One of the greatest joys of visiting coastal communities like Navarre is sampling just-caught local seafood straight from the source. Navarre’s fleet of fishing boats head out daily into the rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Santa Rosa Sound and inland bays harvesting bountiful catches. Visitors can savor the fresh catches dockside thanks to restaurants and vendors sourcing seafood directly from local anglers.
Pier Seafood Market and Restaurant
At one end of Navarre Beach Fishing Pier sits this market with fresh seafood daily. Patrons can buy fish like tuna, mackerel and mahi-mahi by the pound and take to their rental to grill. Or grab ready-to-eat options like shrimp baskets, po’boys, gumbo and crab cakes.
Dine inside or at patio tables overlooking the pier to watch the charter boats and anglers return with their catches. Trying seafood where the fishing happens enhances freshness and flavor.
The Shrimp Boat Restaurant
Operating since 1960, The Shrimp Boat built their reputation for serving the day’s catch from Navarre boats. Long plank tables, nautical décor, and casual counter ordering captures Old Florida charm. Their baskets overflow with lightly breaded local shrimp and oysters.
Daily specials highlight what’s running, so check for flaky Gulf grouper, pan sautéed scallops, and crab stuffed flounder. Their signature coconut cream pie makes the perfect sweet finish using the owners’ grandmother’s recipe.
Juana’s Pagodas
Occupying a huge complex right on Navarre Beach, Juana’s Pagoda’s sprout up across both the beach and sound. Their massive Sailor’s Grill restaurant serves up local catches like fried, blackened or jerk seasoned. Peel-and-eat shrimp and raw oyster shooters are top starters.
After your meal, walk the docks to glimpse boats unloading freshly harvested shrimp and finfish. Try timing your visit to coincide with opportunities to purchase dockside. Juana’s seafood scope satisfies every palate.
Outcast Bait and Tackle
Right on the Santa Rosa Sound, this lively shop offers full bait and tackle along with fresh, raw seafood available for takeout. Patrons can shuck raw, salty Apalachicola oysters right on premises. Ice down your own cooler with plump shrimp or fish fillets from that day’s catch.
Chat with the knowledgeable local anglers for insider advice on best baits and spots. Outdoor picnic tables allow enjoying your selected catches at sunset before firing up the grill back at the condo. It’s fish market fun.
Local Seafood Markets
Several local markets like Ollie’s, Island Pantry and Navarre Seafood sell fresh catches supplied directly by area fishermen. Shop displays of whole fish like mackerel, porgies, and Gulf snapper. Pick up shrimp, clams, oysters and seasonal crabs.
Markets can also clean, fillet and package your selection to travel. Home cooks can find reasonably priced seafood to prepare signature beach house meals. Talk to personnel for best preparation tips based on your intended recipes or cooking methods.
Ling Ding Chinese Restaurant
Surprisingly, this Asian eatery tucked into a Navarre strip mall serves fresh-caught local fish like red snapper and mahi-mahi. Order classic Szechuan dishes like Kung Pao, sweet-and-sour, or black bean sauce using the daily catch.
Their fried rice combinations also allow sampling Gulf seafood in Chinese preparations. The sweet-spicy Thai sauces pair nicely with meaty grilled fish. Expand your seafood repertoire with their cross-cultural recipes.
Dockside Seafood Market
Part of the Pirates Cove Marina complex, the market sells quality seafood supplied by their fishing charter fleet and other local boats. Find grouper, tuna, amberjack and more by the pound. Or purchase ready-to-cook options like crab cakes and shrimp skewers.
Their experienced staff gladly shares cooking guidance to prevent overcooking delicate fish. Enjoy dockside dining at their open-air restaurant where entrees feature fresh catches like blackened mahi wraps and fried oyster baskets.
Thanks to Navarre’s designated Commercial Fisheries Center and active fishing culture, visitors have outstanding opportunities to source and sample just-landed seafood. Experience the fun of selecting your own catch dockside or dining beachfront on what was swimming earlier that day. The incredible freshness comes through in every tasty bite.