10 Best Italian Restaurants in Destin, Florida
Want to enjoy Italian food while in Destin? Then look no further than our list of the best Italian restaurants in Destin, Florida!
When you think of Destin, it’s most likely pristine beaches, clear emerald waters, and seafood restaurants that will come to mind.
However, the city is also home to an incredible Italian culinary scene that will satisfy your cravings, regardless of your preferences and dietary needs.
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These restaurants offer an authentic taste of Italy with well-prepared dishes that have depth and richness and hit all the right spots with traditional Italian flavors.
So whether you want wood-fired pizzas, a hearty plate of lasagna, mouthwatering handmade pasta, or sweet gelato, these Italian restaurants in Destin Florida will take you on a day trip to Italy without having to hop on a plane.
How to get around: The best way to get around Destin and see everything in the city and the nearby places is by driving a car. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can rent one via Discover Cars. You can alternatively use Uber, bikes, and public transport to get around though these can be quite limiting.
Must-do tours and experiences: Some of the must-do tours and activities while in Destin include; This Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise (4.5/5) to admire the local marine life on a unique jet, this Banana Boat Experience (5/5) the entire family can enjoy, this tiki sunset cruise (5/5) to sail to the famous BYOB tiki bar, and a day trip to the stunning Crab Island by joining this tour (5/5).
Where to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Destin (8.4/10) is the best hotel if you want to be close to everything with a mid-range budget. It is right in downtown, the beach is 3 minutes away and there is also a small theme park across the street. Those who are after unmatched luxury will love Henderson Beach Resort (9.2/10). It has private beach access to Henderson Beach State Park and the rooms are luxurious with all the amenities you can think of. If you’re a budget traveler, you can’t go wrong with SummerPlace Inn (8.3/10)
What to pack: Don’t leave sunscreen (take this one that is eco-friendly with SPF50), this beach cooler with rollers, this sand-proof beach mat, this wide-brim beach hat, a swimsuit, a beach coverup, and more.
Best Italian Restaurants in Destin, FL
In no particular order, here are the best Italian restaurants in Destin Fl.
1. Pazzo Italiano Destin
One of the jewels in Destin’s culinary crown is the award-winning Pazzo Italiano Destin.
It offers diners a sophisticated experience from the flavor-filled meals to the rustic-contemporary decor! Everything about Pazzo is designed to bring a piece of Italy closer.
Serving some of the best Italian foods in Destin, Fl, their delectable menu of Italian delights is made with Italy-imported ingredients.
For both lunch and dinner, you can find an array of tasty pasta dishes with fan favorites like Fettuccine Bolognese, Spaghetti Carbonara, and Pappardelle a la Chef. Other menu choices include calzones and paninis.
On top of that, Pazzo has a 7,000-pound wood-fired oven from Italy that they use to make mouthwatering pizzas. And to accompany your meal, they have an impressive wine list from their bar that will suit every palate.
Location: 34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy #114, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-974-5484
2. Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano
Situated in a small strip mall, Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano is famous for their stellar hospitality, large portions, tasty time-tested family recipes, incredible Italian wine, signature cocktail list, and bringing the best of rustic Italian cuisine to Destin.
From their famous Italian Garlic Rolls to Mimmo’s Marsala, brick-oven Nutella pizzas, and calzones, it’s not hard to see why Mimmo’s is one of the best Italian restaurants in Destin.
The elegant interior, accented with wood and natural stones, exudes a chic and friendly atmosphere where you’ll be welcomed like family.
And for those looking for cool bars in Destin, they have a lively marble bar serving an extensive menu of cocktails and wines.
Location: 979 US Hwy 98 E, Ste. 5, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-460-7353
Related Post: Best Waterfront Restaurants in Destin
3. Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
If you’re looking for some quality American-Italian food in Destin, then you’ll love this family-friendly chain that serves Italian classics with a modern creative flair.
The menu offers a ton of mouthwatering options to choose from, but standouts include a combo of their famous house salad, your choice of homemade soup and warm garlic breadsticks, or the Tour of Italy — a trio of Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, and Fettuccini Alfredo, all on one scrumptious plate.
Gluten-sensitive diners will also be pleased to find a menu section dedicated to their dietary concerns, and the kids will appreciate the many options available to them.
On top of food, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant also boasts an extensive beverage menu.
Location: 34970 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact:+1 850-650-2307
4. Vinny McGuire’s
First, the signed dollar bills decking the walls and ceilings, Italian movie posters plastered around, and dim orange lighting that add to the laid-back atmosphere will grab your attention.
Then, the world-class pizzas will round out the already memorable experience! After all, it’s one of the best pizza places in Destin.
This Italian restaurant in Destin, Florida, has won loyal customers for its pizzas bursting with flavor through every mouthful.
Each pizza is served on New York-style crust, and you can build your own from their extensive toppings options.
While you can settle for regular toppings like cheese and mozzarella, exploring more adventurous choices like the smoked prime rib and Cajun sausage is never a bad idea.
In addition to pizza, Vinny McGuire offers wings, Irish Boxtys, fried ravioli, and mozzarella sticks served with homemade marinara sauce.
On the beverage menu, they offer craft-brewed Irish ales, specialty drinks, and their signature drink — The Godfather, served in an ole Jar.
Location: 29 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-650-0116
5. La Famiglia Italian restaurant
When it comes to quality food, ambiance, and service, this Destin Italian restaurant delivers an unforgettable experience.
Consistently winning the heart of Destin locals with authentic Italian cuisine and gracious hospitality, La Famiglia Italian restaurant will transport you to the heart of Italy without leaving Destin.
You will enjoy the freshest dishes rooted in generation-old family recipes while taking in stunning views of the Destin Harbor.
Not sure what to choose from their extensive menu? You can try the traditionally handmade pasta, Italian-influenced seafood, and Cozze Alla Diavola served with two delicious sauces — spicy marinara or white wine sauce and homemade bread.
Other menu highlights include pizza, calzones, and Fettuccine Bolognese. Pair these with their signature Italian wines and non-alcoholic beverages and you are good to go.
Location: 16055 Emerald Coast Pkwy #114, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-279-4527
Related Post: Best Seafood Restaurants in Destin
6. RedBrick Pizza
RedBrick Pizza is not your regular chain churning bland pizzas and sacrificing quality! Instead, they rely on quality ingredients to handcraft their artisan dough and make delicious fire-roasted pizzas.
Famous for its signature golden crisp crust, RedBrick provides a gourmet take on what pizza can be while offering gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and vegetarian options to accommodate every visitors’ dietary needs.
Fan favorites include the Margherita and Greek pizza, both with bold flavors and premium toppings. They also offer handcrafted calzones, locally-made gelato, sandwiches, and salads.
Location: 4144 Legendary Dr, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-424-5990
7. Merlin’s Pizza
Tossing and saucing generous portions of pies since 1999, Merlin’s Pizza has remained the go-to Italian restaurant in Destin for high-quality pizzas made with fresh, local ingredients, and the flavors available are anything but ordinary.
Whether you build your own pizza with a range of premium toppings or go with one of their signature creations, their pizzas will meet your lofty expectations.
Perfect for families, there are many varieties to try, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options for those with dietary concerns.
Our favorites include Seafood Deluxe Pizza, Greek Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, and Lasagna Pizza with chunky old-world marinara sauce. Other menu features include salads, chicken wings, and breadsticks.
Location: 1251 Airport Rd, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-650-3000
Related Post: Fun Things to Do in Destin, FL
8. Capriccio Cafe
When you need to sip on a perfectly creamy Italian cappuccino over a chapter book or settle in and do some work, look no further than this cute cafe.
Capriccio Cafe has all the characteristics of the perfect coffee shop! Highest quality Italian coffee, welcoming atmosphere, exceptional pastries, and free wifi.
The owner, Marco brought his Milan heritage to the Destin area and creates an authentic Italian experience right from the infectious welcome to the hand-brewed gourmet coffee, meats, and cheeses — all imported from Italy.
The crepes also reign supreme with gluten-free options and stuffed favorites like Pasticcio, Nutella, Strawberries, and The Roman, which add grilled chicken.
But that’s not all! Capriccio also serves sandwiches and salads, hot chocolate, hot or iced teas, smoothies, and frappes on the drink menu.
So, if you’re looking for where to have breakfast in Destin or a quick lunch, specifically Italian, Capriccio Cafe is the place to go.
Location: 810 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-460-7050
9. Lone Wolf Pizza Co
Lone Wolf Pizza Co sports a convivial atmosphere that provides a fitting backdrop for the perfect pie they are pulling off.
From the colorful facade to the interior accented with paintings, quotes, and a handmade boat-shaped table at its center, this pizzeria has surplus charm.
Regulars rave about the flavorful pizzas made from scratch daily, which are one of the best in Destin, but walk-ins will also appreciate t!
You can’t go wrong with the Emerald Coast pizza, Snow Moon pizza at this place, or if you crave something hot, the Hailstorm pizza.
And while it may be tempting to fill up solely on pizza, you will want to start with the garlic knots served with their signature red sauce and finish with the Belgian Chocolate Mousse Cake.
Their menu also includes calzones, salads and sandwiches, and craft brews on tap to complement your meal.
Stop by on Thursdays for trivial nights and select Wednesday evenings for live music, or Music Bingo on Tuesdays.
Location: 960 US-98 Suite 112, Destin, FL 32541.
Contact: +1 850-424-6900
10. Fat Clemenza’s
While Fat Clemenza’s is a short drive from Destin in Miramar Beach, its unrivaled Italian masterpieces can not be ignored.
Named after a fictional character in the novel, The Godfather, the owners marry their Italian heritage with their Chicago experience to create quality made-from-scratch meals prepared with Italy-sourced ingredients and sausages from Chicago.
You can stop by to savor hand-tossed wood-fired pizzas made with homemade dough and house-crafted sauces.
What sets them apart from other Italian restaurants in Destin is that Chefs play around with seasonal ingredients to create daily specials that are displayed on the blackboard. Also, if you come around on Friday nights, you can enjoy locally caught fish in what they call “Fresh Fish Friday.”
In addition to the rich food menu, the beverage list is expansive and always has something that pairs well with your meal. Finally, we highly recommend making reservations for the best experience.
Location: 12273 US-98, Miramar Beach, FL 32550.
Contact: +1 850-650-5980
Final Thoughts on the Best Italian Restaurants in Destin
Whether you are a pasta fan, pizza lover, or just love Italian food, you can get your fill at any of these Italian restaurants in Destin.
The chefs helming these locations prioritize authenticity and use the freshest ingredients, generation-old recipes, and traditional techniques to make delicious, fresh, and tempting interpretations of your favorite Italian dishes, all in a warm and inviting ambiance.
Where will you be dining first?
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