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Eat Like a Local

Downtown Fort Walton has recently opened SEVERAL new little restaurants and bars! Take a peek at our top recommendations for eating like a local in Fort Walton!

The Gulf Restaurant

A uniquely designed restaurant destination, serving locally inspired food & beverages in a beautiful waterfront setting. The Gulf is about relaxing with friends & family, exploring the unique shop, and listening to the curated vinyl collection. We are passionately committed to offering the freshest, seasonal menus of locally focused ingredients, with a concentration on Gulf seafood & sourcing from our neighboring regional farmers. Our menu changes daily. The Gulf is a casual yet chic seaside hideaway, where the sun, sand & lush beach setting complement the tasty food, drink and friendly casual service. Recline with your toes in the sand, have a seat at the bar or at a communal table, or meander about, enjoy the magical vibes, views and tunes. We spin vinyl, accent our shipping container design with recycled, reclaimed and salvaged building materials and make concerted efforts to practice sustainability and to reduce our carbon footprint.

Location: 1284 Marler Ave, Okaloosa Island, FL
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Clemenza`s at Uptown

Fabulous authentic Italian! GREAT pizza (wood fire brick oven) & daily specials.

Location: 75 Eglin Pkwy NE #126, Fort Walton Beach, FL
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Stewby`s Seafood Shanty

Locals FAVORITE! not fancy- eating, not dining (order at the window, no alcohol served, cash) - it`s a HAVE to for lunch!

Location: 235 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
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McGuire`s Irish Pub

Location: 33 US-98, Destin, FL
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Soi Bistro

Hip Sushi. Fresh off the Gulf!

Location: 234 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL
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The Shack

The Shack, also known as The Original Waterfront Crab Shack, opened in 1999. We are a veteran & family-owned restaurant whose sole focus is providing our guests a great dining experience. You can enjoy the best views in the Panhandle on our expansive back deck, watching the boats go by while admiring the most spectacular sunsets on the coast. Check out our menu as we have something for everyone. Your stop won't be complete until you try our famous gumbolaya!

Location: 104 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL
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Tail Fins

4 story restaurant and bar right on the water with FABULOUS view, service and good food! TVs, music and a seagull`s view. Serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on the Destin Harbor.

Location: 172 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL
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Harbor Docks Sushi

Best ever! BE sure to sit at the Sushi Bar. They actually ship all their fish regionally ... yum!

Location: 538 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL
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Gulf Coast Seafood

Seafood Market!

Location: 51 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL
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CowHead

Brand new burger joint on the strip! Fabulous!

Location: 184 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL
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Manatee`s Bar & Grill

The Wyndham has a small Tiki Bar that is open in season. Manatee Grill - what you would expect at a "snack bar".

Location: The Wyndham, Fort Walton Beach, FL
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Burrito del Sol

Fantastic Mexican right on the Strip!

Location: 201 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE B, Fort Walton Beach, FL
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AJ`s Oyster Shanty

THE NEW location AJs Shanty now open on Okaloosa Island!!!! Oysters, burgers, etc - it`s good! You passed it on your way in!

Location: 108 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL
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Rockin Tacos

One of our favorites! Really good Mexican food, but even BETTER view and drinks! We go here EVERY time we are on the Island.

Location: 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL
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Boshamps

Awesome deck!

Location: 414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL
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The Boathouse Oyster Bar

The Boathouse Oyster Bar is one of Destin's best kept secrets. Located on the Destin Harbor, the Boathouse offers anything from seafood to burgers and salads with a water view. Come visit us to see why we have been a Destin favorite and voted Best Oysters and Gumbo for the past 30 years.

Location: 288 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL
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Taste

Wine bar serving brunch, fusion tapas and a variety of wine, beer, and delicious craft cocktails. Here at TASTE we believe that the best part of the dining experience is the exploration. It`s our mission to provide the most unique culinary journey we can surprise and excite the palate. With the freshest ingredients, a truly eclectic selection, and a knowledgeable staff, we are here to fulfill a dining experience that is like no other. Our philosophy is that life is always better when you sip, share, and taste.

Location: 196 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL
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Marina Cafe

At Destin's most Awarded Restaurant Marina Cafe it is all about sensational food, attentive service and breathtaking harbor views from the candlelit dining room that envelopes you in soft colors, and high ceilings. Relax and enjoy our extensive wine collection with over 100 wines that perfectly complement the wonderfully progressive cuisine. With fresh daily seafood selections, USDA prime steaks, pastas, sushi and wood-fired pizzas, there is something for everyone at Marina Cafe.

Location: 404 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL
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LuLu`s

At LuLu's, we serve scratch-made menu options with recipes created by Lucy Buffett herself. From seafood favorites to allergy-friendly choices, there is something for everybody. Pull up a seat at our table and enjoy good cookin' served with a southern flair.

Location: 4607 Legendary Marina Dr, Destin, FL
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