A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants on Florida’s Gulf Coast
What is a beach vacation without a heavy dose of refreshing drinks and fresh, mouthwatering cuisine? The Fort Walton Beach dining scene is packed full of eateries that offer precisely that! A culinary tour of the Gulf Coast will reveal some of the best dishes you’ve ever tasted, from seafood to southern comfort food! With so many options and some of the best seaside eateries in Fort Walton Beach, every dish you savor here will be one to remember.
Don’t stop there! The island has so much more to offer. Request access to our free Vacation Guide to get started planning your beach getaway. Our expert tips will direct you to the best places to eat, drink, and play from a local’s perspective.
Explore the Emerald Coast
The Top Restaurants and Local Eateries to Try in Fort Walton Beach
Local Seafood Eateries
No culinary tour Emerald is complete without a fresh, locally sourced seafood dish! Whether you’ve been craving oysters, shrimp, scallops, or wild Atlantic-caught fish, all your favorite seafood dishes are on the lunch and dinner menus at the best seafood restaurants in Fort Walton Beach!
- Floyd’s Shrimp House
- Stewby’s Seafood Shanty
- The Gulf on Okaloosa Island
Southern Comforts
Although you might think seafood is Emerald Isle’s only culinary expertise, our southern comfort food will ensure you always return! You’ll find dining rooms that use only the best local ingredients to prepare their culinary masterpieces all over the city. So, when you need a little pick me up after a long day of lounging in the sand, treat yourself to any of these southern-style restaurants:
- Mary’s Kitchen
- Julie’s Southern Joy Home Style Cooking
- Kinfolks BBQ Fort Walton Beach
Food & Live Entertainment
If you’re searching for a place that features live music while you enjoy a tasty meal, Fort Walton Beach is the place for you! With no shortage of delicious meals and tunes from local artists, you’re sure to find a new favorite meal and a new favorite song to go with it at any of these fantastic restaurants:
- Captain Jack’s Dueling Piano Bars
- Fokker’s Pub
- KC’s Sandbar Grille
Try Your Hand at Your Favorite Dishes in an El Matador Vacation Rental
Book your stay in the heart of everything Okaloosa Island has to offer! Not only will you be centrally located to all the eateries listed above, but you’ll also have easy access to the beach, pools, parks, and island attractions! You couldn’t be in a better place when you book your stay with El Matador. There are so many things to do that you’ll want to experience.
Browse our vast selection of Emerald Coast vacation rentals to discover the perfect vacation home for your crew. Our selection of properties appeals to a variety of group sizes, as well as budgets. Whether you’re looking for an ocean view or a spacious rental, we’ll provide the perfect setting for your beach getaway.
Browse our properties and get started planning the vacation of a lifetime!