Destin Florida restaurants are out to impress one thing....the taste buds. From oyster bars and open air cafes to upscale dinings, Destin restaurants celebrate local seafood superstars with simple zest. Local fishing waters yield the freshest and largest variety of seafood in Florida (except the Keys) with at least 20 tasty types of fish available for eating during the different seasons. Whether blackened, broiled, steamed or butter soaked, gulf delicacies from red snapper and amberjack to tuna come straight from the harbor docks of the largest charter fishing fleet in the Florida.

For guests looking to dine at upscale restaurants while vacationing, the Destin Area offers various options for dining in style. Louisiana Lagniappe, earns rave reviews with its savory Seafood Lagniappe, pannéed fresh filet of grouper topped with lobster medallions and smothered in garlic beurre blanc and hollandaise sauce. Another tempting chic restaurant is Destin Chops, which offers an American menu with a piano bar that sets the mood. Rutherfords 465, located at the Regatta Bay Clubhouse, offers customers an award-winning menu while creating a unique ambiance with a spectacular view overlooking Lake Regatta.

The first Emerald Coast restaurant, Staff’s, is a 1913 barrel shaped warehouse adorned with original pressed-tin ceilings and various collectibles such as a 1914 cash register and an antiquated phonograph lamp. The Seafood Skillet, yellowfin tuna, shrimp, scallops and crabmeat stuffing broiled in melted butter and drizzled with cheese, is served with baskets of homemade wheat bread fresh-baked from Pop Staff’s 70-year-old secret recipe.

For an unforgettable dining experience, The Magnolia Grill, a true historic house from the 1910-era, is located just off the Okaloosa sound. Once guests step inside, they are immediately surrounded by local history including black and white photographs that tell the story of the ‘40s-era in Fort Walton Beach. With menu items from delectable appetizers to tantalizing entrees.

Attracting bikini-covered crowds, the Back Porch is a cedar-shingled seafood sensation with a sweeping sugar beach view. Its claim to fame is as the originator -- and most scrumptious supplier -- of the local favorite “fish dish,” chargrilled amberjack. Dangling along the bustling Destin docks of the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” tiki-topped AJ’s cooks an angler’s fresh catch straight off the line. From fried blue crab claws to spicy steamed shrimp, it’s also the perfect place to devour buckets of deep sea favorites.
The Lucky Snapper offers the best of both worlds with indoor and outdoor dining. Savor exotic specialties inside while enjoying a view of the Destin Harbor or enjoy a tasty burger and fries in the salty sea air while you soak up the sun and watch boats go by.

Angler’s Beachside Grill and Sports Bar, located near The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, serves sumptuous seafood creations. Choose from eating on the boardwalk and enjoying the breathtaking view to catching up on the latest sports happenings while watching one of two large screen TVs located in the sports bar.

Winner of Destin’s First Place Gumbo Award, Boathouse Oyster Bar is ironically best known for its colossal cheeseburgers. Located on the Harbor, the restaurant boasts a calming view with a brisk taste of flavor and savvy.