Dining out in Navarre offers culinary exploration from beachfront seafood shacks to upscale dining rooms to casual international eateries. Navarre’s restaurants consistently earn high praise for serving incredible dishes in settings from fine dining to flip flops. Using reviews, awards and local recommendations, these establishments stand out as the most beloved dining destinations to add to your Navarre itinerary.
Shrimp Boat Restaurant
Operating since 1960, this waterfront restaurant adjoining the Navarre Fishing Pier specializes in freshly caught Gulf seafood. Their oysters, whole lobster, grouper and shrimp shine. Save room for their famous mile-high coconut cream pie with chocolate drizzle and pecans. Sunset dinners framed by spectacular views cap off the experience.
Longtime patrons rave over the family-recipe coconut cream pie passed down for generations. Their gracious Southern hospitality and charm enhance the coastal cuisine. For tender, expertly prepared seafood in an iconic setting, the Shrimp Boat is a must.
The Gulf Restaurant
Located in neighboring Holley by the Sea, The Gulf is famed for serving top-notch seafood dishes on their open-air deck overlooking the beach. Grouper, mahi-mahi, salmon and snapper arrive fresh and flawlessly prepared. Popular starters include the smoked tuna dip and peel-and-eat shrimp.
While entrees star, save room for their melt-in-your-mouth bread pudding or molten lava cake. Watching the sunset over the Gulf with a cocktail and seafood dish is unbeatable. Arrive early to watch the chef grill the daily catches.
Simply Seafood
For seafood boil lovers, this casual spot hits the spot. Create your platter from a menu of shrimp, crab legs, crawfish, clams, oysters and lobster tails. Choose desired seasonings and two sides to complete your feast. Their garlic shrimp shines. Picnic tables encourage a festive, communal dining experience.
On nice days, dine on the dog-friendly covered patio. Desserts like key lime pie and homemade cheesecake provide sweet finishes. Enjoy ordering by the pound at this lively, affordable Navarre favorite.
The Slippery Mermaid Grill
Specializing in Southern coastal favorites, this Navarre Beach eatery crafts creative dishes like blackened key lime mahi-mahi and savory crab beignets. Fresh local catches cooked any style satisfy simpler cravings. Their signature Siren’s Song sangria pairs perfectly with beachfront views.
Indoor and outdoor seating provides options. Happy hour draws crowds with deals on tapas like watermelon feta salad and peel-and-eat shrimp. For a mermaid-themed setting with talented chefs, don’t miss this charming spot.
86 Forks
The eclectic globally inspired menu at this downtown Navarre restaurant offers diners culinary adventure. Small plates range from pork buns to hummus flights and Moroccan meatballs. Hefty Wagyu burgers, handmade pastas, and grilled seafood round out entree choices.
The diverse menu ensures every diner can find tempting options. Extensive craft beer, wine and cocktail selections complement the cuisines. The versatile space welcomes families early and then transitions to a lively 21+ vibe at night.
Pirate’s Cove Marina
Nestled on the Santa Rosa Sound, this marina’s open-air Dockside Grill plates up enormous seafood platters and baskets overlooking the boats. Gumbo Ya Ya, peel-and-eat shrimp, grilled oysters and coconut shrimp are house specialties. Order the Greek or Caesar salad to balance indulgence.
On weekends, live music acts perform on the tiki bar stage as diners sway and sing along. Sunset views are phenomenal. With free boat docking, it’s easy to arrive by water to this lively local gem.
Nick’s Boathouse
Another soundside favorite, Nick’s casual vibe, and waterside deck make it prime for kicking back. Fried platters come out crispy and generous. Locals rave over their grouper sandwiches, Apalachicola oysters and sugar-dusted sopapillas dessert. Check their Facebook for frequent live music.
Seating is first come, but the wait rewards with phenomenal sunsets. Relax after a day on the water with cold beer and hearty, affordable seafood fare surrounded by easygoing maritime ambiance.
Seafood may reign supreme, but Navarre’s restaurants also excel at steaks, Italian, Mexican and more. From beach breezy settings to gourmet preparations, talented chefs create memorable meals. Using reviews and crowdsourced feedback identifies the most craved dishes and popular hangouts. Navarre’s fans eagerly share their favorites – just come hungry and ready for culinary exploration.