As locals, we are blessed with a avast array of dining experiences from which to choose. We actually could print an entire magazine about dining in Destin, Niceville and ValP – there are so many wonderful places to choose from. We narrowed it down to some of our favorites, the ones that know and love the locals. We hope you can get out and experience them!

There is something on their menu for everyone, from the vegetarian to the meat-eaters! And everything from pizzas to filets. You can create your own pizza or select from the menu. And for those of us on the "watching the waistline plan" – gourmet salads, such as our kale, red onions, avocado, garbanzo beans, tangerine, and shaved parmesan salad, tossed in our homemade honey-roasted sesame vinaigrette. This will become one of your regular dining-out spots – we promise!

Oh, live music, too – follow them on social media for their monthly schedule of events and specials! #funkylife

34902 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin 

850-424-6650

If you are looking to get your Italian-cuisine fix – this is the place. Family recipes, wood-fired oven imported from Naples, and a trendy cosmopolitan atmosphere you can't find anywhere else in the area.

34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin

850-974-5484

A local favorite for happy hour and a staff that knows you by name. Of course the Bang Bang Shrimp is a favorite along with any of their daily specials.

4447 Commons Dr. E., Destin

850-650-3161

If you're looking for a casual atmosphere partnered with craft beer, hand-crafted cocktails and chef-inspired food, this is the place. The menu is traditional pub fare and all regionally sourced, like the half-pound burgers made with local grass fed beef (from Heureux Farms). Not to mention the bar and tabletops are crafted entirely from 100-year-old reclaimed cypress lifted from the bottom of the Chattahoochee River.

4424 Commons Dr. E., Destin

850-460-7907

One of the locals' favorite gulf-to-table dining experiences. Every menu item speaks to the over 40 years of restaurant experience. May we recommend the Pan Roasted Gulf Grouper as a must on the menu? It will not disappoint. Make sure you put this place on your list with a casual atmosphere, locally sourced seafood and some of the best dining on the Destin Harbor. This will surely become one of your go-to's.

414 Harbor Blvd., Destin

850-424-7406

Easy-going eatery with sushi, Southern- and Asian-inspired dishes and cocktails. Same owners as Brotulas – notice they are on the local favorite list as well!

36120 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin

850-460-2909

A Southern fish house specializing in fresh, locally sourced seafood and produce. You can even bring in your fresh catch, and we will cook it! Check out the Sunday Funday Brunch, 10 am-2 pm.

210 Harbor Blvd., Destin

850-460-8900

Open-air, harbor-front, family-style seafood restaurant specializing in fresh-caught seafood, fresh-shucked oysters with rustic decor, giving a nod to the old Destin Harbor. 

56 Harbor Blvd.

850-424-3507

Guglielmo has been serving up fine dining to locals in Destin for over 29 years! The food, the atmosphere and the live entertainment have become a staple for the locals. 

36178 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin

850-650-2451

As their tagline states: Feasting, Imbibery and Debauchery. Pub grub, ales brewed on-site, live music. And next door is McGuire's Sushi with inventive rolls and creative cocktails. 

33 and 35 Harbor Blvd., Destin

mcguiresirishpub.com, mcguiressushi.com

850-650-0000, 850-650-7655

Locally sourced food for more than 40 years. Their seafood is harvested from the gulf, unloaded at their docks, cleaned in their market and then delivered upstairs to the restaurant. The Gulf Fish Tacos is a highly recommended local favorite!

538 Harbor Blvd., Destin

850-837-2506

***Publisher's Top Pick

If you are from the north and seeking out that sandwich-shop type of place – this is it. Great breakfast options with the breakfast bowls and burritos. But the chicken-salad sandwich pretty much takes the prize. The service is quick and concise. A definite go-to for packing lunch for the beach or the boat or just dining there. 

950 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin

850-460-8979

A hidden gem in Niceville serving up mediterranean dishes, classic twists on burgers alongside an array of wine and beer selections. A local favorite for happy hour and for a regular weekly date night. TOAST never disappoints!

4550 E. Hwy. 20, Niceville

850-279-6665

Diverse menu items with southern roots. An intimate dining experience where locals love to gather after church on Sunday, for business meetings, family celebrations and ladies night. 

120 N. Partin Dr., Niceville

850-729-2120

If you are looking for your sushi fix this is a local top pick. Laid-back and casual atmosphere, easy to get to, sushi, tempura, hibachi along with beer and sake. Also known for the fun environment the staff creates.

117 W. John Sims Pkwy., Niceville

850-678-0771

A go-to for waterfront dining north of the bay. The Landing has a view of Boggy Bayou while the Bilge Pub downstairs is great for a cocktail and live music. A great spot for lunch and dinner and all things from steak to seafood and pasta. 

124 N. John Sims Pkwy., Valparaiso

850-678-2805

Want the taste of New Orleans? This is the place. Located on Tom's Bayou, Doc's serves up New Orleans-style seafood, po' boys, oysters, tuna dip, local beer and more.

303 Glen Ave. (behind Compass Rose), Valparaiso

850-729-0506

For those who have spent time in Germany or visited, The Schnitzel Lodge brings you that typical German atmosphere and fare. The Homemade Leberkas is a favorite and of course any of the Schnitzel dishes. Be sure to couple your dish with a stein of some of the best German beers – all served here. Guten Appetit!

4504 E. Hwy. 20, Niceville

850-279-4485

Here’s your chance to dive into Filipino cooking in a friendly, family-owned-and-operated restaurant. Traditional Filipino foods include adobo, sisiq, pinkabet, dinuguan, afritada, lumpia, pancit, and the weekly roast pig feast – first come, first served. Casual atmosphere, lunch specials, in-store Filipino and Southeast Asian market.

4678 Hwy. 20, Niceville

850-716-2101