Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Destin, FL

DESTIN. Recently named \\\"Restaurant of the Year\\\" by the Northwest Florida Daily News, this fashionable...

DESTIN. Recently named \\\"Restaurant of the Year\\\" by the Northwest Florida Daily News, this fashionable place deftly manages to do everything right, from cuisine to service and decor. The menu offers such treats as pecan roast chicken breast with tomato chutney and parmesan grits or the house crab cakes, which come with white truffle-tossed arugula, grilled squash and smoked tomato-onion aioli. Even better, the menu suggests particular wines to accompany each dish, highlighting the flavors of the entree and making for a complete culinary experience. Select a bottle of wine from the store to drink with dinner, and only a $10 corkage fee is added to the retail price.

Hours: Daily 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DESTIN. Sheathed in weathered clapboards and shaded by live oaks, this dim, cool eatery is a local favorite. A simple...

DESTIN. Sheathed in weathered clapboards and shaded by live oaks, this dim, cool eatery is a local favorite. A simple interior of tiled floors and wooden walls sets the scene for uncomplicated food and large portions. Breakfast is served all day and features eggs combined with bacon, ham, pork chops, steak or sausage. You'll also find omelets, egg sandwiches, eggs Benedict, pancakes, waffles, doughnuts and a glass case filled with pastries. Their specialty is the (tongue-in-cheek) "diet" plate, which comes with fried eggs, cheese, sausage, gravy and home fries.

Hours: Daily Open 24 Hours

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express

DESTIN. Recipient of numerous awards, this fantastic restaurant couples imaginative cuisine with impeccable service and...

DESTIN. Recipient of numerous awards, this fantastic restaurant couples imaginative cuisine with impeccable service and a stunning view of the harbor. The menu, which changes daily, culls inspiration from a variety of traditions, resulting in Japanese barbecued salmon, grilled filet medallions with crawfish barbecue, and Dijon and rosemary-rubbed lamb chops. Gourmet pizzas and pasta dishes also feature cross-cultural influences. A cocktail lounge greets guests with contemporary jazz, and the deck is incomparable for outdoor dining. A large wine list and a selection of premium cigars heighten the pleasure of the entire experience. From 5pm-6pm, main course dishes are 2-for-1, and the bar offers excellent happy hour specials.

Hours: Daily 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DESTIN. Unassuming and relaxed, this simple, waterside eatery doesn't buy into the commercialization found so frequently...

DESTIN. Unassuming and relaxed, this simple, waterside eatery doesn't buy into the commercialization found so frequently at beach resorts. It doesn't pretend to be fancy, and it doesn't expect its clientele to be either. Grafitti marks the walls, and physical comforts are at a minimum. It does, however, have a great view of the harbor and is known for its fresh, cold oysters. The cheeseburgers, huge and juicy, aren't too shabby either, and the gumbo is award-winning. Live music during the week adds an energetic note of local flavor.

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

MIRAMAR BEACH. Reasonable prices, a casual atmosphere and authentic Italian food combine to make a terrific lunch spot....

MIRAMAR BEACH. Reasonable prices, a casual atmosphere and authentic Italian food combine to make a terrific lunch spot. Specializing in pastas, this family-run eatery serves up linguine, ziti, ravioli, tortellini and gnocchi with a variety of sauces and accompaniments. Pizzas, too, entertain fresh toppings, including prosciutto, spinach, capers, olives and fresh mozzarella. Everything is meant to be eaten with friends, and many of the dishes are served family-style. Daily specials are also on order, although they change regularly. You'll also find sinful desserts (including gelatos) to tempt your palate, plus a selection of coffee drinks.

Hours: Daily 11am-9:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DESTIN. Frequented by locals, this casual place is a favorite destination for watching the big game. Sixteen TVs,...

DESTIN. Frequented by locals, this casual place is a favorite destination for watching the big game. Sixteen TVs, including two big screens, bring the event to you, and everyone takes part in the festivities. The menu leans heavily towards seafood, which can be prepared in a number of ways, including steaming or broiling. Steaks, sandwiches and hamburgers are available too, along with a children's menu. Buster's is also known for "oystermania," a happy hour event where you can get good deals on oysters by the dozen. Along with drink specials, it pulls in eager crowds who can't get enough of the delicacy. Look for it daily from 5pm-6pm.

Hours: Daily 7am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

FORT WALTON BEACH. A beachfront location on the Boardwalk makes this air-conditioned place incredibly convenient for...

FORT WALTON BEACH. A beachfront location on the Boardwalk makes this air-conditioned place incredibly convenient for Okaloosa Island sunbathers. Adorned with surfboards, metal palm trees and wooden fish, the restaurant has a casual feel appropriate to the seafood-based menu. Sandwiches and pastas feature grouper, tuna, and amberjack; seafood baskets brim with fried shellfish. Steaks, chicken and oysters prepared a number of ways are also available. Plus, fresh, crisp salads are a cool way to beat the heat. Hearty eaters will appreciate the all-you-can-eat snow-crab legs special; the servers will haul them out until you cry "uncle."

Hours: Daily 11am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

MIRACLE STRIP PARKWAY. Occupying a home built in 1910, this charming restaurant surrounds diners with built-in...

MIRACLE STRIP PARKWAY. Occupying a home built in 1910, this charming restaurant surrounds diners with built-in bookcases, turn-of-the-century memorabilia, and black and white photographs. Its menu features steaks, seafood and a host of Italian dishes, including veal marsala, and shrimp scampi over pasta. There's also prime rib, blackened amberjack, fried oysters and filet mignon. Guests may dine in a variety of rooms inside, including a glassed-in porch, or sit outside on the tree-shaded deck. For a sweet finish to the meal, opt for one of the rich desserts, such as Key lime pie, turtle cheesecake or death-by-chocolate brownie pie.

Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Dinner Mon-Thu 5pm-8pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club