Savor the best seafood in Miramar Beach, from casual beachfront grills to local favorites serving fresh Gulf catches, oysters, and sushi.
Discovering a destination through its food is always special. From the Colorado Rockies to the Outer Banks and the Emerald Coast, indulging in local flavors is essential for a complete experience.
If your next destination is Miramar Beach, get ready for a feast for your taste buds, with a variety of local restaurants serving up the freshest Gulf seafood you'll ever try.
Here's a little teaser to whet your appetite:
- Acme Oyster House: New Orleans–style seafood spot known for gumbo, oysters, and a fun, casual atmosphere.
- The Whale's Tail Beach Bar & Grill: Beachfront dining with fresh seafood, hearty breakfasts, and stunning Gulf views.
- Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House: Family-run favorite serving seasonal Gulf catches and local oysters in a welcoming space.
- Royal Palm Grille: Lively spot with TVs, sports, and a menu full of fresh and fried seafood favorites.
- Jackacuda's Seafood & Sushi: Relaxed eatery offering Gulf seafood, creative sushi, and a fun fishing-inspired story.
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.
Below, I've rounded up five fantastic restaurants serving some of the best seafood in the region.
Let's dig in!
1. ACME OYSTER HOUSE
A lively New Orleans vibe on Florida's Emerald Coast.
Acme Oyster House brings the lively New Orleans vibe to Florida's Emerald Coast. Since 1910, this spot has been serving fresh Gulf seafood that keeps guests coming back. Their menu is all about flavor, with standout dishes that celebrate their Big Easy roots. From rich seafood gumbo to famous oysters, every bite feels like a taste of New Orleans by the beach.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Fresh Gulf seafood with a New Orleans twist.
- Signature Seafood Gumbo packed with shrimp and crab.
- Famous oysters, served raw or chargrilled.
- Fun "15 Dozen Club" oyster‑eating challenge.
- Casual, lively atmosphere perfect for a laid‑back meal.
What People Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I've been to Acme a decent amount, but this visit was a great one. The chargrilled oysters were fantastic, as was the catfish and meat pies. Oysters at market price were about $30/dozen for chargrilled, which is reasonable. The server was attentive. Good draft beer selections."
"Everything was great! Crawfish puppies were delicious, the seafood etouffee was AMAZING! My husband said the coleslaw was the BEST he's ever had. The fish was fried to perfection, and Gustavo was the best server. Great way to end our July 4th weekend trip."
2. THE WHALE'S TAIL BEACH BAR & GRILL
Fresh seafood with a front‑row seat to the Gulf.
Whale's Tail Beach Bar and Grill is all about good food with a front‑row seat to the Gulf. Its outdoor patio sits right above the white sand of Miramar Beach, making every meal feel like a vacation moment. Start your morning with a hearty breakfast or come back later for fresh seafood while the waves set the soundtrack. For those who are not into seafood, the menu has plenty of other tasty options too.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Outdoor patio right over the sand with stunning Gulf views.
- Open from 7:00 a.m. for a delicious beachfront breakfast.
- Fresh seafood entrees are served throughout the day.
- Non‑seafood options available for every taste.
- Perfect spot to enjoy the sound of the waves while you dine.
What People Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Enjoyed a fantastic breakfast at this beachfront gem! The food was delicious, the drinks were refreshing, and the view was unbeatable. A special shoutout to Vanessa, who provided exceptional service with a friendly smile and made the experience even better. Highly recommend for a relaxing and tasty start to your day!"
"We were seated immediately. Our server, Adriana, was absolutely sweet and very attentive. The tuna dip was my favorite. Best one I've had since we have been here. The lightly fried Gulf shrimp was delicious. The corn was soft. We got fried oysters but did not eat them. The best way to describe them was that they looked so disgusting and wet when we tore them in half that it was enough that we didn't want to try them. We did not complain about it- we just didn't eat it. This place is a great spot to swing in and grab dinner. We will be trying the breakfast in the next few days. Drinks were strong and delicious."
3. SLICK LIPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE
Local gem where fresh Gulf flavors and family vibes come together.
This is a local gem where fresh Gulf flavors and family vibes come together. Father‑and‑son duo Gary and Bryce Jarvis bring over 40 years of fishing experience to the table, ensuring every dish is made with the best seasonal catch. From the moment you walk in, you are treated like part of the family, making every visit feel warm and welcoming.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Family‑owned and operated with 40+ years of fishing expertise.
- Seasonal menu featuring the freshest Gulf seafood.
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes every guest feel like family.
- Known for oysters and locally inspired seafood dishes.
What People Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"We enjoyed the oysters. The food was good, I just wanted more of it. I needed a large portion of snapper. Everything was seasoned well. The customer service was great. We sat outside and enjoyed the scenery and the people walking by. This is definitely a nice place to come to if you're in Destin."
"Slick Lips was hands-down our favorite restaurant during our stay! We sat outside and enjoyed the atmosphere. The service was outstanding! Some of the best oysters we've ever had—fresh, perfectly prepared, and absolutely delicious."
4. Royal Palm Grille
NFL Sunday Ticket & Flavourful seafood.
Royal Palm Grille is where good food meets a fun, lively vibe. The moment you step inside, the big LED TVs and bustling bar set the tone for a great time. It is the go‑to spot for sports fans, offering the NFL Sunday Ticket so you can enjoy the game while digging into fresh, flavorful seafood. Their menu is packed with Gulf favorites, and the fried seafood platter is a must‑try.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Large bar area with multiple LED TVs for all the big games.
- NFL Sunday Ticket makes it perfect for Sunday lunch and football.
- Famous fried seafood platter with mahi‑mahi, jumbo shrimp, a crab cake, and two sides.
- Lively atmosphere that is great for casual dining and hanging out with friends.
What People Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Very nice atmosphere, food was fantastic. We had the Angus burger and fries, the club wrap and fries, the Florida Roll sushi, and the Crab cakes appetizer. Everything was fast, fresh, and hot. Will return and recommend!!"
"Stopped for lunch while in town for a quick sushi snack...amazing rolls! Had to come back for dinner the next day to celebrate someone's 50th BD! Great spot on the water!!!"
5. Jackacuda's Seafood & Sushi
Must-visit spot for fresh Gulf seafood and creative sushi.
Jackacuda's is a must-visit spot for fresh Gulf seafood and creative sushi. The restaurant's name has a fun backstory tied to the local fishing culture, inspired by a day when Captain Dale Beebe only reeled in barracuda while hunting amberjack. Today, this chill eatery serves up some of the freshest catches in the area, including the famous amberjack, in a casual and welcoming atmosphere.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Fresh Gulf seafood and creative sushi rolls.
- Fun backstory tied to Destin's fishing heritage.
- Known for serving delicious amberjack dishes.
- Relaxed, casual atmosphere perfect for families or friends.
What People Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"If you're looking for fresh, homemade sushi with great service, Jackacuda's is the place to be. Every bite was bursting with flavor, and it was clear that everything was made with care and the highest quality ingredients. From the first taste to the last, it felt like a true wholesome meal."
"Went here for Mother's Day. Had the best experience! The food was so delicious. If you have any allergies, do not worry, they've got you! The yardbird roll is the best. My three-year-old son had his first crab leg experience and loved it! Gil, my server was super attentive and on top of everything! Kelly, the general manager, was super helpful and kept checking to make sure our experience was above and beyond! Don't miss out on this experience, whether you're a local like me or on vacation, worth your time!"
BONUS: Tips on How to Enjoy the Best Seafood Along the Emerald Coast
- Go where the locals go: Ask around or check local reviews. The spots packed with locals usually have the freshest catches.
- Try what's in season: Different fish shine at different times of the year. Seasonal catches mean fresher flavors.
- Order beyond fried: Grilled, blackened, or seared lets the natural flavors of Gulf seafood shine.
- Don't skip the oysters: Raw, baked, or chargrilled, they're a regional must-try if you want the full coastal experience.
- Pair it with a view: Eating seafood by the water just makes it taste better. Find a dockside or beachfront table.
Wondering Where to Stay on the 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!