What Is My Favorite Destin Restaurant?
There's just no way I could choose the one best Destin restaurant. There are too many good ones, and I've eaten at almost all of them at one time or another. Review your Destin dining experience at the bottom of this page. Destin offers some of the best dining in all of Florida, whether its Destin's world famous fresh seafood you're looking for, or any other fine cuisine, you won't be disappointed. Are you looking for upscale five-star dining? Are you looking for a family friendly environment that doesn't sacrifice on quality? Are you looking for a place to relax with friends in a T-shirt and shorts while sipping on a beer and throwing back some oysters?
Destin FL restaurants have it all and more! Each Destin restaurant offers something unique and pleasing to the soul. Whether you're looking for a rustic crab shack on the beach or elegant dining with uncomparable service, you'll find it in any of the local restaurants. Below I've put together my top five favorite restaurants in Destin. That's not to say that the others aren't as good, but I had to narrow it down a little. You can find other great restaurants below as well that may turn out to be in your top five.
My Top Five Destin Restaurants
The Back Porch (1740 Old Hwy. 98 E., Destin, 837-2022)
The Back Porch is one of those places you have to experience before your vacation ends. The casual atmosphere is lively and the seafood is great. Go with your family, take your kids, or go with a group of friends. I've been going there since I was a kid and now take my family. The restaurant sits just off the beach with a wonderful view of the gulf. Go early so you can beat the rush. You may have to wait a little with other hungry families that have been playing hard at the beach all day. Try their chargrilled Mahi Mahi. It's what I always order.
Click Here For a Map Showing The Back Porch.
Ocean Club (Hwy 98 West, Tops'l Resort (850) 267-3666)One of Destin's finer dining options is the Ocean Club, located just east of Sandestin as you turn into Tops'l Beach and Racquet Resort. It's a little more expensive and formal than your average Destin restaurant, but the atmosphere, service, and food are well worth the higher price. My wife and I ate there on our last Destin vacation and loved the quality service and good food. I'm a big steak lover, and the Ocean Club has some of the best steak for those looking for something other than seafood.
Donut Hole Bakery Cafe
The Donut Hole is my favorite place to eat breakfast. A good hardy breakfast is essential for a big day at the beach. The wait can be long(like every great place to eat in Destin), but it's worth the wait. Each location has a bakery as well. Try out their Key lime pie. You won't be disappointed. There are two locations to choose from, one in the heart of Destin and the other just east of Sandestin. I can't remember how many times I've eaten breakfast there, but each time I walked away full and content. Easily the best Destin restaurant to eat breakfast.
AJ's World Famous Seafood and Oyster Bar (850)837-1913
AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar is a local tradition popular with both locals and visitors. It's located on the Destin Harbor and provides great views of the gulf. Get there early and enjoy the great food while watching the beautiful sunset. The fun, relaxed atmosphere is ideal for both large families and groups looking for a good time. Of course, none of this would matter if the food wasn't good, but Aj's offers some of the best food available in Destin. I went there often with friends during college and continue to go there with my family now. Prices are very reasonable for the quality food and service.
Destin Chops (850) 654-4944
Destin Chops boasts itself as "The area’s only premier steak house" for good reason. I love to eat steak, even when Destin's world famous seafood is so prevalent, and Destin Chops' steak is the best I've had in Destin. Destin Chops offers fine dining at its best with a wonderful view of the Destin harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. The elegant dining room has a little more formal atmosphere than other Destin restaurants along the Emerald Coast, so it's a great place to treat your date. If you want seafood, don't worry, their seafood is excellent as well.
Map Showing The Location Of These Restaurants(Black Pins)
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