Find some of the favorite restaurants along the Emerald Coast, from harbor-view seafood and romantic beachfront dining to lively local spots serving Gulf classics, premium steaks, and sunset cocktails.
Foodies coming to the Emerald Coast, rejoice. Here, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to local restaurants serving everything from just-caught seafood to Southern comfort dishes and premium steaks that keep taste buds very happy.
If you’re heading this way, expect a delicious mix of waterfront seafood shacks, romantic beachfront tables, lively bars with live music, polished dining rooms perfect for date night, and local spots where a meal will probably end with someone saying, “We should come back tomorrow.”
Curious about these dining treasures? Here’s a little preview of what’s waiting for you:
- The Edge Seafood Restaurant: Upscale-casual coastal cuisine with harbor views.
- Beach Walk Café: Romantic fine dining set directly on the sand with sunset views.
- Dewey Destin’s Harborside: Local favorite for fresh seafood, steaks, and a laid-back vibe
- Brotula’s Seafood House: Seafood boils, shrimp and grits, and dockside classics
- The Gulf: Open-air, sand-side dining with a seasonal, locally focused menu
- Rockin’ Tacos: Mexican-inspired dishes paired with Gulf seafood and bold margaritas
- Old Bay Steamer: Steamed seafood, big flavors, exceptional steaks, and famous ribs
- Firefly: Intimate, romantic dining with an eclectic menu and twinkling patio centerpiece
- Runaway Island Beach Bar: Beachfront seafood, frosty drinks, and sunset views
- Saltwater Grill: High-end surf and turf dining with sushi, and prime steaks.
From Okaloosa Island to Destin and Miramar Beach, Beach Stays Vacations offers a curated collection of exceptional vacation rentals along the Emerald Coast. We take pride in exceeding guest expectations, with our condos and vacation homes renowned for their thoughtful design, comfort, functionality, and outstanding cleanliness.
Looking for local tips? Our destination blog, written by Emerald Coast experts, features well-curated guides on romantic outings, easy day trips, top water activities, and more.
In this blog post, I’ve rounded up some of the most beloved restaurants in popular Emerald Coast destinations like Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Panama City Beach, to help you find the perfect spot for a dining experience unlike any other along this stunning stretch of the U.S.
Ready? Let’s explore some local favorites!
Destin
1. The Edge Seafood Restaurant
Cuisine inspired by the Southern and Caribbean coasts and views of the harbor.
The Edge pairs polished, Gulf-forward cuisine with sleek, contemporary interiors and beautiful views along the working waterfront of the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. It’s a go-to local gem for upscale-casual coastal dining, where you can indulge in cuisine inspired by the Southern and Caribbean coasts, featuring Gulf favorites, citrus-kissed seafood, spiced tropical dishes, and more.
If you’d like to extend your evening with cocktails, the adults-only Skybar, set high over the water, serves signature drinks alongside live music, panoramic views of Destin Harbor, East Pass, and the Gulf, plus a cozy atmosphere featuring fire pits.
Local tip: Hooked a nice catch? Let The Edge’s kitchen cook it for you. Bring in your fresh, cleaned fish fillets, and they’ll prepare it fried, grilled, or blackened, served family-style with hand-cut fries and coleslaw.
Must-tries: Southern Mussels, Ahi Tuna Tacos, Parrot Bay Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp Ceviche, Mahalo Oysters, Shrimp or Oyster Po’Boy, Gulf Coast Snapper, Grouper Moreno.
2. Beach Walk Café
A fine-dining experience set directly on the sand.
Set directly on the sand, Beach Walk Café is one of Destin’s most romantic dining spots. It was named one of the best date nights in the U.S. by TripAdvisor 2025 and earned Diners’ Choice honors from OpenTable in 2024. Beyond its imaginative cuisine, rooted in the freshest local ingredients, guests enjoy sweeping views of emerald waters and spectacular sunsets in an intimate beachfront setting.
Local tip: Held on the first Sunday of every month, the Monthly Brunch blends coastal charm with gourmet touches, featuring a popular Bloody Mary Bar set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Gulf.
Must-tries: Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Rosemary Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Lobster Tails, Roasted Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Risotto, and Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna. For dessert, don’t miss their mouthwatering Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust.
3. Dewey Destin’s Harborside
A generations-long Destin favorite for fresh seafood, steaks, and a no-frills vibe.
This family-run restaurant has been a Destin favorite for generations. Dewey Destin’s is unfussy, friendly, and deeply local, with seafood that tastes as if it came straight off the dock. The menu also includes juicy steaks, fresh salads and sides, and classic desserts like Florida’s favorite Key lime pie.
Must-tries: Crab Claws, Jack Scallops, Crab Cake, Colossal Fried Shrimp, Pecan Crusted Mahi-Mahi, Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna, Steamed Shrimp, Black Angus New York Strip. For the perfect ending, try their Homemade Keylime Pie.
4. Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer
Steamed and boiled shellfish platters cooked to perfection.
Overlooking the harbor, Brotula’s is a go-to spot for generous portions of seafood boils, shrimp and grits, and classic dockside views. They specialize in fresh, locally sourced seafood and produce, along with a wide array of steamed and boiled shellfish platters cooked to perfection. The cherry on top is the harbor scenery, framed by large windows in the indoor dining room or enjoyed from the charming outdoor deck.
Must-tries: Parmesan Crusted Shrimp Scampi, Baked Creole Crab Stuffed Oysters, Award-Winning Seafood Gumbo, Ragin Cajun Style or Bros Spice, Shrimp & Grits, Coastal Mediterranean Brotula.
Okaloosa Island & Fort Walton Beach
5. The Gulf
Creative shipping-container design, focus on local ingredients, and seasonal menu.
Open-air, sand-side seating and a creative shipping-container design give The Gulf its signature look. This trendy Fort Walton Beach spot isn’t just about aesthetics, though. The Gulf is committed to serving thoughtful dishes that focus on local ingredients and an appealing seasonal menu. If you’d like to pair your meal with cocktails, the bar crafts both signature and classic creations.
Must-tries: Seafood Boil, Premium Snow Crab Legs, Fresh Catch, Lobster & Shrimp Roll, Jerk Surf & Turf Bowl, Chef’s Seasonal Soup & Sandwich, Gulf Burger.
6. Rockin’ Tacos
Mexican-inspired dishes paired with a generous dose of Gulf seafood.
If you find yourself craving Mexican food while on the Emerald Coast, Rockin’ Tacos always hits the sweet spot. What sets it apart is the menu’s Mexican-inspired dishes paired with a generous dose of Gulf seafood, all served in a lively, colorful setting. Into margaritas? Rockin’ serves up strong, refreshing versions best enjoyed on the buzzing patio.
Must-tries: Avocato Fries, Rockin Nachos, Grilled Shrimp Dilla, Cheeseburger Tacos, Carnitas Tacos, Baja Fish Tacos, Yellowfin Tuna Tacos, Blackened Shrimp Burrito. For margaritas, popular picks include the La Casa Margarita, Pineapple Infusion Margarita, and Jalapeño ’Rita.
7. Old Bay Steamer
Steamed seafood, exceptional steaks, and locally famous ribs.
Old Bay is all about steam pots, bold seasoning, generous portions, and a playful, quirky atmosphere. Beyond its must-try steamed seafood, this local favorite is also renowned for its exceptional steaks and locally famous ribs. The welcoming staff makes you feel right at home while you dig into big flavors in an art-filled space set to great music.
Must-tries: Favorite steamers include Shrimp and Oysters, Snow Crab and Shrimp, and the Lobster Dinner. Be sure also to try the New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, New York Strip, and BBQ ribs.
Panama City Beach
8. Firefly
An intimate, romantic dinner spot featuring an eclectic menu.
Firefly is one of the most intimate and romantic dinner spots along the Emerald Coast. The interior has a stylish, slightly upscale feel, softened by warm lighting. Beyond an impressive menu featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and even sushi, Firefly’s true standout is the sprawling tree draped in twinkling lights at the center of the dining patio. It’s easy to see why this is a go-to spot for a romantic evening.
Must-tries: Grilled Octopus and Olive Oil Poached Shrimp, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Smoked Kobe Beef Bruschetta, Grilled New Zealand Rack of Elk, Pepper Crusted Stuffed Filet Mignon, Broiled Lobster Tails, Crab & Tuna Tower, Yellowtail Ponzu.
9. Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill
Seafood favorites, frosty drinks, sweeping Gulf views, and live entertainment.
Steps from the sand, Runaway Island is relaxed, breezy, and a go-to spot for lunch and sunset dinners packed with your favorite seafood dishes. The space spans two levels of indoor dining, but the real star is the outdoor deck, complete with a boardwalk that stretches right to the white-sand shoreline. Add in great food, frosty drinks, sweeping Gulf views, and live entertainment, and you’ve got a winning option in Panama City Beach.
Must-tries: Rockafellar Oysters, Raw Oysters, St. Joe Shrimp Basket, Runaway Tacos, Runaway Grouper, Alaskan Snow Crab, St. Charles Redfish, Caribbean Chicken Dinner.
10. Saltwater Grill
One of the finest surf and turf dining experiences on the Gulf Coast.
Fresh Gulf seafood, sushi, and premium hand-cut steaks share the spotlight at Saltwater Grill, a local legend where you can dine alongside a stunning 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium. The restaurant’s award-winning chefs create beautifully executed dishes using the freshest local ingredients and Gulf Coast seafood delivered daily. Plates are impeccably presented, portions are generous, and the atmosphere is especially lively on nights with live music.
Must-tries: Bang Bang Shrimp, Blue Crab Cake, Signature Seafood Tower, Crispy Flounder, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Blackened Snapper, Tuna Tataki, Snow Crab Dinner, Prime Tomahawk Ribeye, Signature Prime Rib. From the sushi menu, hamachi sashimi, unagi nigiri, and rolls like the Yummy Roll, Rainbow Roll, and High Tide Roll are among the favorite picks.
Make the Best of Your Emerald Coast Getaway
Elevate your Emerald Coast experience by staying in a standout vacation rental. At Beach Stays Vacations, we’re proud to offer a curated collection of some of the best vacation rental properties along the Emerald Coast, from Okaloosa Island to Destin and Miramar Beach, Florida.
Our condos and beach houses exceed guest expectations with thoughtful design, comfort, functionality, and exceptional cleanliness. If you’re looking for the kind of attentive, old-school customer service that treats every property and every guest with genuine care, you’ve found the right place!