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Destin Dining Guide

Is it just us, or does everyone else constantly look forward to their next meal? Let’s face it: food is more than something we simply consume for survival. It’s a form of art and affection – a gift that’s meant to be savored and is often the centerpiece of celebratory gatherings, date nights, and memories made with family and friends. Since the beginning of time, food has brought people together, and that’s exactly why dining is at the heart of Destin Commons.   

Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, unique brunch experience, internationally inspired menu, decadent desserts, or mouthwatering small plates, you need not search further than Destin Commons and its City Food Hall (the first food hall in the area!)  

With a diverse array of 16+ restaurants, quick-service eateries, confectionary shops, and specialty stores from which to dine, Destin Commons is truly the perfect locale to come hungry and ready to indulge. Who knows…you may just find your new favorite spot or dish in the city. 

Feast your eyes on some of our top dining destinations in Destin– then come and get a taste for yourself.  

Bon Appetit! 

RESTAURANTS

Ideal for celebratory moments both big and small, these restaurants (some of which double as entertainment destinations) are serving up some major flavor. Satisfy your cravings at one (or all – we don’t judge) of these establishments.   

Another Broken Egg Café ® 

A cozy favorite, Another Broken Egg Café creates exceptional and craveable food with the care of a true artisan. There’s a reason why it remains a leading location for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Towering pancakes, sizzling skillets, and indulgent omelets? Sign us up! 

Gulf Coast Burgers Co. 

A local and family-owned restaurant, Gulf Coast Burgers features a gourmet chef-inspired menu filled with mouthwatering burgers and decadent shakes made with only the freshest ingredients. Want to skip the burger? Enjoy fresh seafood or wings, as well as gluten-free and even vegetarian options.  

Redbrick Pizza 

 This fast-casual restaurant specializes in traditional hand-crafted pizza, complete with a dreamy crispy crust that’s cooked to order in a high-temperature stone oven. The menu also features a selection of hand-crafted calzones, sandwiches, freshly tossed salads, locally made gelato, gluten-free pizza, desserts, and more.  

Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill 

With a unique aquatic underwater theme, Bass Pro Shops’ family restaurant is not to be missed! Enjoy seafood and all-American classics, as well as bowling lanes featuring shark and alligator-themed bowling balls. 

El Jalisco 

Authentic Mexican food – yes, please! El Jalisco features all your flavorful and fresh favorites.  Give us all the tacos, especially on Tuesdays! 

QUICK BITES

Enjoy great eats on the fly! We’re talking fresh and good-for-you smoothie bowls, juicy cheeseburgers, flaky pastries, and other irresistible bites to fuel your day at Destin Commons! 

Formula Fresh 

From signature cold-pressed juices to superfood smoothies and primal snacks, Formula Fresh makes 100 percent of all menu offerings in-house daily using whole ingredients. The concept uniquely formulates its recipes to give palates (and bodies) a daily dose of healthy bliss. There’s also an extensive list of healthy options for vegans, rawtarians, gluten-free followers, and Paleos alike, without limiting offerings to 100 percent of any traditional dietary labeling. 

Smashburger

It’s in the name: these smashed burgers are always made-to-order, never frozen, and smashed and seared to perfection on the grill. The menu is also kid-friendly and vegetarian-approved, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Starbucks Coffee 

No intro needed, this international coffee and coffeehouse chain features some of your favorite caffeinated drinks, as well as on-the-go friendly salads, sandwiches, pastries, and snacks.  

Pro Tip: City Food Hall offers several other quick-service eateries too! 

SWEET TREATS

Ice cream, donuts, shaved ice, nostalgic candies and much more – your day can only get sweeter from here! 

Kilwins 

Known for its gourmet sweets, the famous Kilwins confectionary is known for its wide array of kitchen-fresh fudge, 24 flavors of scrumptious original recipe ice cream, and a tempting selection of hand-dipped chocolates that will satisfy the neediest sweet tooth. 

Destination Little Donuts 

This local designer donut shop offers fresh, topped-to-order donuts, which are made throughout the day to ensure peak freshness. Better yet, they offer gluten-free donuts (with advanced reservation), as well as other treats and local coffee – because you just can’t have donuts without a good cup of joe. 

SnowBiz by Ray 

Florida days just call for Shaved Ice – a refreshing must-have in the Florida sunshine. Located in Center Plaza, SnowBiz offers 16 flavors of shaved ice ranging from Cherry to Pina Colada, as well as soft drinks, popcorn, and pretzels.  

IT’SUGAR 

This trendy sweets shop doubles as an exciting experience comprised of wonder-inducing sights, smells, and the tastes of all your favorite treats. Consider it a real-life Candyland. 

Pro Tip: Order a decadent shake at Gulf Coast Burgers! 

SPECIALTY

Fresh foods, unique bites, and gifts for the foodie in your life. 

Whole Foods Market  

We could happily get lost at Whole Foods – and trust us when we say this: the hot/cold food bar is not to be missed. Stop in for lunch or box up a helping of fresh food for a nutritious and delicious take-out meal your at-home crew will devour. Pro Tip: Grab some pastries from the bakery to pop in the oven for a sweet post-meal treat. 

The Beef Jerky Outlet 

Destin’s Beef Jerky Outlet offers over 200 varieties of jerky, as well as sausages, seasonings, hot sauces, flavored popcorn, cordials, chocolate-covered espresso beans, and even t-shirts. Don’t miss out on jerky flavors such as crawfish, garlic, Jamaican rum, honey BBQ, cherry maple, or the reaper. Bonus: these make great gifts! 

The Spice & Tea Exchange 

Aromatic from the moment you walk in, The Spice & Tea Exchange® invites foodies, chefs, and tea enthusiasts to shop over 140 fine spices, 75+ hand-mixed seasoning blends, sugars, salts, loose-leaf teas, and accessories. Create your own gourmet gift or choose from a variety of gift boxes and recipe samplers. 

CITY FOOD HALL

Featuring specialty restaurants centered around various international cuisines, City Food Hall is Destin Commons’ premier dining and entertainment destination. Taste your way around the world with health-conscious meals, Japanese-Southern cuisine, Thai street food, Mexican-soul food, poke bowls, fried chicken, island comfort food, and more.  

PB& J Bakery 

Created by husband-and-wife chef duo Phillip and Jess Bauer, PB&J is a health-forward cafe with bold, unique dishes and nostalgic classics. Yes, that includes comforting and gourmet PB&Js, as well as “Fat and Weird Stuffed Cookies,” sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee, and more. 

Nanbu Too 

Owned and operated by locally acclaimed Executive Chef Nikhil Abuvala, Nanbu Too is a satellite location of one of Grayton’s Beach’s top restaurants. Born from Abuvala’s early love of Asian fare, Nanbu (translated to “Southern” in Japanese) offers Japanese cuisine with a southern flair. 

Tuk Tuk Thai 

A concept by Chef Sonya Thaijaroen, Tuk Tuk Thai brings authentic Thai street food to the shores of Destin with ambitious dishes, bold flavors, and hand-mixed seasoning blends – all showcased by a military veteran-owned team. 

Birdie’s Nourishing Kitchen 

A finalist on Master Chef and former Food Network Star, Chef Katie Dixon’s dining concept offers a range of power foods, from acai bowls and salads to healthy takes on traditional, southern fare. 

Macho Taco 

Known for bringing Mexican-inspired soul food to 30A, Chef Stephen combined his southern roots, California farm-to-table experience, and passion for food to develop the unique, balanced, and delicious Mexican-inspired “soul food” menu at Macho Taco. He describes the dishes as simple yet elegant, rustic yet refined, and creative yet controlled. 

Poke Loa 

This New Orleans-based establishment was the first poke restaurant in Louisiana. The locally owned family business serves up the freshest cuts of fish around – all of which are sourced daily. All fish, toppings, and vegetables are chopped and prepared in-house. 

Crispy Chick.  

Destin Chicken Co. is serving up the best chicken on the Emerald Coast. From chicken nuggets tossed in a variety of delectable sauces and a range of flavor-packed chicken sandwiches to ranch slaw and house waffles with maple butter, there is a menu item to satisfy all cravings and taste buds. Don’t forget to include a side of truffle parmesan onion rings and a refreshing house lemonade! 

Likkle Jamdung 

Jamaican lingo for ‘Little Jamaica’, Chef Shaun Watson crafts island cuisine with a “down-home” feel. Think traditional Jamaican Beef Patties and unique takes on Caribbean favorites, such as Jerk Chicken and Braised Oxtail. 

Pro Tip: Stop at City Food Hall Bar for craft cocktails, local beer, and an expansive wine list! 

Hungry for more? We bet! Come taste your way around Destin at Destin Commons and City Food Hall. While hours vary for restaurants, City Food Hall is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.  

For more information, visit DestinCommons.com.  

City Food Hall Is Officially Open at Destin Commons–Here’s A “Taste”

Source: Tuk Tuk Thai via Instagram 

Destin foodies, rejoice! There’s a new food hall in town that’s sure to become the go-to dining destination and entertainment gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Enter: City Food Hall at Destin Commons. 

Source: getthecoast.com 

Featuring nine specialty restaurants centered around various international cuisines – a testament to Destin’s expanding food culture scene – and state-of-the-art entertainment, City Food Hall is the ideal place for an exciting date, family outing, ladies’ night, or game day in Destin. 

Founded by Peter Rounce and Kenzie Motai, whose impressive portfolio includes the now MIA Market in Miami Design District, the 14,000 square-foot space is the city of Destin’s first-ever food hall, serving as both a premier culinary and nightlife destination, as well as a unique opportunity to showcase the city’s veteran and up-and-coming chefs. Each of the featured local entrepreneurs were thoughtfully selected for their passion, talent, and contributions to the community. Together, they make City Food Hall one of the best places to eat and drink in Destin, Florida. 

Source: getthecoast.com 

A diverse array of globally inspired foods, craft beers, and cocktails are available, making City Food Hall the ideal place for an enriching and mouthwatering progressive dining experience. Grab a seat at the expansive indoor/outdoor bar to mingle as you sip and savor. Afterward, elevate your outing by heading over to the two, reservable Topgolf Swing Suites for an immersive social experience where you can engage in multi-sport games and Full Swing golf simulator technology – all as you catch the major games on multiple high-definition screens. 

Want to get a “taste” of City Food Hall before your visit? Here are some of the eateries we can’t get enough of: 

Source: PB&J Bakery and Café via Instagram 

PB&J Bakery and Café – Created by husband-and-wife chef duo Phillip and Jess Bauer, PB&J is a health-forward cafe with bold, unique dishes and nostalgic classics. Yes, that includes comforting and gourmet PB&Js, as well as “Fat and Weird Stuffed Cookies,” sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee and more. 

Nanbu Too – Owned and operated by locally acclaimed Executive Chef Nikhil Abuvala, Nanbu Too is a satellite location of one of Grayton’s Beach’s top restaurants. Born from Abuvala’s early love of Asian fare, Nanbu (translated to “Southern” in Japanese) offers Japanese cuisine with southern flair. 

Tuk Tuk Thai – A concept by Chef Sonya Thaijaroen, Tuk Tuk Thai brings authentic Thai street food to the shores of Destin with ambitious dishes, bold flavors, and hand-mixed seasoning blends – all showcased by a military veteran-owned team. 

Source: Birdie’s Nourished Kitchen via Instagram 

Birdie’s Nourished Kitchen by Chef Katie Dixon – A finalist on Master Chef and former Food Network Star, Chef Katie Dixon’s concept offers a range of power foods, from acai bowls and salads to healthy takes on traditional, southern fare.  

Source: Macho Taco via Facebook 

Macho Taco – Known for bringing Mexican-inspired soul food to 30A, Chef Stephen combined his southern roots, California farm-to-table experience, and passion for food to develop the unique, balanced, and delicious Mexican-inspired “soul food” menu at Macho Taco. He describes the dishes as simple yet elegant, rustic yet refined, and creative yet controlled.  

Source: Poke Loa via Instagram 

Poke Loa – This New Orleans-based establishment was the first poke restaurant in Louisiana. The locally owned family business serves up the freshest cuts of fish around – all of which are sourced daily. All fish, toppings, and vegetables are chopped and prepared in-house.  

Destin Chicken Co. – Debuting under a new name and with new owners, Destin Chicken Co. is serving up the best chicken on the Emerald Coast. From chicken nuggets tossed in a variety of delectable sauces and a range of flavor-packed chicken sandwiches to ranch slaw and house waffles with maple butter, there is a menu item to satisfy all cravings and taste buds. Don’t forget to include a side of truffle parmesan onion rings and a refreshing house lemonade! 

Likkle Jamdung – Jamaican lingo for ‘Little Jamaica’, Chef Shaun Watson crafts island cuisine with a “down-home” feel. Think traditional Jamaican Beef Patties to unique takes on Caribbean favorites, such as Jerk Chicken and Braised Oxtail. 

Source: Zitoun via Instagram 

Zaitoun – A concept by mother and daughter duo Lina and Haya, Zaitoun brings traditional Middle Eastern dishes to the Destin community. The team behind this eatery prides itself on using signature recipes, spice blends, herbs, and homemade sauces to enhance only the freshest ingredients. 

City Food Hall also plans to feature live music on a regular basis, and the venue and Swing Suites are now available to rent for special events, including birthdays, happy hours, holiday parties, bachelor/bachelorette events, corporate retreats, and more. Event hosts can incorporate an extra creative twist by adding a food passport to the experience.  

We know, we know … your mouth is watering. Luckily, your solution is nearby and now open! Head on over to City Food Hall and join us as we satisfy our cravings. After all, it’s one the best things to do in Destin, Florida. 

Located next to Foot Locker near Uncle Buck’s, City Food Hall is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.  

For more information, visit www.cityfoodhall.com and follow City Food Hall on Instagram

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Image source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqis2gdrzAO/?hl=en

She’s your first best friend, role model, caretaker, and cheerleader – a real-life ‘wonder woman’ who radiates unconditional love. Others call her by her name, but to you, she’s a mom; a precious title designated for a queen whose incomparable purpose simply can’t be described.  

Mothers deserve the world, so sprinkle theirs with special gifts that make them feel extra appreciated and adored. Whether your mom is a trendsetter, homemaker, jewelry aficionado, bookworm, or beauty and self-care queen, Destin Commons has a variety of retailers with gift ideas that might just make you the favorite child (kidding!) 

And, if you’re a cherished mama yourself, Happy Mother’s Day to you! Feel free to send this over to your family for a not-so-subtle hint. After all, you deserve to be celebrated! 

SPOILED IN STYLE

There’s no better time than spring to spoil mom with chic new clothes that will make her look – and more importantly, feel – her best. After all, this season is symbolic of beauty, renewal, and more sunshine to come. Dreamy dresses, trendy tops and tunics, fashion-forward footwear, and chic accessories! Here are a few of our favorite picks (note: you may want to steal these from mom’s closet…)  

Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Ikat Tiered Maxi Dress , Chico’s, $189
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Linen Blazer in Sunshine, ,$179, Talbots
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Floral Espadrille Wedges , LOFT, $95 
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
The Spencer Hat by Lack of Color , $79, Lolaandrosa Boutique
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Lido Tote in Multi , Southern Living Store, $38 
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Made To Be Adored Linen Tunic , Dress Up, $34 

THERE SHE GLOWS 

She’s a natural beauty who recognizes the importance of great skincare, the impact of a great fragrance, and the thrill of enhancing features with makeup. Upgrade mom’s beauty arsenal with cult-favorite and award-winning products, pigments, and perfumes – or surprise her with an indulgent salon and spa day. 

WATCH HER SHINE

She adds a little sparkle everywhere she goes, so it’s only fitting she’s gifted something that sparkles right back. Allow mom to shine bright in jewelry, timepieces, and accessories that will become some of her most prized possessions.

THE HEART & THE HOME

Whether she’s a cozy homebody, enthusiastic hostess, culture connoisseur, or simply a fan of sentimental cards, these unique finds and reads and sure to put a smile on mom’s face, engage her creativity, and help her unwind. 

Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Cutting Board, Southern Living Store, $49
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
The Southern Living Party Cookbook, Southern Living Store, $35
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed, BAM! (Books-a-Million), $17

MADE FOR THE MARKET

From international delicacies, fresh produce, and baked goods to art, flowers, clothes, and accessories, the Destin Commons Market is filled with unique gems and talented locals. It’s a great place to discover special gifts and a wonderful place to visit during Mother’s Day weekend. 

Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Beach Paintings, Just Dahl, prices vary
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Khaki Pearl Hat, Morning Essence Boutique, $45
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Handmade Daisy Earrings, Clay Wear By Jess, $26

The countdown to Mother’s Day is officially here, so join us at Destin Commons and find the perfect gift for your one-of-a-kind mom.  

For more information, visit DestinCommons.com.