What makes seafood ‘best’ depends entirely on who’s asking. For some, it’s the freshest catch simply grilled; for others, it’s a decadent butter-drenched feast. But when your crew craves coastal dining, showing up with your own lemon wedge and salt shaker just won’t do. That’s where this list comes in—spotlighting Miramar Beach spots where you can savor superb seafood without needing a side of sacrifice.
Emeril’s Coastal
$$$ | (850) 608-7040 | WEBSITE
Eating well is as much about the experience as the food itself, and while staring at a fish tank and repeating “fresh” might not quite get you there, dining at Emeril’s Coastal will absolutely put you in the right mindset. Beyond this seafood spot serving incredible dishes that feel both indulgent and wholesome, like andouille crusted redfish, crab cakes, and poke bowls, it also features countertop seating with a direct view of the kitchen.
So if the meal alone isn’t enough, you can treat a visit here as a culinary show too.
Vintij Food & Wine
$$ | (850) 650-9820 | WEBSITE
If you come here when it’s busy, it’s even better for you since you’ll have to wait a bit for a table, but visiting Vintij Food & Wine is always a great choice. The menu is focused, with a few standout dishes that shine, and we usually go for the pecan chicken over basil grits or the grouper with succotash. When you’re ordering though, go ahead and make the decision to pair your meal with a glass from their wine selection to enhance the experience.
Beach Bar at Royal Palm Grille
$ | (850) 424-7300 | WEBSITE
Beach Bar at Royal Palm Grille serves some seriously good seafood (or really sushi rolls and sashimi). A few bar seats that look out on the gulf are all they have via an elevated walkway, so this is more of a grab-and-drink situation. But odds are, you’re getting this after going on a beach walk or a trip to the sand anyway, so why slow down by sitting?
Austons on 98
$$ | (850) 842-3200 | WEBSITE
This spot serves up straightforward seafood plates that are perfect for a casual lunch or relaxed weeknight meal. The menu offers a solid selection that rotates between blackened mahi, conch fritters, fried pickles, fried shrimp and grits, fried oysters, and the fried fish of the day, so you can keep it light or go all in, but we’re partial to the classic fried shrimp and grits with a side of those Gouda cheese grits.
The portions are generous, especially since a plate runs you about $18, and the friendly bar with beers on tap makes it easy to settle in.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
$$ | (850) 837-1140 | WEBSITE
Italian food can be comforting when it’s the warm, well-seasoned kind at Carrabba’s. Definitely. Choose from chicken or beef entrees that come with a large salad – or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, get the chicken soup, which is both satisfying and delicious. Add some of the excellent warm bread with olive oil, too. You’re eating Italian anyway. But if you want to make an even better choice, they have solid gluten-free options too.
The Beach House Restaurant Sandestin
$$ | (850) 608-6300 | WEBSITE
The Beach House Restaurant Sandestin has lots of beachfront seating and a few cozy tables inside, along with fried grouper bites you’ll actually be thinking about after you leave. The secret may well be in the fresh seafood and crisp batter that come with them, but that’s neither here nor there. They’re still fried grouper bites. The crab cakes and other seafood dishes here are fresh and delicious, and the stunning view with great drinks at sunset is one of the better ways to end your day.
Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store
$$$ | (850) 654-1743 | WEBSITE
Sit down at your table, then prepare for some of the best seafood you’ve ever tasted. While the Chilean sea bass with risotto at this Miramar Beach spot is definitely worth your time, the mahi fish tacos might actually be our favorite. They also happen to be a light, flavorful option that’s satisfying and delicious and not overly heavy. Overall, this is one of the best places in Florida for a reasonably priced, fresh dinner.
Solaris
$$$ | (850) 650-2519 | WEBSITE
The short rib bruschetta at Solaris is piled so high with tender meat that leaning in for a bite might require a safety harness. But it would be a harness leading you to bruschetta, so there’s some culinary reward. Aside from that, they serve consistently fantastic BBQ shrimp that won’t make you feel guilty for ordering them on a date night.
This place gets a little expensive, especially if you add bottles of wine to your meal, but one of these entrees and a doggie bag will give you enough to savor for two evenings.
SunQuest Cruises SOLARIS Yacht | Destin Florida Wedding Venue
$$$$ | (850) 650-2519 | WEBSITE
This is one of our favorite sunset cruise options in Destin, because even though the dinner portions are generous enough to satisfy after a full day of celebration, they won’t overwhelm you during the entire evening. What you choose from the menu is up to you, but we like the crab cakes and the braised boneless short rib.
Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood
$$$$ | (850) 622-1500 | WEBSITE
If you appreciate fine dining and special occasions, you’ll love Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood in Miramar Beach. This restaurant offers exceptional service with friendly and professional wait staff, creating a memorable experience from start to finish. The atmosphere is perfect for date night or celebrations, featuring a low lit setting with a live pianist who often plays “Happy Birthday” for guests.
No matter what you order, try the tableside Caesar salad – it’s way better than it sounds, with unique flavors and crispy bacon. The bone-in filet and lobster bisque are standouts, and the chef even personally delivers desserts for celebrations. Overall, Seagar’s provides an outstanding meal and inviting atmosphere, making it a top choice for those seeking a great dining experience in a private setting.
Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House
$$ | (850) 347-5060 | WEBSITE
Slick Lips is a seafood spot, but it’s not the kind where you come for a quiet, formal dinner. Instead, it’s the place you go for a lively meal with family and eat chorizo grilled oysters, blackened tuna, or seafood angel hair pasta scampi. If you’re feeling pretty satisfied when you’re done, grab some hushpuppies on the way out the door.
Hunter’s Chicken and Burgers
$ | (850) 654-9453 | WEBSITE
Chicken should be crispy and tender by definition, so naturally it’s the most satisfying comfort food, and Hunter’s Chicken and Burgers in Destin does some of our favorite work in the area with it. The chicken fingers are amazing (and light on heavy breading), the burgers are more of a great sandwich with a different name, and the crispy fries are good enough to make you feel like you’re maybe at a classic roadside stand for the afternoon.
Bòsforo Seafood & Steak Restaurant
$$$ | (850) 353-2783 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of seafood spots along the coast, but Bòsforo has the kind of quiet, romantic atmosphere that makes it perfect for a spontaneous weeknight when cooking feels more daunting than tackling your overflowing inbox. If you’re just looking to graze, begin with the slightly spicy hummus, but when it comes to the main event, go for the baked snapper.
Outcast Seafood – Miramar Beach
$$ | (850) 719-4212 | WEBSITE
Not only is Outcast Seafood a pretty delicious option for lunch or dinner in Miramar Beach, it feels nice enough to bring your family to, but it’s also affordable enough for you to enjoy without breaking the bank. You could sit here and eat your way through appetizers for a while, but if you want something bigger, go for the Big O seafood boil and get some extra crab clusters if you’re really sticking to the whole seafood thing.
Tuscany Italian Bistro
$$ | (850) 377-3192 | WEBSITE
Tuscany Italian Bistro is a solid choice for dinners when you want to enjoy authentic Italian food and have a special experience, but you haven’t planned ahead. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and while it feels slightly upscale, it also makes better seafood pasta than your average Italian spot. The blackened salmon and Flounder special are also delightful, and if you can get there for a special occasion, the staff often treats guests with extra kindness, including complimentary Tiramisu.
Bijoux
$$$ | (850) 622-0760 | WEBSITE
This upscale fine-dining destination in Miramar Beach offers an outstanding and serene dining experience with attentive, warm service. We love the blackened brie and the lamb chops, and while it’s definitely a special-occasion splurge with entrées running $40–$60, it’s a wonderful go-to for a memorable evening out.
The nightly specials are divine, the filet mignon melts in your mouth, and the ambiance is consistently excellent—a reliably outstanding choice for those seeking refined seafood and steak in an elegant, friendly setting.
