Navarre, Florida is a haven for seafood lovers thanks to its prime location along the Gulf Coast. This small beach town boasts an array of delicious seafood restaurants to satisfy any palate. From hole-in-the-wall casual spots to fine waterfront dining, you’ll find the freshest local catches cooked to perfection in Navarre. Want to know where to grab the best shrimp, grouper, oysters and more? Read on for the top seafood restaurants to add to your Navarre must-try list.
Right on Navarre Beach, the Sand Crab Restaurant has been dishing out coastal cuisine since 1969. This unassuming spot keeps it simple but so tasty with baskets of lightly breaded and fried Gulf shrimp, fish sandwiches piled high, and their signature crab cake platter. Grab a table on the patio and soak in the beach views as you dine. Don’t miss their key lime pie – a refreshing finish. Cash only but worth a stop for classic fried seafood done right.
For fine dining, the award-winning Shrimp Boat Restaurant south of downtown Navarre is a favorite special occasion spot. White tablecloths and stunning views of Santa Rosa Sound set the scene for fresh caught seafood prepared with creative flair. Standouts include pecandusted rainbow trout, lobster bisque and flaky crab-stuffed flounder topped with buttery crabmeat. Save room for their house-made Key lime pie. Reservations recommended.
Further down Highway 98, you’ll find East River Smokehouse brewing up smoky barbecue dishes as well as Gulf catch specials. Try their loaded seafood platter with fried shrimp, oysters, scallops and grouper with all the fixings. Pull up a picnic table on the deck and enjoy live music acts while you feast. Save room for their hand-spun milkshakes. Casual, tasty and very popular with locals and tourists alike.
For classic Florida beach shack vibes, head to Crabs on the Beach. This laidback eatery right on Navarre Beach has been steaming up spicy seafood boils and frying up baskets of shrimp, oysters, clams and more since 1987. Picnic tables give dining a casual, communal feel. Don’t miss Monday boiled peanut nights or the grouper Reuben sandwich. Affordable prices make this a family favorite.
If you have your own catch from a Navarre fishing charter, bring it to Get Bent Lounge & Grill to cook it up for you. This soundside hangout will expertly prepare your fish any style you like for a small fee. Or try their popular shrimp po’ boy, fish tacos and peel-and-eat shrimp. Live music at sunset and cocktails like the Island Ice Tea add to the chill vibe.
For epic sunsets with your seafood, head to the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station. Their Deck Restaurant sits right over the water and serves up local favorites like Gumbo Ya-Ya, Gulf shrimp tacos, and daily catch specials. Reservations are recommended to snag a coveted waterfront table. Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine as you watch the sun dip below the horizon – magical.
Finally, no visit to Navarre is complete without stopping by the famous Juana’s Pagodas restaurant. This massive complex of seaside pagoda-shaped buildings sits right on the beach. Sip potent Sailor’s Painkillers as you nibble fresh ceviche, peel-and-eat shrimp, smoked tuna dip and other starters. Hefty seafood platters satisfy heartier appetites. The signature sugary sopapillas with honey are a must-try end to your meal.
With this list in hand, you’re guaranteed to find amazing flavors and fresh-from-the-Gulf fare at Navarre’s fantastic seafood eateries. Whether you’re looking for fried platters, fancy dining or sunset views, Navarre’s coastal cuisine has something to tempt every palate. Just come hungry and get ready to feast on the local catches that this seaside town does best.