Fresh Gulf seafood, harbor views, dock-to-table classics, steam pots, oysters, and laid-back coastal favorites across Destin and Okaloosa Island.
A trip to the Emerald Coast is never complete without indulging in one of the region’s signature attractions: fresh Gulf seafood. In Destin and Okaloosa Island alone, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to local restaurants committed to serving fresh-from-the-Gulf goodness alongside other high-quality ingredients for a memorable dining experience. Needless to say, many of these local gems are just steps from the water or boast views that make any food adventure even better.
Here’s a little teaser to whet your appetite:
- Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer: Harbor views and generous steam pots.
- Dewey Destin’s Harborside: Old-school, dock-to-table seafood tradition.
- The Edge Seafood Restaurant: Gulf-forward dishes with Caribbean influence.
- The Back Porch: Beachfront seafood classic since 1974.
- Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House: Southern-inspired seafood with live music.
- Fish On Seafood House: Affordable, no-frills Gulf seafood done right.
- AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar: Casual harbor dining with sunset views.
- Old Bay Steamer: Big, bold steam pots and hearty portions.
- The Gulf: Modern beachfront dining with a seasonal menu.
- Floyd’s Shrimp House: Relaxed bayfront spot for shrimp-focused comfort dishes.
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 guide, I’ve put together a list of some of the best seafood restaurants in Destin and Okaloosa Island, serving up all the classics and a bit more, so you can experience the Emerald Coast as you should.
Ready to savor the Gulf? Let’s jump into the details!
What Seafood You Must Try While in Destin and Okaloosa Island
The Emerald Coast’s seafood scene is shaped by what comes off the boats daily, not by trends. While menus vary, a few Gulf staples show up again and again for good reason, and these are the dishes worth prioritizing while you’re here.
- Grouper and Snapper: The backbone of many Destin menus. You’ll see them grilled, blackened, fried, or served whole. Simple preparations let the freshness shine.
- Royal Red Shrimp: Sweeter and richer than standard shrimp, often steamed or boiled. A local favorite when available.
- Oysters (Raw, Baked, or Chargrilled): Gulf oysters tend to be plump and briny, served straight up or dressed with Creole butter, cheese, or herbs.
- Seafood Gumbo: A regional comfort dish packed with shrimp, crab, and fish, usually with a deep, slow-built roux.
- Steamed Shellfish Platters: Crab claws, mussels, shrimp, and lobster piled high and seasoned generously—best enjoyed family-style.
- Amberjack Sandwiches: A Destin classic, especially along the harbor, grilled or blackened and served simply.
- Whole Fried or Grilled Fish: Less common elsewhere, but a must when available here. Crispy, tender, and unmistakably Gulf Coast.
Destin
1. Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer
Seafood boils and beautiful harbor views.
Overlooking the harbor, Brotula’s is an absolute go-to for seafood lovers craving generous platters and classic coastal comfort. The focus here is on fresh, locally sourced seafood, with a strong lineup of steamed and boiled shellfish cooked to order and seasoned to perfection.
Large windows frame the harbor inside, while the outdoor deck puts you right in the middle of the action, where you can see fishing boats coming and going and feel Florida’s delightful sea breeze.
Must-try Seafood Dishes: Award-Winning Seafood Gumbo, Raw Oysters, Baked Creole Crab Stuffed Oysters, Sauteed Mussels, Crispy Fried Crab Claws, and Crab Cakes.
2. Dewey Destin’s Harborside
Old-school, dock-to-table Destin legend.
Few places feel more connected to Destin’s fishing roots than Dewey Destin’s. This long-running, family-owned favorite lets ultra-fresh seafood do the talking. Beyond the dock-to-table Destin seafood dishes, you’ll love the unpretentious, no-frills vibe that locals appreciate.
Most people come for the shellfish, grilled fish, and fried classics. But don’t leave before grabbing a slice of Key lime pie for a sweet ending.
Must-try Seafood Dishes: Catch of the Day, including grouper, snapper, redfish, and swordfish, plus other seafood favorites like Dewey’s Seafood Gumbo, crab claws, jack scallops, crab cakes, steamed shrimp, colossal fried shrimp, pecan-crusted mahi-mahi, and grilled yellowfin tuna.
3. The Edge Seafood Restaurant
Gulf-forward seafood and a touch of Caribbean flair.
Set along the working waterfront of the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, The Edge doesn’t shine only because of its stunning harbor views. This upscale-casual gem takes seafood seriously and gives it a Caribbean flair. Expect nothing less than super-fresh Gulf catches, bright citrus flavors, well-executed fish dishes, shellfish with a Southern twist, and more.
Local tip: If you’ve brought in your own fresh catch, the kitchen will prepare it for you. You can have it fried, grilled, or blackened, served family-style with classic sides. Just make sure you bring it cleaned, filleted, and bone-free.
Must-try Seafood Dishes: Southern Mussels, Seafood Gumbo, Shrimp Ceviche, Seafood Tower, Scrimshaw Oysters, Mahi Sandwich, Snow Crab Boil, Shrimp Boil, Gulf Coast Snapper, Fried Whole Snapper, Grouper Moreno.
4. The Back Porch
A seafood favorite since 1974.
The Back Porch is all about a toes-in-the-sand vibe right on Destin’s emerald waters. And of course, fresh Gulf seafood, from classic dishes to more inventive delicacies, is the best companion to the ocean breeze and beautiful views. This local institution has been around since 1974, and they’re very proud of having invented the unmissable Amberjack sandwich
Must-try Seafood Dishes: Amberjack Sandwich, Back Porch Oysters, Grouper Destin, Snapper Florentine, Back Porch Mahi, Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Yellow Fin Tuna, Grouper, and Broiled Jubilee.
5. Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House
Iconic harbor-side spot with Southern-inspired seafood.
This is an iconic harbor-side spot with Southern-inspired seafood, oysters, great views, and a vibrant atmosphere that will keep you coming back while in Destin. The menu is a seafood extravaganza, and the Boshamps team is committed to preparing every dish with the finest quality ingredients. The harbor-facing location and live music events (without being loud) add to the popularity of this beloved local spot that you should definitely include on your Destin bucket list.
Must-try Seafood Dishes: The Devil’s Crab, Local Blue Crab Claws, Oysters Boshamp, Oysters Rockfeller, “The Original” Snapper Destin, Local Gulf Seafood Gumbo, Boshamps “Po Boy,” and Captain Bob’s Platter.
6. Fish On Seafood House
Simple menu filled with high-quality, fresh seafood caught locally in the Gulf.
Fish On Seafood House is a casual spot known for high-quality, fresh seafood caught locally in the Gulf—and customers love this part, at affordable prices. There are no big views here, but the retro American dining setting is a charming place to savor their seafood treats. They also have a large patio where you can eat al fresco.
Must-try Seafood Dishes: Fresh Catch Plates, Fish N Chips, Pepper Crusted Tuna, Grouper Sandwich, Crab Cakes, Shrimp Boil, and Fish Tacos.
7. AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
Fresh oysters, gumbo, shrimp, fresh catches, and more.
AJ’s is a local legend. While in Destin, this is your go-to place for seafood treats paired with beautiful sunsets over the harbor. Beyond fresh oysters, gumbo, shrimp, and fresh catches, the casual, family-friendly atmosphere is also a big draw. If you want to pair your dish with great cocktails, you’re in the right place. AJ’s Tiki Bar concocts excellent drinks.
Must-try Seafood Dishes: Fried Oysters, Raw Oysters, Oyster Rockefeller, Oysters AJ’s, Fried or Grilled Fish, Firecracker Shrimp, Award Winning Seafood Gumbo, Peel & Eat Boiled Shrimp, The Classic Fish Sandwich, AJ’s Fish Tacos, and Coastal Steamer Platter.
Okaloosa Island & Fort Walton Beach
8. Old Bay Steamer
Big steam pots, bold flavors, and serious seafood.
Old Bay Steamer is all about indulgent steamer pots piled high with shrimp, oysters, crab, and lobster, perfectly seasoned and served in hearty portions. The atmosphere is playful and energetic, and the seafood is the clear draw, though locals will tell you not to skip the steaks or ribs. A tough call, sure, but let’s be honest: on the Emerald Coast, seafood is king.
Must-try Seafood Dishes: Raw or Steamed Oysters, Black Mussels, Blue Crab Claws, Royal Red Shrimp, Shrimp and Oysters Steamer, Steamed Shrimp, Snow and Shrimp Steamer, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, and Seafood Medley.
9. The Gulf
Laid-back beachfront seafood with a seasonal edge and modern design.
With its open-air seating and cool shipping-container design, The Gulf is a trendy spot that more than lives up to its hype. It serves up thoughtful seafood dishes that highlight local ingredients and a rotating seasonal menu. If you’re looking for a modern take on seafront dining in the region, The Gulf is one of your best bets. Make sure to pair your seafood choice with one of their refreshing, well-crafted cocktails.
Must-try Seafood Dishes: Seafood Boil, Premium Snow Crab Legs, Peel & Eat Shrimp, Fresh Catch, Lobster & Shrimp Roll, Mahi-Mahi Tacos, Grouper Sandwich, Snapper BLT, and Gulf Burger.
10. Floyd’s Shrimp House
Savor shrimp every way you can think of, along with plenty of other local catches.
Fresh Gulf flavors and chill coastal vibes set the mood at Floyd’s Shrimp House. Here, you can savor shrimp every way you can think of, along with plenty of other local catches. Grab a table at their deck boasting views of the Choctawhatchee Bay, let the breeze roll in, and enjoy a true taste of the coast.
Must-try Seafood Dishes: Peel and Eat Shrimp, Coco Loco Shrimp, Our Famous Shrimp Boat, Shrimp Alfredo, Fried Shrimp Sandwich, and Fish Sandwich.
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!