8 Most Delish Restaurants in Fort Walton Beach

While there’s no shortage of things to do in beautiful Fort Walton Beach, one of the best things about being on vacation is trying the local cuisine. And when it comes to dining, Fort Walton Beach does not disappoint. From fresh, local seafood and Cajun classics to tasty tacos and French fare, you’ll find it all in Fort Walton Beach.

You won’t have to go far to find great food in Fort Walton Beach; many of the best restaurants are right on the beach, just steps from your vacation rental. Whether you’re staying for a few days or a few weeks, here are 8 of the most delicious Fort Walton Beach restaurants you must try on your trip!

Floyd’s Shrimp House

Photo Credit: vm2002

  • Address: 1415 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach
  • Website: floydsshrimphouse.com
  • Price Point: $$
  • Favorite Menu Items: Floyd’s Kickin’ Shrimp, Shrimper Feast, and Shrimp Tacos

Serving up good food, good views, and good vibes, Floyd’s Shrimp House is a casual beachfront eatery known for, well, you probably guessed it — shrimp! You’ll find pretty much every kind of shrimp, every kind of way, at Floyd’s. Whether you prefer peel-and-eat shrimp, like your shrimp boiled, blackened, fried, tossed in a taco, or on top of pasta, it’s all on the menu.

If shrimp is not your favorite food, don’t worry. Floyd’s still has plenty of seafood restaurant staples like fish and oysters, plus American classics like burgers and steaks. You’ll also find a lively menu of signature drinks, including Floyd’s famous “Swamp Juice, ” a 32-oz bucket of fruity rum fun—be sure to share with a friend!

High Tide Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Photo Credit: Artur Begel

  • Address: 1203 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach
  • Website: hightiderestaurant.com
  • Price Point: $$
  • Favorite Menu Items: Seafood Gumbo, Raw Oysters, and Fried Cheesecake

A local favorite on Okaloosa Island for more than 40 years, High Tide Restaurant & Oyster Bar is known for its seafood specialties, freshly shucked oysters, and friendly staff. Visitors and locals alike rave about their homemade gumbo, raw bar selections, and signature fried cheesecake.

High Tide Restaurant & Oyster Bar has been family-owned and operated since its inception and strives to maintain its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. It boasts a big kid’s menu with much more than just chicken fingers, so everyone in your party will enjoy their meal. High Tide is the perfect spot for families looking to relax, grab some great food, and get to know Okaloosa Island.

Stewby’s Seafood Shanty

Photo Credit: vsl

  • Address: 235 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach
  • Website: stewbys.com
  • Price Point: $
  • Favorite Menu Items: Fried Seafood Platters, Gumbo, and Fried Okra

All about good food without a fuss — Stewby’s Seafood Shanty serves up Southern seafood favorites in a rustic roadside eatery. You’ll find cajun classics like gumbo, fried oysters, okra, and fried fish platters with all the fixings.

The side dishes at Stewby’s are just as talked about as the main entrees, with their BBQ baked beans, hush puppies, and cheesy grits all stealing the spotlight.

Stewby’s Seafood Shanty may look small and unassuming, but it’s a favorite among the locals, holds a top spot on Tripadvisor, and always has a line of patrons out the door! Stewby’s offers up great seafood, at a great price. It’s the perfect place to have a quick bite after the beach, a casual meal with the family, or grab takeout to enjoy in your vacation rental.

Asiago’s Skillet

Photo Credit: Lisa Top

  • Address: 110 Amberjack Dr, Fort Walton Beach, FL
  • Website: asiagoskillet.com
  • Price Point: $
  • Favorite Menu Items: Bananas Foster French Toast, Country-Fried Steak Skillet, and Bangin’ Bloody Marys

If you’re looking for a great breakfast or brunch spot, look no further than Asiago’s Skillet on Okaloosa Island. From decadent dishes like bananas foster French toast, country-fried steak, and crab cake benedict to light bites of yogurt, fruit, and bagels — you won’t find a wider selection of breakfast or brunch favorites anywhere else!

While fresh brewed coffee and juices are always on the menu for breakfast, Asiago’s Skillet knows that brunch is better with cocktails.

Try their signature “Bangin’ Bloody Mary” with your biscuits and gravy or a fruity mimosa with your French toast. Asiago’s offers a fun, laid-back atmosphere for breakfast or brunch and is a favorite morning spot for visitors and locals alike.

Rockin’ Tacos Grill & Tequila Bar

Photo Credit: Guajillo studio

  • Address: 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL
  • Website: rockintacos.com
  • Price Point: $$
  • Favorite Menu Items: Avocado Fries, Baja Fish Tacos, and Tequila Flights

Rockin’ Tacos is the place to be if you’re in the mood for some Mexican food with a view. This casual beachside cantina serves up authentic Mexican favorites with outdoor seating and gorgeous views of the blue-green Gulf waters. Their menu features traditional Mexican specialties like enchiladas, flautas, and burritos, plus homemade chips, salsa, and guacamole.

As the name implies, you’ll also find tacos of nearly every type on the menu, from chicken and steak to exotic offerings like cajun gator and Caribbean lobster. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the classic Baja Fish Tacos, a local favorite.

If you’re wondering what goes best with tacos — it’s tequila, of course! You’ll find dozens of different kinds to choose from at Rockin’ Tacos. You can even do a tequila tasting to try a few varieties or order your favorite in a margarita. Rockin’ Tacos is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some tasty tacos and refreshing margaritas after a day at the beach.

Bon Appetit French Bakery & Cafe

Photo Credit: DUSAN ZIDAR

  • Address: 420 Mary Esther Cut Off NW, Fort Walton Beach
  • Website: bonappetitfrenchbakery.com
  • Price Point: $
  • Favorite Menu Items: Croissants, Chicken Salad, Tomato Soup, and Cream Puffs

Whether you’re looking for morning coffee and a croissant or a light lunch of soup, salad, and a baguette — Bon Appetit French Bakery and Cafe is a must-try. A local favorite since 1983, Bon Appetit bakes up a wide selection of fresh bread and pastries daily, as well as offers a light lunch menu of sandwiches, soups, and salads.

While there’s nothing quite like a cup of hot, creamy soup with a crusty baguette for dipping, you’ll want to be sure to save room for dessert at Bon Appetit. With a typical selection of over 30 different kinds of French pastries, cakes, and desserts, it’s hard to pick just one.

Can’t choose? Grab a box to go and enjoy some croissants, cream puffs, and macarons in your vacation rental throughout your stay.

Soi Bistro

Photo Credit: johnlck

  • Address: 234 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach
  • Website: soibistro.com
  • Price Point: $$
  • Favorite Menu Items: Mango Tango Roll, Miso-Glazed Salmon Salad, and Ube Flan

Boasting an impressive list of sushi rolls and a mix of Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Korean dishes, Soi Bistro is the spot for Asian fare in Fort Walton Beach.

Sushi lovers will have plenty to choose from, with over 50 different rolls on the menu and a wide selection of sake to pair with them. The mango tango roll, filled with salmon, mango, avocado, and crab all rolled up crunchy-style, is a featured menu item and visitor favorite.

If you’re not feeling like sushi, you’ll find plenty of noodle and rice dishes, tempura, ramen, curries, and more. The miso-glazed salmon salad is also a local favorite. Be sure to save room for dessert; Soi Bistro serves up a classic fried cheesecake to die for and a delightfully different ube flan full of unique flavors!

Old Bay Steamer

Photo Credit: GoodFocused

  • Address: 102 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach
  • Website: oldbaysteamerfwb.com
  • Price Point: $$
  • Favorite Menu Items: Crab Legs, Shrimp Alfredo, and Seafood Steampots

Old Bay Steamer is one of the best spots for seafood in Fort Walton Beach, serving up a wide variety of fresh seafood specialties like blackened fish, crab legs, and shrimp alfredo. While you’ll find no shortage of tasty seafood on the menu, plus steakhouse favorites for the landlubbers — no visit is complete without trying one of their namesake steam pots.

Simmered in traditional Old Bay seasoning, you can choose from a variety of seafood steam pots or try the “little steamer,” which has a little bit of everything, including crab, shrimp, mussels, clams, and oysters. A match made in heaven for seafood lovers!

On top of good food, you’ll find nothing but a good time at Old Bay Steamer. It’s known for its funky, colorful decor, unique lighting, and iconic “old lady” mannequin that’s permanently parked at the bar with a cocktail ready to entertain guests.

Find All Your Foodie Favorites in Fort Walton Beach

With so many great options, it wasn’t easy to narrow down the best restaurants in Fort Walton Beach, but rest assured; this list was just to get you started. There is much more to try along Fort Walton Beach and the Destin area. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it in this Florida Panhandle paradise.

Ready to plan your Fort Walton Beach getaway? There’s no better place to stay than right on the beach. Book your stay with Legacy Vacations for gorgeous Gulf Coast views, luxurious amenities, and access to all the best restaurants in Fort Walton Beach.

Best of all, you’ll have your own private, fully stocked kitchen, unlike hotels. So, go ahead and order that extra dessert or take home leftovers to enjoy later; you’re on vacation after all!