Destin, Florida, famously known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” is a haven for fresh seafood and so much more. As a Destin local and food enthusiast, I’m excited to share my insider tips on where to find the most delicious Food In Destin, steering you clear of typical tourist traps and towards truly exceptional dining experiences. While Destin’s Gulf-front location guarantees incredible fresh catches like shrimp and grouper, the culinary scene here is wonderfully diverse, boasting everything from authentic Thai and Italian flavors to zesty Mexican and hearty Irish fare. If you’re wondering where to eat in Destin, prepare your taste buds for a treat as we explore some of the best restaurants this vibrant coastal city has to offer.
Harbor Docks: Destin’s Premier Destination for Sushi and Seafood
Harbor Docks is my top recommendation when anyone asks about sushi in Destin. Their Backdown roll is a must-try – a flavorful combination of shrimp, cream cheese, tempura, cucumber, and spicy sauce, beautifully topped with tuna, avocado, and crab salad. Surprisingly, they also serve my absolute favorite Pad Thai in town! I fondly remember a lunch outing with my husband; we cycled here and enjoyed our meal on their patio, captivated by the harbor views. Harbor Docks quickly cemented itself as one of our cherished Destin food experiences.
The Local Market: Your Go-To for Breakfast and Lunch Food in Destin
For a relaxed and flavorful start to your day or a midday bite, The Local Market is unbeatable. This charming spot offers a fantastic breakfast menu featuring avocado toast, a honey butter chicken biscuit, a hearty breakfast burrito, and many other delightful options. Lunchtime brings a selection of freshly made sandwiches, with their Cubano being a standout. However, you can’t go wrong with the Italiano or the Turkey Avocado either. Beyond the delicious food, The Local Market has a wonderful community feel, inviting you to dine indoors or at their picnic tables outside. Adding to its charm are shelves stocked with gourmet products like jams and jellies, alongside refrigerated cases filled with fresh juices, beers, and convenient grab-and-go items. It’s a unique blend of a restaurant and market, offering something for every palate seeking quality food in Destin.
La Paz: Experience the Best Taco Tuesday Food in Destin
Craving Mexican food in Destin? La Paz is a fantastic choice any day, but it truly shines on Taco Tuesday! Their special street tacos, available with chicken, steak, or pork, are a steal. I usually opt for one of each, with the chicken possibly edging out as my favorite. Exploring their regular menu, I highly recommend the fish tacos, Caribbean shrimp quesadilla, and bacon-wrapped shrimp. La Paz prides itself on sourcing fresh fish daily from Harbor Docks Seafood Market and shrimp from the Amison family in nearby Appalachicola, ensuring top-quality ingredients for their Destin food offerings.
Don’t miss their exceptional margaritas, crafted with fresh squeezed citrus and 100% agave tequilas and mezcals. The blood orange margarita is particularly refreshing and delicious. La Paz is a popular local spot – on our last visit, we ran into friends at multiple tables, a testament to its local appeal for great food in Destin.
Burrito del Sol: Quick and Delicious Baja-Style Mexican Food in Destin
Burrito del Sol, a family-owned and operated gem, serves up incredible Baja-Style Mexican food, especially their fish and shrimp tacos! Their build-your-own menu lets you customize your meal with choices of tortilla (or lettuce or chips), protein, and style (baja, chipotle, southwest, BBQ). Everything is bursting with fresh flavor thanks to their homemade salsas, guacamole, seasonings, and sauces. With ever-changing daily specials, there’s always something new to try in their fun and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for casual food in Destin.
East Pass Coffee Co: The Cutest Coffee Shop for Your Caffeine Fix in Destin
East Pass Coffee Co. is a charming family-owned café perfect for your coffee cravings and light bites. Must-try drinks include their Vietnamese Cold Brew, Sunbum Cold Brew, and the Coco for Mocha, a signature blend of coffee, mocha creamer, and coconut syrup. Offering both great brews and bites, East Pass Coffee Co. is an ideal spot to relax, catch up with friends, and enjoy delightful food in Destin. Their new, larger location, opened in January 2024, features an expanded menu, beer & wine options, and more seating both indoors and outdoors.
Mimmo’s: Experience Authentic Italian Food in Destin
Mimmo’s brings the authentic flavors of Sicily to Destin’s Emerald Coast. This popular local restaurant offers amazing Italian cuisine, fantastic cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. Don’t let the strip mall location deceive you – inside, Mimmo’s is classy, cozy, and perfect for a date night. Their brick oven pizzas are a highlight, and the garlic knots are an absolute must-start! My personal favorite dinner is the Pappardelle All’aragosta – pappardelle pasta with lobster, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms in a vodka sauce. They’ve also recently opened a new location on 30A, expanding their reach for delicious Italian food near Destin.
Camille’s Cafe & Restaurant: Beachside Food and Views in Destin
Camille’s at Crystal Beach offers two distinct dining experiences just steps from the beach. Their casual sidewalk café on Scenic Highway 98 is perfect for outdoor seating, coffee, smoothies, breakfast, lunch, and sometimes live music. Grab a cold brew and snacks to enjoy a picnic across the street at the public beach access. The upstairs restaurant provides a more formal setting with delicious sushi, seafood dishes, pizzas, and more, often featuring fresh seafood from Harbor Docks Wholesale Seafood Market. Located on the second story of Beachside Inn, Camille’s offers a glimpse of the Gulf, enhancing your food in Destin experience.
Boshamps: Southern-Style Seafood with a View in Destin
Located right on the harbor, Boshamps serves up delicious Southern-style seafood in a fun, casual atmosphere perfect for families. Kids can play in the sand while adults enjoy drinks and the view. Their annual crawfish boil, Bojamz, with live music each spring is a local highlight. My absolute favorite dish at Boshamps, and possibly in all of Destin, is the pan-roasted Gulf grouper. It’s served with feta cheese soufflé, garlic braised local spinach, house-made Alabama tomato jam, and citrus butter – truly exceptional. Boshamps is a local favorite, so expect a wait but know it’s worth it for some of the best seafood food in Destin.
Beignets & Brew: New Orleans Flavors in Destin Harbor
Right on Destin harbor, Beignets & Brew brings the taste of New Orleans with their beignets, specialty coffees, and beers. Enjoy traditional beignets or beignet bites with dipping sauces like butter cream, blueberry, or chocolate. Everything is delicious, and the harbor view is stunning, making it a sweet spot for food in Destin.
The Pancakery: The Best Brunch Spot for Groups in Destin
For a hearty and tasty breakfast or brunch, The Pancakery is a fantastic choice. Their pancakes are enormous and come in many flavors. I also appreciate their savory dishes, like the Crab Island Omelette with crab cake pieces and hollandaise sauce. They also serve lunch, with their classic Club Sandwich being a great option. Enjoy your meal indoors or on their outdoor patio at this popular Destin food destination.
Formula Fresh: Healthy and Refreshing Food in Destin Commons
If you’re looking for something healthy and refreshing, Formula Fresh in Destin Commons is a superfood bar offering cold-pressed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, paleo treats, and healthy grab-and-go food. It features a modern atmosphere with a large, Instagram-worthy mural, perfect for a guilt-free food in Destin treat.
Marina Cafe: Fine Dining and Happy Hour Delights in Destin
Marina Cafe is a top pick, especially for happy hour aficionados! They offer fantastic food and drink specials, including half-price drinks and select sushi rolls. The Thai barbecued chicken on their happy hour menu is exceptionally good and substantial enough for a meal. For a full fine dining experience, entrées are buy one, get one free from 5 pm to 6 pm. I personally love their scallops and salmon. The view at Marina Cafe is also unbeatable, overlooking the harbor with an outdoor deck. It’s a perfect location to enjoy food in Destin while watching the sunset or events like the Christmas boat parade.
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Enjoyed these recommendations? For more local food inspiration and mouth-watering visuals, be sure to follow @tastedestin on Instagram, my dedicated food photography portfolio featuring local restaurants. Restaurant owner? Let’s connect to enhance your online presence with professional photos for your social media and menus! Contact me to discuss your photography needs.
*Please note: Restaurant specials and hours are subject to change, so it’s always best to double-check directly with the restaurant.
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