You have so many seafood options in Destin! Aptly named, “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” it SHOULD have many seafood restaurants, and it DOES. You can even get your fresh catch prepared and cooked for you with “hook and cook.” Here’s a list of the top Destin seafood restaurants and a brief description with links so you can get directions, browse their menus and confirm hours.
The top 10 best seafood places to eat in Destin, Florida, are listed by their popular reviews and highest ratings by locals and vacationers. We also weighed in on beachfront and harbor views. More than a few offer a great place to watch a spectacular Gulf or harborside sunset in Destin.
Destin’s Best Seafood & Waterfront Dining Experiences:
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
414 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL 32541
“We are here to provide our guests and their family and friends with a memorable and AUTHENTIC Gulf-to-table dining experience.” This place is known for its pan-seared red snapper and other locally sourced seafood specialties, live music, libations and events. Boshamps is a waterfront dining experience on the beautiful Destin Harbor featuring sunset views and outdoor seating.
Website: Boshamps
Menu: Boshamps Menu
Dewey Destin Seafood Restaurant
9 Calhoun Ave., Destin, FL 32541
The Destin family and Destin, Florida have been intertwined since Dewey’s great, great grandfather, Leonard Destin, founded the town in 1835. The Destin family now honors Leonard’s love of the water by serving fresh, sustainable seafood in their family-owned restaurants in three locations along the Gulf Coast. The waterfront harbor views and sunsets are a fantastic ending to a great day on the beach. The daily Catch of The Day options are excellent.
Website: Dewey Destin Harborside
Menu: Dewey Destin Menu
Harbor Docks
538 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL 32541
Their acclaimed sushi and local seafood dishes are the hot picks. Outside seating for sunsets and lovely harbor views. Harbor Docks features Gulf-to-table delectable entrees with local seafood provided by Harbor Docks Wholesale Seafood Market.
Website: Harbor Docks
Menu: Harbor Docks Menu
Pompano Joe’s
2237 Scenic Gulf Dr., Miramar Beach, FL 32550
The Travel Channel featured Pompano Joe’s as the Ultimate Beach Snack Shack & one of the World’s Best Beach Restaurants! It is known for its fresh affordable Gulf seafood prepared with a Caribbean flavor. Beachfront tables and views! Outdoor seating is available for amazing sunsets.
Website: Pompano Joe’s Seafood
Menu: Pompano Joe’s Menu
The Crab Trap Seafood & Oyster Bar
3500 Scenic Hwy 98 E, Destin, FL 32541
The Crab Trap is known for its fresh seafood and signature Hot Crab Dip, as well as beautiful beachfront dining with fabulous sunsets. It is a great spot for frozen cocktails – a must at the beach!
Website: The Crab Trap Destin
Menu: Crab Trap Menu
Louisiana Lagniappe
775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541
Louisiana Lagniappe is known for Gulf seafood with a Creole flair. The attire is casual, yet an upscale waterfront dining experience is provided for the entire family. Overlooking the Destin Harbor, spectacular sunsets and incredible seafood make for a memorable occasion.
Website: thelouisianalagniappe.com
Menu: Louisiana Lagniappe Menu
Video by Coast 360
McGuire’s Irish Pub
33 East Highway 98, Destin, FL 32541
You will find a ‘Turn of the Century New York Irish Saloon’ feel in the 500 seats of the McGuire’s Irish Pub in Destin. And if you’d like to enjoy a view of the harbor – step upstairs where another 150 seats await you on the deck; a great place to enjoy dinner and enjoy the nightlife with some of the best bands around!
Website: McGuire’s Irish Pub
Menu: McGuire’s Irish Pub Menu
Live Music: Events
The Back Porch
1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
A favorite with the locals since 1974, The Back Porch made a name by serving delicious Gulf seafood with the best Gulf views. A few years later, they invented the Amberjack sandwich, and the rest is history. Enjoy the breathtaking Gulf views while sipping on your favorite beverage and enjoying some of the best Gulf seafood on the coast. Everything is better when you’re at the beach!
Website: The Back Porch
Menu: The Back Porch Menu
Video with Local Guide Shane O’
Fudpuckers Beachside Bar & Grill
20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541
Since 1982, Fudpucker’s has been dedicated to our favorite “F” words: Food, Fun and Family. It’s not just a restaurant, or bar – it’s a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience that can be enjoyed by kids and families of all ages. Fudpucker’s features a Gator Beach, live music, games to play while you wait and so much more!
Website: Fudpuckers Beachside Bar & Grill
Menu: Menu Options
Fish On
791 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
The Celebrity Executive Chef Giovanni Filippone, from HELLS KITCHEN featuring Gordon Ramsay, prepares his signature seafood recipes that made him famous. Fish On accesses some of the best local fishermen and fish markets in town, working closely to ensure they always have the freshest catches of the day.
Website: Fish On Seafood House
Menu: Fish On Menu
A Must-Mention Local Favorite:
AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar
116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
What began as a popular local hang-out known for fresh oysters and cold beer has grown into one of the most iconic “hot spots” on the Destin Harbor. AJ’s serves up fresh seafood and the live music starts at 4 p.m. Dine indoors or out with fabulous waterfront sunset views.
Website: AJ’s Destin
Menu: AJ’s Destin Menu
Destin, Florida Hook & Cook Seafood Restaurants:
Some great restaurants in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island that will cook your catch are:
To get on a boat and reel in your dinner, click for Destin Fishing Charters.
Looking for other great places to eat along Highway 98 and Scenic 30A? Visit our dining guide.
Enjoy your seafood offerings!