When visiting Destin Florida, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk is the place to be. It’s not only the spot to catch stunning views of the Emerald Coast, but it is where you can catch a dolphin cruise, rent a jet ski, and lose yourself in the fabulous shopping.
And, of course, no day of fun and sun is complete without food and refreshments. To help you plan your day on the gulf shores, we’ve put together this list of some of our favorite Destin Harbor Boardwalk Restaurants.
Whether you’re looking for an oyster bar with a view, or some sinfully sweet pastries, this list has you covered!
Waterfront Restaurants on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk
One of the biggest treats of the Gulf Coast is the sunsets. While we recommend taking a sunset cruise, we know you’ll want to see more which is where these waterfront restaurants come in!
The Back Porch
The Back Porch has been a popular local hangout since its beginnings in 1974. Once a simple A-frame building on the beach, it has only grown in size and reputation to become one of the best restaurants in the city.
This spot offers fresh seafood, delicious drinks, a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, and amazing views.
Be sure to try the famous Amberjack Sandwich or the fresh Appalachicola oysters!
Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House
For a truly authentic Gulf to table experience, you simply have to visit Boshamps in the Destin Harbor.
This family restaurant combines the day’s fresh catch with a Southern-style flare to bring you the best in local cuisine.
Boshamps is a popular spot so be sure to arrive early or you may find yourself waiting for a table. As a pet-friendly restaurant, you can bring your four-legged family members with you!
Give the taste buds a real treat by ordering the “THE ORIGINAL” Snapper Destin or the SIGNATURE Corn and Crab Chowder.
Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant
Visit Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant for a journey into Destin history.
Dewey’s great grandfather, Leonard Destin, was the town’s founder in 1835. Destiny is known as the world’s luckiest fishing village, and after one bite at Dewey’s, it isn’t hard to see why.
This location is the ultimate in open-air dining. While Dewey Destin’s has multiple locations, this is the original and gives you stunning views of famous Crab Island.
Not a formal sit-down restaurant, simply order from the window and grab yourself a seat. Nothing to do here but sit back, relax, and enjoy fresh seafood the way it was meant to be eaten—with the sun on your face and the warm ocean breeze in your hair.
Grab the grouper sandwich and then finish it off with a slice of key lime pie! You won’t be disappointed.
If you’d rather have a more traditional sit-down meal, you can travel about a mile down the road to visit Dewey Destin’s Harborside. Same quality, in a more traditional restaurant atmosphere.
Tailfins Waterfront Grill
With so much to do on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, you’ll want to be sure you’ve fueled up for the day with a scrumptious breakfast.
Tailfins Waterfront Grill opens at 8 am each day and has a range of breakfast options from the classic choice of eggs, bacon, and potatoes or biscuits and gravy to the more adventurous seafood omelet or breakfast nachos. No matter your preferences, we’re sure you’ll find it here.
And of course, Tailfins is more than a breakfast joint. With excellent harbor views, fabulous local live music, and amazing lunch and dinner menu, no matter when you visit Tailfins, you’ll be glad you came.
Boathouse Oyster Bar
Eat and drink like a local at this chill restaurant!
This restaurant is a bit of a hidden gem! Found along the harbor, this is the perfect spot for raw oysters, cold beverages, and live music with a backdrop of amazing ocean views.
For 30 years, people have been coming back again and again for the friendly service and the quality eats. If you are looking to feel at home in a pub-like atmosphere, get yourself a seat at Boathouse!
Restaurants in HarborWalk Village
Home to the Emerald Grande Hotel, the HarborWalk Village is a happening place full of fun family activities, great shopping, and, of course, incredible food. These are our favorites!
Harry T’s Lighthouse
Named for Harrison Baben, the famous trapeze artist known as “Flying Harry T,” this Destin restaurant is a treat for the tastebuds AND the eyes!
With a circus theme and a decor that includes memorabilia from the Thracia, the sunken luxury cruise ship, this place is perfect for kids of all ages! What’s more, every table in the restaurant has an ocean view!
Serving classic American cuisine and fresh seafood, there’s something here for everyone. Do yourself a favor and try the grouper nuggets and the snow crab chowder! And if you’re a brunch sort of person, with bottomless Champagne, Harry T’s is the place to be.
East Pass Seafood & Oyster House
Sometimes, you just need an oyster bar. East Pass Seafood & Oyster House has some of the best service and the best raw oysters in all of Destin.
A family-friendly, open-air dining experience, it’s hard to go wrong!
Some house favorites are the Captain’s Platter which includes Gulf Shrimp, Mahi Mahi, Regional Oysters, Fries, and Hushpuppies, or the Mayor Oysters which includes Bacon, Jalapeno, Smoked Gouda. Yum!
Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville
Margaritaville isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a state of mind!
Soak up the salt air and relax in the world-famous, Caribbean-inspired atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of seafood, cajun, and tropical-inspired meals while letting your cares slip away.
Enjoy some fish tacos, shrimp and grits, or some crab cakes with a refreshing margarita, and let the island vibes take you over!
Restaurants Near Harbor Blvd
The Destin boardwalk is a big attraction. But we have a few more favorites that aren’t located on the boardwalk and can be found on or near Harbor Blvd.
Louisiana Lagniappe
Located at 775 Gulf Shore Drive, Louisiana Lagniappe is widely considered to be one of the best restaurants in all of Destin.
An upscale dining experience with a casual vibe, this restaurant serves some of the best seafood and steaks in town. You will find a menu full of gulf seafood prepared with a creole flair.
Try the blackened redfish or the jambalaya. You’ll be glad you did!
Local Tip: Parking here can be difficult so, if you need to travel a bit to get here, it’s best to take a cab (if you can). It will enhance your experience by helping you avoid a minor headache.
Parlor Doughnuts
If you’re heading over the Destin Bridge towards Okaloosa Island, follow Highway 98 to Miracle Strip Parkway in Fort Walton Beach. This is where you will find Parlor Doughnuts.
Parlors are not your average doughnuts! With its origins in Indiana, Parlor Doughnuts has expanded to be THE premier craft doughnut shop in Florida.
With 27 different flavors for their famous layered doughnuts, premium coffee, milkshakes, juice, and kombucha, and a variety of breakfast options, Parlor Doughnuts will help you satisfy a sweet or savory palate. And with keto or vegan-friendly options, no one will feel left out!
Dine in Style in Destin Fl
With so many restaurant options, you are spoiled for choice on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk! As locals, we know you want to cut through the noise and find the best options as quickly and easily as possible.
With this list of the 10 best Destin Harbor Boardwalk restaurants, you’ll find exactly what you want, when you want it!
