Good Eating Spots in NW Florida

SPENDING FIVE WINTERS along the coastline of the Panhandle in northwest Florida has not made me an expert regarding food or places to eat. However, it has given me a large number of opportunities to test a wide variety of dining establishments and cuisines. Perhaps because of this personal experience, I am at least somewhat qualified to pass the word along about several good eating spots! In my opinion, all of these had delicious food - and proved to be great places to enjoy a meal.

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The cafes and restaurants mentioned below vary in their type of food, speciality items, pricing, atmosphere, and business hours. Most are open for lunch and dinner; some include breakfast; some are dinner-only places. My favorites are most often the local spots, although I have also included a few national or regional chains. The list is organized according to location, however the names of specific places to eat are in random order.

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In Destin: Lucky Snapper, The Back Porch, Dewey Destins (on the Bay), Dewey Destin's (on the Harbor), The Ocean Club, Bonefish, Buster's, Commander's Palace, Harbor Docks, Crab Trap, McGuire's Irish Pub, Louisiana Lagniappe, The Lighthouse, A.J.'s Seafood, La Paz, Pompano Joe's, Graffiti's, Callahan's, Osaka Japanese Steakhouse, Fisherman's Wharf, Beach Walk, Kenny D's, Captain Dave's, Camille's, Harry T's, Buster's Oyster Bar, Hog's Breath, Ruth's Chris Steak House, New Dragon Chinese Buffet, McAlister's Deli, Whale's Tail, Bluepoint Fish Club, Cafe Grazie, Johnny Rockets, Honey Baked Ham, Muchollow's Sidewalk Cafe, Zanipieri's, Lenny's Sub Shop, Olive Garden, Outback, Cracker Barrel, Longhorn Steakhouse, O'Charlies, TGI Friday's, Golden Corral, Zoe's Kitchen, Marina Cafe, and Chili's.

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In Sandestin: Mitchell's Fish Market, Tommy Bahama's, Beef O'Grady's, Applebee's, Cantina Laredo, and P. F. Chang's.

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In the Village of Baytowne Wharf: Poppy's Seafood Factory, Bistro Bijoux, New Creole Cookery, Acme Oyster House, and Marlin Grill.
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In Fort Walton Beach: Mary's Kitchen, The Magnolia Grill, Sweet Thyme Deli, Big City American Bistro, Anglers' Beachside Grill, Sonny's Bar-B-Q, Brooks Bridge Bar-B-Q, Sugar Mill Sweets, and Old Bay Steamer.

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In Seaside: Bud & Alley's, Great Southern Cafe.

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In Santa Rosa Beach: The Smiling Fish, The Donut Hole.

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In Grayton Beach: The Red Bar.

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The people who live in northwest Florida's Panhandle year-round, those who spend winters there, as well as others who are just spending a few days on the beach all have something in common. They enjoy dining out near the white sand beaches and emerald green waters of the Gulf. This is true even if they do not always have an "ocean view" while dining. Most say that having a meal in the region's restaurants, cafes, and other eating establishments is one of their favorite leisure activities! Perhaps the places named above will give some clue - especially to newcomers - as to several good places to eat. At least, that's my hope. Bon appetit!

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--Pictured above is Pompano Joe's in Destin.