Noteworthy Dining
From lattes to sunset views, discover rave-worthy eateries along the Emerald Coast
Don’t waste time scouring internet reviews to find your next vacay meal. This trusted resource is sure to lead to your latte fix, the cool yet casual local eatery, the spot with good food and views, and the finest dining of the Emerald Coast.
Espresso Yourself
While on vacation, the quest for a good cup often haunts coffee drinkers. Fear not, caffeine fiends. A number of local cafes pepper the Emerald Coast.
Near the Destin Harbor, pop into East Pass Coffee Co. before your Emerald Coast excursions. Sip on a signature drink like the Cinnamon Bun Latte. A full menu of breakfast burritos, toast, sandwiches and acai bowls will keep you content past lunchtime.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Black Bear Bread Co., a local cafe and bakery with three locations in Miramar Beach, Seaside and Grayton Beach. Pair a refreshing iced chai latte with French toast featuring seasonal fruit, pecans and ricotta, topped with sea salt and maple syrup.
Photo by Alissa Aryn Photography courtesy of Black Bear Bread Company
Cruise into Kith & Kin, located just off 30A’s west corridor entrance and bordering Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Steeped in community, this shop offers coffee from local roasters Amavida, baked goods from nearby Blue Mountain Bakery and features walls adorned with art for sale by local creators. Enjoy perfect pairings like the gluten-free cinnamon cake with a caramel macchiato, or roll the dice and try the weekly latte special.
In Panama City Beach, neighborhood cafe The Pour brews local coffee and community service. The nonprofit shop benefits The Ark ministries. In 2023, it ranked among Yelp’s Top 100 Best Places to Eat in Florida. Here, locals cool off with frothy and sweet frozen mochas and favor the savory avocado toast.
Keep it Casual
For those clad in beachwear searching for a place to kick back for a chill meal, check out these cool, casual eateries.
Neighboring East Pass Coffee Co., the family-owned Burrito Del Sol remains a local favorite. The “choose your own adventure” menu offers tortilla, protein and flavor options. Go for a burrito with steak, chipotle style; tacos with fish, Baja style; or veggie nachos topped with tempeh, Southwest style. Mix and match to your heart’s desire. And don’t forget to pair with a classic margarita.
Summer Kitchen Cafe in Rosemary Beach caters to early risers and lunchtime loungers. Start your day of light with a blueberry smoothie blended with banana, spinach and coconut water, or pig out on a Whole Hog Omelet packed with bacon, sausage, ham and cheddar cheese. For lunch, dips, salads, wraps and sandwiches set the scene.
Health-conscious diners enjoy the light fare of Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar. This Panama City Beach spot is nestled within the lush Zen Garden venue. Enjoy the relaxing vibes and savor freshmade organic juices, breakfast burritos, and wraps and sandwiches for lunch.
Ultimate Views
Fish Out Of Water. Photo courtesy of Fish out of Water
Louisiana Lagniappe delivers an upscale waterfront dining experience tucked away in the Destin Harbor. For Creole flavor, try the classic jambalaya or the shrimp and grits tossed in a smoked tasso ham cream sauce. Entrees like Snapper Destin and Oysters Lagniappe highlight that signature seafood flair.
WaterColor Inn’s Fish Out of Water features Gulf of Mexico views for days from their covered deck over the dunes. Enjoy signature Southern dishes like seafood boils, fried chicken and Cajun shrimp. Or sink your teeth into a Wagyu burger or the braised beef short ribs.
Packing in local love from sea to farm, The Edge combines upscale casual with old-school fish house charm. Enjoy the refreshing shrimp ceviche with sweet mango as you gaze at panoramic waterfront views. Or delight in the seafood pappardelle with a citrus cream sauce. Take in the Destin Harbor from the deck or SkyBar.
Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill boasts two stories of Gulf-front dining, live entertainment and fresh seafood on the shores of Panama City Beach. Regular favorites, the mahi tacos and Parmesan-crusted flounder, pack a flavorful punch.
Wine and Dine
Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood. Photo by Boo Media
A unique fine dining experience awaits at Firefly in Panama City Beach. Whether gathering for a special occasion or enjoying a romantic dinner, guests enjoy the ever-evolving, five-star menu from executive chef Rob Burgess. Indulge in the Australian rack of lamb, served with creamy pearl couscous and punctuated by bursts of tart cherries, promising a symphony of flavors.
Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, Northwest Florida’s only AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse, is one of the finest dining destinations along the Emerald Coast. Located at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Seagar’s imparts an intimate dining experience with its award-winning 600-label wine list, fresh seafood and the finest aged steaks.
Located in The Market Shops at the entrance of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Bijoux offers French cuisine with a New Orleans flair. Its intimate lounge features a full bar complete with a large selection of specialty martinis. Start your dining experience with the Duck Confit and crispy Brussels sprouts, but be sure to save room for the 20-ounce Cowboy Ribeye.
Gallion’s, in the heart of Rosemary Beach, offers an upscale cocktail lounge experience, boasting exquisite dishes, an opulent wine and spirits selection and bold cocktails. Tantalize your palate with a sophisticated small plate such as the smoked fish dip, and continue your culinary voyage with coastal favorite red snapper.
