta, ribs, wraps, steaks, and sandwiches. Full bar service. $4-25, 34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 837-1015.

Pandora’s
A local tradition, Pandora’s serves steak, pork, veal, shrimp, local fish, and other stuff, grilled or broiled, with traditional sides in a sure-enough steakhouse atmosphere. Daily specials, open for dinner only with full bar. $5-43. 1226 Santa Rosa Blvd, Okaloosa Island, 244-8669. Review

Seagar’s
The area’s first AAA 4-Diamond restaurant specializing in the finest prime beef and freshest seafood available. Private dining facilities and wine room with more than 800 labels. Features tableside preparations and live piano nightly. Reservations recommended. 622-1500. $10-50. 4000 Sandestin Blvd., at the Hilton Sandestin. www.SeagarsDestin.com

The Terrace Restaurant
Fried shrimp, grouper gourmet, sea scallops, oysters, lamb, beef, poultry, pork and more. Choose from seafood entrees to char-grilled and fried dishes. Offering full bar service $5-33 13741 E. Emerald Coast Pkwy, Inlet Beach 231-5202.

Zampieri’s Harbor Grille
Glittering on the water, Harbor Grille offers superb fish, seafood, beef, and chicken, prepared with style and served attentively. Loin of swordfish with shrimp gravy, free range chicken with mushroom cabbage rolls, steaks, and a wider-than-usual array of desserts and daily specials. Full bar and live music too. $6-32. 320 Hwy 98E, Destin, 650-3900.
Review

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Camille’s at Crystal Beach
$5-10, 2931 Scenic Hwy 98, Crystal Beach, 337-8860.

Osaka Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
34745 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-4688
.
Review

Harbor Docks
$3-12, 538 Hwy 98, Destin, 837-2506.
Old Florida Fish House, $4-29, 5235 E Hwy 30A, Seagrove Beach, 534-3045.

SaiKyo 1/2
$5-30, 14091 Emerald Coast Pkwy (Emerald Coast Centre), 650-5319. Review

Taisho Seafood & Steaks
11610 Emerald Coast Pkwy, 650-2996.
Review


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Harbor Docks
Serving lunch daily from 11-4 p.m. offering fresh veggie plates, Thai food, shrimp, fish sandwiches and plates, and daily specials. $3-12 538 Hwy 98, Destin, 837-2506

Mary’s Kitchen
Home cooking specializing in fried chicken
and meat loaf, like Mom used to make.
$2-10, 575D N. Beal Pkwy, FWB, 863-1141


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Thai Delights
Located in the heart of Destin, Thai Delights offers exemplary Thai cuisine, using fresh local seafood and plenty of flavorful Thai herbs and seasoning. Choose from stir-fries, curries, noodles, spicy soups and salads. Beer and wine are available. $4-25, 205 Mountain Drive, Destin, 650-3945. Review

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