14 minute read
DINING GUIDE
Pandemic developments and social distancing policies and protocols may affect restaurant operations. Check websites for the latest information.
Lobster Encrusted Grouper from Restaurant Paradis
AMERICAN
THE BEACH HOUSE
Casual, beach-front dining. Open daily 11 am–10 pm. 4009 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-4800. $$ L D
BUFFALO’S REEF ★
Hot wings and cold beer. Tues–Sat open at 10:30 am, Sun open at noon. 116 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-9463. $ L D
THE CRAFT BAR ★
Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. Open daily 11 am–midnight. 4424 Commons Dr., Destin. Also in Grayton Beach and Pensacola. (850) 460-7907. $$ L D
DHARMA BLUE
Atmosphere and service match an expansive menu including everything from sushi to pork tenderloin. Lunch Sat–Sun 10 am–1 pm. Dinner daily from 5. 300 S. Alcaniz St., Pensacola. (850) 433-1275. $$ L D
EMERIL’S COASTAL ITALIAN
Located at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin, the famed chef’s first restaurant in Northwest Florida combines Italian cuisine with the variety of fresh Gulf seafood and local ingredients. Sun–Thur 11:30 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11:30 am–10:30 pm. 435 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 608-7040. $$$ L D
EVERKRISP ★
Farm-to-table salads, rice bowls and other health-focused American bites in modern, brick-lined digs. Open daily 10:30 am–9 pm. 4463 Commons Dr. W. #10a, Destin. (850) 460-8881 and 625 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 842-4504. $$ L D
FIREFLY ★
Fresh Gulf seafood, steak, sushi and signature cocktails. Open daily at 5 pm. 535 Richard Jackson Blvd., Panama City Beach. (850) 249-3359. $$$ D
GEORGE’S AT ALYS BEACH
Seafood, burgers and sandwiches. Open daily 11 am–3 pm and 5–9 pm. 30 Castle Harbour Dr., Alys Beach. (850) 641-0017. $$ L D
GREAT SOUTHERN CAFE ★
This all-day cafe puts a new spin on classic with a mix of international cuisines, Southern cooking and local food and produce. Open daily for breakfast: 8–10:45 am, lunch: 11 am–4 pm and dinner: 4–9:30 pm. 83 Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 231-7327. $$ B L D
JACO’S BAYFRONT BAR & GRILLE
Waterfront restaurant serving burgers, salads, seafood and brunch daily. Open Mon–Wed 11 am–9 pm, Thurs–Sat 11 am–10 pm and Sun 10 am–9 pm. 997 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 432-5226. $$ L D
LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE ★
and Cajun seafood gumbo. Open daily from 4 pm. 775 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin. (850) 837-0881. $$ D
LOUIS LOUIS ★
This sister restaurant of The Red Bar has great American fare with a Gulf twist. 35 Mussett Bayou Road, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 267-1500. $$ D
LULU’S
Lucy Buffett’s funky hangout features cocktails, burgers and seafood, plus allergy-friendly menus. Open Sun–Thur 11 am–9 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am–10 pm. 4607 Legendary Marina Dr., Destin. (850) 710-5858. $$ L D
MAGNOLIA GRILL
Steak, seafood, pasta, soups, salads and desserts. Lunch Mon-Fri 11 am–2 pm, dinner Mon–Sat from 5 pm. Closed Sun. 157 SE Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 302-0266. $$ L D
MARINA BAR AND GRILL
Seafood, po’ boys, burgers and salads. Open Sun–Thurs 11 am–8 pm, Fri 11 am–10 pm, Sat 8 am–10 pm. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-7778. $ B L D MARINA CAFÉ ★
Gourmet pizzas, Creole and American cuisine. Open daily 5–10 pm. 404 E. Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-7960. $$$ D
NICK’S BOATHOUSE
Serving a wide variety of seafood, steaks and flatbreads by the waterfront. Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 am–9 pm. 455 W. Main St., Pensacola. (850) 912-8775. $$ L D
RESTAURANT PARADIS ★
Restaurant and lounge offers rich coastal flavors in its innovative dishes. Open Sun–Thur 5–9 pm, Fri–Sat 5–10 pm. 82 S. Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach. (850) 534-0400. $$$ D
SHADES BAR & GRILL ★
A 30A mainstay for over 20 years, Shades features 17 high-def TVs plus a menu of salsas, steaks, sandwiches and fish tacos. Open daily 11–1 am. 10952 E. County Hwy 30A, (850) 231-9410. $$ L D
SUNSET BAY CAFÉ
Chef-inspired twists on classic dishes. Breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktail. Open daily 7 am–2 pm. Tiki Bar open noon to sunset. Linkside Conference Center, 158 Sandestin Blvd. N., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-7108. $ B L
THE RED BAR ★
New and improved and now reopened; get classic meals at one of the area’s most renowned locations. 70 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach. (850) 231-1008. $$ L D
TOMMY BAHAMA RESTAURANT,
BAR & STORE ★
Savor the fresh, island-inspired fare or unwind with one of their signature cocktails. 525 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 654-1743. $$$ L D VIN’TIJ WINE BOUTIQUE & BISTRO ★
Seafood, salad, chef specials. Open daily 11 am–midnight. 10859 W. Emerald Coast Pkwy., #103, Miramar Beach. (850) 650-9820. $$ L D
ASIAN
BASMATI’S ASIAN CUISINE ★
Serving fresh seafood, sushi and vegetables on Scenic 30A for more than 20 years. 3295 W. County Hwy. 30A., Blue Mountain Beach. (850) 267-3028. $$$ L D
OSAKA ★
Known for its sushi but serves a variety of dishes, including chicken, steak and seafood. Lunch 11 am–2:30 pm, dinner 5–10:30 pm. 34845 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 650-4688 or (850) 650-4689. $$ L D
P.F. CHANG’S ★
Asian-influenced “farm to wok” chain offers madefrom-scratch dishes such as dim sum, sushi and Chinese food favorites. Mon, 11 am–9 pm; Tue–Thur, Sun 11 am–10 pm; Fri–Sat 11 am–11 pm, 640 Grand Blvd., Sandestin. (850) 269-1806. $$ L D
SUSHIMOTO ★
This creative sushi bar offers up a variety of rolls and Japanese fare. 12889 U.S. Hwy. 98, Ste. 103B, Miramar Beach. (850) 424-5977. $ D
THAI DELIGHTS
Traditional dishes in a casual atmosphere. Open daily 11 am–9 pm. 821 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 650-3945. $$ L D
THAI ELEPHANT AUTHENTIC
THAI CUISINE ★
Serving traditional Thai favorites that were voted the area’s best. 3906 Hwy 98, Ste. 5–6, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 660-6711. $ L D
BBQ
98 BAR-B-QUE ★
Award-winning barbecue, gumbo, sandwiches and salads in a casual atmosphere. Dine in, take out, catering. Mon–Sat 11 am–8 pm. 5008 Hwy. 98, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-0679. $ L D
BLUE MABEL ★
This local smokehouse features made-fromscratch dishes and is stocked with everything from smoked meats to homemade sauces. 2260 W. Scenic Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 744-0040. $$ L D
BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY
its French toast, rolled omelets and cheery ambiance. Open Tues–Sat 7 am–2 pm, Sun 8 am–2 pm. 2629 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach. (850) 230-0014. $$ L D
ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFÉ
Breakfast all day, plus sandwiches, patty melts, specials, soups, salads and desserts. Open daily 7 am–2 pm, closed Mondays. 979 E. Hwy. 98, #F, Destin (Also in Miramar Beach, Panama City, Pensacola, Sandestin and Grayton Beach). (850) 650-0499. $ B
BLACK BEAR BREAD CO. ★
Contemporary cafe for craft coffee, housebaked breads, pastries and sandwiches and all-day breakfast. 26 Logan Lane, Grayton Beach. (850) 213-4528. $ B L
BON APPETIT FRENCH BAKERY AND CAFE ★
Delicious made-from-scratch French pastries, croissants and crusty breads, along with soups, salads and sandwiches. 420 Mary Esther Cut Off NW, Fort Walton Beach. $ L
DONUT HOLE BAKERY CAFE ★
Eat breakfast all day with fresh-baked donuts and hearty comfort food. Open daily 6 am–10 pm. 635 Harbor Blvd., Destin (also in Inlet Beach and Santa Rosa Beach). (850) 837-8824. $ B
MAMA CLEMENZA’S EUROPEAN BREAKFAST
Old World family recipes. Multiple award winner. Brunch Wed–Sun 8 am–1 pm. 2273 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach. (850) 424-3157 and 8 am–1 pm on Sundays at 75 Eglin Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-0707. $$ B
DESSERT
BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH CREAMERY ★
Family-owned dessert shop serves delicious ice cream, yogurt and sorbet treats. 2129 S. County Hwy 83, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 278-6849. $
GREEK
AEGEAN RESTAURANT ★
Authentic Greek restaurant. Breakfast 8–11 am, lunch 11 am–4 pm, dinner 4–9 pm. 11225 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach (and Shalimar). (850) 460-2728. $$ B L D
ALA BABA GRILL CAFÉ
Casual spot for familiar Turkish and Greek recipes offered à la carte and at a buffet, plus beer and wine. 10 am–9 pm. 550 Mary Esther Cutoff, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 986-5555. L D
YIOTA’S GREEK DELI
Traditional Greek food made from family recipes. Order at counter. 10 am–5 pm. 130 E. Miracle Strip Pkwy., Mary Esther. (850) 302-0691. $ L
JOHNNY MCTIGHE’S IRISH PUB
Easygoing pub providing Irish and American eats, a game room for kids and deck seating. 11 am–2 am. 2298 Scenic Hwy. 30A, Blue Mountain Beach. (850) 267-0101. $$ L D
MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB ★
Burgers and pub grub and the famous 18-cent Senate Bean Soup. Open daily 11 am–2 am. 33 Hwy. 98, Destin (Also in Pensacola). (850) 650-0000. $$ L D
ITALIAN/PIZZA
AMICI 30A
Offering authentic Italian cuisine with a flair for celebration. Open daily 11 am–11 pm. 12805 U.S. Hwy. 98 E., Suite R101, Inlet Beach. (850) 909-0555. $$$ L D
ANGELINA’S PIZZA & PASTA
Authentic homemade pizza pie and Italian dishes in a casual atmosphere. Lunch and dinner daily 11 am–9:30 pm. 4005 E. Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach. (850) 231-2500. $ B L D
CLEMENZA’S UPTOWN ★
Classic Italian. Wood-fired pizza, private dining, cooking school. Multiple award winner. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 75 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-0707. $$ B L D
FAT CLEMENZA’S
Classic Italian. Wood-fired pizza, specialty desserts, fish Fridays. Multiple award winner. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat 5–9 pm. Holiday Plaza, Hwy. 98, Miramar Beach. (850) 650-5980. $$ L D
MIMMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO ★
Italian dishes. Open Mon–Fri 11 am–10 pm, Sat–Sun 5–10 pm. 979 Hwy. 98, #5, Destin. (850) 460-7353. $$ L D
PIZZA BY THE SEA ★
With an emphasis on fresh ingredients and a family-friendly environment, Pizza by the Sea offers handmade pizzas and other Italian favorites. Open daily 11 am–8 pm. Multiple locations. (850) 650-0015. $$ L D
PAZZO ITALIANO
Destin’s newest Italian restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine such as wood-fired pizzas, pasta, calzones, salads, chef specialties and nightly specials. Mon–Thur 11 am–9 pm, Fri 11 am–10 pm, Sat 4–10 pm, Sun 4–9 pm. 34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Suite 114, Destin. (850) 974-5484. $$ L D
THE PIZZA BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S
Artisan cheese, fresh salads, antipasto dishes, homemade soups, seasonal vegetables, hearty pastas and homemade wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Open daily from 11 am. 2236 E. County Rd. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-3113. $$ L D
TRATTORIA BORAGO
Pork tenderloin or pan-seared grouper from the open kitchen. Open daily from 6 pm. 80 E. Hwy. 30A, Grayton Beach. (850) 231-9167. $$ D
MEXICAN
BURRITO DEL SOL ★
This Mexican restaurant serves fresh Baja-style Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. 201-B Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 226-8016. $ L D
CANTINA LAREDO ★
A gourmet twist on Mexican favorites. Sun–Thurs 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am–11 pm. 585 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 654-5649. $$ B L D
THE TACO BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S
Baja fish tacos, homemade guacamole, burritos and top-shelf margaritas. Open daily from 11 am (in season). 2236 E. County Rd. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-4781. $$ L D
SEAFOOD
THE BAY SOUTH WALTON ★
This family-friendly waterfront restaurant overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay features Gulf Coast cuisine, sushi, a 12-draft beer system, plus wine and crafted cocktails. Open daily 11 am–9:30 pm. 24215 Hwy. 331, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-2291.$$ L D
BONEFISH GRILL ★
Fresh seafood in a casual atmosphere; family bundles now available for carryout. 4447 Commons Drive E., Destin. (850) 650-3161.
$$ L D
BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE ★
Gulf-to-table Southern cuisine. Open daily from 11 am. 414 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 424-7406. $$ L D
BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE & STEAMER
Fresh steamed and boiled seafood dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch. Destin Harbor, Destin. (850) 460-8900. $$$ B
BUD & ALLEY’S WATERFRONT
RESTAURANT ★
Sea-to-table dining, serving fresh seafood, steak and vegetarian dishes. Open daily from 8 am–10 pm. 2236 E. Hwy. 30A, Seaside. (850) 231-5900. $$$ L D
CAPT. ANDERSON’S RESTAURANT
Since 1967, offering traditional seafood items, flavorful salads and soups with a view of the marina. Open Mon–Fri at 4:30 pm, Sat–Sun at 4 pm. 5551 N. Lagoon Dr., Panama City Beach. (850) 234-2225. $$$ D
DEWEY DESTIN’S HARBORSIDE ★
Award-winning seafood in a quaint house. Open daily 11 am–8 pm. 202 Harbor Blvd., Destin. (850) 837-7525. $$$ L D
DEWEY DESTIN’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARKET ★
Outdoor setting, fresh seafood. Open 11 am–8 pm. 9 Calhoun Ave., Destin. (850) 837-7575. $$ B L D
THE FISH HOUSE ★
Fresh seafood cuisine and Southern specialties in a setting overlooking Pensacola Bay and the Seville Harbor. Open daily from 11 am. 600 S. Barracks St., Pensacola. (850) 470-0003. $$ L D
FOOW RESTAURANT
Southern coastal cuisine with an Asian flair. Open daily 5:30–10 pm. Located in the
Visit our comprehensive, searchable dining guide online at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/Restaurants.
WaterColor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 534-5050. $$$ D
HARBOR DOCKS
A surf-and-turf restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and great sushi. Open daily 5 am–11 pm. 538 E. Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2506. $$ B L D
JACKACUDA’S SEAFOOD & SUSHI
Seafood, sushi, salad and sandwiches. Open daily from 11 am. Sunday brunch at 10 am. 56 Harbor Blvd., HarborWalk Village, Destin. (850) 424-3507 and 36120 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 360-2909.
$$ L D
OLD BAY STEAMER ★
The perfect place for quality steamed seafood, outstanding steaks and incredible ribs. 102 Santa Rosa Blvd., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 664-2795. $$ D
RUNAWAY ISLAND
Crab, oysters and grouper sandwiches in a casual beach bar and grill with steps onto the sand. Open daily at 11 am. 14521 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach. (850) 634-4884. $$ L D
SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR ★
This seafood and casual fare restaurant features classic coastal cuisine and genuine Southern hospitality plus live music daily inside the panoramic bar. Open daily 11 am–9 pm. 1875 S. Hwy. 393, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 622-2733.
$$ L D
STINKY’S FISH CAMP ★
This seafood and wine mainstay promises Gulffresh fare. 5960 W. County Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 267-3053. $$ L D
STEAK & SEAFOOD
BEACH WALK CAFE
Located at the Henderson Park Inn, this award-winning fine dining establishment features a range of favorites including grouper Vince, pepper-crusted yellowfin tuna and seafood pasta Rockefeller. Open daily 5:30–9 pm. 2700 Scenic Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 650-7100. $$$ D
BIJOUX RESTAURANT & SPIRITS ★
Fine dining coastal cuisine with a New Orleans flair, Gulf seafood, prime steaks. Open daily 4–10 pm. The Market Shops, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., #22, Miramar Beach. (850) 622-0760. $$$ D
CAFE THIRTY-A ★
Offering the best in steaks and Gulf fare, Café Thirty-A is also available for weddings and special gatherings. Open daily 5–9:30 pm. 3899 E. Scenic Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach. (850) 231-2166. $$$ D
CAPTAIN DAVE’S ON THE GULF
Inspired by traditional waterfront dining, Captain Dave’s features American seafood cuisine infused with a contemporary Gulf Coast twist. Wed–Mon 4 pm–close. 3796 Scenic Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2627. $$$ D Locally inspired food and beverages in a beautiful waterfront setting, alongside a curated vinyl record collection. 284 Marler Ave., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 387-1300.
$$ L D
JACKSON’S STEAKHOUSE ★
High-end steakhouse cuisine with fine wines. Local seafood is hand-selected and artistically prepared to perfection. Lunch Wed–Fri 11 am–2 pm, dinner Mon–Sun 5 pm til. 400 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 469-9898. $$$ D
MARLIN GRILL ★
Seafood, steaks, salads and appetizers. Open nightly from 5 pm. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach. (850) 351-1990. $$$ D
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
Steak and seafood. New Orleans-inspired. Mon–Sat 5:30–10 pm, Sun 5:30–9 pm. Silver Shells Resort, 1500 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 337-5108. $$$ D
SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS
& SEAFOOD ★
Premium steak, fresh seafood and caviar. Open daily from 6 pm. Hilton Sandestin, 4000 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 622-1500. $$$ D
SLICK LIPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE
Family-friendly seafood spot located in The Village of Baytowne Wharf — with the freshest local Gulf-caught seafood and 1855 certified Angus steaks. Sun–Thur 11 am–9 pm; Fri–Sat 11 am–10 pm. 140 Fisherman’s Cove, Miramar Beach. (850) 347-5060.
$$ L D
TAKE OUT
30AGRUB2GO
Fast delivery of all the high-quality cuisine that 30A has to offer. Download their app on Google Play or the Apple Store, or visit 30agrub2go.com to get started. (850) 260-3139.
DESTIN ICE SEAFOOD MARKET
& DELI ★
Fresh fish and seafood items, pastas, salads and side dishes, Buckhead meats, decadent desserts, wines, cheeses, spices and more. Open daily 8 am–7 pm. 663 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 837-8333. $$ L D
JC'S GOURMET ★
A chilled mix of fresh shrimp, lime zest and vinegar-soaked cucumber, red onion and sweet pepper, this is shrimp ceviche-style. 4621 Highway 98 W., Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 687-2810
KETO KREATIONS ★
Low-carb, ketogenic baked goods for the dieting sweet tooth. 114 Logan Lane, Suite 2, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 517-6379. $$ MODICA MARKET ★
Find delicious lunch specials and brews at this gourmet specialty food store. 109 Seaside Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 231-1214. L
THE KEY
Best of the Emerald Coast 2020 Winner
The restaurants that appear in this guide are included as a service to readers and not as recommendations of the Emerald Coast Magazine editorial department, except where noted.
B L D Breakfast Lunch Dinner $ Outdoor Dining Live Music Inexpensive Moderately Expensive Expensive