7 minute read
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. COWGIRL KITCHEN
A go-to spot for fresh, casual and creative food, including handmade gourmet pizzas, drunken shrimp tacos, an affordable wine list, draft beer and great company. Happy hour 3–5 p.m. Open 8 a.m.–9 p.m., 54 Main St., Rosemary Beach. (850) 213-0058. $$
3. GRIMALDI’S COAL BRICK-OVEN PIZZERIA
From its red-and-white checked tablecloths to its list of red and white wines, Grimaldi’s is every bit the Little Italy pizzeria. Start your meal with bruschetta or another of the restaurant’s delicious appetizers, move on to one of the chef’s specialty pizzas or a calzone and then finish it all off with a glass of cabernet and a slice of tiramisu. Open Sun–Thur: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri–Sat, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. 780 Grand Boulevard, Ste. 100, Miramar Beach. (850) 837-3095. grimaldispizzeria.com. $$
4. 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 personal pan pizzas, fried chicken, Edy’sTM ice cream treats, soft serve yogurt and much more. (850) 267-9500. Ext. 3179. (Open Seasonally) $
5. 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. $$
6. SANDCASTLES RESTAURANT
Located within Hilton Sandestin Beach, Sandcastles is known for its lavish breakfast buffets. Serving coastal cuisine, Sandcastles is also open daily for lunch and dinner. Open daily 7–11 a.m. for breakfast, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. for lunch and 5–9 p.m. (850) 267-9500 Ext. 43. $$
7. 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 $$
8. SURF HUT
Cowabunga y’all! This Gulf-front, family friendly “shack” has plenty of casual seafood favorites on the menu, as well as shish kabobs, ribs and sandwiches. And if your thirst’s up when the surf’s up, the restaurant also features an extensive menu of frozen drinks and other libations. 551 Scenic Gulf Drive, Destin. (850) 460-7750. surfhutdestin.com. $$
ASIAN 9. 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. $$
10. OSAKA DESTIN
Located in the heart of Destin on Emerald Coast Parkway, we feature over 18 hibachi tables and an expansive sushi and bar area. We are family-friendly and able to accommodate large groups on vacation, but we are also a destination for wedding rehearsal dinners and receptions. Get ready to enjoy our fresh sushi as our seafood is brought into the restaurant daily from just minutes away at the Destin Harbor. 34745 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin. (850) 650-4688. $$
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. $$
12. DEWEY DESTIN’S
Voted Best of the Emerald Coast in 2020, these family-owned old Florida fish houses are known for their fresh, sustainable seafood. Enjoy fast-casual seafood dining, or visit their more traditional Harborside restaurant. Hours vary. Three locations: 9 Calhoun Ave. (850) 837-7575; 8673 Navarre Pkwy (850) 710-7070; and (Harborside) 202 Harbor Blvd. (850) 837-7525. DestinSeafood.com $$
13. O’QUIGLEY’S SEAFOOD STEAMER
Locally owned and operated, O’Quigley’s offers seafood steamed, blackened, fried or sautéed seafood to go along with its prime-cut steaks and awardwinning gumbo. Need to watch the game? O’Quigley’s has 64 TVs and four 16-foot HD projection TVs spread through its patio, party room and main dining room. 34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Suite 101. (850) 837-1015, OQuigleysSeafoodSteamer.com $$
14. SLICK LIPS
Derived from the nickname given to Amberjack, the game fish with no teeth, Slick Lips is a family-friendly seafood and oyster house featuring fresh local Gulf
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Scenic Hwy. 98
seafood and 1855 Certified Angus Steaks. Sun.–Thur. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m. –10 p.m. The Village At Baytowne Wharf. (850) 347-5060. SlickLipsSeafood.com $$
15. 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, 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. $$
16. THE OCEAN CLUB
A tradition since 1989, the Ocean Club offers Gulf seafood and steaks in a fine dining atmosphere. It’s also known for its extensive wine list, live entertainment and a two-for-one early dining menu. Open for dinner daily at 5 p.m. 8955 U.S. Hwy. 98 W., Miramar Beach. (850) 267-3666. $$$
17. VUE ON 30A
Serving fresh seafood in a fine dining experience that showcases one of the most panoramic dining experiences on the Gulf. Vue offers a fresh approach to dining with delicious menus thoughtfully designed by a culinary team of experts. Open Tues.–Sat.; Lunch, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Dinner 5–9 p.m.; Sunday Brunch, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 4801 County Highway 30A W., Santa Rosa Beach. (850) 267-2305. Vueon30a.net. $$$
STEAK AND SEAFOOD 18. SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD
Located at Hilton Sandestin Beach, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood is Northwest Florida’s only AAA Four Diamond-rated steakhouse. Experience fine dining at Seagar’s, featuring an open theatre kitchen, tableside preparations and a wine list with over 600 labels. Open for dinner at 6 p.m. Bar opens at 5:30 p.m. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. (850) 622-1500. $$$
19. BIJOUX
A full service fine dining restaurant, Bijoux features coastal French cuisine 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 $$$
20. MARINA CAFE
Destin’s most awarded restaurant, we are all about sensational food, attentive service and breathtaking harbor views from our candlelit dining rooms. Relax and enjoy our extensive wine collection with over 100 wines. We feature Creole and American cuisine, including fresh daily seafood, USDA prime steaks, pastas, sushi and wood-fired pizzas. Open daily 5–10 p.m. 404 E. Hwy 98, Destin. (850) 837-7960. $$$
21. 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. $$$
22. THE BACK PORCH SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE
Established in 1974, the Back Porch has long been known as one of the best seafood restaurants on the Gulf coast. With daily deliveries of seafood, your meal is sure to be both fresh and delicious. Open daily from 11 a.m. Two locations. Destin: 1740 Scenic Hwy. 98, (850) 837-2022; Panama City Beach: 16220 Front Beach Road, Pier Park, (850) 233-1750. theback-porch.com. $$$
SPECIALTY 23. 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. $84.50 per person ages 11+, $45 for children ages 3–10 and $20 for infants ages 0–2 (no meal). (850) 650-2519. sunquestcruises.com. $$$
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