My Restaurant/Dining Recommendations
As a long time resident of the area, I have eaten out in almost every restaurant in the area. I do have favorites and I know you will too. All of the following Fort Walton Beach area restaurants are conveniently located within a few miles of Waterscape and many in close walking distance. My favorite things are egg rolls at Bangkok House, the bread and dipping sauce and tortellini at Caffe Italia, the filet mignon at Pandoras, the onion rings at Fudpuckers, a basic hamburger from the Waffle House (I am not a picky eater) and the bucket of seafood at Old Bay Steamer - all world class selections for sure! I have added links to each dining website for your convenience and so you can view their menus.
SEAFOOD:
- Old Bay Steamer -850-664-2795 -102 Santa Rosa Blvd., Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32458 - 30 second walk right across from Waterscape and you're there. I have customers that drive over over 45 minutes and wait in line for their incredible buckets of seafood. Go hungry and leave stuffed. You may need extra napkins here! Fire station is just next door.
- Angler's Beachside Grill 850-796-0260- 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy. Ft. Walton Beach, Fl 32548. Nice beachfront views for casual dining right on the beach. Walk right down from Waterscape just past the Okaloosa County Pier to the east.
- AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar- 850-837-1913 116 Hwy.98E, Destin, FL 32541
ITALIAN:
♥ -LaFamiglia Italian Ristorante & Pizza - 300 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 - go right through the light at the intersection by Waterscape- go straight through the light and Pranzos is on your left. My little secret is that they have a super delicious 4-cheese macaroni and cheese as a side dish, but it is so big I have it for dinner with a side of spinach- incredibly delicioso! Same owner as Pandoras, so same great quality food.
FRENCH:
-Bay Cafe - 850-244-3550 - 233 Alconese, Ft.Walton Beach, FL 32458- go over the bridge, turn into Publix lot, go behind publix to Alconese, turn right and Bay cafe is a tiny little 1story bldg. on the left on the water. Authentic French chef on site- Julian. First place I ever had sweetbread - no one told me it was cow brains and then snails (escargot) too- what a opportunity to act like Andrew Zimmern. They do have normal good french food there too and a nice little quaint waterfront setting- like just a little European cafe.
CASUAL DINING:
- FudPuckers -850-243-3833 now located within a mile of Waterscape - on Hwy. 98 bayside. I love the Fud and Father Fud- local Chester Kroeger has been fudding locals and tourists since I got here in 1984- he must be doing something right- like the most awesome onion rings I've ever had! All kinds of fun stuff on the menu. Waterscape pool deck has its own little Fudpucker dining spot. Try it out!
-Big City Cafe -850-664-0664- 171 Brook St. Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
-Magnolia Grill- 850-302-0266- 157 Broook St. Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
-Waffle House - right in front of Waterscape- Santa Rosa Blvd., Ft.Walton Beach 32548- can you ever go wrong with someone else cooking breakfast at Waffle House? They have a nice little burger too and a late night spot in case you missed all the other places.
-Crab Trap-850-301-0959- 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548- right on the Okaloosa county pier area boardwalk and minutes from Waterscape. Enjoy casual waterfront dining - variety of burgers, seafood and speciality dishes for the whole family. Go in your bathing suit if you want- shoes required. 850.654.2722
♥ Destin Crab Trap- 3500 Scenic Gulf Dr. on the beach at James Lee Park just past Destiny by the Sea-near Okaloosa/Walton county line. Say hi to top manager- Clint Rogers. Best burger in town!
THAI CUISINE:
♥ -Bangkok House-850-243-6911 - 201 Ferry Rd, Ft.Walton Beach, FL 32541- go over the Brooks Bridge, turn right at Publix - to to first light, take left onto Ferry-it almost there on the corner. Say hi to Mrs. Taverungprunsenukel- Mrs."T". Best Egg Rolls anywhere!
FINE DINING:
♥ -Marina Cafe -850-837-7960- 404 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL 32541- head east to Destin from Waterscape and go over the Destin Bridge (7miles) and just /.5 mile on the harborside is Marina Cafe. Manager Wally Weibe is very personable. Great seafood and steak dishes and over 200 wine selections- fabulous waterview of the Destin Harbor Primo!
♥♥ -Ocean Club Restaurant- 850-267-3666- 8955 Hwy. 98., Destin, FL 32550- head east to Destin from Waterscape and go over the Destin Bridge (7miles) and go about 20 miles east. You will pass the Commons and Outlet Malls- past Sandestin light, take first right into Tops'l Resort- entrance on left. This has always been my absolute favorite restaurant- best food- great asparagus and lump crab meat appetizer- best grouper dish ever! Yummylicious!
-Vintij' Restaurant Destin -850-650-9820- Grand Boulevard: Miramar Beach/Destin, FL 32550- head east to Destin from Waterscape and go 7 miles to over the Destin Bridge and go past the Outlet mall you'll see in a mile or two, Grand Blvd. mini mall- Vintij has a new location there across from the Movie Theater. Great wine bar/wine market and award winning cuisine in this but quaint bistro. Fabulous Chef Todd preparing beautifully delectable creations nightly. Personally Top Rated in Destin to me! Everything is delicious! Lunch and Dinner 11am-10pm. $$$
GROCERIES:
Publix -850-796-1841 -251 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Ft. Walton Beach, Fl 32548- right over the Brooks Bridge and take an immediate right- another Waffle House in the parking lot there too just in case you have second thoughts about buying groceries and just want to eat out.
