dining guide
Osaka Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Pandemic developments and social distancing policies and protocols may affect restaurant operations. Check websites for the latest information.
ARA ROOFTOP POOL & LOUNGE ★
menus. 4607 Legendary Marina Dr., Destin. (850) 710-5858. $$ L D
MAGNOLIA GRILL
Hotel Effie’s rooftop oasis offers panoramic Gulf views plus handcrafted cocktails and highend wines. 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach. (850) 351-3033. $$ L D
Steak, seafood, pasta, soups, salads and desserts. 157 SE Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 302-0266. $$ L D
BUFFALO’S REEF ★
Hot wings and cold beer. 116 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-9463. $ L D
Seafood, po’ boys, burgers and salads. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-7778. $ B L D
CLEAN EATZ ★
MARINA CAFÉ ★
MARINA BAR AND GRILL
sake bar. 117 W John Sims Pkwy, Niceville. (850) 678-0771. $$ L D
to-go for breakfast and lunch. 2217 W. County Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 267-0400. $$
DOMO CAFÉ ★
DONUT HOLE BAKERY CAFE ★
This Asian kitchen offers dozens of sushi options, including vegetarian, signature, fried and baked rolls. 1823 Hurlburt Road, #3, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 226-6412. $$ L D
DYNASTY CHINESE CUISINE ★
Eat breakfast all day with fresh-baked donuts and hearty comfort food. 635 Harbor Blvd., Destin (also in Inlet Beach and Santa Rosa Beach). (850) 837-8824. $ B
GOT BAKED ★
Whether gluten free, low carb, vegan, no sugar or dairy-free, this bakery has the right bite for any dietary restriction. 80 Mc Davis Loop #1110. Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 598-7438. $
Serving up diet-friendly meals to promote a healthy lifestyle. 1191B N. Eglin Pkwy., Shalimar. (850) 613-6880. $$ L D
Gourmet pizzas, Creole and American cuisine. 404 E. Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-7960. $$$ D
This family-owned restaurant serves up fresh authentic Chinese street fare and classic entrees. (850) 837-6675. 12889 U.S. 98, Miramar Beach. $$ L D
THE CRAFT BAR ★
NICK’S BOATHOUSE
Serving a wide variety of seafood, steaks and flatbreads by the waterfront. 455 W. Main St., Pensacola. (850) 912-8775. $$ L D
OSAKA ★
MAMA CLEMENZA’S EUROPEAN BREAKFAST
THAI ELEPHANT AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINE ★
SUNSET BAY CAFÉ
Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. 4424 Commons Dr., Destin. Also in Grayton Beach and Pensacola. (850) 460-7907. $$ L D
DHARMA BLUE
Atmosphere and service match an expansive menu including everything from sushi to pork tenderloin. 300 S. Alcaniz St., Pensacola. (850) 433-1275. $$ L D
DIXIELAND CHICKEN CO. ★
Authentic Creole-style fried chicken, walk-up and drive-thru only. 4629 Opa-Locka Lane, Destin. (850) 353-2464. $ L
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. 435 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 608-7040. $$$ L D
FIREFLY ★
Fresh Gulf seafood, steak, sushi and signature cocktails. 535 Richard Jackson Blvd., Panama City Beach. (850) 249-3359. $$$ D
GEORGE’S AT ALYS BEACH
Seafood, burgers and sandwiches. 30 Castle Harbour Dr., Alys Beach. (850) 641-0017. $$ L D
GREAT SOUTHERN CAFE ★
This all-day cafe puts a new spin on classic with a mix of international cuisines, Southern cooking and local food and produce. 83 Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 231-7327. $$ B L D
JACO’S BAYFRONT BAR & GRILLE
Waterfront restaurant serving burgers, salads, seafood and brunch daily. 997 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. (850) 432-5226. $$ L D
LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE ★
A taste of New Orleans hits the coast through Louisiana-style favorites like shrimp and grits and Cajun seafood gumbo. 775 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin. (850) 837-0881. $$ D
LULU’S
Lucy Buffett’s funky hangout features cocktails, burgers and seafood, plus allergy-friendly
96
December 2021-January 2022
OVIDE ★
Located inside the new Hotel Effie, acclaimed chef Hugh Acheson brings together classic Gulf Coast flavors and impeccable classic French technique. 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach. (850) 351-3030. $$$ D
Known for its sushi but serves a variety of dishes, including chicken, steak and seafood. 34845 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 650-4688 or (850) 650-4689. $$ L D
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
RESTAURANT PARADIS ★
BBQ
Restaurant and lounge offers rich coastal flavors in its innovative dishes. 82 S. Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach. (850) 534-0400. $$$ D
SHADES BAR & GRILL ★
A 30A mainstay for over 20 years, Shades features 17 high-def TVs plus a menu of salsas, steaks, sandwiches and fish tacos. 10952 E. Hwy. 30A, (850) 231-9410. $$ L D
SPORTS TO GEAUX ★
Find great American food with a Cajun flare from this food truck. Freeport. (850) 520-0429. $
THE BODACIOUS CAFÉ
This coffee house and eatery specializes in handcrafted espresso, lattes and cappuccinos. For breakfast, try their omelets and acai bowls; for lunch, salads, wraps and flatbread pizzas are on the menu. 407 S. Palafox St., Pensacola. $ B L
THE GROVE
Serving American cuisine for brunch and dinner. 3375 W. Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 660-1594. $$ L D
THE RED BAR ★
New and improved and now reopened; get classic meals at one of the area’s most renowned locations. 70 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach. (850) 231-1008. $$ L D
THE WINE BAR ★
A gathering spot for lunch or dinner, plus daily happy hour specials. Destin and Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 269-2902. L D
ASIAN BAMBOO SUSHI AND HIBACHI ★
Offering fresh Japanese cuisine like sushi, tempura and hibachi dishes, plus a EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
98 BAR-B-QUE ★
Award-winning barbecue, gumbo, sandwiches and salads in a casual atmosphere. Dine in, take out, catering. 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. $$ L D
CHIPPERS BBQ
This family-run barbecue joint offers an array of smoked treats like ribs, brisket, pork and chicken, plus steak, burgers, salads and pulled pork nachos. 4419 Commons Dr., #101, Destin. (850) 353-2753. $$ L D
BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY ANDY’S FLOUR POWER CAFE & BAKERY
Lively brunch/lunch destination known for its French toast, rolled omelets and cheery ambiance. 2629 Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach. (850) 230-0014. $$ L D
BLACK BEAR BREAD CO. ★
Contemporary cafe for craft coffee, housebaked breads, pastries and sandwiches and allday breakfast. 26 Logan Lane, Grayton Beach. (850) 213-4528. $ B L
BLUE MOUNTAIN BAKERY ★
Featuring catering, sweet treats as well as meals-
Old World family recipes. Multiple award winner. 273 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach. (850) 424-3157, 75 Eglin Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. (850) 243-0707. $$ B Casual and outdoor dining overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, featuring locally sourced ingredients and sustainable seafood. 158 Sandestin Blvd. N. (850) 267-7108. $$ B L D
DESSERT KONA ICE OF SOUTH WALTON COUNTY ★
This shaved ice truck spreads smiles one frozen treat at a time. Main St., Freeport. (850) 567-5057. $
FRENCH BAY CAFE FRENCH RESTAURANT ★
Step out on the bay for authentic European cuisine, featuring fresh local seafood and decadent creme sauces. 233 Alconese Ave. SE, Fort Walton Beach. (850) 244-3550. $$ L D
GREEK AEGEAN RESTAURANT ★
Authentic Greek restaurant. 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. 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. 130 E. Miracle Strip Pkwy., Mary Esther. (850) 302-0691. $ L
IRISH JOHNNY MCTIGHE’S IRISH PUB
Easygoing pub providing Irish and American
PHOTO BY ALISSA ARYN PHOTOGRAPHY
AMERICAN
