Folks are drawn to the area by our awe-inspiring sugar-white sand beaches and top-notch shopping ... yes. But many are {pleasantly} surprised to find our dining scene is pretty stellar as well! And what is the question I get asked the most when it comes to eating in South Walton?
"Where can we eat seafood?", of course!
It's not at all surprising many of those landlocked souls that vacation in our seaside paradise want to eat as much fish and shellfish as possible when here. And chef's take full advantage of the bounty from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico ... Apalachicola oysters, snapper, scamp, gulf shrimp, cobia, stone crabs, pompano, amberjack, grouper ... it's the seafood that really sets South Walton apart when it comes to dining.
So where can you get your seafood fix in South Walton? It's important to note that pretty much every restaurant offers some fish and/or shellfish preparations on their menu. But there are restaurants dedicated first and foremost to showcasing seafood. Here is our list: (click on links for full information, including menu links, hours of operation, map and directions);
Stinky's Fish Camp - A Seafood & Wine Bar, Stinky's is a locals and tourist favorite. Located only 100' from the Gulf, the New Orleans influenced menu features oysters, crab, shrimp, grouper, crawfish, catfish, seafood stew, seafood po'boys, crab legs - all prepared in myriad ways - and a"Fish of The Day" menu handwritten on a chalkboard featuring the fresh local catch from that morning. (CONTINUED AFTER THE JUMP)
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Fish Out of Water - Arguably the prettiest restaurant in South Walton, Fish Out of Water, located inside the WaterColor Inn, offers seafood lovers a more gourmet culinary adventure with an emphasis on local ingredients and organic farmed produce. On the menu expect to find such things as Black grouper, Florida Hopper Shrimp, Local Red Snapper, a raw bar menu, and a gorgeous local shellfish platter.
Seagrove Village Market Cafe' - Looking for a place you can walk into in your suit and flip flops after a morning or afternoon on the beach? Seagrove Village Market Cafe' - located in the heart of Seagrove Beach - is your place. A true beach "joint" and local landmark, you order at the counter and the small menu features Seafood Baskets (grilled or fried) served with hushpuppies, fries and a choice of coleslaw or potato salad; a to die for Grouper Po' Boy (get the tartar sauce!) as well as a Shrimp and Oyster Po' Boy, all served with fries; and the popular Senora Anne's Fish Tacos.
Hurricane Oyster Bar - Oysters, oysters and more oysters are to be had at this cute little spot tucked away in Grayton Beach. They serve them in dozens of variations on the half shell, baked and steamed. The menu is brimming with other seafood dishes as well if oysters aren't your thing, including seafood baskets, a featured "catch of the day", shrimp prepared several ways, crab cakes, po' boys and so much more. This is a great spot, too, for a happy hour brew and appetizers on their outside deck over-looking the lily pond.
Buster's Oyster Bar & Grill - Located in a nondescript strip mall in Miramar Beach, Buster's has been serving locally caught fish and seafood since the late '80s and is a favorite among locals and tourists. Their huge menu features, as they say, "something for everyone" - locally-caught fresh gulf seafood including oysters, shrimp, grouper, scallops, crab cakes, steamed crab legs, award-winning gumbo, and of course, cold beer and munchies, country lunch specials, & salad and sandwich choices.
Pompano Joe's Seafood House - Hands down, Pompano Joe's offers diners the most beautiful view of all. The restaurant is on the beach, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in all it's glory. The large restaurant is a magnet for tourists throughout the year looking for that beach front dining experience. You'll find all you the seafood you could want at this casual spot - shrimp, fish, crab, oysters - prepared in dozens of ways. It's always a good idea to ask what was caught locally that day!
Feel free to add your own favorites or comments in the comment section below!
Related Links:- South Walton FOODIE Guide - Breakfast-On-The-Go
- Eight Places in South Walton to Indulge Your Oysters on the Half Shell Craving
- Four Places to Find {yummy} Fish Tacos in South Walton
- Foodie News You Can Use
(photo from MyRecipes.com)
