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

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If you are looking for the best seafood restaurants in Destin and Fort Walton Beach, you are in the right place. Located along Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin is known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village. Local fishing boats bring in fresh catches daily, which means many restaurants serve fresh Gulf seafood caught just hours earlier.

From casual seafood shacks to waterfront restaurants overlooking the harbor, the Destin and Fort Walton Beach area offers some of the best seafood dining in Florida. Visitors can enjoy everything from grilled grouper and fried shrimp to oysters, crab legs, and huge seafood steamers.

Whether you are visiting on vacation or you live in the area, these are some of the top seafood restaurants locals and visitors love. And don’t forget to check to out our list of 10 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Fort Walton Beach!

Download the Printable Seafood Guide

Planning where to eat on the Emerald Coast? I created a free printable list of the best seafood restaurants in Destin and Fort Walton Beach so you can easily save it or bring it with you while exploring the area.

Download the printable here:

Pinterest destin_fwb_seafood_travel_pamphletDownload
Stewby’s seafood shanty
Stewby’s.com

Stewby’s Seafood Shanty

Cuisine Style: Casual Gulf Seafood
Website: https://stewbys.com

Location: 235 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

If you are searching for affordable fresh seafood in Fort Walton Beach, Stewby’s Seafood Shanty is a must-visit.

Stewby’s Seafood Shanty is a small seafood spot that has become a favorite among locals and visitors looking for fresh Gulf seafood without the high price tag.

The menu focuses on simple coastal classics like grilled grouper sandwiches, fried shrimp baskets, seafood gumbo, and hush puppies served in a relaxed beach-style setting.

The Crab Trap

Cuisine Style: Beachfront Seafood
Website: https://www.crabtrapflorida.com

Location: 3500 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541

For travelers looking for beachfront seafood restaurants in Destin, The Crab Trap is one of the most popular spots.

Located right on the Gulf of Mexico, guests can enjoy beautiful ocean views while dining on fresh seafood.

Popular menu items include crab legs, shrimp dishes, seafood platters, and fresh Gulf fish.

AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar

Cuisine Style: Oysters & Gulf Seafood
Website: https://ajsdestin.com

Location: 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar is one of the most well-known seafood restaurants on the Destin Harbor.

The restaurant is famous for fresh oysters, seafood gumbo, and delicious seafood platters served in a lively waterfront atmosphere.

Guests can enjoy harbor views and live music while dining.

Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House

Cuisine Style: Southern Gulf Seafood
Website: https://boshamps.com

Location: 414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

Boshamps is often listed among the best seafood restaurants in Destin for its Southern-style seafood and harbor views.

The restaurant combines Southern comfort cooking with fresh Gulf seafood in a relaxed waterfront setting.

Menu favorites include shrimp and grits, oysters, seafood gumbo, and fresh catch specials.

Dewey Destin’s Harborside

Cuisine Style: Fresh Local Seafood
Website: https://www.destinseafood.com

Location: 202 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

If you want to experience authentic Destin fishing heritage, Dewey Destin’s Harborside is a great place to start.

Owned by descendants of one of Destin’s original fishing families, the restaurant focuses on serving seafood caught in local Gulf waters.

Menu favorites include grilled amberjack, crab cakes, shrimp baskets, and seafood gumbo.

Harbor Docks

Cuisine Style: Gulf-to-Table Seafood
Website: https://www.harbordocks.com

Location: 538 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

Harbor Docks is one of the longest-standing seafood restaurants in Destin and is known for its high-quality fresh fish.

The menu features snapper, grouper, seafood pasta, and an excellent sushi selection.

Because of its reputation for fresh seafood, it is considered a must-visit restaurant on the Emerald Coast.

The Shack – Original Waterfront Crab Shack

Cuisine Style: Casual Seafood & Crab
Website: https://theshackfwb.com

Location: 104 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

The Shack is a popular choice for casual seafood dining in Fort Walton Beach.

Located along the water, the restaurant is known for crab legs, fried seafood platters, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.

Guests can enjoy waterfront views while dining.

Old Bay Steamer

Cuisine Style: Seafood Steamer & Crab House
Website: https://oldbaysteamerfwb.com

Location: 102 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Old Bay Steamer is one of the best places in the area for a large seafood feast featuring crab legs and Gulf shrimp.

The restaurant is famous for its seafood steam pots filled with shrimp, crab legs, corn, potatoes, and sausage seasoned with Old Bay spices.

It is a great place to share a meal with family or friends.

Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer

Cuisine Style: Harbor Seafood & Steamers
Website: https://brotulas.com

Location: 210 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer is a favorite for visitors looking for fresh seafood on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk.

The restaurant is known for its large seafood steamers filled with Gulf shrimp, crab legs, corn, sausage, and potatoes.

Guests can enjoy harbor views while dining.

The Back Porch

Cuisine Style: Gulf-Front Seafood
Website: https://theback-porch.com

Location: 1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541

The Back Porch is one of the most iconic oceanfront seafood restaurants in Destin.

Serving seafood since 1974, the restaurant is famous for fresh amberjack, grilled grouper, and classic seafood platters.

Outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy Gulf views while dining.

Louisiana Lagniappe

Cuisine Style: Cajun-Inspired Seafood
Website: https://louisianalagniappe.com

Location: 775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541

Louisiana Lagniappe is a popular choice for upscale seafood dining in Destin.

The restaurant serves Cajun-inspired seafood dishes like pecan-crusted fish, shrimp and grits, and seafood gumbo.

Guests can also enjoy beautiful harbor views.

Floyd’s Shrimp House

Cuisine Style: Southern Seafood
Website: https://floydsshrimphouse.com

Location: 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Floyd’s Shrimp House is a longtime favorite for Southern-style seafood in Fort Walton Beach.

The restaurant is known for generous portions of fried shrimp, seafood platters, and po’ boys served in a relaxed atmosphere.

Rick’s Crab Trap

Cuisine Style: Casual Seafood
Website: https://rickscrabtrap.com

Location: 178 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Rick’s Crab Trap is a local favorite known for serving fresh seafood in a casual setting.

The menu includes crawfish, crab legs, seafood gumbo, and delicious po’ boys.

Portions are generous and the service is friendly.

AJ’s on the Bayou

Cuisine Style: Southern Seafood
Website: https://ajsonthebayou.com

Location: 200 Eglin Pkwy NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

AJ’s on the Bayou offers a peaceful waterfront setting for enjoying seafood and Southern comfort dishes.

Popular menu items include shrimp and grits, seafood gumbo, oysters, and fried seafood baskets.

Marina Cafe

Cuisine Style: Upscale Waterfront Seafood
Website: https://marinacafe.com

Location: 404 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

Marina Cafe offers an elegant dining experience with harborfront views and creative seafood dishes.

Menu highlights include seafood pasta, crab cakes, and fresh catch specials.

Gilligan’s Seafood

Cuisine Style: Casual Seafood
Website: https://gilligans-seafood.com

Location: 170 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Gilligan’s Seafood is a casual restaurant known for serving classic Gulf seafood dishes.

Guests enjoy fried shrimp, seafood platters, and po’ boys in a friendly, family-style atmosphere.

McGuire’s Irish Pub (Seafood Favorites)

Cuisine Style: Irish Pub & Seafood
Website: https://mcguiresirishpub.com

Location: 33 US-98, Destin, FL 32541

McGuire’s Irish Pub is famous for its steaks and Irish fare, but it also offers several popular seafood dishes.

Guests can enjoy fresh fish, seafood platters, and coastal favorites in a lively pub atmosphere.

Tailfin's seafood restaurant
Photo Credit: Tailfins

Tailfins Waterfront Grill

Cuisine Style: Waterfront Seafood
Website: https://www.tailfinsdestin.com

Location: 66 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

Tailfins Waterfront Grill is located along the Destin Hxarbor and offers waterfront seafood dining with beautiful views.

Guests can enjoy grouper sandwiches, seafood platters, shrimp tacos, and fresh Gulf fish while overlooking the harbor.

This post contains affiliate links which may earn Eco Mom Diaries a commission.

Travel

Top 10 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Fort Walton Beach, FL

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This post contains affiliate links which may earn Eco Mom Diaries a commission.

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!

TOP 10 HIDDEN GEM RESTAURANTS IN FORT WALTON BEACH, FL

Photo Credit: Eco Mom Diaries

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.


Photo Credit: Eco Mom Diaries

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.

Photo Credit: Instagram | The Shack

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.

Photo Credit : Facebook | Holi

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.

Photo Credit: Instagram | Kinfolks BBQ

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.

Photo Credit: Instagram | The Cowhead

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!

Photo Credit: Facebook | Maui Bus Stop

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.

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