10 Hidden Gem Restaurants Locals Actually Eat At

The restaurants with the biggest signs on Highway 98 are not the ones we eat at. These are.

1. Stewby's Seafood Shanty, Fort Walton Beach

Family owned, counter service, outdoor picnic tables. Fried Gulf seafood done right at prices that will not wreck your vacation budget.

• Order: Fish of the day platter, colossal shrimp, gumbo

• Good for: Fast, casual family dinner or takeout back to the rental

2. Dewey Destin's, Bayside Location

Everyone finds the harborside location. The original bayside spot off Choctawhatchee Bay is the one locals mean.

• Order at the counter window, then grab a seat on the dock

• Order: Whatever came off the boat that morning, plus soft shell crab in season

• Good for: The most authentic Destin seafood experience there is

3. The Shack, Fort Walton Beach

Award winning, family owned, and sitting right on the marina. Down home and unpretentious.

• Order: Fried shrimp, oysters, fish sandwich

• Good for: Waterfront views without waterfront pretense

4. Old Bay Steamer, Fort Walton Beach

Steamed seafood by the pound. Roll up your sleeves.

• Order: Crab legs, steamed shrimp with potatoes and corn

• Good for: Groups and anyone who wants to work for their dinner

5. The Bay Cafe, Fort Walton Beach

Forty plus years on the water in downtown Fort Walton Beach, catering to locals rather than tourists. French inspired and genuinely excellent.

• Order: Grouper Wellington

• Good for: Date night or a special occasion dinner. Reservations recommended.

6. High Tide Restaurant and Oyster Bar

A tried and true local pick that has been quietly serving traditional Gulf seafood for years.

• Order: Oysters, and do not skip the hushpuppies

• Good for: Straightforward seafood without a wait list

7. Asiago's Skillet, Okaloosa Island

The breakfast spot locals send people to.

• Order: A loaded skillet, or classic American breakfast plates

• Good for: Fueling up before a beach day. Expect a line on weekends, so go early.

8. Robison's Cruz Thru

Seafood with a Mexican twist and you can simple drive through or dine in.

• Order: Shrimp burritos, Shrimp Tacos or some hard shell tacos. You won't be disappointed!

• Good for: Lunch straight off the beach, wet swimsuits welcome

9. Destin Brewery

Tucked away on Mountain Drive, this is a locals gathering spot more than a tourist stop. Small batch beers with names like Don't Hassle Me I'm Local.

• Order: East Pass IPA or the Destin Ale, plus flatbread pizza

• Good for: A relaxed afternoon while the kids nap back at the rental

10. Props Craft Brewery, Fort Walton Beach

Aviation themed local brewery with a food menu that goes well beyond bar snacks.

• Order: Boom Boom shrimp, the Cubano

• Good for: Casual dinner with something for everyone

Local ordering tips

• Ask what came in that morning. The answer changes daily and it is always the right order.

• Triggerfish, grouper, red snapper, and cobia are the local catches worth seeking out.

• Eat early. Locals are out the door by 5 p.m. in peak season for a reason.

• Many of the best spots are counter service, cash friendly, and do not take reservations.

• Visit a local seafood market and cook fresh Gulf shrimp in your rental kitchen at least once. It costs a fraction of a restaurant meal.

A quick note: Hours and seasonal closures shift on this coast, especially between October and March. Call ahead before you drive.

Blu Vue Vacations manages homes and condos across the Emerald Coast, and every guest gets our current local recommendations at check in. We update this list as our own favorites change.

Sharon Thomas, Owner & Operator | 850-826-8005 | sharonthomas@bluvuevacations.com | bluvuevacations.com