LOCAL FLAVOR When

DINING GUIDE

Breakfast, lunch, dinner — or anything in between — we’ve got you covered

AMERICAN 1. BAREFOOT’S BEACHSIDE BAR & GRILL

No shirt? No shoes? No problem! If you’re enjoying the beach or pool, this is the perfect place to come as you are for a casual lunch, dinner or frosty libation on a sunny day. Hilton Sandestin Beach, (850) 267-9500 Ext. 3035. (Open Seasonally) $$

2. GRIMALDI’S COAL BRICK-OVEN PIZZERIA

From its red-and-white checked tablecloths to its list of red and white wines, Grimaldi’s is every bit the Little Italy pizzeria. Start your meal with bruschetta or another of the restaurant’s delicious appetizers, move on to one of the chef’s specialty pizzas or a calzone and then fi nish it all off with a glass of cabernet and a slice of tiramisu. Open Sun–Thur: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri–Sat, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. 780 Grand Blvd., Ste. 100, Miramar Beach. (850) 837-3095. GrimaldisPizzeria.com. $$

3. LOST PIZZA CO.

Get lost in the sauce, cheese and fresh toppings at Lost Pizza Co., a casual, Mississippi-based eatery specializing in signature and custom-built pies and handhelds. A diverse menu also boasts Mississippi Delta Hot Tamales, housemade sauce and pasta, salad, decadent “dessert” pizzas and a compelling kids’ menu. Open daily, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. 10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Ste. 301, Miramar Beach. (850) 353-2284. $$

4. OVIDE

Former Top Chef competitor and judge, cookbook author and James Beard Award-winning Chef Hugh Acheson showcases his culinary expertise at Ovide, the premier fi ne dining spot at Hotel Effi e Sandestin. Open for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner, Ovide marries traditional Gulf Coast fl avor with timeless French cooking techniques for stunning dishes sure to satisfy. Open daily 7–11 a.m. for breakfast, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. for lunch, 5–10 p.m. for dinner and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for brunch. 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach. (850) 351-3030. $$$ up, the restaurant also features an extensive menu of frozen drinks and other libations. 551 Scenic Gulf Drive, Destin. (850) 460-7750. SurfHutDestin.com. $$

5. PICNIX POOLSIDE MARKET

Picnix is located between Hilton Sandestin Beach’s two outdoor pools and features an assortment of chef-prepared breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches and wraps, as well as personal pan pizzas, fried chicken, Edy’sTM ice cream treats, soft serve yogurt and much more. (850) 267-9500. Ext. 3179. (Open Seasonally) $

6. PIZZA BY THE SEA

Grab a slice at our new location in The Market Shops along U.S. 98 on Miramar Beach. Voted the hottest spot for pizza and the most kid-friendly restaurant along 30A. In addition to our traditional fare and fresh toppings, we also feature gluten-free pizza. Highway 98 and Sandestin Blvd. (850) 650-0015. $$

7. SANDCASTLES RESTAURANT

Located within Hilton Sandestin Beach, Sandcastles is known for its lavish breakfast buffets. Serving coastal cuisine, Sandcastles is also open daily for lunch and dinner. Open daily 7–11 a.m. for breakfast, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. for lunch and 6–9 p.m. for dinner. (850) 267-9500 Ext. 43. $$

8. SUNSET BAY CAFE

ASIAN 10. HADASHI SUSHI BAR

Choose your favorite sushi, sashimi and maki rolls, or create a combination of the Gulf’s bounty that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. In the lobby of Hilton Sandestin Beach. (850) 267-9500 Ext. 3030. Open daily, 5–10 p.m. $$

11. OSAKA DESTIN

Located in the heart of Destin on Emerald Coast Parkway, we feature over 18 hibachi tables and an expansive sushi and bar area. We are family-friendly and able to accommodate large groups on vacation, but we are also a destination for wedding rehearsal dinners and receptions. Get ready to enjoy our fresh sushi as our seafood is brought into the restaurant daily from just minutes away at the Destin Harbor. 34745 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin. (850) 650-4688. $$

SEAFOOD 12. CAPT. DAVE’S ON THE GULF

Capt. Dave’s serves up fried, grilled and broiled fi sh, shellfi sh, steaks and chicken, with seasonal specialties. Full bar. Open 4 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. 3796 Scenic Hwy. 98, Destin. (850) 837-2627. $$

Overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, Sunset Bay Cafe is a family owned and operated restaurant serving the fi nest in locally sourced ingredients, including fresh produce and seafood delivered daily from the docks in Destin. Open daily for breakfast and lunch 7 a.m.–2 p.m. for breakfast and lunch 7 a.m.–2 p.m. 158 Sandestin Blvd. N. in the Sandestin 158 Sandestin Blvd. N. in the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. (850) 267-7108. Golf and Beach Resort. (850) 267-7108. SunsetBayCafeSandestin.com $$

9. SURF HUT

Cowabunga y’all! This Gulf-front, family friendly “shack” has plenty of casual friendly “shack” has plenty of casual seafood favorites on the menu, as well seafood favorites on the menu, as well as shish kabobs, ribs and sandwiches. as shish kabobs, ribs and sandwiches. And if your thirst’s up when the surf’s And if your thirst’s up when the surf’s

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13. DEWEY DESTIN’S

Voted Best of the Emerald Coast in 2020, these family-owned old Florida fi sh houses are known for their fresh, sustainable seafood. Enjoy fast-casual seafood dining, or visit their more traditional harborside restaurant. Hours vary. Three locations: 9 Calhoun Ave. (850) 837-7575; 8673 Navarre Pkwy. (850) 710-7070; and (Harborside) 202 Harbor Blvd. (850) 837-7525. DestinSeafood.com $$

14. O’QUIGLEY’S SEAFOOD STEAMER

Locally owned and operated, O’Quigley’s offers seafood steamed, blackened, fried or sautéed seafood to go along with its prime-cut steaks and award-winning gumbo. Need to watch the game? O’Quigley’s has 64 TVs and four 16-foot HD projection TVs spread through its patio, party room and main dining room. 34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Ste. 101. (850) 837-1015, OQuigleysSeafoodSteamer.com $$

16. THE CRAB TRAP

Take your pick — there are three waterfront Crab Trap locations and all are family friendly. Of course, you’ll fi nd the freshest fi sh and daily specials, as well as specialties such as award-winning gumbo, she crab soup and hot crab dip. 3500 Scenic Hwy. 98 E., Destin, (850) 654-2722; 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach, (850) 301-0959; 16495 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, (850) 492-8888. $$

STEAK AND SEAFOOD 17. SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD

Located at Hilton Sandestin Beach, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood is Northwest Florida’s only AAA Four Diamond-rated steakhouse. Experience fi ne dining at Seagar’s, featuring an open theatre kitchen, tableside preparations and a wine list with over 600 labels. Open for dinner at 5:30 p.m. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. (850) 622-1500. $$$ award-winning wine list. Open for dinner, Sun.–Thur. 5–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5–10 p.m. The Market Shops of Sandestin, Miramar Beach. BijouxDestin.com $$$

19. THE BACK PORCH SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE

Established in 1974, The Back Porch has long been known as one of the best seafood restaurants on the Gulf coast. With daily deliveries of seafood, your meal is sure to be both fresh and delicious. Open daily from 11 a.m. Two locations. Destin: 1740 Scenic Hwy. 98, (850) 837-2022; Panama City Beach: 16220 Front Beach Road, Pier Park, (850) 233-1750. TheBack-Porch.com. $$$

SPECIALTY 20. SUNQUEST CRUISES

Enjoy live performances, dancing and a delicious three-course meal aboard the area’s only fi ne dining entertainment yacht. 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach. $84.50 per person ages 11+, $45 for children ages 3–10 and $20 for infants ages 0–2 (no meal). (850) 650-2519. SunquestCruises.com. $$$

15. SLICK LIPS

Derived from the nickname given to Amberjack, the game fi sh with no teeth, Slick Lips is a family-friendly seafood and oyster house featuring fresh local Gulf seafood and 1855 Certifi ed Angus Steaks. Sun.–Thur. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. The Village of Baytowne Wharf. (850) 347-5060. SlickLipsSeafood.com $$

18. BIJOUX

A full-service fi ne dining restaurant, Bijoux features coastal French cuisine with a New Orleans fl air, including fresh Gulf seafood, prime steaks and an extensive $ Inexpensive $$ Moderately Expensive $$$ Expensive

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Beyond

THEBeach

Exploration is a natural inclination during any trip. If your travels take you offproperty, know that some of the most unique experiences await you in South Walton.

From ancient springs to captivating parks, the nature lover inside you will delight in the area’s native wonders. Immerse yourself in pure, unspoiled wilderness and visit rare coastal dune lakes, dive to artifi cial reefs or hike natural preserves. Educate yourself on the region’s biodiversity at the Biophilia Center, or view works of art among the Gulf’s depths at the Underwater Museum of Art.

If you seek culture in a less outdoorsy environment, the performances and events from the Emerald Coast Theater Company and the Cultural Arts Alliance might better suit your tastes.

The area is also a hub for numerous food, wine and beer festivals, or you can catch more seasonal fare, like summer concerts sponsored by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation or Baytowne on Ice in the winter.

For a little retail therapy, shopping hotspots such as Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Destin Commons and Silver Sands Premium Outlets are stocked with both local and designer goods that make for great gifts and souvenirs.

You’ll never want for activity when you’re in South Walton.