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 checkered 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.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. 780 Grand Blvd., Ste. 100, Miramar Beach. (850) 837-3095. GrimaldisPizzeria.com. $$

3. LULU’S

Lulu’s guarantees that you will leave with a full belly, a happy heart and many memories. Lulu’s celebrates the South with tasty seafood gumbo, live music and plenty of fun for the whole family including rope climbing and beach access. Lulu’s, “Where Life is Good and Lunch Lasts Forever.” Open 11 a.m. daily. 4607 Legendary Marina Drive, Destin. (850) 710-5858. $$

4. OVIDE

Former Top Chef competitor and judge, cookbook author and James Beard Award-winning Chef Hugh Acheson showcases his culinary expertise at Ovide, the premier fine dining spot at Hotel Effie Sandestin. Open for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner, Ovide marries traditional Gulf Coast flavor with timeless French cooking techniques for stunning dishes sure to satisfy. Open daily 7–11 a.m. for breakfast, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. for lunch, 5–10 p.m. for dinner and Saturday and

Sunday 11 a.m.–2 p.m. for brunch.

1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 351-3030. $$$

5. 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) $

6. PIZZA BY THE SEA

Grab a slice at our new location in The Market Shops along U.S. 98 in 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 gluten-free pizza. Highway 98 and Sandestin Blvd. (850) 650-0015. $$

7. 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, and offering an all day lounge menu from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. (850) 267-9500 Ext. 43. $$

8.

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 8 a.m.–2 p.m. 158 Sandestin Blvd. N. in the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. (850) 267-7108. SunsetBayCafeSandestin.com $$

9. 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. $$

10. THE BEACH HOUSE

You can enjoy lunch and dinner on the Gulf, just steps away from Hilton Sandestin Beach. The coastal shabby chic decor echoes the beautiful colors of the sand, water and sky that can be seen from any seat in the house. Local seafood is the centerpiece of the menu, which also includes small plates. Or come as you are and enjoy casual dining on the restaurant’s expansive deck. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. 4009 S. Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 608-6300. TheBeachHouseSD.com. $$

Asian

11. 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 daily, 5–10 p.m. $$

12. 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

13. CAPT. DAVE’S ON THE GULF

Capt. Dave’s serves up fried, grilled and broiled fi sh, shellfi sh, steaks and chicken, with seasonal specialties. Full bar. Open 4 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. 3796 Scenic Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2627. $$

14. 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 $$

15. O’QUIGLEY’S SEAFOOD STEAMER

Locally owned and operated, O’Quigley’s offers seafood steamed, blackened, fried or sauteed seafood to go along with its prime-cut steaks and award-winning 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., Ste. 101. (850) 837-1015, OQuigleysSeafoodSteamer.com $$

16. 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 fi sh 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. $$

Steak And Seafood

17. 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 opentheater kitchen, tableside preparations and a wine list with over 600 labels. Open for dinner at 5:30 p.m. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. (850) 622-1500. $$$

18. 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 $$$

19. 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

20. 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. $$$

$ Inexpensive

$$ Moderately Expensive

$$$ Expensive