If you’re heading to Florida’s Emerald Coast, prepare your taste buds—because Destin is a seafood lover’s paradise. Known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin offers a wide variety of waterfront restaurants that serve up the freshest Gulf-caught seafood, often paired with unforgettable views of the harbor, the pass, or the open ocean. Whether you’re craving casual dockside dining or a romantic sunset dinner, these Destin seafood spots deliver both flavor and scenery.
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
Located directly on the Destin Harbor, Boshamps is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Their menu highlights Southern-style seafood with Gulf Coast flair—think fried snapper throats, buttery crab claws, and a daily catch that’s grilled, blackened, or fried to perfection. Enjoy your meal on the multi-level outdoor deck, where kids can play in the sand while you sip a drink and watch boats cruise by.
Dewey Destin’s Harborside
You can’t talk about Destin seafood without mentioning the Dewey family. Dewey Destin’s Harborside offers a rustic, relaxed atmosphere with a menu that includes grilled mahi-mahi, crab cakes, and their signature gumbo. The harborfront location provides sweeping views of boats returning from charter trips, and you’ll often spot pelicans and dolphins in the distance. Their original location (on Calhoun Ave) offers even more laid-back, toes-in-the-sand dining.
The Back Porch
Located right on the sand, The Back Porch has been serving up seafood with a view since 1974. Diners can enjoy classic Gulf dishes like amberjack sandwiches, smoked tuna dip, and shrimp platters while looking out over the emerald waters. It’s casual, family-friendly, and perfect for lunch or dinner with beach vibes.
Harbor Docks
A staple in Destin since 1979, Harbor Docks is part restaurant, part local seafood market. The menu features sushi, daily catch specials, and hearty Southern seafood entrees. The real draw? The stunning harbor views from their expansive deck—especially at sunset. Their commitment to sourcing locally and sustainably makes every bite feel like a celebration of Destin’s fishing roots.
Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer
Overlooking the Destin Harbor, Brotula’s is known for its relaxed, nautical-themed dining and extensive steamed seafood offerings. Their build-your-own seafood boil is a big hit with families, and their outdoor deck offers one of the best places to catch golden hour over the water. If you bring in your own catch, they’ll even cook it for you!
Louisiana Lagniappe
Tucked inside the Sandpiper Cove complex, Louisiana Lagniappe serves upscale Creole-inspired seafood in a more refined setting. Dishes like grouper almondine and seafood au gratin are perfectly paired with a peaceful view of the Destin marina. Come for the sunset and stay for the hush puppies. Reservations recommended.
From harborside classics to beachside favorites, these Destin seafood restaurants serve up more than just a great meal—they offer unforgettable views and local flavor that captures the spirit of the Emerald Coast.