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10 Best Hole In The Wall Restaurants in Destin, FL
- 10 restaurants
- Destin, Florida
- Updated May 7, 2026
The 10 best hole in the wall restaurants in Destin, FL include The Back Porch, Mimmo's Italian Ristorante, Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House, Harbor Docks, Louisiana Lagniappe, The Crab Trap, Dewey Destin's Seafood, Capt. Dave's on the Gulf, The Donut Hole Bakery Cafe, and Bric a Brac. Hole in the wall restaurants in this coastal destination have menus consisting of fresh Gulf catches, hand-tossed pizzas, and legendary breakfast plates, with popular options like Amberjack sandwiches, broiled seafood platters, scratch-made key lime pie, fried shrimp, blackened grouper, and traditional Italian lasagna.
Many of these hole in the wall dining establishments are situated along the scenic Highway 98, tucked away on historic fishing piers, or hidden within quiet residential complexes. A meal at a hole in the wall restaurant in Destin, FL averages $30 per person.
The Back Porch leads the list with its long-standing reputation for fresh Amberjack and direct Gulf views. Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House provides a premier destination for local oysters and harbor-side dining. Mimmo's Italian Ristorante serves as a dependable choice for authentic Sicilian recipes, while The Donut Hole offers a unique, all-day experience for those seeking both pastries and hearty breakfast plates.
The top hole in the wall restaurants in Destin, FL are listed below.
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1
Fast Food AmericanThe Back Porch serves as a classic hole in the wall with beachside views. Fresh catches arrive daily at this Destin, FL, landmark.- Item Prices
- 739
- Average Item Price
- $8.52
The Back Porch Menu PricesMore about The Back Porch
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Crab Stuffed Shrimp
Firecracker Shrimp Tacos
Crab Legs
Location:
1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
Special Feature:
Outdoor seating directly on the sand allows guests to dine with feet in the Gulf.
What Makes It Special:
Diners experience a relaxed atmosphere with simple, high-quality seafood preparations.
What Sets It Apart:
The invention of the Amberjack sandwich in 1974 established a local tradition that continues today.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Price:
Price range from $20 to $30 per person
-
2
Authentic Italian recipes find a home in this Destin, FL, shopping center location. Guests discover a high-quality hole in the wall behind the modest exterior.- Item Prices
- 42
- Average Item Price
- $8.00
Mimmo's Italian Restaurant Menu PricesMore about Mimmo's Italian Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Italian
Signature Dishes:
Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Fettuccine Alfredo
Mimmo's Garlic Rolls
Location:
979 US-98 Ste. 5, Destin, FL 32541
Special Feature:
The interior features rustic stone walls and a hand-crafted wood bar.
What Makes It Special:
Hand-rolled dough and scratch-made sauces provide a homestyle feel.
What Sets It Apart:
The focus on traditional Sicilian flavors provides a distinct alternative to standard coastal fare.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM–9:30 PMSaturday–Sunday: 5:00 PM–9:30 PM
Price:
Price range from $20 to $30 per person
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3
3. Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
This harbor-front eatery functions as a premier hole in the wall for local oyster lovers. Destin, FL, residents frequent the deck for harbor views and fresh seafood.More about Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Seafood, Southern
Signature Dishes:
Original Snapper Destin
Raw Oysters
Red Snapper
Location:
414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Special Feature:
Large outdoor decks provide direct access to the Destin Harbor.
What Makes It Special:
Guests enjoy a "Gulf to Table" philosophy with ingredients sourced from local docks.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of upscale Southern flavors and a casual harbor atmosphere creates a unique social environment.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Price:
Price range from $30 to $50 per person
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4
4. Harbor Docks
Harbor Docks has operated as a Destin, FL, seafood staple since 1979. The weathered building conceals a massive hole in the wall known for local sourcing.More about Harbor Docks
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Seafood, Sushi
Signature Dishes:
Red Snapper
Stuffed Shrimp
Blackened Grouper
Location:
538 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Special Feature:
The establishment owns a wholesale fish market to guarantee the freshest possible catch.
What Makes It Special:
Diners find a mix of traditional seafood and an extensive sushi menu.
What Sets It Apart:
The refusal to serve imported seafood ensures a genuine Gulf Coast experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Wednesday: 11:00 AM–10:30 PMThursday –Sunday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
Price:
Price range from $20 to $30 per person
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5
5. Louisiana Lagniappe
Tucked inside a residential complex, this Destin, FL, spot offers a refined hole in the wall experience. Creole flavors dominate the waterfront menu.More about Louisiana Lagniappe
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Creole, Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Blackened Redfish
Louisiana Crab Cakes
Lobster Rangoons
Location:
775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541
Special Feature:
The restaurant provides views of the Old Pass Lagoon from every table.
What Makes It Special:
Diners experience a blend of Louisiana spices and Florida seafood.
What Sets It Apart:
The secluded location inside Sandpiper Cove provides a quiet escape from the main highway.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 4:00 PM–9:00 PM
Price:
Price range from $30 to $50 per person
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6
6. The Crab Trap
This beachside pavilion serves as a popular hole in the wall for families visiting Destin, FL. Sandy floors and Gulf views define the casual environment.More about The Crab Trap
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Hot Crab Dip
Crab and Shrimp Pasta
Blue Crab Claws
Location:
3500 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
Special Feature:
A dedicated playground on the beach allows children to play while parents dine.
What Makes It Special:
Guests receive large portions of crab and shrimp in a lively setting.
What Sets It Apart:
The location at James Lee Park offers one of the most accessible beach-front dining spots in the area.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Price:
Price range from $20 to $30 per person
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7
7. Dewey Destin's Seafood
The original location remains a true hole in the wall situated on a gravel lot over the water. History runs deep at this Destin, FL, family business.More about Dewey Destin's Seafood
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Fried Shrimp
Gulf Shrimp Basket
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Location:
9 Calhoun Ave, Destin, FL 32541
Special Feature:
Guests place orders at a window and dine on a pier overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay.
What Makes It Special:
Diners experience the unpretentious roots of the city's fishing history.
What Sets It Apart:
The founder is a descendant of Leonard Destin, the man who settled the town in 1835.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
Price:
Price range from $10 to $20 per person
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8
8. Capt. Dave's on the Gulf
Capt. Dave's on the Gulf provides a classic hole in the wall feel with floor-to-ceiling windows. Destin, FL, visitors enjoy sunset views alongside traditional seafood recipes.More about Capt. Dave's on the Gulf
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Stuffed Shrimp
Fried Shrimp
Parmesan Shrimp
Location:
3796 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
Special Feature:
The dining room sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico, offering unobstructed water views.
What Makes It Special:
Guests find a menu filled with long-standing family recipes and fresh local catches.
What Sets It Apart:
The establishment has maintained a consistent presence on the Destin coastline since 1968.
Operating Hours:
Monday, Wednesday–Sunday: 4:00 PM–9:00 PMTuesday: Closed
Price:
Price range from $30 to $50 per person
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9
9. The Donut Hole Bakery Cafe
This Destin, FL, diner serves as a legendary hole in the wall for early morning crowds. Fresh baked goods and hearty breakfasts draw lines every day.More about The Donut Hole Bakery Cafe
Type of Restaurant:
Diner, Bakery
Type of Food:
American
Signature Dishes:
Eggs Benedict
Apple Fritter
Diet of Destin Donut
Location:
635 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
Special Feature:
The bakery counter offers dozens of handmade donut varieties and whole pies.
What Makes It Special:
Diners receive massive breakfast portions in a nostalgic diner setting.
What Sets It Apart:
The ability to enjoy a full-service breakfast or grab a quick pastry makes the spot a versatile local favorite.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Price:
Price range from $10 to $20 per person
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10
10. Bric a Brac
Bric a Brac offers an eclectic hole in the wall atmosphere filled with local art and live music. The unique decor makes this Destin, FL, spot a standout for casual dining.More about Bric a Brac
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
American, Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Shrimp Scampi Dinner
Blackened Fish
Bric a Brac Chicken Dinner
Location:
824 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, FL 32541
Special Feature:
The venue transitions into a dance club with live performances during the evening.
What Makes It Special:
Guests enjoy a quirky, fun environment with a menu that caters to various tastes.
What Sets It Apart:
The family-friendly daytime vibe combined with a high-energy nightlife scene provides a dual experience.
Operating Hours:
Thursday, Friday–Saturday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM, 10:30 PM–3:00 AMSunday–Wednesday: Closed
Price:
Price range from $20 to $30 per person
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Hole In The Wall Restaurants in Destin, FL Famous?
Hole-in-the-wall eateries in Destin are famous for serving fresh Gulf catches and traditional Creole recipes in unassuming locations like wooden piers and gravel lots. Local cooks employ open-flame grills and traditional broiling techniques to craft dishes like Amberjack sandwiches and steamed Royal Reds. The element of discovery is a key part of the appeal, as these spots rely on word-of-mouth praise rather than prominent signage. Enthusiasts seek out these specific locations to experience this unique intersection of high-end coastal cuisine and discreet, intimate settings.
What Types of Hole In The Wall Restaurants are Commonly Found in Destin, FL?
The types of hole-in-the-wall restaurants commonly found in Destin, FL, include harbor-front seafood shacks, beachside pavilions, and residential Creole eateries. The different kinds of Destin, FL restaurants are discussed here.
- Harbor-Front Shacks: These dining spots focus on daily catches from local docks. Harbor Docks and Boshamps fit this category.
- Beachside Pavilions: These venues offer casual dining directly on the sand. The Back Porch and The Crab Trap represent this style.
- Residential Creole Eateries: Tucked-away locations serve Louisiana-inspired recipes. Louisiana Lagniappe focuses on this format.
- Family-Run Italian: Modest storefronts house traditional Sicilian kitchens. Mimmo's provides this experience.
- Legendary Bakeries: All-day diners serve massive breakfast plates and pastries. The Donut Hole is a key destination.
Does Destin, FL Have an Authentic Hole In The Wall Restaurant?
Yes, Destin features genuine no-frills dining rooms that preserve the city's original fishing culture, such as Dewey Destin's Seafood and Harbor Docks. Dewey Destin's original location operates from a gravel lot over the water, where guests order from a window and eat on a pier. Harbor Docks maintains a legacy by owning a wholesale fish market to ensure only local seafood reaches the table. These locations strictly follow original family recipes and unpretentious service models.
Do Hole In The Wall Restaurants in Destin, FL Offer Easy Online Reservations?
No, booking a table online is rare for hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Destin, FL, as nearly all operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Popular spots like The Back Porch and The Donut Hole frequently have long lines of guests waiting for a table, indicating local popularity. A few exceptions, such as Louisiana Lagniappe, might accept phone bookings during peak seasons to manage demand. Diners simply arrive early to secure a seat at these high-traffic coastal spots.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Hole In The Wall Restaurants in Destin, FL?
The signature dishes of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Destin, FL, consist of Amberjack sandwiches, Oysters Boshamps, and Grouper Lagniappe. A selection of popular food in Destin, FL served inside these secret venues appears in the list below.
- Amberjack Sandwich: A grilled fish fillet served on a bun with simple toppings. The Back Porch is famous for the 1974 invention.
- Oysters Boshamps: Fresh oysters baked with vidalia onions, bacon, and cheese. Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House creates this harbor favorite.
- Grouper Lagniappe: Fresh grouper topped with shrimp and crab meat in a white wine sauce. Louisiana Lagniappe serves this Creole specialty.
- Steamed Royal Reds: Deep-water shrimp known for a lobster-like flavor. Dewey Destin's Seafood offers these local delicacies.
- Key Lime Pie: A classic Florida dessert with a tart lime filling and graham cracker crust. The Donut Hole is a destination for this pie.
Does Destin, FL Enjoy Hole In The Wall Food?
Yes, a strong appetite for no-frills dishes exists in Destin, which is clear from the consistent crowds at unassuming spots like Harbor Docks and The Donut Hole. Residents and travelers seek out these discreet, flavorful meals to experience the genuine coastal lifestyle away from polished commercial developments. The demand for high-quality, local seafood drives the success of both venerable landmarks and neighborhood Italian kitchens. Diners prioritize fresh ingredients and a laid-back atmosphere when choosing these out-of-sight locations.
What is the Average Meal Price at Hole In The Wall Restaurants in Destin, FL?
A meal at these unpretentious dining spots averages $30 per individual. A quick bite at a bakery or casual shack like The Donut Hole or Dewey Destin's costs $15 to $25. Group dinners for two to four people at a cozy dining room such as Mimmo's or The Crab Trap run from $60 to $120 total. A full evening meal with appetizers and drinks at a more recognized location like Capt. Dave's or Louisiana Lagniappe requires $35 to $60 per person.
Are There Vegan Options at Hole In The Wall Restaurants in Destin, FL?
Yes, plant-based diners discover numerous choices in hole in the wall restaurants in Destin such as Bric a Brac and Mimmo's. These establishments prepare vegetable-forward side dishes and salads that contain no animal products. Mimmo's provides traditional pasta dishes with marinara or garlic and oil that avoid animal ingredients. The heavy reliance on fresh local produce makes finding meatless meals simple across these menus.
Do Hole In The Wall Restaurants in Destin, FL Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, diners requiring gluten-free meals uncover choices at Harbor Docks and Dewey Destin's. Harbor Docks serves a wide selection of fresh sushi and grilled fish that remain suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Dewey Destin's prepares various steamed seafood platters and grilled proteins that exclude flour-based breading. The use of fresh catches and simple preparation methods ensures a secure dining experience for guests with specific dietary requirements.
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