South Walton Restaurant Recommendations

There is nothing better than a great meal after a long drive into town or long day on the beach. While relaxing at the beach is the top driver for visiting South Walton, this area boasts a vast array of outstanding restaurants along with some amazing chefs that call South Walton home.

Each year Emerald Coast Magazine polls their readers to name the “Best of the Emerald Coast.” The poll takes place in the spring with the winners announced each Fall. The 2022 Best of Emerald Coast winners will be announced during an event at Grand Boulevard on October 15, 2022.

While we anxiously wait to see who is crowned the Best of the Emerald Coast for 2022 let’s revisit some of the South Walton county restaurants that received honors in 2021. 

Best Breakfast went to Donut Hole Bakery Cafe. Donut Hole has three locations to choose from when visiting the Emerald Coast. Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, and Inlet Beach.  Best Brunch went to Blue Mabel. Blue Mabel is located in Blue Mountain Beach and is conveniently located within walking distance to Radiant Resort Properties Adagio F201 rental.

Lunch time people looking to enjoy some of the fresh caught Gulf fish should stop by Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar. They were voted Best Grouper Sandwich in 2021 and have plenty of seating including an upper deck with views of the Gulf of Mexico!

Looking for a cocktail to enjoy before heading to dinner there are a number of great options. Best Margarita went to Cantina Laredo located at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach. Travel a little east along Scenic 30A to Seaside and Great Southern Cafe to enjoy the Best Mojito. Down the road in Seagrove Beach at Cafe Thirty-A you can enjoy the Best Martini on the Emerald Coast. Stop by Tuesday or Thursday night and enjoy $6 martinis all night long! If an outdoor bar is what you are looking for to enjoy your drinks stop by Hotel Effie on the Sandestin Resort and visit Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge.

For Dinner look no further than the Best in the Emerald Coast Restaurant in Walton County, Grayton Seafood.  If you have traveled to celebrate a special occasion, Restaurant Paradis in Rosemary Beach should top your list during your stay.

Trying to make dining decisions based on cuisine? Don’t worry we can list off the Best of Emerald Coast by cuisine as well.

• Best Barbecue goes to 98 BBQ located in Santa Rosa Beach.

• Cajun/Creole cuisine winner goes to Louisiana Lagniappe located on the Destin Harbor. Take a trip along Gulf Shore Drive and you will find this restaurant tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Destin.

• Pasta and Pizza are always a staple and the Best of the Emerald Coast for Italian was Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano. This local eatery is located in Destin as well.

• Best Mediterranean for Best of Emerald Coast in 2021 went to Aegean. Located right off Highway 98 just West of the Silver Sands Outlet Mall and on the south side of the road you can’t miss the Aegean in Miramar Beach.

• Craving tacos? Best of Emerald Coast tacos went to Red Fish Taco in Blue Mountain Beach.

• If Thai food is a must during your vacation make sure to check out Thai Elephant in Santa Rosa Beach.

Visit South Walton to enjoy beautiful beaches and delicious food! Need a vacation rental? Check out Radiant Resort Properties rentals to be sure you the best accommodations during your stay!