The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Destin, FL
Destin is a city in Florida’s Panhandle that has a coast on three sides. Therefore, fresh fish and seafood are plentiful in this city. Local restaurants take advantage of this fresh supply of ingredients, and many of them specialize in serving seafood. If you are a fan of seafood, you will find seafood restaurants in Destin to suit all budgets and tastes. The following are the 10 best seafood restaurants in Destin.
10. Louisiana Lagniappe
Established in 1984 in the Sandpiper Cove condominiums, Louisiana Lagniappe is one of the best seafood restaurants if you are out for lunch. One of the top choices from the menu is the red lobster, as this is a dish that former diners have hailed as outstanding. However, it doesn’t matter which of the seafood dishes you choose from the menu as they are all cooked to perfection. Every dish is beautifully presented and served with a house salad as an accompaniment. In addition to the seafood options, there are also vegetarian and gluten-free options as they cater to a variety of dietary needs.
9. O’Quigley’s Seafood Steamer & Oyster Sports Bar
One of the top places to enjoy oysters in Destin is O’Quigley/’s Seafood Steamer & Oyster Sports Bar. However, oysters are far from the only seafood option on the menu, as there is a vast array of seafood and fish dishes from which you can choose. This sports bar is also an excellent place to relax with a drink and to enjoy live sports on the bar’s televisions while you dine. They serve both imported and local beers, and there are some meat dishes on the menu for meat lovers. This restaurant is comfortable with a relaxed vibe and friendly staff.
8. LuLu’s Destin
Located along Legendary Marina Drive, LuLu’s Destin has a fun and casual vibe. It is a waterside restaurant directly on the beach, so your children can play on the sand while you wait for your food. The live music adds to the overall ambiance of this eatery as guests are entertained as they dine. The menu consists of American seafood dishes that are created using locally sourced ingredients. Another reason to choose this restaurant is the friendly service, that has been praised by those who have dined at this establishment.
7. Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House
Real Joy lists Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House as one of the top seafood restaurants in Destin, FL. This restaurant is located on Harbor Boulevard, which means that you can enjoy panoramic views of Destin Harbor as you eat your meal. The views are best from the outside eating area, which features a tiered deck. In terms of the food, the highlight of a visit to this eatery is the oyster bar.
6. Gilligan’s Seafood
The views of the Emerald Coast are one of the best parts of enjoying a meal at Gilligan’s Seafood. A family-friendly restaurant, this eatery serves a vast array of fish and seafood that is sourced locally. They also use some unusual ingredients in their seafood dishes that make them unique. The extensive and varied menu also includes meat options, sandwiches, tacos, soups, salads, and burgers. Therefore, there is something on the menu to suit everyone in your party. You will find this restaurant along Harbor Boulevard.
5. Brotulas Restaurant
A great place to dine out as a family is Brotulas Restaurant, which is a casual and family-friendly eatery on Harbor Boulevard, Destin. The waterfront dining is best enjoyed from the outdoor eating area to take advantage of the warm climate and the stunning water views. An unusual feature of this restaurant is that they will allow you to bring your own fish or seafood and cook it for you for a fee. The menu predominantly consists of regional seafood dishes, although there are a couple of meat options for those who are not fans of seafood.
4. The Back Porch
Serving seafood sourced from the Gulf is a priority at The Back Porch. It has been open since 1974, and it has established an excellent reputation among the locals. The specialty of the restaurant is the chargrilled amberjack, which is a dish that this restaurant claims to have invented. Diners enjoy the stunning views and the relaxed ambiance while they dine.
3. Captain Dave’s On the Gulf
Both tourists and locals love visiting Captain Dave’s On the Gulf. They serve American seafood cuisine, and some of the dishes have a Gulf Coast twist. The seafood is cooked in various ways, including fried, broiled, blackened, and grilled. Although the delicious food is a big attraction, the waterfront location of this restaurant is another reason why diners choose to eat at this establishment.
2. The Crab Trap Destin
The Crab Trap Destin is one of the busiest seafood restaurants in Destin, which is hardly surprising considering the quality of the food and its location at the Gulf-side beach. It is equally good for a date night as it is for a family meal as the ambiance is nice enough for romance, but there is a children’s menu to cater for diners of all ages. There is a combination of crowd-pleasing dishes, such as fried fish fingers, alongside internationally-inspired dishes that are full of exotic flavors. Diners have praised the customer service at this venue.
1. Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant
According to Trip 101, the best seafood restaurant in Destin is Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant. The specialties at this restaurant include the seared grouper and the sesame-crusted seared tuna. The rest of the varied menu consists of American classics and local cuisine. There are gluten-free options on the menu for those who are gluten intolerant. In addition to the seafood options, there are also some chicken dishes on the menu, and guests say that you should try the desserts.