Discover the 10 best seafood restaurants in Destin, FL, recommended by locals. From casual beach shacks to upscale harbor dining, here's where to eat and what to order.
You'll find great seafood across the country, from the piers of North Carolina to the bayfront bistros of the Gulf. But only one place wears the crown as 'The World's Luckiest Fishing Village.'
Destin.
Here, fresh catches aren't just a feature, they're a way of life. And if you're wondering where to get the very best of it, locals have some clear favorites. Here's the lowdown:
- Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer: Waterfront favorite for steam pots, casual vibes, and sunset patio views.
- Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House: Southern seafood with a modern twist. Go for oysters and live music on the harbor.
- Dewey Destin's Harborside: Local legacy with daily fresh catch, harbor views, and a must-try key lime pie.
- The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House: Beachfront classic since 74, famous for chargrilled amberjack and seafood nachos.
- Harbor Docks: No-frills favorite with its own seafood market, killer sushi, and early morning crab cake breakfasts.
- Marina Cafe: Upscale date-night pick with harbor views, steaks, seafood, and an excellent wine list.
- Jackacuda's Seafood & Sushi: Trendy spot for sushi and Gulf seafood, don't miss the Destin Roll or happy hour deals.
- Louisiana Lagniappe: Creole fine dining with Gulf flair. Order the grouper Pontchartrain and save room for bread pudding.
- Dewey Destin's (Original Location): Cash-only seafood shack with picnic tables, big flavors, and unbeatable bayfront charm.
- AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar: Lively harbor hangout with steam pots, Boom Boom Shrimp, and nightly live music.
At RealJoy Vacations, we've been part of the Emerald Coast hospitality scene for years. As local experts, we know the area inside and out. For more tips, check out our destination blog for insights on all things Emerald Coast, from the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants to nightlife guides; it's all there.
In this blog, I'm bringing you a roundup of Destin's top 10 seafood restaurants, according to locals, and what to order.
Get ready for a seafood bonanza!

1. Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer
Location: 210D Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Hours: Open daily 11 AM – 9 PM
Brotula's is a local favorite for waterfront dining with generous portions and harbor views.
Highlights:
- Signature Steamer Pot with crab, mussels, shrimp, and andouille sausage
- Sunset patio seating
- Cozy indoor space with large windows
- Great happy hour on drinks and apps
What to Expect:
Casual-meets-upscale experience—ideal for hearty seafood lovers and golden-hour dining.

2. Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House
Location: 414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Hours: Open daily 11 AM – 10 PM
Boshamps blends Southern-style seafood with a fun waterfront vibe.
Highlights:
- Oysters Boshamp with parmesan, garlic butter, and bacon
- Grouper piccata and shrimp & grits
- Harbor views and live music
- Two full bars
What to Expect:
Laid-back yet lively spot, great for date nights or relaxed group dinners.

3. Dewey Destin's Harborside
Location: 202 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Hours: Open daily 11 AM – 9 PM
Harborside location with historic roots and daily fresh-catch specials.
Highlights:
- Grilled amberjack sandwich and seafood gumbo
- Famous key lime pie
- Harborfront seating, indoor and out
- Local beer and cocktail selection
What to Expect:
No-frills, fresh seafood with a side of Destin history.

4. Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House
Location: 1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
Hours: Open daily 11 AM – 10 PM
A Destin landmark since 1974, offering beachside dining and fresh oysters.
Highlights:
- Chargrilled amberjack
- Apalachicola oysters & Seafood Nachos
- Gulf-front seating
- Laid-back, family-friendly vibe
What to Expect:
Casual eats with sandy toes and great sunset views.

5. HARBOR DOCKS
Location: 538 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Hours: Open daily 6 AM – 10 PM
A community staple with its own seafood market and sushi bar.
Highlights:
- Crab cakes Benedict for breakfast
- Fresh grilled catch of the day
- Full sushi bar
- Annual charity event support
What to Expect:
Unpretentious, ultra-fresh, and loved by locals since 1979.

6. MARINA CAFE
Location: 404 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Hours: Open daily 5 PM – 10 PM
Destin's upscale go-to for romantic dinners and gourmet seafood.
Highlights:
- Grouper Vince with lump crab and beurre blanc
- Sunset views over the harbor
- Extensive wine list
- Elegant ambiance
What to Expect:
Refined dining with coastal flair—ideal for date nights and special occasions.

7. JACKACUDA'S SEAFOOD & SUSHI
Location: 56 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Hours: Open daily 11 AM – 10 PM
Trendy fusion of Gulf seafood and creative sushi in HarborWalk Village.
Highlights:
- Destin Roll with tempura grouper and spicy mayo
- Blackened mahi-mahi
- Indoor/outdoor harbor seating
- Happy hour specials
What to Expect:
Hip and lively, with something for sushi lovers and seafood traditionalists alike.

8. LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE
Location: 775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541
Hours: Open daily 5 PM – 10 PM
Creole seafood dining in an upscale, waterside setting.
Highlights:
- Grouper Pontchartrain with lump crabmeat
- Seafood gumbo and bread pudding with whiskey sauce
- Elegant but welcoming atmosphere
What to Expect:
Classic New Orleans flavors with a Destin twist. Reservations strongly recommended.

9. DEWEY DESTIN'S Seafood Restaurant (Original Location)
Location: 9 Calhoun Ave, Destin, FL 32541
Hours: Open daily 11 AM – 9 PM
Old Florida charm with open-air seating and unbeatable freshness.
Highlights:
- Smoked tuna dip and amberjack sandwich
- "Crab Trap" seafood sampler
- Picnic tables and bayfront views
- Cash only
What to Expect:
Simple, delicious, and full of character. Great for casual waterfront dining.

10. AJ'S SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR
Location: 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Hours: Open daily 11 AM – 2 AM
A Destin landmark for food, drinks, and entertainment.
Highlights:
- Boom Boom Shrimp and raw oysters
- Steam pots for sharing
- Live music and multiple bars
- Signature "Diesel Fuel" cocktail
What to Expect:
Festive and full of energy. Great for late nights, seafood feasts, and live entertainment.

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