several hands grabbing for pizza in a destin restaurant

Fresh Faces: Embracing New Restaurants in Destin

February 15, 2024

If you haven’t been to Destin lately, you’re in for a treat! Destin’s dining scene is ever-evolving, with exciting new restaurants to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy every food craving. From cozy eateries to waterfront cafes, you’ll find a laid-back spot to gather with family and friends. Be sure to check out the latest hotspots redefining Destin’s culinary excellence the next time you’re in town!

Party Fowl

With five locations in Tennessee, Party Fowl has spread its wings to the Destin Commons. Serving Nashville hot chicken seven days a week, patrons will also enjoy gumbos and salads, cocktails and brews, and even a few seafood dishes. With wall-to-wall TVs and a fantastic weekend brunch, it’s more than just a meal; it’s a fun place to hang out and catch a game. Beware, heat on the chicken ranges from Southern fried to “poutrygeist”, scoring above 2 million on the Scoville heat scale. If you’re up for the challenge, this is the place to go!

Best known for: Nashville hot chicken and Southern-inspired comfort food.

Our top picks: Hot chicken Cuban sandwich with Swiss, pickles, and chimichurri on a fresh baguette.

Lone Wolf Pizza Company

Step into a slice of heaven at Lone Wolf Pizza Company, where the aroma of fresh-baked pies fills the air, and every bite is a taste of Italy. Beyond freshly crafted specialty pizza, take your pick from salads, sandwiches, calzones, and more! No matter what you’re craving, this cozy pizzeria welcomes you with traditional flavors, authentic recipes, and maybe even a few new favorites.

Best known for: Freshly crafted specialty pizza prepared to order.

Our top picks: The Full Moon pizza with three kinds of meat and the perfect mix of veggies.

The Ruby Slipper

Originating in New Orleans, this popular breakfast and lunch chain has since expanded to several locations across the Gulf South region, including Destin. The menu features creative dishes with a unique twist, as noted on their benedicts, french toast, and omelets. Specialty coffees and eye-opening cocktails are bound to get your vacation off to the right start!

Best known for: New Orleans-style twist on Southern cuisine.

Our top picks: Eggs Blackstone with applewood-smoked bacon, poached eggs, and grilled tomato on a buttermilk biscuit with hollandaise.

Big Red Cafe

Breakfast is served all day at this throwback classic American diner, but that’s not all you’ll find. Here, fried baskets and plates share the menu with burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and red plate dinners reminiscent of grandma’s home cooking. Daily off-the-smoker specials offer bold flavors, while cakes, pies, and banana pudding end each meal with a decidedly Southern twist.

Best known for: Robust menu, affordable dishes, and nostalgic atmosphere.

Our top picks: The Texas patty melt for breakfast and the country-fired pork chop for lunch.

City Food Hall

The City Food Hall in the Destin Commons offers a fresh take on the food court of yesteryear. Think upscale, elevated, diverse food experiences in a vibrant atmosphere amid some of the best shopping in Destin. Local chefs draw inspiration from their culinary experiences and share it with visitors who can sample, mingle, hit the craft bar, and book a Top Golf Swing Suite for friends and family!

Best known for: A vibrant hub offering exceptional cuisine and plenty of social engagement.

Our top picks:  With ten restaurants featured, we’d be hard-pressed to pick just one dish!

Blue Mahoe

Serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch every day of the week, Blue Mahoe claims theirs is “the best breakfast in town,” but you be the judge. True, the Crab Benedict and Harbor Hash will leave you wanting more, but their offerings go far beyond, including omelets, scrambles, pancakes, and french toast.

Best known for: Farm-to-table meals made with fresh seafood and produce.

Our top picks: Pork and grits for breakfast and the Crab Island croissant for brunch.

Big Bad Breakfast

Born out of love for the flavors from his childhood memories, Chef John Currence founded the first Big Bad Breakfast in Oxford, Mississippi. The James Beard award-winning chef now boasts over a dozen restaurants in eight states throughout the Southeast. Everything is scratch-made, from the fluffy black pepper buttermilk biscuits and handcrafted preserves to the custom-cured bacon and sausages. You won’t go wrong with anything on this menu, so gather friends and family, place your orders, and share the bounty!

Best known for: Scratch-made New Orleans-style breakfasts packed with flavor.

Our top picks: The Creole Omelet with shrimp, andouille, and veggies topped with tomato gravy.

Waldo’s Chicken and Beer

The star of the show at Waldo’s is chicken, and you can get it two ways: Southern fried or rotisserie and both are equally delicious. Pair either with homemade Southern sides, like collard greens, cole slaw, and tomato cucumber salad, and end your search for the perfect lunch.

Best known for: Delicious food, cold beer, and good vibes.

Our top picks: If you can’t take the heat, opt for the O.G., a fried chicken thigh, pickles, lettuce, and mayo on a toasted bun. If you like it spicy, go for the Fowl Mouth, and switch out the toppings for habanero oil, cheddar, jalapeno slaw, and comeback sauce on a toasted bun.

Bistrology

You’ll quickly find something you’ve never tried on this menu, which pays homage to American, European, and Latin American cultures. Think Peruvian ceviche stuffed avocado, Columbian fried empanadas with potatoes and shredded beef, and Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches. They’re also coffee lovers and offer a mind-boggling list of fresh brews, juices, milkshakes, smoothies, and homemade sodas.

Best known for: A love of coffee and a broad mix of authentic cuisine from different cultures.

Our top picks: The plantain burger with premium Angus beef, secret sauce, bourbon bacon glaze, tomato, arugula, and a sunny-side-up egg.

Of course, you’ll want a place close to all these fabulous restaurants to unwind, relax, and hit the beach. Check out our wide selection of Destin vacation homes and condos, or consider staying at Emerald Towers or SunDestin, both centrally located beachfront resorts packed with family-friendly amenities!

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