Unearth The Voyage
Craving flaky grouper, buttery shrimp, and views that make you linger over one more bite You are in the right beach town. Fort Walton Beach serves up everything from tiny gems to buzzy waterfront decks where the sunset steals the show. This guide curates the standouts so you can skip the guesswork and dive straight into your next great seafood meal.
1. FireCraft Seafood
You come for the flavor and stay for the discipline. FireCraft feels small on purpose, letting the kitchen dial in textures and timing. The menu leans Gulf forward, so expect snapper with crisped skin, charred lemon, and a buttery reduction that hugs every bite.
Portions land in the sweet spot, with prices reflecting careful sourcing. Shrimp arrive snappy, never mushy, and the sides are dialed: ember kissed okra, citrus bright slaw, and roasted potatoes with sea salt. Service is attentive, with staff guiding you toward daily catch options.
It is perfect for a slow dinner when you want precision over spectacle. Pair a chilled white with their seared scallops and watch the glaze cling. You leave feeling satisfied, not stuffed.
2. Xian Noodle Place
Do not overlook this tiny spot just because noodles take the headline. The seafood bowls are a surprise, with clean broths that spotlight Gulf shrimp and tender clams. Hand pulled noodles add bounce and soak up chili oil in the best way.
If you like balance, try the seafood mala with a mild heat level, then bump it up if you want a deeper tingle. Staff are friendly about custom spice. The vibe is casual, great for a quick lunch before the beach.
Prices feel fair, portions generous, and the broth clarity shows care. Add a side of cucumber salad to cool the palate. You will slurp to the last strand and wonder why more seafood lovers are not here.
3. The WaterGarden
The WaterGarden keeps it intimate, almost like dining inside a coastal conservatory. Light filters through greenery while plates focus on freshness over heavy sauces. Expect bright seafood salads with ruby grapefruit, herbs, and just enough olive oil to shimmer.
The crudo rotates, highlighting whatever is pristine that day. Servers talk through sourcing, making it easy to choose confidently. It is a relaxing space that nudges you to slow down and savor textures and temperature contrasts.
Order a cold glass of something zesty and let the citrus sing against delicate fish. The portions suit a lingering afternoon or date night where conversation matters. By the time dessert arrives, you will feel like a regular already.
4. STEWBY’S Seafood Shanty
Locals love STEWBY’S because it is honest, fast, and fresh. The grill smoke perfumes the parking lot, and the fish tastes like it left the Gulf this morning. You choose grilled or fried and build a basket with hushpuppies and slaw.
Prices are gentle, portions generous, and the line moves quickly thanks to a practiced team. Grilled amberjack with lemon pepper is a winner if you want lighter. Fried shrimp stay crisp even after the drive home.
Bring a crew, grab a picnic table, and enjoy the breezy, no fuss vibe. You will spend less than expected and leave happier than planned. This is the everyday seafood spot you keep recommending to friends.
5. Stewby’s Seafood Shanty (Second Location)
The second Stewby’s keeps the winning formula intact. Same fresh fish, same quick service, and the same friendly folks handing you hot baskets. It is a gift when the original location is slammed and you still want that grilled snapper plate.
Seasonings are straightforward and satisfying, with lemon pepper or Cajun heat lifting each bite. The sides matter here: gumbo for comfort, green beans for balance, and fries that stay crisp. Prices remain budget friendly, making repeat visits easy.
Parking is simple, seating plentiful, and takeout stays tidy. You get consistency that feels like a promise. When you need seafood without ceremony, this location delivers exactly what you crave.
6. The Gulf
The Gulf is where you post a sunset and forget to add a caption. Water laps below, music glides, and towers of shellfish gleam on ice. Expect breezy cocktails, shareable plates, and views that steal attention between bites.
Order fish tacos with a bright slaw crunch or dive into peel and eat shrimp dusted with Old Bay. Service is friendly and fast, even when the deck is hopping. Families, dates, and friend groups all fit the vibe.
Prices reflect the setting, but the energy pays you back. Time it for golden hour and watch the sky go sherbet. You will linger, laugh, and plan a return before the check arrives.
7. Gulf Coast Seafood
Gulf Coast Seafood feels like the neighborhood backbone. Cases brim with fresh fish, while the kitchen turns out honest plates that taste like home. You can grab raw fillets for later or order a basket and eat right away.
Fried oysters are plump and clean tasting, with a crunch that does not overwhelm. Grilled options hit the mark when you want lighter. Staff know their product and will happily point you to the freshest catch.
It is not fancy, but it is reliable. Prices are fair, parking is easy, and the food delivers exactly what you hoped. Bring a cooler if you plan to stock up for a beach rental cookout.
8. Stewby’s Steamer & Market
When the craving is steamed and simple, this is the move. Stewby’s Steamer & Market packages shrimp, crab legs, and corn so neatly you can picnic anywhere. The seasoning leans savory with a little warmth, and the butter is just salty enough.
Order by the pound, grab extra napkins, and plan for sticky fingers. The market side carries sauces, spices, and fresh fish if you want to cook later. Everything travels well, making it perfect for condo nights.
Service is quick, prices friendly, and the portions generous. Nothing fussy, just seafood done right. You will be back after one beach day, then another, because it keeps your group happy.
9. Soi Bistro (seafood options)
Soi Bistro delivers a polished vibe with seafood options that hit both comfort and craft. Sushi rolls arrive tight and gleaming, while tempura shrimp snap cleanly. If you want cooked plates, the miso salmon lands tender with a caramelized edge.
Servers are attentive and quick with recommendations for sake pairings. It is a great spot for groups where not everyone wants the same thing. The room hums without getting too loud, perfect for conversation.
Prices sit mid range, portions feel fair, and presentation is sharp. You leave feeling treated without breaking the budget. Save room for something sweet, or just order one extra roll and call it dessert.
10. Vincenzo’s Italian Bistro (seafood dishes offered)
When Italian cravings meet coastal ingredients, Vincenzo’s steps in. Linguine with clams tastes ocean bright, kissed with garlic and chili. The seafood risotto is creamy without feeling heavy, each grain holding its shape beautifully.
Service is gracious, pacing the meal so you can linger. If you like wine, ask for a pairing that lifts the shellfish sweetness. The space is intimate, just lively enough for date night or a celebratory family dinner.
Prices align with quality, and portions satisfy without overdoing it. Save bread for sauce swiping because the reductions are layered and balanced. You walk out warmed by both the cooking and the hospitality.
11. Don Cha Peruvian Food (seafood specialties)
If you want citrus bright, head here for ceviche that pops with life. The leche de tigre sings, tenderizing fish while keeping everything vibrant. Jalea arrives piled high, a crunchy festival of seafood you share and then guard.
Do not skip the causa with shrimp, layered and silky. Spice levels are customizable, and service is warm like a friend waving you in. The room carries energy without chaos, a happy middle ground for groups.
Prices are friendly for the quality you get. Pair with a maracuya drink and let the tang ride alongside the lime. You will leave refreshed, full, and planning a second visit before the week ends.
12. Manatee’s Tiki Bar (seafood options)
Manatee’s is the carefree stop where sandals and sunglasses feel like dress code. Order blackened fish tacos, grab a cold drink, and watch boats drift by. The breeze carries music, and plates arrive fast enough to keep the vibe rolling.
Seafood options are simple but satisfying, with baskets and tacos leading the charge. Prices are kind to a beach day budget. Staff keep things upbeat, making even a quick stop feel like mini vacation time.
Come for golden hour when the light turns everything honey colored. Seating is mostly open air, so bring a layer if the wind picks up. You will stay longer than planned, in the best way.
13. Corner Cafe (seafood options)
Corner Cafe proves small can be mighty. The seafood po boy has a crackly crust and generous shrimp, with lettuce and pickles keeping it snappy. Gumbo lands rich and comforting, perfect on a breezy day.
Breakfast crowd shifts into lunch regulars without missing a beat. Prices are gentle, coffee is hot, and staff remember faces. It is the kind of place that anchors a neighborhood with dependable food and easy smiles.
Keep it simple and you will be happy. Split a po boy and a cup of gumbo to cover both cravings. You will leave full and already plotting the next visit.
14. Crab Trap (Fort Walton Beach)
Crab Trap is popular for a reason. Big dining rooms, bigger views, and buckets of crab keep families happy. It is not the quietest choice, but it nails the beach vacation vibe with breezy service and crowd pleasing portions.
Start with crab dip and move to snow crab or a fried seafood platter. Kids get their picks, adults get a cocktail, and everyone stares at the water between bites. The energy stays high without tipping into chaos.
Prices are mid range, portions are generous, and reservations help on weekends. Come for the scene and leave with sandy smiles. You will remember the view as much as the meal.
15. Floyd’s Shrimp House
Floyd’s is touristy, sure, but sometimes that is exactly what you want. Big shrimp platters, neon charm, and beach views that shout vacation. The peel and eat shrimp are the move, seasoned well and easy to share.
Expect a lively room, quick service, and plenty of photo ops. Kids stay entertained while adults lean into cold drinks and crispy baskets. It is straightforward seafood with a side of nostalgia.
Prices land in the middle, portions are hearty, and the music nudges the fun along. Come sun kissed and hungry after a beach day. You will leave with sticky fingers and a grin.
