Destin Restaurant Suggestions...

**DCollins** · 08-13-2012, 10:07 AM

Coming down this weekend to TOPS'L. Need some Sandestin and Destin area suggestions for the best restaurants down that way please!!

**Andy A** · 08-13-2012, 10:50 AM

30A has a ton of really good restaurants. An excellent meal can be had at any of them. 98 Bar B Que, Stinky's Fish camp, Smiling Fish, Local Catch, Marie's Bistro, Basmati's Nicks and I've only gone through to Blue Mt. Beach. The best restaurant in Destin, IMO, is McQuire's. Its prime rib is fabulous!

**kurt** · 08-13-2012, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by DCollins

Coming down this weekend to TOPS'L. Need some Sandestin and Destin area suggestions for the best restaurants down that way please!!

South Walton has a ton of really good restaurants. So does Destin. There are some that are very close to where you are staying.
http://www.sowal.com/eat

**DCollins** · 08-13-2012, 11:41 AM

well guys I'm very much familiar with the restaurants along 30-A and in Walton County. But I was thinking more about Okaloosa County and down that way bc I never really make it down that way very often.

**Word6er** · 08-13-2012, 12:55 PM

Here are a few suggestions:

Fat Clemenza's, Jasmine Thai Restaurant, Sushimoto, Cuvee Bistro, Vintij Wine Boutique & Bistro, Dewey Destin's Seafood,
Lillie's Q for BBQ

Harry T's has an awesome view from their top deck bar. Not sure about their food though. Drinks are muy bueno!

**beachmouse** · 08-13-2012, 03:43 PM

I'll second Jasmine Thai and Vintij.

**Plays With Food** · 08-14-2012, 09:45 AM

We enjoyed meals at Christiano's on 98 (just east of the 30A turnoff) and at Stewby's in Fort Walton Beach, during our February visit. If you like The Red Bar but find it too crowded, you might enjoy Louis Louis, on 98 just west of Christiano's, owned by the same family and very similar vibe and food as Red Bar.

What types of cuisine are you looking for? We focus on fresh fish and seafood when we visit, so McGuire's isn't at the top of our list; if you love meat, McGuire's can be a great choice.

We also had two nice lunches at Tightlines (the old Lucky Snapper spot), and two nice lunches at Harbor Docks (we think their dinner food is overpriced, but lunch is still a good value and the view can't be beat). Harbor Docks was also serving breakfast again, as of our last visit (Silver Sands Breakfast closed after the death of it's owner, Mr. Ferrell Ship), and it was pretty good.

Our experiences at Harry T's a couple of years ago showed that they are a bit pricey for what they offer, most of which is off the Sysco truck, but the actual fish and seafood items were local, fresh and well prepared, and service was uniformly excellent.

If you love sushi, and are willing to trundle up to Crestview, Bamboo Sushi is fabulous and very reasonably priced. I've heard good things about Sushimoto, but haven't been yet.

**jswbjw** · 08-14-2012, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by DCollins

well guys I'm very much familiar with the restaurants along 30-A and in Walton County. But I was thinking more about Okaloosa County and down that way bc I never really make it down that way very often.

We haven't been in a couple of years, but we used to love La Paz in Destin for Mexican /seafood. We tried Lousiana Lagniappe, but found the food to be very average. Other ideas - try Baytowne Wharf or Grand Boulevard. There are multiple restaurants in both areas. We like Acme Oyster (BTW) and Tommy Bahama and Cantina Laredo (GB). You will note these are mostly chains, which is the difference from 30A. Still the food and drinks are good - and you are at the beach!

**Franny** · 08-15-2012, 10:20 AM

I hate to hear that about Lousiana Lagniappe, always love their food, but have not been in years due to the distance.

**Plays With Food** · 08-15-2012, 01:08 PM

We had our first meal at Louisiana Lagniappe this year, and it was awful. Even the grouper was pre-made/frozen with the crust on it. But our friends who dragged us there absolutely love it. Go figure.

**Augie** · 08-15-2012, 01:59 PM

Mcguires- Irish style Brewery, nice aged steaks
Old Bay Steamer- good steamer selections
La Pez- house made guacamole
Harbor Docks ( they had a pretty good Thai selection last time I ate there for lunch )
Callahagns -comfort food

I don't get that way too often, but thats the way I remember it

**Plays With Food** · 08-15-2012, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by Augie

Mcguires- Irish style Brewery, nice aged steaks
Old Bay Steamer- good steamer selections
La Pez- house made guacamole
Harbor Docks ( they had a pretty good Thai selection last time I ate there for lunch )
Callahagns -comfort food

I don't get that way too often, but thats the way I remember it

Agree with most of this - but the only time I went to Old Bay, the seafood was all food-service frozen.

**beachmouse** · 08-16-2012, 09:19 AM

Louisiana Lagniappe is owned by the same conglomerate as Back Porch and Pompano Joe's, which is enough to keep me from trying it.

**DCollins** · 08-20-2012, 11:24 AM

Well we ended up going to Johnny McTighes Irish Pub Friday night...which had a cool atmosphere and the tator tots were a great idea to have as nacho's although the Totcho's at "The Nook" in Atlanta next to Piedmont Park has hands down the best Totcho's I have ever had. Look em up. The Burger was pretty good...but Pickles has them definitely beat. I also prefer The Local Catch's food personally. The only thing good about the place was the atmosphere (for watching sports) and the beer selection and the generally "bar food."

The second night we ate at Cuvee Bistro and it was very very good. The wine selection, the service, the bread, and the entrees and appetizers were all very good. I highly recommend Cuvee to anyone...although it is a bit pricey!

Will be back in two weeks for Labor Day...until then!