October | 2022 | Eco Mom Diaries

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Are you visiting Fort Walton Beach for spring break or summer vacation? Or maybe you are moving to the area and wondering where the locals actually eat?

You have come to the right place.

Fort Walton Beach, Florida is often known for seafood and beachside restaurants, but the local food scene is much more diverse than many visitors realize. From authentic street tacos to Indian cuisine and food trucks, there are plenty of hidden gems in this coastal town.

After living in the area for several years, my family and I have tried many restaurants and food trucks around town. Some are amazing, while others are not worth spending your hard-earned money on.

Many travel blogs will make it seem like the only good restaurants are located in nearby Destin, but that is simply not true. Fort Walton Beach has plenty of incredible places to eat if you know where to look.

Below are some of my favorite local restaurants in Fort Walton Beach that both locals and visitors love.

Don’t Miss the 18 Best Seafood restaurants in Destin / Fort Walton Beach below!

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18 Best Seafood Restaurants in Destin and Fort Walton Beach (Local Favorites)

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TOP 10 HIDDEN GEM RESTAURANTS IN FORT WALTON BEACH, FL

Stewby’s Seafood Shanty

Cuisine: Seafood
Website: https://stewbys.com
Location: 427 Racetrack Rd NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

Stewby’s Seafood Shanty is a small take-out and drive-thru seafood spot that serves some of the most affordable and delicious local seafood in town.

This was actually the first seafood restaurant we tried after moving to the area, and it quickly became one of our regular go-to places.

Their grilled mahi mahi is incredible, but the real surprise is their coleslaw. I know that sounds strange, but trust me when I say it is one of the best sides they serve.

If you visit, I recommend ordering the fish-of-the-day combo plate and choosing coleslaw as one of your sides.

Stewby’s is also popular with locals because it serves fresh seafood in a relaxed setting with reasonable prices.

Taqueria Mi Gente

Cuisine: Mexican
Website: https://taqueriamigente.shop/
Location: 699 Beal Parkway NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

There are quite a few Mexican restaurants in the area, but Taqueria Mi Gente stands out for its authentic street-style food.

Unlike typical Tex-Mex restaurants, this place focuses on traditional flavors. The meats and toppings are displayed behind a glass counter so you can see everything being prepared fresh.

My family and I usually order tacos à la carte, and they never disappoint.

On Sundays they also serve fresh menudo and pozole, which is something you do not see at many local restaurants.

One tip: lunchtime can get crowded and a little chaotic, so try going between 1pm and 3pm for a calmer experience.

They also have a small grocery store next door where you can pick up ingredients for cooking authentic Latino dishes at home.

The Shack

Cuisine: Seafood
Website: http://www.crabshackmarina.com
Location: 104 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

The Shack is a fun waterfront restaurant that serves seafood in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.

One of my favorite things about this place is the outdoor seating overlooking the water. You can watch boats and jet skis pass by while enjoying your meal.

Their fish-of-the-day plate (usually mahi mahi) is always a solid choice, and the shrimp tacos are also very good.

If you are dining with kids, they will probably enjoy the little fish feeding dock, where you can buy fish pellets and toss them into the water.

It can get windy sitting outside, even during warmer months, so if that bothers you, indoor seating is also available.

Holi Indian Cuisine

Cuisine: Indian
Website: https://holirestaurants.com
Location: 280 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

If you enjoy Indian food, Holi Indian Cuisine is definitely worth visiting.

It is actually the only Indian restaurant in Fort Walton Beach, and the food is incredibly flavorful.

The menu includes classic dishes like curry, tikka masala, and naan bread. Everything is made fresh and the spices are very well balanced.

The only downside is that the prices are on the higher side, so we usually save this restaurant for special occasions.

Still, if you are craving Indian food, it is absolutely worth the visit.

Rockin’ Tacos

Cuisine: Mexican / Seafood Fusion
Website: https://www.rockintacos.com
Location: 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Rockin’ Tacos is located right on the Fort Walton Beach Boardwalk, which makes it a great place to stop for lunch if you are visiting nearby attractions like the Gulfarium.

The restaurant specializes in Mexican-inspired dishes made with fresh local seafood, along with handcrafted margaritas.

Because of its location, it is very popular with tourists during the summer months. The restaurant can become extremely busy and the service may feel rushed.

If you are a local, I recommend visiting during the fall or winter, when the crowds are smaller and you can really enjoy the ocean views.

Kinfolks BBQ

Cuisine: Barbecue

Website: https://www.bbqfwb.com/
Location: 333 Racetrack Road NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

If you love barbecue, Kinfolks BBQ is a must-visit.

This cozy smokehouse serves classic Southern barbecue by the pound along with family meals and traditional comfort food sides.

One funny thing I always notice is the smell of the smoker when driving past the restaurant. Every time I pass by, I am tempted to pull over and order something.

The pulled pork and smoked meats here are definitely worth trying.

YoYo’s Thai Food Truck

Cuisine: Thai
Menu: Visit Their Facebook For Menu Here
Location: 1285 Eglin Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32579

Fort Walton Beach actually has quite a few Thai restaurants, but not all of them are great.

YoYo’s Thai Food Truck is one of the places that really stands out.

The chef prepares fresh, flavorful dishes, and the portion sizes are generous compared to many other Thai restaurants in town.

The prices are also fair, which is another reason locals love this spot.

The Cowhead

Cuisine: Burgers

Website: https://thecowhead.com/
Location: 184 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

The Cowhead is one of the more unique burger spots in Fort Walton Beach.

They serve classic American burgers as well as fusion-style burgers with Asian-inspired ingredients.

If you are feeling adventurous, try their cheeseburger eggrolls or their Thai-inspired burger.

Both are surprisingly delicious and definitely something different from the typical burger restaurant.

Rick’s Crab Trap

Cuisine: Seafood
Website: https://rickscrabtrap.com
Location: 178 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

If you are in the mood for fresh crawfish, crab, or gumbo, Rick’s Crab Trap is a great place to check out.

The building itself has a bit of a quirky look from the outside, but do not let that fool you. The seafood here is excellent, and the atmosphere inside is relaxed and welcoming.

One of the things people love most about Rick’s Crab Trap is the generous portion sizes paired with very reasonable prices. The service is also known for being attentive and friendly, which always makes the dining experience better.

One of my favorite things to order here is the Po’ Boy sandwich. It is packed with flavor and definitely worth trying if you visit.

If you are new to the Fort Walton Beach area, this is a great local seafood spot to add to your list. It just might become one of your favorite places to eat in town.weekends!

Maui Bus Stop

Cuisine: Hawaiian
Website: https://mauibusstop.com
Location: 101 Perry Ave SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Maui Bus Stop is truly a hidden gem in Fort Walton Beach. This small local spot serves authentic Hawaiian comfort food, and we are incredibly lucky to have it here in town.

The grilled meats are flavorful and tender, and the sauce they coat them with is absolutely delicious. Every time we visit, the rice is perfectly cooked and the portions are generous, which makes it an easy place to keep coming back to.

One item you absolutely have to try is their Spam musubi. It is one of the best little snacks on the menu and a great introduction to Hawaiian flavors if you have never tried it before.

Another thing I love about Maui Bus Stop is that you can choose how many sides you want with your meal, which makes it easy to customize your plate depending on how hungry you are.

Everything here tastes amazing, and honestly, if I could, I would probably eat here every day.