Nestled along the Gulf Coast just east of Downtown Destin, Crystal Beach is home to some of Destin's best restaurants. From sidewalk cafes to fine dining, Crystal Beach is a popular spot for enjoying delectable dishes prepared with local ingredients from area farmers and fisherman. With the same sugar white, soft sand beaches that have made the Destin area popular, many Crystal Beach restaurants feature delicious menu items as well as an incredible beach view.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, Crystal Beach is ready to reward you with some of the best restaurants and cafés in the area. Here's a list of the top 9 Crystal Beach restaurants:
Beach Walk Café
Beach Walk Café was awarded Diner’s Choice by Open Table for 2024 and is coined as the “Most Romantic Dining Experience in Destin.” Sit down to a window view of the beaches in Henderson State Park and enjoy a meal worth an award! Dine day or night, with several different menus consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items all carefully crafted by their dedicated team. What could be better than enjoying avocado toast while looking out at the brand-new day or ending the day with sesame-crusted ahi tuns steak while the sun sinks beneath the waves? For menu options, hours of operation, and an inside look into their team, visit their website. Reservations recommended. Address: 2700 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL, 32541
Camille’s Café
Come off the beach from a morning stroll and cross scenic 98 to find a charming café connected to the infamous Beachside Inn. Walk up and choose from menus with delicious items like breakfast pastries, lunch sandwiches, pizza, or an assortment of smoothies. Pair it with a freshly brewed coffee to create the perfect start to an even more perfect day in Crystal Beach. View their website for menu options, hours, and details. Address: 2931 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL, 32541
Camille’s Restaurant
After 5 p.m., Camille's Restaurant upstairs opens. Supplied by Harbor Docks Market, Camille's is renowned for their fresh seafood and award-winning sushi by local celebrity Sushi Chef, Yoshi. Camille’s aims to use the best and freshest local ingredients to create an endless array of blackened, grilled, and crusted masterpieces for you to enjoy. Pick from an assortment of macadamia-crusted grouper, stuffed shrimp, panéed chicken, and so much more. Learn more on their website including menus, hours, and special events. Located within the Beachside Inn, couples can enjoy dinner and a stay by planning a romantic weekend by booking room here. Address: 2931 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL, 32541
Captain Dave’s on the Gulf
No stranger to Destin residents, Captain Dave’s has been serving up good food and fun for over 50 years. Watch the sway of Gulf waves while enjoying a meal from their traditional seafood menu with a “contemporary Gulf Coast twist.” This half-century-old business is run by local families who know what to expect when it comes to good seafood. They serve some of the freshest Cajun redfish, mahi parmesan, and broiled lobster, as well as so many more delicious dishes. Learn more or view their menu online. Address: 3796 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL, 32541
Kenny D’s Beach Bar
Owner Kenny D is a New Orleans native and knows the perfect spices for the perfect Cajun cuisine. From award-winning gumbo to étouffée, you’ll enjoy the food and the relaxed local waterhole vibe. Their food isn’t the only thing that spices up a day at the beach. Guests enjoy live music on the deck and karaoke on Wednesday night. Learn more and view their menu, event details, as well as their catering services for any occasion on their website. Address: 2964 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL, 32550
Primrose
An upscale dining experience at Henderson Beach Resort, Primrose won the Diner’s Choice Award for 2024 from Open Table for its signature southern hospitality and gourmet menu. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Primrose is ready to serve up exceptional service and a delicious interpretation of many local delicacies. Choose from delectable dishes like whole roasted snapper, flo country grouper, dry-aged NY strip, and plenty more to make any meal magical. View the menu and make reservations online. Address: 200 Henderson Resort Way, Destin, FL, 32541
Ruby Slipper
Look no further than the Ruby Slipper for the perfect breakfast or brunch plate to get you revved up for a day of adventure. Just as good as the original Ruby Slipper in New Orleans, Ruby Slipper embraces the beach with Ruby Sunshine. Choose from a menu of deliciously crafted breakfast, brunch and lunch foods, including bayou shrimp, banana foster French toast, and a special Tex-Mex egg scramble. Pair your meal with mimosa flight, a Nola-style iced coffee or their award-winning Bloody Mary. View events, hours, catering options, and menu options online. Address: 34902 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 32541
Soleil Bar & Grill
Make a reservation for lunch or dinner to enjoy their amazing view while sipping on a handcrafted cocktail or carefully prepared menu items such as seared scallops. Led by Chef Luis, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and former Private Chef to the Governor of Puerto Rico before moving to Florida, Soleil's menu reflects the setting of sun, sand and sea. At Soleil, guests sit back and relax while dining on delightfully creative dishes created from the freshest ingredients. Enjoy the view paired with steamed crab legs, shrimp risotto, or a braised whole chicken cannelloni. Visit between 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to enjoy the beach vibes and cocktail vibes happy hour. View their website for more information, menu options or make a reservation. Address: 2996 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL, 32541
The Crab Trap (Destin)
The Destin Crab Trap needs no introduction to locals or regular visitors. After a long day on James Lee Beach, enjoy the perfect meal without even crossing the street. Open for lunch or dinner, guests can choose from an array of fresh seafood, get an order of their fresh tuna dip smoked on the Big Green Egg, or take advantage of their daily specials! The perfect place to dine for kids and adults alike, especially with the beachfront bar overlooking the playground on the beach that create entertainment before or after your meal. Diners will delight in the fresh dishes, beach views and spectacular sunsets reflecting on the rolling tide. Learn more or view menu on their website. Address: 3500 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL, 32541
Stay in Crystal Beach
No matter where you choose to dine, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties features a variety of vacation rental homes and condominiums in Crystal Beach making access to these incredible dining options a breeze. View Crystal Beach Vacation Rentals here as well as cozy rooms at Beachside Inn here. Look on our rentals page to see our full collection of available condos and homes perfect for your dream beach vacation. Be sure to check out our seasonal specials as well as Be Rewarded with discounts from area businesses. Remember to always Book Direct with Newman-Dailey to avoid 3rd party (Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia) fees.
See you @ the beach!