The Panhandle Restaurants

An abundance of seafood is served at coastal restaurants: oysters, crab, shrimp, scallops, and a variety of fish. Of course, that's not all there is on the menu. This part of Florida still impresses diners with old-fashioned comfort foods such as meat loaf, fried chicken, beans and corn bread, okra, and fried green tomatoes. You'll also find small-town seafood shacks where you can dine on local favorites such as deep-fried mullet, cheese grits, coleslaw, and hush puppies. Restaurants, like resorts, vary their operating tactics off-season, so call first if visiting during winter months.

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  • 1. Ali's Bistro

    $$

    Formerly Ciao Bella of nearby Destin, this Italian bistro changed its name to match that of its matriarch when it moved down the coast. Expect traditional Italian dishes served in a casual, but elegant atmosphere. 

    171 Brooks St. SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, USA
    850-226–4708

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood and steaks
    • Brick-oven pizzas
    • Reservations are a good idea

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 2. Angler's Beachside Bar & Grill

    $$

    Unless you sit in the water, you can't dine any closer to the Gulf than at this casual beachside bar and grill next to the Gulfarium and at the entrance to the Okaloosa Island Pier. Inside are tons of TVs broadcasting sports events (even in the elevators and bathrooms); outside, a volleyball net tempts diners onto the sands. Snack on nachos and quesadillas, sample fresh-catch dishes such as king crab and prawns, or try the smoked tuna dip, a lightly smoked yellowfin tuna dip served with warm, crisp tortilla strips. Saturday is an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. 

    1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548, USA
    850-796–0260

    Known For

    • Sports bar fare plus fresh fish
    • Warm smoked tuna dip
    • Excellent Gulf views
  • 3. Magnolia Grill

    $$

    Known affectionately as "a museum that serves food," this restaurant is set in a 1910 house that's filled with photos and steeped in local history. Dine on seafood, traditional Italian dishes, or fabulous steaks. 

    157 Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach, Florida, USA
    850-806–1892

    Known For

    • Off the beaten path
    • Quaint historical atmosphere
    • Surf and turf

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 4. The Gulf

    $$

    Constructed of stacked shipping containers that have been painted bright azure, this is a great kid- and dog-friendly place to enjoy mojitos and seasonal seafood. Much of the restaurant is outdoors—the better to soak in the Choctawhatchee Bay views—with lounging couches and a patch of sand; simply order at the counter, and your meal is brought to you. There's another location just over the Alabama border in Orange Beach.

    1284 Marler Ave., Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548, USA
    850-387–1300

    Known For

    • Boat access
    • Daily happy hour
    • Shrimp tacos
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

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Recommended Fodor’s Video