A lively seafood-and-oyster spot in the heart of Grayton Beach, AJ's pairs a wide-ranging menu with a full slate of entertainment. The kitchen turns out seafood baskets, raw and grilled oysters, burgers, fish sandwiches, sushi, and Southern favorites like shrimp and grits, plus steaks off an oak-fired grill. With three bars, two stages, patio seating, and regular live music, it doubles as one of South Walton's go-to nightlife destinations. Weekend brunch and private events round things out, and the vibe stays family-friendly.
63 Defuniak St, Santa Rosa Beachajsgrayton.com ↗
A casual waterfront seafood house on Destin Harbor, Boshamps grew out of the family's former fine-dining restaurant, the Flamingo Cafe, trading white tablecloths for a relaxed harborside setting. The menu leans on fresh Gulf seafood -- oysters from the raw bar, daily catches, and Southern-inspired plates -- backed by a full bar with craft cocktails and wine. The name is a playful mashup of the owners' three Labradors and the owner's own initials. Between the harbor views, family-friendly feel, and annual events, it's become a Destin staple.
414 Harbor Blvd, Destinboshamps.com ↗
A locally owned seafood house on Destin Harbor, Brotula's specializes in fresh, locally sourced Gulf seafood and steamed shellfish platters in a setting it calls fun and rustic yet sophisticated. Signature dishes include blackened snapper, pecan-crusted grouper, and heaping steamer platters, with fish arriving daily from regional suppliers. It sits at 210 Harbor Boulevard and shares its roots with sister restaurant Jackacuda's Seafood & Sushi. Expect coastal, New South cooking with a waterfront view.
210D Harbor Blvd, Destinbrotulas.com ↗
Intimate, 8-table setting for an eclectic menu of sophisticated dishes in a vine-covered cottage.
14 Vicki St, Santa Rosa Beach
Easygoing restaurant in a quaint beachfront inn featuring locally sourced seafood & sushi.
2931 Scenic Hwy 98, Destincamillesatcrystalbeach.com ↗
Seafood standards served in a casual space overlooking Crab Islands.
9 Calhoun Ave, Destindestinseafood.com ↗
Unassuming American eatery & fish house opened in 1988 with a full bar & an attached retail market.
3865 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beachgoatfeathersseafood.com ↗
Fishing shack–themed eatery serving a variety of seafood-focused dishes, including Sunday brunch.
50 Uptown Grayton Cir #1, Santa Rosa Beachgraytonseafood.com ↗
American & seafood spot set in a roomy waterfront space stuffed with circus memorabilia.
46 Harbor Blvd, Destinharryts.com ↗
Seafood shack offering oysters, sandwiches & tacos plus happy-hour deals in a funky setting.
5773, 37 Logan Ln #4, Santa Rosa Beachhurricaneoyster.com ↗
Laid-back eatery in a strip-mall setting dispensing classic Thai dishes, plus seafood specials.
4463 Commons Dr W #108, Destinjasminethai-destin.com ↗
Tex-Mex restaurant & bar serving local seafood dishes, classic entrees & margaritas.
950 Gulf Shore Dr, Destinlapazdestin.com ↗
Upscale waterfront venue serving Louisiana-style seafood amid tropical decor & harbor views.
775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destinthelouisianalagniappe.com ↗
A Destin fine-dining fixture for more than three decades, Marina Cafe overlooks the harbor from Harbor Boulevard. The kitchen focuses on fresh daily seafood, USDA prime steaks, and house-made pastas, backed by a wine list of more than 100 selections. A candlelit, high-ceilinged dining room sets an upscale tone that suits both special occasions and an easygoing evening, while a separate lounge offers its own bar menu. Private events are available as well.
404 Harbor Blvd, Destinmarinacafe.com ↗
Roomy sports bar offering a seafood-heavy menu, plus sports on lots of TVs in a comfy space.
34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy #101, Fort Walton Beachoquigleysseafoodsteamer.com ↗
A waterfront seafood restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach, Old Florida Fish House pairs a family-friendly dining room with lakeside outdoor seating and live music. Lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch highlight fresh fish sourced from local fisheries and seafood purveyors, which guests can trace through an interactive sourcing map. A sushi program complements the Gulf-focused menu, and online ordering and reservations are available. Its sister spot, Dunesider Grill, is nearby.
33 Heron's Watch Way, Santa Rosa Beacholdfloridafishhouse.com ↗
Contemporary steak & seafood dishes offered in an airy, upscale resort setting with coastal views.
200 Henderson Resort Way, Destinhendersonbeachresort.com ↗
Takeout-only venue offering upscale American fare, including half-pound crab cakes, desserts & wine.
34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy #183, Destinsarahks.com ↗
Burgers, fish baskets & Southern specials like po' boys are the draw at this icon dating to 1949.
2976 S County Hwy 395, Santa Rosa Beachseagrovevillagemarket.com ↗
Open-air eatery with an upstairs terrace offering regional seafood plates, cocktails & live music.
1875 S County Hwy 393, Santa Rosa Beachshunkgulley.com ↗
Low-key hangout featuring American bites such as burgers & fried seafood, plus a bar area.
4935 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beachsteamboatgrill30a.com ↗
Cheery, multi-level eatery dishing up creative seafood, from gumbo to fish tacos, in down-home digs.
5960 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beachstinkysfishcamp.com ↗
Lively sports tavern with surf 'n' turf & cocktails, plus a rooftop with live music & harbor views.
172 Harbor Blvd, Destintailfinsdestin.com ↗
Grilled seafood stars at this joint with a long porch, beach chairs on the sand & gulf views.
1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destintheback-porch.com ↗
Cool bayside hangout with a bar & deck for seafood dishes, sushi & craft cocktails, plus live music.
24215 US-331, Santa Rosa Beachbaysouthwalton.com ↗
Set in an old general store, this casual hangout offers Southern-tinged fare & live music.
70 Hotz Ave, Santa Rosa Beachtheredbar.com ↗
