We’ve eaten our way through Miramar Beach’s newest openings, enduring the forgettable and the fantastic. And when a place made us feel like we’d discovered buried treasure, we added it here. These 19 spots are the ones that truly sing.
Hunter’s Chicken and Burgers
$ | (850) 654-9453 | WEBSITE
Hunter’s Chicken and Burgers brings a straightforward, satisfying take on American comfort food to Miramar Beach. The menu (or “staples,” as their simple chalkboard calls them) goes beyond the expected burger or fried chicken, with crispy chicken fingers that taste like the best homemade version you’ve ever had, or juicy burgers with perfect seasoning. But our favorite part is the friendly service with Jerry at the cashier, who makes everyone feel very welcome.
The latter comes with a casual atmosphere and convenient parking that makes it easy for a quick solo meal or family outing, but they also have a laidback vibe if you want to enjoy crispy fries with friends while soaking up the local Florida sunshine.
The Craft Bar – Grand Boulevard
$$ | (850) 608-6226 | WEBSITE
Grand Boulevard’s most impressive new scene isn’t in the shops, but at this craft bar with a vibrant atmosphere and welcoming vibe. Delectable mahi sandwiches have a podcast-worthy texture. Mac n cheese bites painted with artisan craftsmanship and zippy flavor could make a comfort food loyalist question their fidelity. And the knowledgeable staff like Ms Jackie, who gets you tasting cheeses from around the world, offer an excellent mix of bold and rich selections.
Like every sip we’ve tried here, they’re worth facing any bustling crowds.
P.F. Chang’s
$$ | (850) 269-1806 | WEBSITE
The team behind this popular chain has been serving Miramar Beach for years, which means it’s been far too long since I’ve had their Chang’s Spicy Chicken. Thankfully, the American-Chinese restaurant remains a consistent favorite, this time in a bustling family-friendly location. Like previous visits, P.F. Chang’s warm atmosphere and attentive service make it a great family meal spot when you’re ready to step up from “fast casual.” More importantly, those generous portions are still here.
Some reliable classics also appear on the menu, like the always-satisfying Chang’s Spicy Chicken, helpful suggestions from friendly staff, and a fantastic overall experience. Unlike disappointing chain restaurants that feel impersonal, this is a meal with potential for something more, whether we come back for a family celebration or a casual dinner with great service from staff like Travis and Pryce.
Frozen Dune Rolled Ice Cream
$$ | (850) 842-4777 | WEBSITE
Miramar Beach might be more of a traditional ice cream cone destination, but if Frozen Dune Rolled Ice Cream is any indication that the rolled ice cream trend has arrived, we’re completely on board. Tucked away in a convenient location, this spot is an ideal place for a sweet treat that doesn’t remotely resemble ordinary soft serve. They serve a handful of favorites like rolled ice cream with various toppings, frozen mocha, and boba tea, which have a unique texture and vibrant flavors.
But our favorite is the matcha boba tea—the combination of their earthy matcha and chewy tapioca pearls helps balance out the creamy, sweet rolled ice cream. The portions are generous enough that one could count as a dessert, but if you do happen to want to watch the ice cream being made right before your eyes (entertainment is included), they offer that experience too.
SunQuest Cruises SOLARIS Yacht
$$$$ | (850) 650-2519 | WEBSITE
SunQuest Cruises SOLARIS Yacht offers a delightful dining experience with delicious food and drinks, including outstanding dishes with plenty of options for everyone. The three-deck boat provides a lovely setting with breathtaking sunset views over the bay and great live music for dancing, keeping the atmosphere lively without being overwhelming. We appreciate the attentive, fun, and fabulous staff, like the helpful waiter Kris and excellent server Shae, whose dad is the chef.
We like booking for a special event like a wedding reception or a casual dinner cruise, letting the occasional sunset view or a dance find their way into our evening. And we’ll be back for one of their weekend-only, multi-course sunset cruises.
Jimmy John’s
$ | (850) 460-8660 | WEBSITE
Jimmy John’s is a straightforward sandwich shop for fresh subs and vegetarian options. It occupies a bright, casual space in Grand Boulevard that’s perfect for grabbing a quick lunch. The food justifies a stop as much as the convenience, like the caprese sandwich made with quality ingredients that customers consistently recommend. We’ll return for that sandwich before Jimmy John’s becomes too busy to get in and out quickly.
Parlor Doughnuts
$ | (850) 842-2422 | WEBSITE
Parlor Doughnuts is a delicious and indulgent treat—right down to their elegant, generously glazed creations. This doughnut spot blends croissant-style layers with classic American charm, perfect for family mornings or sweet-tooth cravings with friends. And as a standout among Miramar Beach’s best restaurants, it proves that great doughnuts run in the family.
If Parlor Doughnuts’ menu had a poster child, it’d be the Turtle cheesecake flavor: incredible, gooey layers channeling the richness of a decadent dessert. But there are many excellent options, like the refreshing coconut cream filled doughnuts, or a perfect bacon egg breakfast sandwich on their soft, fluffy dough. Just make sure you order ahead to save time—no visit to Parlor Doughnuts is complete without planning for those sometimes 45-minute waits.
Fatboys – Miramar Beach FL
$ | (850) 842-2807 | WEBSITE
Fatboys crams classic American comfort food into one lively space with beachy murals and neon signs. This Miramar Beach spot focuses on hearty staples from the region, like the Hula Girl burger or Philly cheesesteak sandwich. And it’s from the same local crew behind other area favorites, but it’s more laid-back while still being fun enough to bring the whole family. Make sure your table includes the onion straws.
On our first visit, each bite of their crispy fried pickles dipped in ranch kept enticing us to rabidly tear into the basket like we hadn’t eaten in days. But this spot has plenty of other noteworthy dishes, like cheese curds that are so perfectly fried they’re basically the cousins of mozzarella sticks.
Hadashi Sushi Bar
$$ | (850) 267-9500 | WEBSITE
Hadashi Sushi Bar is the closest most Hilton guests will get to eating great sushi in a resort hideaway. But even if you’re just passing through Miramar Beach, it’s a friendly sushi bar—tucked inside the Hilton Resort—that’s worth seeking out. And like its setting, Hadashi Sushi Bar has an impressive lineup of fresh fish. Except here, every roll is crafted with quality ingredients (or half portions if you want to sample a bunch without overdoing it).
Don’t neglect the standout dishes either, with delicious hamachi chili that tastes like elevated spicy tuna, fluffy edamame with sea salt, or an excellent nigiri selection with fresh salmon and tuna. Sushi lovers can enjoy chatting with the kind and funny chefs behind the bar, but the cozy seating is perfect for a night out—or celebration.
Real Thai Fusion Restaurant
$ | (850) 837-5344 | WEBSITE
Real Thai Fusion Restaurant’s pad thai is what every Thai takeout dish aspires to be. It’s flavorful and generously portioned, with a tangy tamarind sauce and perfectly cooked chicken that drapes over the noodles like someone coloring past the lines. This isn’t just dinner, it’s Thai food worth planning your week around. And planning is necessary.
Friends and families escorting spice-curious children are all vying for reservations or walk-in spots in the remodeled restaurant’s small, sunken-table dining room with its fun Thai retail shopping area. Be one of them.
The Lobby Bar
The Lobby Bar is a hotel lobby spot that’s perfect for a casual meetup with excellent lemon drop martinis, and it comes from the people behind solid, styled-not-gimmicky Sandestin neighbors like the resort’s other dining options. Here, the fun vibe is lively hotel lobby energy, with a soundtrack of upbeat tunes. And like most places in the Hotel Effie, the food is overall pretty good. The dishes are rich and satisfying, like with a pork belly that we have trouble sharing.
There are also some seasonal options that pay off, like corn casserole with comforting flavors, and a burrata salad that’s simple on the outside but a delicious fresh situation on the inside. If you want to check out what’s definitely a popular choice for both locals and tourists, consider stopping by for a cocktail or meal.
Ara Rooftop
$$ | (850) 351-3033 | WEBSITE
Hotel guests have been raving about Ara Rooftop for months, and with this stunning venue, the Miramar Beach destination expands beyond standard hotel dining and makes a memorable rooftop debut. The beautiful views and spacious seating remain, but don’t neglect their excellent cocktails. There’s a good mix of straightforward frozen strawberry daiquiris and classic tres amigos, plus interesting creations, like a crab quesadilla loaded with fresh seafood and zesty seasoning.
And while Ara Rooftop works well as a sunset cocktail destination, their friendly, accommodating service—led by hosts like Kelly—has plenty of charm for lingering over drinks, even when the kitchen delivery takes a bit longer than expected.
Lin’s Asian Cuisine
$ | (850) 424-5888 | WEBSITE
Miramar Beach has a great new low-key spot to get fueled by authentic Asian cuisine before a beach day. Whether or not your plans involve sand and sun, the spicy-savory balance of Lin’s chicken in black bean sauce is worth the visit. And the General Tso’s Chicken is the kind that makes you go quiet mid-bite. If you do have a sunset to catch, Lin’s won’t make you late—the service is quick and attentive enough that you’ll be in and out.
But the cozy dining room with its modern-traditional blend is welcoming enough that you’ll probably see a local family splitting some fresh spring rolls with a couple of tourists.
Cosmos Robo Diner
$ | (850) 842-7078 | WEBSITE
With Cosmos Robo Diner’s fresh ground beef burgers and crispy fried shrimp, locally owned Ken makes a strong Miramar Beach debut in Florida’s crowded family-dining scene. The straightforward shrimp tacos and quesadillas are great, but we like showing up for the more creative options. The kid-approved Mac and Cheese complemented by creamy Bobba Tea and strawberry tea keeps things fun, especially if it’s enjoyed in their welcoming spot with a fun robot and great music.
And for the busier or hungrier nights, you can fill up in their kid-friendly atmosphere with a tasty vanilla milkshake punched up with generous condiments and plentiful fries.
The Beach House Restaurant Sandestin
$$ | (850) 608-6300 | WEBSITE
When a restaurant promises beachfront dining with fresh seafood and live music, you might expect a tourist trap. But The Beach House Restaurant Sandestin delivers, with shareable plates that capture the Gulf Coast spirit and service that makes you want to linger all afternoon. Crispy fried grouper bites are loaded with sweet, flaky fish and just the right amount of seasoning. And there are satisfying main options, like the delicate crab cakes or whatever fresh catch they’re featuring that day.
Swing by on a Wednesday evening to catch some live tunes and immediately feel like you’re on vacation.
Shan Kishi
$$ | (850) 460-8998 | WEBSITE
Shan Kishi, with its all-you-can-eat lunch special, is a logical choice for anyone craving quality sushi in Destin. But you can’t visit this stylish spot without trying their melt-in-your-mouth sushi. It’s fresh, with impressive presentation that delights the eye, and just enough flavor to satisfy, accompanied by attentive service from the friendly staff.
Just know that the cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for large groups, so you might want to call ahead for those unforgettable dining experiences.
Ocean Club Restaurant
$$ | (850) 267-3666 | WEBSITE
Former fine-dining spot, Ocean Club Restaurant, now offers excellent seafood without the usual stuffiness. The menu at this Miramar Beach destination features standout dishes like the Grouper Ocean Club, served grilled or sautéed, plus good drinks and desserts like the macadamia nut ice cream pie. But it’s perfect for a special meal or casual dinner with some of the area’s freshest fish.
Our favorite is the Early Bird Special with delicious options including filet and grouper—all served with wonderful service in a cozy atmosphere. Don’t skip their cocktails either. Paired with the lively vibe and friendly staff, they’re highly recommended for families and groups of all ages who enjoy the fun, relaxed environment and live music that keeps the dance floor busy.
Solaris
$$$ | (850) 650-2519 | WEBSITE
Solaris is a cut above your usual waterfront dining spot—this romantic floating restaurant doesn’t just serve perfectly executed dishes, it has an arsenal of accompanying elements that are even better. The tender short rib bruschetta is an excellent prelude to the BBQ shrimp, and the live music with dancing could be the evening’s main event. Even the service is a standout, with servers like Antoinette providing warm, attentive care.
Solaris still has classic romantic aesthetics, like soft lighting and nicely decorated boat interiors that make it perfect for a special occasion. But the atmosphere and extras (like additional bottles of wine) give it more personality than some date-night destinations combined.
Pedro’s Cantina Grill
$ | (850) 837-1696 | WEBSITE
After years in its original location, Pedro’s Cantina Grill has settled into its Miramar Beach spot—”very comfortably,” as our server mentioned. But though their full menu is always available, this Mexican restaurant’s signature dishes are less of a suggestion and more a vibrant and enthusiastic, “Try This.” And the welcoming space is cozy, with a front dining area and a back section near the kitchen.
The flavorful, sizzling plates are excellent, like shrimp fajitas served hot with crisp vegetables and spices, or a satisfying taco trio with rice, beans, and fresh pico de gallo. But even simple sides like guacamole or cheese dip are tasty, thanks to balanced textures like creamy sour cream or fluffy rice. Pedro’s full service and drink offerings are always on point (they’re attentive), but the current menu already warrants a visit.
