Destin's Best Restaurants with a Water View

Of course, Destin has tons of seafood restaurants to choose from. Yet, do you know where to get the best of the best? We’ve narrowed the list down with regards to great food, views, and atmosphere. So if you want to know – Read on and … You’re welcome!

Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House

Dress: Casual

Reservations: No

Boshamps is located on Destin Harbor. Their seafood is a gulf to the table. Customers entering the restaurant can watch as the Lucky Dog Seafood Co. prepares grouper, snapper, shrimp, oysters, and other fresh catches of the day.

Boshamps offers indoor and outdoor seating. They do not take reservations. This is a popular place with visitors and locals alike, so there may be a wait before you are seated at a table. If that is the case, walk out to the back beach. Here you can relax while watching the boats in the harbor or play a game of cornhole. Boshamps is pet-friendly and your pups can also play on the beach and eat with you on the patio. Also, don’t miss the live music from their docks every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

May we suggest:

Starter:

The Devil’s Crab – Chef Andi Bell’s take on a classic, jumbo lump crab, fried saltines.

Local Blue Crab Claws – fried or sautéed, garlic ginger mayonnaise.
**We HIGHLY recommend sautéed and order the toast points to help soak up the rest of that gorgeous garlic-butter sauce! You will thank us!

Basket of Fries – **Not on the menu but you can order them! Their fries are hand-cut daily, fried, and then generously seasoned with lots of sea salt and pepper. So yum!

Oysters:

Oysters Bienville -baked with gulf shrimp, lump crab, Bienville sauce

Main:

The Original Snapper Destin – jumbo lump crab, gulf shrimp, mashed red early potatoes, braised local greens, lemon butter, béarnaise honey roasted nuts.
**Our favorite way – sub grouper for snapper and grits for the potatoes… Oh. My!! Make sure you get at least one sweet honey roasted nut with every bite. This dish will make your toes curl it’s so good!

Pick from sides like creamy cheesy grits, okra-tomato maque choux, local yellow squash casserole, and more! Anything you eat here is going to be delicious and fresh!

To find out more information on Boshamps or to see a menu:

Website: https://boshamps.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Boshamps

Phone: (850) 424-7406

Hours of Operation:

Sunday-Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Address: 414 Harbor Boulevard, Destin

The Back Porch

Dress: Casual

Reservations: No

Since 1974, the Back Porch has been a Destin favorite. The food is delicious and the view is spectacular.

When you arrive at the Back Porch, you just might be greeted by Michael Angelo, the Back Porch’s newest ‘taste tester’. He’s a lovely yellow beach kitty. Make sure to show him some love if you see him!

The Back Porch does not take reservations. Diners will check in at the hostess stand. Summer can get crazy busy, but you will find seating out front and on the beach. Grab a drink from the bar and relax until they call your party. If you are lucky enough to be seated out on the porch at sunset – it doesn’t get any better. Back Porch’s food is housemade and it’s consistent. Their servers are knowledgeable and friendly. The Back Porch is THE place!

May we suggest:

Starters:

Fried Crab Claw – Fried or sautéed.
**We recommend fried. Also, ask for their Honey Sriracha hushpuppy sauce to dip them in! Just make sure to shake the sauce up well before dipping!

Crab Bites – like crab cakes, but smaller. Made with lumps of real crab

Hushpuppy Basket – served with butter and a delicious spicy Honey Sriracha chili sauce/oil
**This is a favorite! Just make sure to stir it up well before dipping! Delicious!

Mains:

Grouper Destin – Gulf Grouper, grilled and topped with shrimp. Served with Southern corn medley and a choice of twice baked potato, mashed potatoes, French fries, green bean medley, lemon-dill rice, or slaw.
**A solid choice from their menu. Make sure to get the double-baked potato and succotash.

Shrimp & Grit Cake – Shrimp and sausage served over a panko-crusted cheese grit cake.
**This is really nice. The term “Grit Cake” may not sound appealing, but it’s this beautiful square of the creamiest grits (once you cut into them). The sausage gives the sauce a lovely smokey flavor. This is a must-try!

Broiled Jubilee – broiled Gulf Shrimp, Scallops, Mahi Mahi, and one of our crab cakes. Served with Southern corn medley and a choice of twice-baked potato, mashed potatoes, French fries, green bean medley, lemon-dill rice, or slaw.

Snow Crab Legs – 1 ½ pound of Snow Crab legs. Served with Southern corn medley and a choice of twice-baked potato, mashed potatoes, French fries, green bean medley, lemon-dill rice, or slaw.

Poboys:

Shrimp Poboy – loaded with fried popcorn shrimp w/ remoulade, lettuce, tomato, and french fries.
**Probably the best shrimp po’boy in Destin-proper. Well… may tie with Dewey Destin! The fried shrimp are light and the bread is not too soft but not to tough. Another solid choice!

Oyster Poboy – loaded with fried oysters, served with lettuce, tomato, and french fries.

Note:

The Back Porch is one of those places that has great non-seafood options as well. Homemade chicken tenders, hamburgers, and the Chicken Sunset are fantastic. And don’t be afraid to eat the slaw because it is not your run of the mill.

Also, they offer a Kids Menu and kids meals are served on frisbees!

For more information or to see the rest of the menu:

Website: http://www.theback-porch.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backporchdestin

Phone: (850) 837-2022

Hours of operation:

7 days a week 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Winter hours change)

Address: 1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin

Boathouse Oyster Bar

Dress: Casual

Reservations: No

What USED to be Destin’s little secret, isn’t so secret anymore. Tucked away off Hwy 98, the Boathouse’s oysters and gumbo are legendary. They have been voted best in Destin for the last 30 years.

With live music every night, customers say they like the Boathouse’s dive bar-like feel. However, there is a kid’s menu making it a family-friendly restaurant. The Boathouse is also pet-friendly so bring the kids and fur babies for a family night out.

May we suggest:

Oysters:

Baked ‘Action’ Oysters – half dozen/whole dozen butter, diced onion, mozzarella cheese, and bacon bits

Redneck Rockefeller Oysters – half dozen/whole dozen with garlic butter, collard greens, parmesan & panko

Chargrilled “Moes” Oysters – half dozen/whole dozen with garlic butter, dill weed, parmesan cheese, & bacon bits

Gumbo:

Ms. Wanda’s award-winning, World Famous gumbo – shrimp, crab claws, and more

Available by the cup, pint, quart, half-gallon, and gallon.

Boathouse Buckets:

These come with snow clusters, shrimp, mussels, oysters, crab claws, potatoes, and corn. Buckets range in servings from 1-2 people to serve 8-10. See the menu for more information on quantities of each and prices.

There is quite a range of the different foods you will find at the Boathouse. Even if a member of your party isn’t a seafood fan, there are other things as well like Prime Rib, nice salads, and even tacos! Now, who doesn’t love a taco, right??

For more information or to see the menu:

Website: http://boathouseoysterbardestin.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoathouseOystersDestin

Phone: (850) 837-3645

Hours of operation:

7 days a week – 11 a.m. – ???? (til close)

Address: 288 Harbor Blvd., Destin

Dewey Destin’s Bayside

Dress: Very casual

Reservations: No

This one is an all-time favorite. The original Dewey Destin’s is down a gravel road with potholes that are so big that you could get lost in them. As you turn onto the gravel road from Calhoun, keep an eye out for the huge Blue Herons that perch on the roofs of the old buildings and vehicles. The parking lot will probably be full, but just follow ppl’s lead and you’ll find a spot. You may be surprised to find that Dewey Destin’s is actually just a shack on the bay. However, you won’t find better seafood or atmosphere in all of Destin than right here.

Customers order at the counter inside. You will give them your name, pay, and then go find a table. There are only about 5 or so tables inside. The rest are outside. Try to snag a table on one of the two piers. You’ll have a perfect view of Crab Island, pelicans, seagulls, and herons. Some days the birds are a little more aggressive than others, but the lady at the counter will warn you before you go out. Never fear though, Dewey Destin’s has built another indoor/outdoor dining area to the side, which may be more appealing than battling birds! Once your food is ready, your name will be called and they bring it to your table. No matter what table you choose, the food and atmosphere will keep you coming back.

May we suggest:

Appetizers:

Crab Claws – fried
**Delicious! The claws here are usually pretty big so there aren’t as many to an order. If there is more than two of you, ask how big at the counter.

Smoked Tuna or Crab Dip – a Destin favorite

Fried Baskets:

Gulf Shrimp – Served with french fries and hushpuppies.
**Probably the best fried shrimp you’ll have in Destin.

Captain’s Platter – Shrimp, Mahi, and oysters

Mate’s Platter – Shrimp, Mahi, and mussels

From the Steamer:

Ruby Red or Royal Reds Shrimp – These little tender gems have a gorgeous, rich, buttery flavor like lobster. Unfortunately, they are not always available – but make sure to ask!

Grilled Baskets:

Choose from grilled Mahi, shrimp, yellowfin tuna, and more. Served with corn and potatoes,

Sandwiches and Poboys:

Mahi – Grilled or fried. Served with fries or chips.

Soft Shell Crab – fried. Served with fries or chips.

To see more of their menu click here.

Also, don’t miss the Dewey Destin Harborside Restaurant (202 Harbor Blvd, Destin). This location is full table service with a view of the harbor. Click here to see Menu.

For more information:

Website: http://www.destinseafood.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deweydestinsseafoodrestaurant/?ref=page_internal

Phone: (850) 837-7575

Hours of Operation:

7 Days a Week – 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

(Winter Hours are different)

Address: 9 Calhoun Ave., Destin

Louisiana Lagniappe

Dress: Dressy Casual

Reservations: Yes (highly recommended)

Located in the Sandpiper Cove Condominiums. When arriving you might think you are in the wrong ‘pew’ as you will need to enter through a gatekeeper. Just let them know where you are going and you will be given a parking pass.

Louisiana Lagniappe is a white tablecloth service restaurant. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions or just a really nice meal out with the family. It is popular with large family groups and couples alike. If it’s nice out, ask to be seated on the patio. There you will have a beautiful view of the harbor; not to mention beautiful sunsets.

Once you are seated, your server will bring out delicious hush puppies and butter. Some could make a meal off of these alone! Louisiana Lagniappe offers nightly specials. Be sure to listen to those before making your decision! During Crawfish season, Louisiana Lagniappe will offer a special crawfish menu. Unfortunately, crawfish are not a year-round crop so it’s only seasonal. We have found, though, that fried crawfish tails are available year-round. Ask your server if they are available.

May we suggest:

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms – Mushroom caps filled with jumbo lump crabmeat and shrimp

Oysters Lagniappe – Baked with our Lagniappe stuffing and jumbo lump crabmeat

Chef’s Selections: served with our homemade hushpuppies, house salad, and twice-baked potato

Grouper Pontchartrain – Fresh Gulf Grouper, pan sautéed and topped with fried jumbo soft-shell crab, hollandaise sauce, and honey roasted nuts

Shrimp and Grits – Fresh Gulf Grouper, pan sautéed and topped with fried jumbo soft-shell crab, hollandaise sauce, and honey roasted nuts

Lagniappe Favorites: served with our homemade hushpuppies, house salad and twice-baked potato

Grouper Kevin – Fresh Gulf Grouper with our Lagniappe Shrimp and mushroom sauce over rice

Crescent City Fettucini – Jumbo shrimp tossed in a smoked tasso ham cream sauce with fettuccine, finished with Parmesan Romano cheese (Also available with chicken instead of shrimp)

Save room for Dessert!

Bread Pudding – Housemade white chocolate bread pudding with our orange Grand Marnier reduction sauce

Creme Brulee – A French Quarter favorite

Louisiana Lagniappe also offers an extensive Gluten Free Menu as well.

Click here to see all menus.

Website: http://www.thelouisianalagniappe.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lagniappedestin

Phone: (850) 837-0881

Hours of Operation:

Open daily at 4:30 p.m.

Address: 775 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin (Sand Piper’s Cove)

Of course, these are not the only restaurants with a view, but they are considered the Best of Destin.