3 Best Restaurants in Destin, The Panhandle

Follow the line to this local-favorite breakfast-and-lunch retreat, one of six locations in Northwest Florida. Morning starts with platters of pancakes, waffles, and French toast with special twists like blackberry grits. More than a dozen styles of omelet include the "Hey Lucy" a Spanish omelet with chorizo, green chilis, onions and avocado. It's crowded for a reason.

Reaching this beloved eatery run by descendants of Destin's original fishing families is a bit of an adventure, but the seafood and the setting—in a shack that juts over the water and has excellent Choctawhatchee Bay views—are well worth the trip along a gravel road and through an industrial area. If you prefer a larger, more traditional restaurant, Dewey Destin's Harborside, which has a longer menu and serves both lunch and dinner, is less than a mile away.

A harbor view, impeccable service, and sophisticated fare create one of the finest dining experiences on the Emerald Coast. Selections include Gulf seafood; USDA steaks; gourmet pizzas; and Creole, Mediterranean, or Pan-Asian dishes. A special sushi menu is also available. The wine list is extensive, and happy hour runs from 5 to 7. An ocean motif is expressed in shades of aqua, green, and sand accented with marine tapestries and sea sculptures.