Destin resides in the heart of Florida’s Emerald Coastline – a stretch of pristine beaches in the Florida Panhandle. Sugar-white beaches and the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico have visitors flocking to the area year round. However, the beaches aren’t the only reason to visit the Emerald Coast. Destin restaurants are a big draw for vacationers and locals alike. I have a few favorites to share with you.
During my recent visit to Destin, I had the opportunity to dine at some of the areas best restaurants. Here are a few Destin restaurants that you don’t want to miss.
Where to Eat in Destin
Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s Destin
Known for fun, food and music, stopping in for a meal at LuLu’s Destin is an experience you don’t want to miss. The quirky and colorful atmosphere at LuLu’s is sure to bring a smile to your face.
This is a family-friendly restaurant with a great kid’s menu and beach area where kids can play.
One of the things I love about LuLu’s is the extensive Allergy Menu. There is sure to be something delicious for everyone in your party, food allergies or not.
While LuLu’s is much more than good food, the menu is full of local favorites that will have you salivating. I personally enjoyed the Smoked Tuna Dip and Fried Green Tomatoes Starters. The Mahi Tacos and Gouda Grits left a lasting memory that won’t soon be forgotten.
LuLu’s offers live music during happy hour on most days, and has a great bar area if you’re just popping in for a drink or two. They also host special events throughout the year. Be sure to check out the LuLu’s gift shop when you visit. I picked up a couple of fun souvenirs on my recent.
The Back Porch
Recommended to me by several Destin locals, the Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House is a stop you’ll want to be sure and make. I enjoyed my crab cake dinner beach front, out on the open air back porch. It was so peaceful and a perfect way to kick off my stay in Destin.
Crab cakes and hush puppies are two of my favorite things to eat, and I can honestly say that I can’t recall having any better than what I enjoyed at the Back Porch.
The beach is visible from most of the restaurant. I highly recommend popping in during happy hour for a Margarita or two. The locals are friendly. I was dining alone on my visit and met some nice folks.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
Having dined many times at the Margaritaville restaurant in Universal CityWalk, I knew this was a sure bet in Destin and wasn’t disappointed.
Conveniently located in Destin’s Harborwalk Village, Margaritaville serves up a great variety of cheeseburgers, nachos, seafood and you guessed it… margaritas.
The waterfront and marina views from Margaritaville are spectacular and the family-friendly menu is hard to beat. I recommend the taco salad.
Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill
If family fun and good food is what you’re looking for, I highly recommend Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill. Part of the Bass Pro Shop family, Uncle Buck’s offers families dining and entertainment under one roof.
Perfect for family fun, you can enjoy both a fun game of bowling and a delicious meal at Uncle Buck’s. If you’re ready to walk on the wild side, Uncle Bucks offers some great wild game dishes like wild boar burgers, buffalo strip steak and venison hunter’s chili. Don’t worry though if wild game isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options available.
The decor at Uncle Buck’s is spectacular. You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of a giant fish bowl. It’s really something special. Your kids will love it!
After dinner you can work off some calories playing a fun game of bowling on one of 16 full lanes that offer a unique underwater ocean experience! Custom bowling balls that bear the likeness of octopus, mermaids, camouflage and more! “Dock” wooden lanes feature underwater scenery of sea turtles, sharks, stingrays and other saltwater species! Handpainted murals and fish hanging from the ceiling bring everything together for a deep sea dive like no other. You have to see it to believe it!
Which of these Destin restaurants would you like to visit?
* Some meals were provided.
All of these restaurants look great. I’d love to visit any of them, actually. We’ll be sure to hit them up when we go back to Destin.
Destin is such a gorgeous place, and the dining is always great. I’ll be sure we stop by these restaurants the next time we’re there. We’ve been planning another trip down there.
I think the open air feel of LuLu’s would appeal to me. I love visiting Destin.
These are all so nice! Uncle Buck’s sounds like an awesome place to bring the kids at least once!
Oh you have no idea how much I would like to be there right now. It looks like a great place for a getaway!
I have never been to the Destin area but it looks absolutely stunning. The idea of dinner and cocktails right on the beach sounds perfect!
I love the decor in Uncle Buck’s. It feels like you are under the sea. I’d like to try any of these restaurants.
Look like great places to dine. Fun and fresh atmosphere.
The beaches there are awesome. I would love to check out these restaurants. I feel a trip coming on.
I’ll have to try these next time we visit the Destin area! Sounds like delicious foods!