Best Places to Eat in Destin, Florida – From Dockside Bites to Fine Coastal Dining 🍤🍹🌊
- michael7561
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Plus Must-Do Boat and Tiki Adventures with 30APontoonRental.com, 30AYachtCharters.com & IslandTimeTiki.com
Nestled on Florida’s stunning Emerald Coast, Destin is not only known for its powder-white beaches and crystal-clear water — it’s also a serious food lover’s paradise. Whether you're craving ultra-fresh seafood, a casual beachside burger, or a candlelit waterfront dinner, Destin’s food scene offers something for every taste and vibe.
Here’s a guide to the best places to eat in Destin, plus a few unforgettable adventures you’ll want to book while you’re in town — like pontoon rides to Crab Island, sunset yacht charters, and floating tiki bar cruises from local favorites 30APontoonRental.com, 30AYachtCharters.com, and IslandTimeTiki.com.
🐟 1. Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant – Waterfront & Classic
Owned by descendants of the city’s founder, this no-frills dockside gem serves up freshly caught Gulf seafood with unbeatable views. Try the fried shrimp basket or grilled grouper, and enjoy it with a cold drink while watching the boats cruise by.
Pro Tip: Arrive by water after renting a pontoon from 30APontoonRental.com — many people dock here for lunch during a Crab Island day!
🍹 2. Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House – Southern Coastal Vibes
This upscale-casual spot is known for its fresh oysters, seafood towers, and Southern coastal flair. Grab a table on the deck for sunset views over the harbor, live music, and top-tier cocktails.
The perfect place to eat before or after a sunset cruise with 30AYachtCharters.com.
🌮 3. Harbor Docks – Local Favorite Since 1979
Locally owned and loved, Harbor Docks serves some of the freshest sushi and seafood in the area, with much of it coming straight from their own boats. It’s laid-back, delicious, and perfect for families or date night.
Book a floating tiki tour with IslandTimeTiki.com, then walk up to Harbor Docks afterward for post-cruise drinks and dinner.
🐠 4. The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House – Beachfront Classic
This longtime Destin favorite offers beachfront dining with a laid-back vibe. Go for the Amberjack sandwich or peel-and-eat shrimp, and enjoy beach views with your toes in the sand.
Come here after a morning cruise or before heading out on a pontoon rental from 30APontoonRental.com.
🍔 5. McGuire’s Irish Pub – Steakhouse Meets Pub Energy
It’s quirky, it’s loud, it’s delicious — McGuire’s is a Destin must. Famous for its $0.18 Senate Bean Soup, perfectly cooked steaks, and walls lined with over a million signed dollar bills, this spot is a guaranteed good time.
A fun dinner stop after a day out on the Gulf with 30AYachtCharters.com.
🍕 6. Merlin’s Pizza – Quick, Casual, Delicious
Need something fast, filling, and family-friendly? Merlin’s is your go-to. Their crust is perfectly crisp, the toppings are generous, and it’s ideal to take back to your condo or beach house after a long day of sun and salt.
Grab a pizza to-go and enjoy it on your pontoon ride or sunset cruise with IslandTimeTiki.com.
7. Louisiana Lagniappe – Upscale Seafood in a Romantic Setting
Tucked away in Sandpiper Cove, this fine dining favorite serves Creole-inspired seafood in a cozy, upscale atmosphere. Don’t miss the Grouper Pontchartrain or their famous seafood gumbo.
An excellent choice for couples after a sunset yacht charter with 30AYachtCharters.com.
🍹 Don’t Just Eat… Float, Cruise & Celebrate
Why settle for just dining when you can turn your day into an adventure? Pair your favorite Destin meal with these unforgettable on-the-water experiences:
Cruise to Crab Island on a double-decker pontoon with slides
Explore the bay, dolphin-watch, or anchor at your favorite beach
Great for families, parties, and relaxing in style
Book a private yacht for sunset cruises, full-day trips, or special occasions
Celebrate birthdays, engagements, or just live the good life in style
BYOB floating tiki bar tours with Bluetooth music and laid-back vibes
Ideal for bachelorette parties, birthday trips, or just fun with friends
✨ Final Thoughts
In Destin, great food is always just around the corner—and even better when paired with a day on the water. Whether you’re grabbing oysters by the harbor, sipping cocktails with your crew on a floating tiki boat, or watching the sun dip below the Gulf from your yacht, Destin serves up unforgettable meals and moments.
So book your table. Book your boat. And get ready for the ultimate Emerald Coast dining experience.
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