Fort Walton Beach Area Restaurants
Along with the standard assortment of national chains on Highway 98, Fort Walton Beach offers a variety of homegrown eateries. Menus range from casual boardwalk burgers to sophisticated Northern Italian fare. Nearby Destin Commons and Silver Sands Factory Stores are quick trips for families seeking more dining choices.
Don't Miss:
AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar
116 Highway 98 E
Destin Harbor, FL 32541
(850) 857-1913
AJ's is a tiki-themed local favorite with a great view of Destin Harbor. The menu features every kind of fresh seafood, and the atmosphere is lively. Bands play most nights at the restaurant's upstairs thatched-roof bar, Club Bimini. Open for lunch and dinner nightly. Fresh local seafood, dockside dining, kid's menu and oyster happy hour.
Another Broken Egg Cafe
104 Harbor Drive
Destin / (850) 0-0499
9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd A-4, Miramar / (850) 622-2050
Wake up to a delicious morning. Voted "Best Breakfast" on the Emerald Coast for seven years in a row! How about a specialty omelet or bananas foster french toast? Breakfast, brunch and lunch. Convenient locations in Destin, Sandestin, Grayton Beach and Panama City.
Black Pearl
1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy (at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island)
(850) 833-3016
Features wood-fired seafood and steaks that you'll treasure. Indoor and outdoor views of the Gulf of Mexico. Truly steaks and seafood that you will treasure.
Buster's Seafood Oyster Bar & Grill
125 Poinciana Blvd. (across from Silver Sands Factory Stores)
Miramar Beach (850) 837-4399.
“Where you come as a customer and leave as a friend.” Buster’s remains one of Destin’s most authentic dining experiences, serving an array of seafood, steak and chicken dishes, as well as salads and sandwiches. Be sure to check out “Oyster mania,” 5 to 6 p.m. daily. Bring the family to see Giggles the Clown at this location. Exclusive gift shop offering T-shirts and memorabilia. All major
credit cards accepted.
Bud & Alley's Restaurant & Bar
2236 East County Road 30-A
Seaside, FL 32459
(850) 231-5900
There's fine dining, and then there's the finest. 2007 Florida Trend Magazine Golden Spoon Award Winner and a Top 20 Restaurant in Florida. Enjoy casual dining, award-winning menus, open-air rooftop bar and daily sunset bell ringing. On the Gulf in Seaside for 21 years.
Buffalo's Reef/Stampede
757 US Highway 98, Destin / (850) 275-9464
116 N. Eglin Parkway, Fort Walton Beach / (850) 243-9464
Niceville / (850) 678-8646
Follow the stampede to the "Best Buffalo Wings on the Emerald Coast." Locally owned and operated, Mike Hanley has been "winging it" right for 17 years! Open 7 days, dine in or carry out. Buffalo's Stampede offers take-out only.
Caffe Italia
189 Brooks Street
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
(850) 664-0035
Small but mighty, Caffe Italia regularly scores high marks with critics, travel books, and locals alike. Serving Northern Italian fare from a cozy 1925 Sears & Roebuck mail-order cottage, the proprietors have created a unique and romantic spot. Carb-conscious diners should take a night off; the house specialties of risotto, tortellini, and cappuccino are not to be missed.
Capt. Anderson's Marina
5550 North Lagoon Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
(Located on Grand Lagoon at Thomas Drive)
(850) 234-5940 or 1-800-360-0510
Enjoy an evening dinner cruise on the elegant Lady Anderson dining yacht, trips to Shell Island, dolphin encounters, deep-sea and charter fishing boats, gift shop, Anderson Seafood Market or Mel's Dockside Restaurant.
Capt. Dave's On The Gulf
3796 Scenic Hwy. 98 / (850) 837-2627. Located three miles west of Sandestin on Old Beach Road, on the beach side of the highway. Capt. Dave’s is the oldest seafood restaurant in Destin. Opens daily at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy some of the freshest seafood on the beach along with one of the most spectacular Gulf views anywhere – all in a friendly, casual environment. D=$16-$25. Reservations not required. All major credit cards accepted.
Ciao Bella Pizza da Guglielmo
Sandestin (850) 654-3040 | Destin (850) 654-9815 | Bluewater Bay
All offer authentic Italian pizzas and pasta dishes. Dine in or out for affordable family dining.
The Crab Trap Seafood & Oyster Bar
1450 Miracle Strip Parkway
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
(850) 301-0959
This beachfront, family-oriented seafood house is located at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. Offering freshly-caught local fish, crab, oysters, shrimp, and lobster, the Crab Trap is well worth stopping by.
Criolla's Restaurant
170 East Scenic Highway 30-A
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 267-1267
A night at Criolla's in Grayton Beach is like island hopping along the equator for exotic, flavorful cuisine and casual dining indulgence. Best of Award of Excellence (Wine Spectator) and a Hall of Fame Restaurant (Florida Trend Magazine).
Dagwood's Sandwich Shop
4463 Commons Drive West, Suite B
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 650-2686
From the creator of the Blondie comics, Dagwood’s menu includes signature sandwiches like New York deli-style Hot Pastrami and Corned Beef sandwiches, a traditional pressed Cuban sandwich, the New Orleans Roast Beef Po’Boy, and the quintessential Dagwood. Dagwood’s menu also includes delicious and unique toasted subs, salads, wraps, soups, and desserts.
Floyd's Shrimp House
1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy (at the Boardwalk) - Okaloosa Island / (850) 243-2232
Enjoy casual, family-friendly dining on the Boardwalk at Floyd's, home of "all-you-can-eat jumbo fried shrimp." Menu features fresh seafood, steaks and traditional favorites. Also offers nightly specials, a children's menu, full bar and happy hour. Serving lunch and dinner. Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fudpucker's Beachside Bar & Grill
20001 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin FL 32541-3410 / (850) 654-4200
108 Santa Rosa Boulevard
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32413 / (850) 243-3833
25 Years of Fun! Fudpucker's is not your ordinary restaurant. Stop by either of their two locations and discover why they are "the place" for great food, friendly service, live music, world-famous T-shirts, and of course, FUN!
Joe's Crab Shack
14055 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 650-1882
Their menu includes half a dozen varieties of crab--plus burgers, sandwiches, colorful salads, chicken and seafood platters. Joe's festive, laid-back atmosphere encourages you to let go, enjoy the party and have fun! Open daily.
Johnny O' Quigley’s
34940 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 837-1015
As Destin premier sports restaurant, Johnny O 'Quigley's promises to entertain you with great food and some of the best sports viewing in town. There's not a bad seat in the house with Big Screens and televisions lining the walls. Johnny O' Quigley’s serves a variety of everything from steak, seafood and BBQ to pasta, wings, salad bar and more!
LaPaz Restaurant & Cantina
950 Gulf Shore Drive
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 837-2247
Mexican fare with flair! Specializing in serving fresh, local seafood prepared south-of-the-border stylealong with all your traditionalfavorites. Voted "Best on the Emerald Coast" for 8 years running.
The Lighthouse Restaurant
878 Highway 98-E
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 654-2828
Food and service shines at The Lighthouse! Specializing in traditional seafood favorites and homemade desserts. And, half-price entrees are served from 4:30-8pm. Open 7 days a week.
The Marina Cafe
404 Highway 98 E, in Destin Harbor 
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 847-7960
For a fancier experience, Fort Walton folks head next door to Destin’s most romantic eatery, where candlelight and mood music accompany upscale New American fare. Enjoy fusilli with roast chicken and sun-dried tomatoes with a glass of wine while you gaze at the twinkling harbor lights.
Mitchell's Fish Market
500 Grand Blvd.,
Destin, FL (850) 650-2484
At Mitchell's Fish Market fresh seafood obsession is a commitment, and a passion for absolute freshness as a way of life. Fish any fresher would still be in the ocean. The ever changing menu printed twice daily puts the finest and freshest from every coastline on the planet within your culinary reach. There's a variety of chef driven dishes and tried-and-true seafood favorites.
Pandora's Steakhouse and Lounge
1120B Santa Rosa Boulevard
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
(850) 664-0664
Pandora's specializes in prime rib and fresh local seafood, expertly grilled
over an oak wood-burning grill. The restaurant's upper deck lounge features live
entertainment and a happy hour with complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
Pizza Hut
1027 Highway 98 East
Destin, FL 32541 / (850) 269-2555
50 Holiday N Road
Miramar Beach, FL 32550 / (850) 269-3262
141 Miracle Strip Parkway SW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 /
(850) 243-8727
Enjoy America's favorite pizzas at several convenient locations along the Emerald Coast, including Ft. Walton Beach and Destin. Locally owned and operated since 1998.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
15000 Emerald Coast Parkway,
Silver Shel ls Resort,
Destin, FL Phone: (850) -337-5108
At Ruth’s Chris you can enjoy New Orleans-inspired appetizers, aged USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts, all complemented by an award-winning wine list and served with a genuine hospitality style service in an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. To experience fine dining at its prime . . . just follow the sizzle to Ruth's Chris Steak House.
Rutherfords 465 Restaurant at Regatta Bay
465 Regatta Bay Blvd., Destin FL (850) 337-8888
Located inside the Regatta Bay Clubhouse. Open to the public for lunch, early dinner and Sunday brunch. Overlooking the 18th green and Lake Regatta, Rutherfords 465 is perfect for special events including weddings, receptions, and business meetings.
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club
334 Golf Course Drive
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Golf: (850) 267-2229 / Dining: (850) 267-2305
Golf Magazine calls it the "purest golf on the Panhandle," featuring the only Gulf-fronting holes in the area. Enjoy 18 challenging holes, full practice facility, full-service pro shop and a variety of great choices for dining or cocktails. For custom golf package information call 1-800-874-9836 or request information about our golf packages.
Seagar's Prime Steaks and Seafood
4000 Sandestin Blvd., South Destin, FL (850) 622-1500.
Winner of AAA’s Four-Diamond Award. Specializes in prime beef and fresh seafood. Features reserve wine list with more than 800 labels. Private dining facilities available. Open Sun. - Thurs., 6 to 9 p.m.; Fri. - Sat., 6 to 10 p.m. Reservations recommended.
Shades Bar and Grill
10952 East County Highway 30-A, Next to Rosemary Beach, (850) 231-9410
A South Walton tradition since 1994, Shades has been described as the “place for the entire family”. With our wide array of fresh menu items including local seafood, burgers, pizza and tasty hot wings you are sure to find something to please your palate. Let the kids enjoy our game room while the adults indulge in our amazing draft beer selection with 28 beers from around the world. Sports! We have it. With 7 HD television and all the premium packages we can accommodate the biggest sports fans. Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Staff's Seafood Restaurant
24 Miracle Strip Parkway (Highway 98)
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
(850) 243-3482
Established in 1913, Staff's is a historic Florida restaurant that specializes in serving fresh seafood, vegetables and salad greens that make you happy and healthy! Whole wheat bread baked daily. Open for lunch and dinner.
SunQuest Cruises Solaris
Baytowne Marina
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West
Destin, FL 32550
(850) 650-2519
Dine, dance and enjoy the cruise aboard the area's premiere dining and entertainment yacht. The perfect choice for intimate gatherings, celebrations, weddings and corporate events. Live entertainment and breathtaking sunsets! Baytowne Marina, Sandestin Golf and Beach.
TCBY
130 Old Hwy 98, Suite 1  
Miramar Beach, FL 32550
(850) 654-2076
TCBY offers a selection of signature soft-serve yogurt, to fruit and yogurt packed smoothies; the choices are perfect for a healthier, active, and balanced lifestyle. Yogurt hasn’t been the same since TCBY.
The Treasure Ship
3605 Thomas Drive
Panama City, FL 32408
(850) 234-8881
Fine dining and family fun in a replica of a Spanish galleon overlooking Grand Lagoon on Panama City Beach. Live pirates roam the decks of three restaurants, including The Main Dining Room, Hook's Grille & Grog, and Captain Cabby's.
Tropical Smoothie
4307 Legendary Drive (located in Destin Commons)
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 269-0494
Tropical Smoothie offers over 40 real fruit smoothies to accommodate any taste bud. And don’t forget about breakfast and lunch with a selection of wraps, sandwiches, soups and salads. Tropical Smoothie is your healthy alternative.
Uptown Station
399 Eglin Parkway, State Road #85
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
(850) 243-0401
Don't just go shopping, go Uptown! One stop for one great shopping experience, featuring 45 national and local merchants, ranging from
Winn-Dixie to Buffalo Wild Wings to Radio Shack--and everything in between. In the heart of Fort Walton Beach.
Vin'tij Wine Boutique & Bistro
10859 West Emerald Coat Parkway, Suite 103
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 650-9820
Fine dining deserves a fine wine. Savor our eclectic coastal cuisine for lunch or dinner and see why Wine Spectator gave them its top award and Florida Trend awarded them a Golden Spoon as a top Florida restaurant. Bon appetit!
Wing Stop
16055 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 111
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 837-5333
From their award winning Atomic wings to a sweet teriyaki, Wing Stop cooks up a variety of sauces for any occasion. Made fresh-to-order and served steaming hot, Wing Stop also offers a variety of delicious sides, beer and wine.
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