While there are many great restaurants in Fort Walton Beach, one of the best things about the Gulf Coast region is access to the freshest, tastiest seafood.
From the freshest fish, shrimp, and oysters to lobster, crab cakes, and steamer buckets brimming with all different types of seafood — you’ll find it all in Fort Walton Beach.
Ready to try the catch of the day? Here are seven of the best seafood restaurants in Fort Walton Beach, just minutes, or in some cases, steps, from your vacation rental — so you’re never far from the freshest seafood!
1. The Shack
- 104 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach, FL
- theshackfwb.com
- $$
- Bayside seafood shack with great views and fun fishbowl drinks
A local favorite for fresh seafood and fun drinks, The Shack is a must-visit when vacationing in Fort Walton Beach. Enjoy breezy, bayside views while dining on some of the freshest fish, shrimp tacos, and Cajun classics, like seafood gumbo and jambalaya. Can’t decide? Try the Captain’s Seafood Platter, which comes with a little taste of everything.
While the food is not to be missed at The Shack, stopping by for drinks is never a bad idea. The Shack is known for its colorful, fruity cocktails served in a fishbowl with floating gummy fish — perfect for sharing and Instagramming!
The Shack is a great spot for casual seafood, cocktails with friends, and epic sunset views over the bay.
2. Floyd’s Shrimp House
- 1415 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach
- floydsshrimphouse.com
- $$
- Breezy boardwalk spot for shrimp, shrimp, and more shrimp
In the mood for shrimp? There’s no better place than Floyd’s Shrimp House which serves nearly every kind of shrimp, prepared every kind of way. Whether you like your shrimp fried, blackened, broiled, smothered in cheese, crusted in coconut, or tossed in a spicy sauce — you’ll find it all at Floyd’s.
For true shrimp lovers, Floyd’s also offers daily all-you-can-eat shrimp specials from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Indulge in bottomless fried Gulf shrimp, peel-and-eat shrimp, or fried shrimp and fish baskets.
While shrimp takes center stage at Floyd’s, there are plenty of other fresh seafood selections on the menu, plus some steaks for the landlubbers and great cocktails. Floyd’s Shrimp House is the perfect beachfront spot to indulge in some of the Gulf’s best seafood.
3. Stewby’s Seafood Shanty
- 235 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL
- stewbys.com
- $
- Rustic roadside seafood shack serving up Southern specialties
Serving up fresh seafood and southern specialties that have the locals lined up daily, Stewby’s Seafood Shanty is a can’t miss in Fort Walton Beach. This small, unassuming roadside shack might not look like much from the outside, but once you try the food, you’ll know why there’s always a line out the door.
Stewby’s is famous for its Southern and Cajun seafood specialties like fried oysters, gumbo, blackened fish, and popcorn shrimp. You’ll also find mouthwatering sides like fried okra, hush puppies, cheesy grits, and Stewby’s famous BBQ baked beans.
Head to Stewby’s Seafood Shanty when you’re in the mood for a big plate of old-fashioned comfort food with all the fixings.
4. Angler’s Beachside Bar & Grill
- 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach, FL
- anglersgrill.com
- $$
- Beachside grill best known for fresh fish and creative seafood brunches
As the name implies, Angler’s Beachside Bar & Grill is all about the fresh catch. Choose from a wide variety of fresh, ‘straight from the Gulf’ fish, prepared blackened, grilled, or fried, with an elaborate selection of toppings, sauces, and sides. Seafood lovers can create their own culinary masterpiece!
On Sundays, Angler’s is also a must-visit for brunch. You’ll find all the standard brunch favorites like pancakes and waffles, but their creative seafood dishes truly sets Angler’s apart and makes them a local favorite. Enjoy crab cake benedict, seafood omelets, shrimp and grits, and much more.
Angler’s Beachside Bar & Grill is the perfect “anytime” seafood spot in Fort Walton Beach.
5. High Tide Restaurant & Oyster Bar
- 1203 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach, FL
- hightiderestaurant.com
- $$
- Relaxed, family-friendly spot for fresh seafood and raw oysters
A local icon on Okaloosa Island for over 40 years, High Tide Restaurant & Oyster Bar serves up fresh seafood, raw oysters, and homemade gumbo in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Seafood lovers will have a hard time choosing what to eat, so it’s best to order a few items and share with the table, family style! Enjoy unique appetizers like spicy “volcano” shrimp, crab balls, and fried blue crab claws. Of course, the freshly shucked oysters are always a hit too.
There’s no shortage of fresh seafood entrees on the menu, from the catch of the day and fried grouper sandwiches to stuffed shrimp, crab legs, and seafood kabobs. And don’t worry, there’s plenty for the littlest seafood lovers, too; High Tide is the perfect spot for dinner with the whole family.
6. The Crab Trap
- 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach, FL
- crabtrapflorida.com
- $$
- Beachside seafood spot serving up crab and Cajun specialties
If cracking open some crab legs is on your vacation agenda, head down to The Crab Trap. You’ll have your pick of multiple types of crab leg platters, plus other favorites like crab cakes, crab dip, and fried crab claws.
While the crab dishes are certainly not to be missed, The Crab Trap is also known for its Cajun specialties. The seafood gumbo, shrimp po’boys, fried fish platters, and Cajun pasta are all on the must-try list.
This breezy Fort Walton Boardwalk restaurant has plenty of outdoor seating to soak up the sunshine and beachy views. With daily lunch specials, it’s a great place to grab lunch and cool down with frozen cocktails after a day at the beach.
7. Old Bay Steamer
- 102 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL
- oldbaysteamerfwb.com
- $$
- Casual seafood joint serving up traditional Old Bay Steam Pots
If you love steam pots, you’re in for a treat at Old Bay Steamer. This laid-back, local favorite serves up traditional, Old Bay-seasoned steam pots brimming with the freshest seafood and traditional corn and potatoes.
You can enjoy steam pots with crab, lobster, oysters, shrimp, mussels, and more. You’ll also find plenty of fresh fish on the menu, surf and turf selections, crab cakes, scallops, and shrimp alfredo. Save some room for dessert; their signature sweet and tangy Key lime pie is not to be missed.
With a fun, relaxed atmosphere and a menu of drool-worthy seafood favorites, Old Bay Steamer is a must-visit for seafood lovers!
Reel in The Best Eats in Fort Walton Beach
This is just the tip of the seafood iceberg you’ll find in Fort Walton Beach and the greater Destin area. Whatever type of seafood you’re craving, you’ll find it along Florida’s Emerald Coast.
Prefer to catch and cook your own? There’s no shortage of local fishing charters and vacation rentals with BBQ grills, so you can reel it in and cook it up any way you’d like.
Ready to peel some shrimp, crack some crab legs, and shuck some oysters? Book your stay with Legacy Vacations for access to premium amenities, beautiful beaches, and, of course — the best seafood restaurants in Fort Walton Beach!
