Destin has built a strong reputation for Gulf seafood and waterfront dining, yet the area also offers a notable selection of Italian cuisine. Guests and residents seeking pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and traditional Italian preparations will find several restaurants delivering high-quality meals with consistently excellent service.
This guide highlights some of the top places that contribute to the appeal of Destin FL Italian restaurants, each offering distinct menus and dining styles.
Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano
Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano is one of the most well-known Italian restaurants in Destin. The restaurant specializes in house-made sauces, traditional pastas, and generous entrée portions. Popular dishes include the shrimp scampi, veal marsala, and lasagna, each prepared with fresh ingredients and straightforward flavors. The menu also features brick-oven pizzas with a thin crust and simple toppings. The atmosphere combines comfortable seating with an open kitchen, allowing guests to observe the preparation process. Its central location makes it accessible for those staying near the beach or traveling through Destin for the evening.
Pazzo Italiano
Pazzo Italiano has locations in both Destin and nearby Santa Rosa Beach. The Destin location stands out for its wood-fired pizza program and a menu built around regional Italian recipes. Pizzas, such as the Diavola and the Capricciosa, utilize imported ingredients, while pasta dishes feature favorites like carbonara, Gnocchi Sorrentina, and pappardelle with short rib ragù. For those exploring Destin FL Italian restaurants, Pazzo Italiano offers a balance of classic dishes and contemporary presentation.
Vinny McGuire’s
Vinny McGuire’s focuses heavily on build-your-own pizzas and hearty red-sauce dishes. Guests choose from numerous toppings to create personalized pizzas baked to order. The restaurant’s red sauce is a consistent highlight, used in dishes such as spaghetti with meatballs and sausage with peppers. Its rustic décor and lively atmosphere create a casual dining experience near the harbor. Vinny McGuire’s earns steady praise for its generous portion sizes and reliable flavors.
Primrose Coastal Italian
Primrose Coastal Italian, located inside the Henderson Beach Resort, blends Italian cuisine with coastal ingredients. The menu features dishes such as burrata with seasonal accompaniments, handmade pasta plates, and seafood-based entrées that reflect the Gulf's setting. Its wine list pairs well with lighter pasta dishes and roasted fish preparations. The restaurant’s refined dining room and attentive service set it apart from more casual Destin options. Primrose appeals to guests looking for elevated Italian cuisine in a resort setting.
Merlins Pizza
Merlins Pizza on Highway 98 is well-known for fast service and dependable takeout. Its menu focuses on pizzas, cheesy bread, salads, and pasta dishes. The restaurant prepares hand-tossed crusts and offers several specialty pizzas, including the Merlin’s Magical and the Chicken Florentine. Its convenient location and consistent preparation make it a common choice for families, beachgoers, and visitors staying in nearby resorts.
Sarah K’s Gourmet
Although not a restaurant with table service, Sarah K’s Gourmet earns recognition for its gourmet take-home meals that include Italian specialties. Its location in the Destin Commons area provides shoppers with convenient access to prepared dishes, such as chicken Parmesan, stuffed shells, and baked penne. The shop is a reliable option for those seeking convenient Italian cuisine without dining in a traditional restaurant. Many guests returning to Destin each year make it a regular stop due to the ease and flavor of the prepared dishes.
Capriccio Café
Capriccio Café, located near Crystal Beach, offers a unique perspective on Italian dining by specializing in espresso drinks, crêpes, paninis, and breakfast selections. The café appeals to guests who prefer lighter fare with an Italian influence, rather than full dinner plates. Popular items include sweet and savory crêpes, Italian-style omelets, and sandwiches made with fresh bread. The café’s menu offers a distinctive alternative within the broader landscape of Destin FL Italian restaurants, and its specialty coffee program adds further appeal for visitors seeking a relaxed start to the day.
Clemenza’s at Uptown
Clemenza’s at Uptown in Fort Walton Beach sits just a short drive from Destin and remains a longstanding favorite for those seeking hearty Italian meals. The restaurant is renowned for its brick-oven pizzas, homemade pastas, and traditional preparations, such as chicken piccata and lasagna. Several dishes incorporate family recipes passed through generations, giving the menu a more personal touch. Many locals and repeat visitors consider it part of their regular rotation, particularly when looking for dependable Italian meals outside the busiest areas of Destin.
La Cremeria
La Cremeria adds a dessert-focused component to the Italian dining landscape. The shop produces small-batch gelato in flavors such as pistachio, stracciatella, hazelnut, and seasonal fruit varieties. Customers often pair gelato with Italian espresso drinks, offering a simple way to end an Italian meal or enjoy a treat while shopping. The gelato is prepared using traditional methods, giving it a smooth texture and rich flavor. Solarino contributes a sweet conclusion to the broader collection of Italian dining experiences in Destin.
Connect with Yvonne Summerfield
Those exploring the Destin dining scene as part of a broader home search can benefit from local guidance. Yvonne Summerfield helps buyers and sellers understand Destin’s neighborhoods, lifestyle amenities, and real estate opportunities while connecting them to the best the area has to offer.
Whether you're retiring, relocating for work, upgrading from your current home, or investing in a second residence, contact experienced luxury broker Yvonne Summerfield today to start your Destin real estate journey.
