Exploring the Culinary Scene in Destin, Florida: Where to Eat

Introduction

Destin, Florida is known for its stunning beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and abundance of activities. But it’s also a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of restaurants offering everything from fresh seafood to unique ethnic cuisine. To help you explore the culinary scene in Destin, we interviewed local chefs and restaurateurs to find the best spots to eat.

Interview Local Chefs and Restaurateurs on their Favorite Restaurants in Destin, Florida

We asked some of the most well-known chefs and restaurateurs in Destin, Florida to share their favorite places to eat. Here’s who we spoke to and what they said.

Chef Jody Adams is the owner and executive chef of The Fish House, an award-winning seafood restaurant located on the harbor in Destin. He recommends The Back Porch, a casual seafood restaurant with a great view of the harbor. He also suggests trying Crab Island Cantina for its signature margaritas and tacos.

Chef Johnny Vee owns Vee’s Italian Restaurant, a popular spot for classic Italian dishes. He recommends La Paz Mexican Grill & Cantina for its authentic Mexican cuisine and flavorful margaritas. He also suggests Harry T’s Lighthouse Restaurant for its fresh seafood and waterfront views.

Restaurateur Mary Smith is the owner of Mary’s Bistro, a charming French bistro located in Destin’s historic district. She recommends Boathouse Oyster Bar for its oysters, burgers, and creative cocktail menu. She also suggests Dewey Destin’s Harbor Restaurant for its fresh seafood, steaks, and waterfront views.

Create a List of the Top Ten Most Popular Restaurants in Destin, Florida

Based on the recommendations from our interviewees, we compiled a list of the top ten most popular restaurants in Destin, Florida. We selected these restaurants based on the following criteria: quality of food, service, atmosphere, and customer reviews.

1. The Fish House: This award-winning seafood restaurant is owned and operated by Chef Jody Adams. The menu features classic seafood dishes such as shrimp and grits, fish tacos, and cioppino. The restaurant also offers a raw bar and an extensive wine list.

2. La Paz Mexican Grill & Cantina: This authentic Mexican restaurant offers a variety of flavorful dishes, including homemade tamales, fajitas, and enchiladas. The restaurant also features an extensive tequila selection, as well as specialty margaritas and cocktails.

3. Harry T’s Lighthouse Restaurant: Located on the harbor, this waterfront restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes. The menu features classics such as crab cakes, grilled mahi-mahi, and shrimp scampi. The restaurant also offers a full bar and live music.

4. Boathouse Oyster Bar: This casual seafood restaurant is located on the harbor. The menu includes favorites such as oysters Rockefeller, fried shrimp, and lobster rolls. The restaurant also offers an extensive beer and wine list.

5. Dewey Destin’s Harbor Restaurant: This waterfront restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, as well as steaks, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant also features a full bar and live music.

6. Mary’s Bistro: This charming French bistro is owned and operated by Restaurateur Mary Smith. The menu features classic French dishes such as steak frites, bouillabaisse, and croque monsieur. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list.

7. Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer: This popular seafood restaurant is located on the harbor. The menu features dishes such as blackened redfish, grilled salmon, and pan-seared scallops. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list.

8. Harbor Docks: This waterfront restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, as well as steaks, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant also features a full bar and live music.

9. Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi: This popular seafood restaurant offers a variety of sushi, as well as grilled fish, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of sake and craft beers.

10. AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar: This waterfront restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes. The menu features classics such as oysters Rockefeller, shrimp scampi, and crab cakes. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list.

Explore the Local Seafood Scene in Destin, Florida

One of the best things about dining in Destin, Florida is the abundance of fresh seafood. From grouper to shrimp to oysters, the area is home to some of the freshest seafood in the country. Here are some tips for finding the freshest seafood in town.

First, look for restaurants that specialize in seafood. These types of restaurants typically source their seafood locally, so you can be sure that you’re getting the freshest catch of the day. Second, ask your server or the chef about the daily specials. Many restaurants have daily specials that feature the freshest catches of the day. Finally, ask around to find out where the locals go for the freshest seafood. Locals know the best spots in town, so they’re a great resource for finding the freshest seafood.

Highlight the Unique Flavors at Different Ethnic Restaurants in Destin, Florida

Destin, Florida is home to a variety of ethnic restaurants, each with its own unique flavors and ingredients. Here are some of the top spots to try something new.

For Mexican cuisine, head to La Paz Mexican Grill & Cantina. The restaurant serves up authentic Mexican dishes, including tamales, fajitas, and enchiladas. For Italian cuisine, check out Vee’s Italian Restaurant. The restaurant serves classic Italian dishes, including lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, and eggplant parmesan. For Asian cuisine, try Zen Asian Fusion. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional and modern Asian dishes, including sushi, ramen, and pad thai.

Tour the Beachfront Dining Spots in Destin, Florida

Destin, Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. So it’s no surprise that there are plenty of beachfront dining spots to choose from. Here are some of the top spots to enjoy a meal with a view.

The Back Porch is a casual seafood restaurant with a great view of the harbor. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Another popular spot is Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer. The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, as well as steaks, salads, and sandwiches. For a more upscale experience, try Dewey Destin’s Harbor Restaurant. The restaurant features a full bar and live music, as well as a variety of seafood dishes, steaks, and salads.

Share Tips for Finding Hidden Gems in Destin, Florida’s Culinary Scene

If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, here are some tips for finding hidden gems in Destin, Florida’s culinary scene.

First, ask around. Talk to the locals to find out where they go for a good meal. They may be able to point you in the direction of some lesser-known restaurants. Second, explore the back streets. Many of the best restaurants are tucked away in side streets and alleyways. So take a stroll and see what you can find. Finally, don’t be afraid to try something new. Even if it’s not what you’re used to, you never know what kind of delicious surprises you might find.

Conclusion

Destin, Florida is home to a vibrant culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering everything from fresh seafood to unique ethnic cuisine. From interviews with local chefs and restaurateurs, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten most popular restaurants in the area. We’ve also explored the local seafood scene, highlighted the unique flavors at different ethnic restaurants, and toured the beachfront dining spots. Finally, we’ve shared tips for finding hidden gems in Destin, Florida’s culinary scene. Whether you’re looking for a casual seafood dinner or an upscale dining experience, Destin, Florida has something to offer everyone.