15 Best Seafood Restaurants In Destin, FL

Are you looking for where to eat seafood in Destin? Then this article will give you 15 of the best seafood restaurants in Destin, Fl you shouldn’t miss!

One of the best things to do in Destin is to try out its seafood offerings! Famous for its white beaches and emerald green waters, it’s no surprise that a city surrounded by the ocean excels at serving seafood.

Destin has an abundance of crave-able seafood classics that travel from the ocean directly to your table and leave a lasting impression.

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The seafood restaurants in Destin, FL all have one thing in common: five-star fish.

Whether you prefer grilled, fried, blackened, cajuned, steamed, or raw, your tastebuds will be wowed.

In most cases, you can even enjoy your meal while gazing out at the vast expanse of blue or the harbor since most of them are also considered the best Destin beachfront restaurants.

From classic seafood restaurants to waterfront dining and sports bars, here are the best Destin seafood restaurants that reel in the freshest flavors. 

Best Seafood Restaurants in Destin, FL

Whether you want to enjoy seafood in a funky place, upscale, or look out to water views, one of these seafood restaurants in Destin Florida will appeal to your taste.

1. Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House

For a casual waterfront dining experience right on the harbor, head over to Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House.

Formerly known as The Flamingo Café, this longstanding restaurant is treasured by Destin residents for not only serving Gulf-to-table southern cuisine with a menu that revels in fresh ingredients but also scenic harbor views.

From the must-try Local Gulf Seafood Gumbo to the signature corn and crab chowder, you will surely get your Seafood fix here.

While it’s famous for seafood, you can also shake up your taste buds with specialty cocktails from the indoor or outdoor bar and enjoy live music on their large deck if you stop by from Thursday to Sunday.

Traveling with kids, this restaurant also has a palm-edged beach play area for the little ones.

Whether you choose to visit during the day to watch the beautiful waters or at night for a vibrant atmosphere, you are guaranteed to taste the best seafood in Destin, FL.

Location: 414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541.

Contact: +1 850-424-7406

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2. The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House

Take in the Gulf views from the long porch or through one of the restaurant’s windows while you dine on yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, snapper, or whatever seafood option you prefer.

The self-proclaimed inventor of Chargrilled Amberjack in the Destin area, The Back Porch has served the city since 1974 and keeps impressing diners with its perfectly crafted dishes.

Fan favorites from their menu include the smoked Tuna Dip, Back Porch Oysters (baked and topped with crabmeat and cheese), crab stuffed shrimp, and Snow crab legs. There is also a Kid’s menu and gluten-free menu for those with dietary requirements.

Food aside, Back Porch also offers occasional live entertainment and beach tables for those who want to eat with their toes buried in the sand.

So if you’re looking for one of the best seafood restaurants in Destin that offers a full package of delicious seafood and water views, this is one not to miss.

Location: 1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541.

Contact: +1 850-837-2022

3. Shrimp Basket Destin

Next on our list of the best seafood restaurants in Destin, FL is Shrimp Basket Destin.

Located close to the Destin Harbor, this beach-themed and family-friendly restaurant boasts an oyster bar and a pet-friendly patio.

While it’s not the place you go to for fine dining but rather a quick eat-in, it surely knows how to impress diners with its range of deep-fried seafood be it shrimps, fish, oysters, and crabs.

This seafood place in Destin also offers all-you-can-eat meals, with the all-you-can-eat popcorn shrimp being the attention stealer.

And the best part is that their prices are very friendly compared to other seafood restaurants in Destin, Florida.

Location: 711 US-98, Destin, FL 32541.

Contact: +1 386-204-0882

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4. Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer

Located on the Destin Harbor, Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer catapulted into fame for its flavorful homey Seafood with a Southern twist and spectacular harbor views.

Coining its name from a rare Gulf of Mexico fish (bearded brotula), this restaurant champions made-from-scratch meals using fresh-caught Gulf seafood.

Come hungry because you might want to try everything on the menu, from the steamed snow crab to perfectly cooked shellfish and fish tacos that do not disappoint.

They also serve specialty Martinis which pair seamlessly with your order, and their seasonal live music heightens the experience.

Soak up the views on the big patio, which is also dog-friendly, and plan your visit for 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm to enjoy Happy Hour Specials.

Location: 210D Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541.

Contact: +1 850-460-8900

5. Crab Trap Destin

Stop by Crab Trap Destin if you are looking for a seafood restaurant in Destin with panoramic Gulf views

Perched right on the beach, you can’t get any closer to the water than this. As their name dictates, fresh Seafood and frozen coastal cocktails are the mantras here.

The signature Hot Crab Dip served with warm and toasty pita chips, and the wild Alaska crab legs are the main draw, but you would be missing out if you didn’t try the Louisiana-style seafood gumbo and the handmade Southern-style crab cake.

Wash it all down with a frozen strawberry daiquiri from the dog-friendly beach bar.

They also patriotize every eater and, as such, have made Vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

Besides the food, one of the best things about Crab Trap is the playground where kids can burn energy running around on the sand.

Location: 3500 Scenic Hwy 98 E, Destin, FL 32541.

Contact: +1 850-654-2722

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6. AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar

What AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar does with fresh, local seafood will bring sheer joy to your taste buds.

Best known as the base for nightlife in Destin, this multi-leveled establishment is also a hotspot for yummy seafood that you can enjoy on the second floor with an open-air space and stunning views of the East Pass.

From freshly-caught raw oysters to award-winning Seafood Gumbo and Firecracker Shrimp Tacos, you can get just about any mouthwatering seafood you want. They even have a full sushi menu that you should try.

Located on the Destin harbor, old fishing village vibes, daily live music from the Club Bimini on the top floor, and chilled beers from the Tiki Village on the first floor are all waiting for you!

And if you go there from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm every Monday to Friday, you’ll be able to take advantage of the happy hour specials.

Location: 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541.

Contact: +1 850-837-1913

7. Dewey Destin’s Harborside

Dewey Destin’s Harborside has earned high praise for its friendly service, beautiful harbor views, and for serving some of the best Seafood in Destin, Florida.

Ran by the founding family of Destin, this harborside hotspot keeps drawing in diners who want to enjoy hearty seafood.

Their blackboard menu often varies based on the day’s catch, but two things are certain: the portions are generous, and the meals are delicious.

Start with the Hot Crab Dip, slurp down some Fried Shrimps, and round off with Homemade key lime pie or a tasty cocktail from the bar.

This delightfully rustic and welcoming restaurant also occasionally features lionfish on its menu if you ever wanted to taste it.

Plus, they have ample seating both inside and on the patio where you can enjoy water views.

Location: 202 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541.

Contact: +1 850-837-7525

8. Captain Dave’s On the Gulf

Captain Dave’s On the Gulf puts you up close and personal with the beauty of the gulf while you relax and enjoy flavorful sea-to-table meals with your loved ones.

Since 1968, this restaurant has been winning hearts with its great-tasting seafood delights paired with views of the shorelines through its floor-to-ceiling windows.

In addition to the views, their friendly service and the excellent execution of dishes like the coconut shrimp served with orange marmalade dipping sauce, stuffed shrimp parmesan, and the Cajun blackened redfish make them stand out as one of the best Destin Florida seafood restaurants.

They also offer a full-service bar that serves margaritas and martinis that pair well with their perfectly prepared dishes. If you ask us, there is nothing not to love about this restaurant!

Location: 3796 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541.

Contact: +1 850-837-2627

9. O’Quigley’s Seafood Steamer & Oyster Sports Bar

Join family, friends, and other sports-minded folks to cheer on your favorite team while enjoying premier selections of seafood and cold brews at O’Quigley’s Seafood Steamer & Oyster Sports Bar.

This restaurant is one of the few seafood places in Destin, Florida that offer guests a dining, drinking, and sports viewing experience.

When it comes to food, you won’t be disappointed with whatever dish you try on the menu, but the “Award Winning Gumbo” and the Seafood Steamer Platter are our favorites.

O’Quigley’s also has an impressive adult beverage selection with 24 draught beers on tap and globally sourced bottled beers.

And, of course, how could we forget to mention the 64 TVs and projection TVs scattered throughout? With that, you can be assured that you’ll never miss another game.

Location: 34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy #101, Destin, FL 32541.

Contact: +1 850-837-1015

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10. Louisiana Lagniappe

Want to enjoy a plate of the addicting Louisiana-influenced Seafood on the patio while taking in the beautiful harbor sunset views that elevate the experience? Then head to the relaxing and upscale restaurant, Louisiana Lagniappe.

Here, the service is welcoming, the meals are reasonably priced, the portions are generous, and the atmosphere is elegant. What more could you ask for?

Open only for dinner, the interior is adorned with white tablecloths making for a lovely evening with the family or a romantic date in Destin.

Our favorites on the menu include the Blackened Redfish and the Blackened bay scallops (served with their pineapple-rum butter sauce) but there’s also a gluten-free menu for the restricted eater.

They also have an onsite warm wooden bar that offers specialty drinks that will pair perfectly with your meal.

Location: 775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541.

Contact: +1 850-837-0881

11. Harbor Docks

We can’t talk about the best Destin Fl seafood restaurants and not mention Harbor Docks.

What began as a place for commercial fishermen to unwind after the day’s work quickly transformed into a thriving restaurant where locals and tourists bond over fresh seafood.

You might have a hard time deciding what to try at Harbor Docks because their Southern-Inspired menu offers an ocean of delightful seafood options.

From the delicious fresh sushi menu to the delightful Thai plates, it is easy to see why this restaurant has remained a Destin staple since 1979.

Harbor Docks prioritize a farm-to-table experience and only serves seafood from their own market.

They also serve mixed drinks that are best enjoyed while taking in water and harbor views.

Location: 538 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541.

Contact: +1 850-837-2506

12. Boathouse Oyster Bar

Boathouse Oyster Bar has been offering its guests the finest seafood for over 30 years, so rest assured that no matter what you order, you will receive a high-quality meal with passion in every mouthful.

However, if you want some recommendations, you can’t go wrong with choices like the Smoke tuna dip, award-winning gumbo, and crab claws.

From their ceiling-suspended dollar bills and graffiti-marked walls, you can tell that you will be enjoying your meal amid vibrant energy.

But the energy continues beyond the decor as Boathouse also offers daily live music that you can enjoy with a beer in your hand.

Location: 288 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541.

Contact: +1 850-837-3645

13. Harry T’s Lighthouse

A Destin special occasion staple, Harry T’s Lighthouse is constantly praised for its fresh and delicious seafood, waterfront location, and scenic views from every seating angle.

The interior is accented with circus memorabilia and antiques from Thracia (a sunken luxury cruise ship) and the outdoor seating area is pet-friendly.

Situated under the lighthouse on Destin harbor, their extensive menu caters to all types of foodies, including kids.

Try the mouthwatering Seafood Nachos or the 10 times award-winning gumbo but another equally worthy mention is The Cream of crab soup, a Harry T’s classic for 25 years.

Thirsty? They have a large selection of cocktails and handcrafted local beers to choose from.

Aside from the savory dishes, seasonal live entertainment elevates the dining experience and places Harry T as one of the top contending seafood restaurants in Destin Fl.

Location: 46 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541.

Contact: +1 850-654-4800

14. Camille’s at Crystal Beach

Camille’s at Crystal Beach has nailed the ingredients, mastered the process, and as a result has become a Destin favorite.

With its convivial atmosphere, quaint charm, and gulf views, it is easy to see why they are never out of guests.

On the second floor lies the restaurant and bar serving coastal-inspired dishes and daiquiris, but you absolutely can’t pass up the handmade sushis that are arguably the best in the city.

Other menu highlights include the Backdown Roll and the day’s catch that can be served blackened, grilled, or fried. And for happy hour specials, stop by from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Though they’re known for seafood, they also serve one of the best breakfasts in Destin in the cafe section.

Location: 2931 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541.

Contact: +1 850-337-8860

15. Pompano Joe’s

Last but not least on our list of the best seafood restaurants in Destin is Pompano Joe’s.

From the bright colors that set the perfect mood for an evening of reasonably-priced Caribbean-inspired Seafood like the Seafood Gumbo (a 3-time award winner at the Sandestin Gumbo Festival) to varied menu options that include gluten-free and vegan, this restaurant has won the hearts of locals thanks to its unpretentious vibes that put you right on a beach.

On top of good food, the service is friendly, the ambiance is beach-casual, and you can even eat with your toes buried in the sand since they have beach tables.

Stop by from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm for happy hour and sip on cocktails from a menu of tropical-inspired drinks.

So if you were looking for the best fresh seafood in Destin fl, be sure to stop by Pompano Joe’s.

Location: 2237 Scenic Gulf Dr, Destin, FL 32550.

Contact: +1 850-837-2224

Final Thoughts on the Best Seafood Restaurants in Destin, Florida

Though there are a number of seafood restaurants in Destin, these 15 stand out the most and we guarantee a great time regardless of where you go.

At these places, you can eat the freshest catches and enjoy stunning views of the gulf, so be sure to arrive hungry enough to clean your plate, as you will be getting your fill of delicious seafood at these restaurants.

But before you go, consider sharing these Destin seafood restaurants if you found the article helpful!

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