This guide rounds up the best spots for seafood, oysters, tacos, gumbo, and Key Lime pie across Destin, Panama City Beach, 30A, and beyond, plus tips to make your foodie trip even better.
Be it in the Colorado Rockies, the Outer Banks, or along the Emerald Coast, enjoying the local cuisine should be at the top of every visitor's vacation list.
Heading to the beautiful Emerald Coast soon? Lucky you! From Panama City Beach, Destin, and Miramar Beach to Okaloosa Island, Crystal Beach, and Scenic 30A, the region offers a vibrant culinary scene packed with culinary treasures that draws food lovers from near and far.
Here's a little teaser to whet your appetite:
- Gulf Shrimp: Sweet, juicy, and versatile, grilled, fried, or tossed in pasta.
- Oysters: Served raw, baked, or fried, always full of briny flavor.
- Fish Tacos: Made with fresh-caught grouper, snapper, or shrimp, plus all the coastal fixings.
- Gumbo: Hearty Louisiana-style stew with sausage, seafood, and deep flavors.
- Key Lime Pie: Tangy, creamy, and cool—Florida's signature dessert in every bite.
At RealJoy Vacations, we've been part of the Emerald Coast hospitality scene for years. If you're looking for spacious beachfront houses or luxurious resorts, we offer a wide range of options to suit every preference.
As local experts, we know the area inside and out, and we're here to help you have the best possible experience. For more tips, check out our destination blog for insights on all things Emerald Coast; from the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants to nightlife guides, it's all there.
Are you eager to uncover the top spots for experiencing these culinary delights along the Emerald Coast? I've got your back! In this guide, I'll lead you on a tantalizing journey to the best seafood, oysters, tacos, gumbo, and key lime pie destinations along the coast.
Let's dig into this delicious adventure!
Must-try eats along the Emerald Coast
Amidst the plethora of delights, certain culinary treasures have risen to iconic status:
- Gulf Shrimp, with their sweet and succulent flavor, are a highlight of coastal cuisine, adorning plates with their freshness and versatility.
- Oysters, beloved for their briny sweetness and tender texture, hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
- Gumbo, a hearty stew overflowing with Gulf bounty, offers a comforting warmth that nourishes the soul and delights the senses.
- Beachside Tacos and Fish Tacos whisk diners away to paradise with every flavorful bite, embodying the sun-kissed essence of coastal living.
- And to top off a memorable meal, the irresistible allure of Key Lime Pie awaits, with its compelling blend of tangy sweetness and buttery graham cracker crust.
1. Gulf Shrimp
Gulf shrimp is the Emerald Coast's main attraction when it comes to seafood. Plump, sweet, and just the right amount of briny, these coastal beauties are a must-try.
You'll find them grilled, boiled, fried, or tossed into pastas, salads, and seafood boils. However they're served, their natural flavor always stands out, especially with a little seasoning and a squeeze of lemon.
Top spots to indulge in Gulf shrimp along the Emerald Coast
- Stewby's Seafood Shanty, Okaloosa Island: Their "Colossal Shrimp" isn't just a name, it's a whole experience. These bad boys come hot, fresh, and fried to golden perfection. Grab a basket and dig in, because they don't hold back on size or flavor.
- The Shack, Fort Walton Beach: Shrimp lovers, rejoice. You can get them grilled, blackened, or tucked into tacos, all bursting with bold coastal flavor. Pair it with one of their signature cocktails and call it a day well spent.
- Louisiana Lagniappe, Destin: Think Gulf shrimp, but with a Creole kick. From shrimp étouffée to buttery BBQ shrimp, this place adds a Louisiana twist to your beach vacation.
- Pompano Joe's, Destin and Panama City Beach: This is shrimp done right, right by the beach. Try them coconut-crusted, spiced and grilled, or piled high in a po' boy. Every dish comes with that fresh-from-the-Gulf taste you came for.
2. Oysters
In the vibrant Emerald Coast, the tradition of oysters runs deep in its crystal-clear waters. For centuries, these ocean gems have been prized for their unique, briny flavor, leaving a legacy as rich as the sea itself.
Here, dedicated oyster farmers ensure a steady and sustainable supply, while innovative chefs craft mouthwatering dishes that elevate these mollusks to culinary royalty, capturing the essence of the ocean with every bite.
Top spots to indulge in oysters along the Emerald Coast
- Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House, Destin: Their Oysters Rockefeller are the real deal—rich, savory, and served dockside with a killer view of the harbor. Perfect way to kick off your meal with a little local luxury.
- The Shack, Fort Walton Beach: Big, bold, and beautifully fried. These oysters come golden and crispy, with all the sauces and sides to make them shine. A crowd-pleaser every time.
- Pompano Joe's, Destin and Panama City Beach: Shuck yeah. Whether you like them baked with buttery toppings or served up crispy, these oysters are full of Gulf flavor and beachside charm.
- The Back Porch, Destin and Panama City Beach: Keep it classic with oysters on the half shell, served ice-cold and fresh. Or go for something heartier and pair it with fries and a sandwich. Either way, it hits the spot.
3. Fish Tacos
Fish tacos are a local favorite that shows off just how good the seafood here really is. Inspired by Baja-style tacos, these versions use local white fish like red snapper, grouper, or Gulf shrimp, grilled or fried just right.
They're wrapped in warm tortillas and piled high with crunchy cabbage, zesty pico de gallo, and a creamy white sauce that ties it all together. Many spots add their own coastal twist, making each taco a fresh, flavorful surprise.
Top spots to indulge in fish tacos along the Emerald Coast
- Rockin Tacos, Fort Walton Beach: Fish tacos paired with amazing margaritas," a match made in culinary paradise.
- Stewby's Seafood Shanty, Okaloosa Island: Once you try their fish tacos, you'll keep going back for more.
- Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, Miramar Beach: Mahi tacos and tuna tacos are the best!
4. Gumbo
Echoing the coastal legacy and diverse palate of the Emerald Coast is Gumbo: a robust stew teeming with an array of ingredients like seafood, sausage, chicken, okra, and a velvety dark roux base.
While its roots trace back to Louisiana Creole cuisine, Gumbo has firmly entrenched itself as a culinary cornerstone along the Emerald Coast. Renowned for its intricate flavors and fusion of spices, this dish conjures a symphony of taste that's both hearty and aromatic, making it a cherished centerpiece for communal feasts.
Top spots to indulge in gumbo along the Emerald Coast
- Stewby's Seafood Shanty, Okaloosa Island: Since 2012, their gumbo's been a local hit!
- Pampano Joe's, Destin, and Panama City Beach: The Seafood Gumbo is a must-try.
5. Key Lime Pie
When it comes to cooling off in the Florida sun, nothing beats a slice of Key Lime Pie. Originating from the Florida Keys in the late 1800s, this tangy delight has become a cherished favorite along the Emerald Coast.
Crafted from a perfect blend of key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk, this pie's creamy filling atop a buttery pastry crust is simply irresistible. What sets it apart? The fragrant essence of Key limes, renowned for their aromatic zest, infuses each bite with a tropical explosion of flavor.
Named after its birthplace, Key Lime Pie has grown into an iconic American dessert, adapting over time with variations in crusts and toppings while maintaining its refreshing essence.
Top spots to indulge in key lime pie along the Emerald Coast
- The Shack, Fort Walton Beach: Their homemade Key Lime pie is simply a slice of heaven.
- Donut Hole Bakery & Cafe, Destin: There might be a wait, but their Key Lime pies are absolutely worth it.
- Dewey Destin's, Destin: Daily made, their Key Lime pie is the perfect finish.
- Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, Miramar Beach: Everything's great, but the showstopper? You guessed it, "their Key Lime Pie!
Bonus: extra tips to enhance your culinary journey along the Emerald Coast
Here are some extra tips to enhance your culinary journey along the Emerald Coast:
- Food Festivals: Check for local food festivals or events happening during your visit. The Emerald Coast often hosts culinary celebrations where you can indulge in a variety of dishes.
- Catch of the Day: Embrace the "catch of the day" concept. Many restaurants proudly feature fresh catches, so don't hesitate to ask for the daily specials.
- Culinary Tours: Consider joining a culinary tour to get a curated experience of the local food scene. It's a fantastic way to discover hidden gems and learn about the region's culinary history.
- Seasonal Specialties: Be on the lookout for seasonal specialties. Whether it's stone crabs, crawfish, or seasonal fruits, the Emerald Coast offers unique delicacies depending on the time of year.
- Foodie Events: Stay informed about any food-related events happening during your stay. From chef's dinners to themed nights, there might be special events to elevate your culinary journey.
Wondering Where To Stay During Your Visit to Florida's Emerald Coast?
Stay like a local by booking one of our RealJoy Vacations rentals.
From spacious beachfront homes to chic coastal condos, our vacation rentals across the Emerald Coast offer the perfect setting for your beach getaway. With top-tier amenities and thoughtful touches, every stay is designed to help you relax, recharge, and make lasting memories.
Book now and have the ultimate vacation on the Emerald Coast!