TASTES OF THE TOWN Our

DINING GUIDE Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner — or Anything In Between — We’ve Got You Covered

AMERICAN 1. BAREFOOT’S BEACHSIDE BAR & GRILL No shirt? No shoes? No problem! If you’re enjoying the beach or pool, this is the perfect place to come as you are for a casual lunch, dinner or frosty libation on a sunny day. Hilton Sandestin Beach, (850) 267-9500 Ext. 3035. (Open Seasonally) $

2. GRIMALDI’S COAL BRICK-OVEN PIZZERIA From its red-and-white checked tablecloths to its list of red and white wines, Grimaldi’s is every bit the Little Italy pizzeria. Start your meal with bruschetta or another of the restaurant’s delicious appetizers, move on to one of the chef’s specialty pizzas or a calzone and then finish it all off with a glass of cabernet and a slice of tiramisu. Open Sun–Thur: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri–Sat, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. 780 Grand Boulevard, Ste. 100, Miramar Beach. (850) 837-3095. grimaldispizzeria.com. $$

3. PICNIX POOLSIDE MARKET Picnix is located between Hilton Sandestin Beach’s two outdoor pools and features an assortment of chef-prepared breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches and wraps, as well as Pizza Hut™ items, fried chicken, Edy’s TM ice cream treats, soft serve yogurt and much more. (850) 267-9500. Ext. 3179. (Open Seasonally) $

4. PIZZA BY THE SEA Grab a slice at our new location in the Market Shops along U.S. 98 on Miramar Beach. Voted the hottest spot for pizza and the most kid-friendly restaurant along 30A. In addition to our traditional fare and fresh toppings, we also feature glutenfree pizza. Highway 98 and Sandestin Blvd. (850) 650-0015. $$

5. SANDCASTLES RESTAURANT Located within Hilton Sandestin Beach, Sandcastles is known for its lavish breakfast buffets. Serving coastal cuisine, Sandcastles is also open daily for lunch and dinner. Open daily 7–11 a.m. for

breakfast, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. for lunch and 5–9 p.m. (850) 267-9500 Ext. 43. $$

6. SUNSET BAY CAFE Overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, Sunset Bay Cafe is a family owned and operated restaurant serving the finest in locally sourced ingredients, including fresh produce and seafood delivered daily from the docks in Destin. Open daily for breakfast and lunch 7 a.m.–2 p.m. 158 Sandestin Blvd N. in the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. (850) 267-7108. SunsetBayCafeSandestin.com $$

7. SURF HUT Cowabunga y’all! This Gulf-front, family friendly “shack” has plenty of casual seafood favorites on the menu, as well as shish kabobs, ribs and sandwiches. And if your thirst’s up when the surf’s up, the restaurant also features an extensive menu of frozen drinks and other libations. 551 Scenic Gulf Drive, Destin. (850) 460-7750. surfhutdestin.com. $$

ASIAN 8. HADASHI SUSHI BAR Choose your favorite sushi, sashimi and maki rolls, or create a combination of the Gulf’s bounty that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. In the lobby of Hilton Sandestin Beach. (850) 267-9500 Ext. 3030. Open Mon–Sat, 5–10 p.m. $$

9. OSAKA DESTIN Located in the heart of Destin on Emerald Coast Parkway, we feature over 18 hibachi tables and an expansive sushi and bar area. We are family-friendly and able to accommodate large groups on vacation, but we are also a destination for wedding rehearsal dinners and receptions. Get ready to enjoy our fresh sushi as our seafood is brought into the restaurant daily from just minutes away at the Destin Harbor. 34745 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin. (850) 650-4688. $$

Sun.–Thur. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. 435 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 608-7040. $$

SEAFOOD 11. CAPT. DAVE’S ON THE GULF Capt. Dave’s serves up fried, grilled and broiled fish, shellfish, steaks and chicken, with seasonal specialties. Full bar. Open 4 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. 3796 Scenic Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2627. $$

12. SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR Named for the nearby historical fishing reef, Shunk Gulley is a casual seafood bar featuring fresh Gulf fare and Southern classics. Open daily 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. 1875 S. Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-2733. ShunkGulley.com $$

13. SLICK LIPS Derived from the nickname given to Amberjack, the game fish with no teeth, Slick Lips is a family-friendly seafood and oyster house featuring fresh local Gulf seafood and 1855 Certified Angus Steaks. Sun.–Thur. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. The Village At Baytowne Wharf. (850) 347-5060. SlickLipsSeafood.com $$

14. THE CRAB TRAP Take your pick — there are three waterfront Crab Trap locations and all are family friendly. Of course, you’ll find the freshest fish and daily specials, as well as specialties such as award-winning gumbo,

ITALIAN 10. EMERIL’S COASTAL ITALIAN The world-famous chef combines authentic Italian cuisine with the best seafood the Gulf has to offer. Open

9

Scenic Hwy. 98

she crab soup and hot crab dip. 3500 Scenic Hwy. 98 E., Destin, (850) 654-2722; 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach, (850) 301-0959; 16495 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, (850) 492-8888. $$

15. THE OCEAN CLUB A tradition since 1989, the Ocean Club offers Gulf seafood and steaks in a fine dining atmosphere. It’s also known for its extensive wine list, live entertainment and a two-for-one early dining menu. Open for dinner daily at 5 p.m. 8955 U.S. Hwy. 98 W., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-3666. $$$

16. VIN’TIJ FOOD & WINE Serving fresh and local food for diverse diet types, including vegan and gluten sensitive. Open daily 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 5–9 p.m.. 500 Grand Blvd., Suite 100, Miramar Beach. (850) 650-9820. $$

STEAK AND SEAFOOD 17. BISTRO BIJOUX A full service fine dining restaurant, Bijoux features coastal French cuisin with a New Orleans flair, including fresh Gulf seafood, prime steaks and an extensive award-winning wine list. Open for dinner, Sun.–Thur. 5–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5-10 p.m. The Market Shops of Sandestin, Miramar Beach. BijouxDestin.com $$$ 18. MARINA CAFE Destin’s most awarded restaurant, we are all about sensational food, attentive service and breathtaking harbor views from our candlelit dining rooms. Relax and enjoy our extensive wine collection with over 100 wines. We feature Creole and American cuisine, including fresh daily seafood, USDA prime steaks, pastas, sushi and wood-fired pizzas. Open daily 5–10 p.m. 404 E. Hwy 98, Destin. (850) 837-7960. $$$

19. MARLIN GRILL Dine al fresco in the heart of The Village of Baytowne Wharf at the conveniently located and impressively designed Marlin Grill. Indulge in expertly prepared steaks, seafood and spirits. Open daily 5–10:15 p.m. for dinner. 9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd., Suite B2, Destin. (850) 351-1990. $$$

20. SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD Located at Hilton Sandestin Beach, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood is Northwest Florida’s only AAA Four Diamond-rated steakhouse. Experience fine dining at Seagar’s, featuring an open theatre kitchen, tableside preparations and a wine list with over 600 labels. Open for dinner at 6:00 p.m. Bar opens at 5:30 p.m. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. (850) 622-1500. $$$

21. THE BACK PORCH SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE Established in 1974, the Back Porch has long been known as one of the best seafood restaurants on the Gulf coast. With daily deliveries of seafood, your meal is sure to be both fresh and delicious. Open daily from 11 a.m. Two locations. Destin: 1740 Scenic Hwy. 98, (850) 837-2022; Panama City Beach: 16220 Front Beach Road, Pier Park, (850) 233-1750. theback-porch.com. $$$

SPECIALTY 22. SUNQUEST CRUISES Enjoy live performances, dancing and a delicious three-course meal aboard the area’s only fine dining entertainment yacht. 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach. $82 per person ages 11+, $38 for children ages 3–10 and $20 for infants ages 0–2 (no meal). (850) 650-2519. sunquestcruises.com. $$$

$ Inexpensive $$ Moderately Expensive $$$ Expensive

19

6

7 22 13

17

9 5 20 10 16 15

3 1 8 2

Beyond BeachTHE

Florida’s Emerald Coast holds treasures on the shore and off. Venture off the beaten trail or flock to the hottest event, whatever you’re looking for is just around the corner. Diving, kayaking or hiking, nature’s best is on display in South Walton, which was named one of 2019’s best destinations by National Geographic. Adventure to the depths to find someof the area’s top underwater attractions that nature and man have created, including the Underwater Museum of Art, the first underwater permanent sculpture exhibit in the U.S.

For those looking to be entertained, a bevy of arts festivals, concerts and live events are always on schedule. If shopping is on your list, some of the top shops and boutiques are just a shuttle ride away.

So take your time, and get to know paradise.