Everyone who visits Destin asks the same question: "Where should we eat seafood?" The tourist answer is wherever has the biggest sign on Hwy 98. The local answer? Read on.
We've hosted hundreds of guests at our rental properties on Scenic Highway 98, and these are the restaurants we personally recommend. No paid placements, no sponsorships — just places we eat at ourselves and send every guest to.
The Best of the Best
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
Right on Destin Harbor with one of the biggest outdoor decks in town. The raw oysters are impeccable, the fried grouper sandwich is legendary, and the shrimp & grits might be the best dish in Destin. Live music most evenings adds to the atmosphere without drowning out conversation.
Host tip: Make a reservation for sunset. Walk-ins face 60-90 minute waits in summer.
Dewey Destin's Seafood
A Destin institution since 1985. This place is built literally over the harbor — and the food is as honest as the setting. Paper plates, no pretense, some of the freshest Gulf fish you'll eat anywhere. The char-grilled amberjack is the move. Two locations: the Harborwalk (cash only, more character) and the newer Hwy 98 spot (cards accepted, family-friendly).
Host tip: Go to the original Harborwalk location. Bring cash. Order the amberjack.
The Back Porch
Open since 1974, The Back Porch is one of the few restaurants in Destin where you literally have your feet in the sand. The signature seasoning on their char-grilled grouper and amberjack is something you'll dream about when you get home. Not the fanciest spot — that's the point.
Host tip: Go for lunch to avoid peak dinner wait. Sit downstairs on the sand level.
Upscale Seafood
Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi
The best place for elevated seafood on the harbor. Creative sushi rolls, the yellowfin tuna nachos are a can't-miss appetizer, and the lobster roll competes with anything in New England. Great cocktail program. A more polished vibe than most harbor spots — good for date night.
Host tip: Sit on the second-floor patio for harbor views. Happy hour 3-6 PM.
Emeril's Coastal Italian at Grand Boulevard
Yes, that Emeril. His Miramar Beach outpost blends Italian cooking with Gulf seafood — think grilled Gulf fish with lemon-caper butter, handmade pasta with shrimp and pancetta. It's a splurge, but the quality is genuinely special. 15 minutes east of Destin.
Host tip: Get the redfish on the half shell if it's on the specials board.
Our rentals have full kitchens — cook your own catch from the Destin Harbor fish market.
Crystal Shores • Full Kitchen + GrillCasual & Family-Friendly
Pompano Joe's
Caribbean-inspired seafood right on Hwy 98 with Gulf views. The coconut shrimp is excellent, the jerk fish tacos are a crowd favorite, and the frozen rum punch is dangerously good. The vibe is colorful, lively, and kid-friendly. Great spot for sunset.
Host tip: Ask for a table on the upper deck — best sunset views on 98.
McGuire's Irish Pub
Not strictly a seafood joint, but their Senate Bean Soup is famous, the steaks are excellent, and the atmosphere is one-of-a-kind — dollar bills stapled to every surface, an in-house brewery, and a lively energy. Kids love the spectacle. Get the Irish Wake dessert.
Host tip: Arrive early (before 5:30 PM) or expect 45-60 min wait. No reservations.
Quick Tips for Dining in Destin
- Reservations: Make them for any sit-down dinner in summer, especially waterfront spots. Use OpenTable or call directly.
- Happy hours: Many restaurants have stellar 3-6 PM happy hours with discounted apps and drinks. This is the local move.
- Freshest fish: Ask your server what came in today. Gulf fish is often caught that morning.
- Avoid the chains: Destin has amazing independent restaurants. Skip the Applebees and Red Lobster — you're on the Gulf.
- Seafood market: Buy fresh fish at the harbor and cook at your rental. Sexton's Seafood on the harbor sells straight-off-the-boat catches daily.
All these restaurants are 5-15 minutes from our Hwy 98 properties. Book direct and save.
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