The Best Seafood Restaurants in Destin 🦀🍤
Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin is all about the catch of the day — and it shows. From Gulf shrimp and snow crab to blackened snapper and buttery grouper, the seafood here is fresh, flavorful, and served with a side of ocean breeze.
Whether you want casual and kid-friendly activities or upscale and romantic, these are the must-try seafood spots in Destin you don’t want to miss.
🐟 Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
Located right on the Destin Harbor, Boshamps is a local favorite with epic views and even better seafood.
✔️ Famous for oysters, fried grouper, and “Off the Dock” specials
✔️ Big outdoor deck with live music and beach area for kids to play
✔️ Great cocktails and Southern sides (yes, they have hush puppies)
✔️ Sunset views are ✨perfection✨
Perfect for: Families, couples, and dinner with a view.
🦞 Dewey Destin’s Seafood
Owned by descendants of the Destin family, Dewey Destin’s has two locations — one harborfront, one bayside — both known for no-frills, super-fresh seafood.
✔️ Order at the counter and eat with your toes in the sand
✔️ Try the shrimp baskets, snow crab, or blackened mahi
✔️ Casual, affordable, and great for lunch or sunset
✔️ Bonus: Watch boats come and go while you eat
Perfect for: Laid-back lunch or casual date night.
🐠 The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House
Right on the beach with a vintage surf-shack feel, The Back Porch has been a Destin staple since the ‘70s — and it still delivers.
✔️ Beachfront dining with Gulf views
✔️ Amberjack sandwich = legendary
✔️ Kid-friendly menu + fun atmosphere
✔️ Perfect stop after a beach day
Perfect for: Big groups, beachgoers, or a breezy family dinner.
🦐 Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer
A hidden gem on the harbor, Brotula’s specializes in steamed + boiled seafood, with a casual upscale vibe and a killer sunset dock view.
✔️ Famous for their seafood boil buckets + local catch
✔️ Fresh oysters, royal red shrimp, and fish tacos
✔️ Fun bar, covered patio, and good wine list
✔️ Option to cook your catch if you’ve been fishing
Perfect for: Seafood fans and harborfront sunset dinners.
🐡 Louisiana Lagniappe
Want a little Cajun flair with your seafood? Louisiana Lagniappe brings New Orleans flavors to the Emerald Coast.
✔️ Elegant but not stuffy — perfect for a special night out
✔️ Grouper Ponchartrain, crawfish étouffée, and crab cakes are 🔥
✔️ Waterfront views and excellent service
✔️ Tucked inside Sandpiper Cove (a little hidden, but worth it!)
Perfect for: Romantic dinners, anniversaries, or grown-up getaways.
🦀 AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
If you want seafood with a side of live music and nightlife, AJ’s is the place. It’s lively, casual, and located right in the heart of the Destin Harbor.
✔️ Raw oysters, seafood platters, and famous “Gator” tacos
✔️ Live bands + dancing at night
✔️ Great for people-watching
✔️ Family-friendly during the day, more of a party at night
Perfect for: Happy hour, harbor views, or a fun night out.
🎣 Captain Dave’s on the Gulf
This beachfront classic serves up fine seafood with an upscale twist, all with sweeping Gulf views from every table.
✔️ Try the grilled scallops, broiled snapper, or crab-stuffed grouper
✔️ Sunset seating is a must
✔️ Quiet, elegant atmosphere
✔️ Great wine list + date-night feel
Perfect for: Romantic dinners and grown-up seafood lovers.
Final Thoughts
From paper-plate shrimp baskets to candlelit crab feasts, Destin’s seafood scene has something for every taste and vibe. Whether you’re digging into oysters on the dock or dressing up for date night, these restaurants serve up fresh, local flavor with unforgettable views.
Need help making a reservation, finding family friendly vacation rental, a kid-friendly menu, or choosing where to eat after a dolphin cruise? I’ve got you — just ask!
