Insider Picks for Fresh Seafood, Comfort Eats, and Coastal Vibes
The coastline in Miramar Beach comes with a lot of visual splendor. At the same time, this experience is heightened by all of the delicious food in the area. So, where do locals eat in Miramar Beach? That's the best question I could ask going in, as it led me to some lifelong favorites I can't wait to come back to.
Outside of the tourist-heavy ideas, authentic local spots offer a flavor I wouldn't be able to find from a large chain. From fresh dockside seafood to cozy cafes, and many impressive recipes, there was a lot I didn't want to miss out on. This article focuses on where locals eat in Miramar Beach and acts as a foodie guide for new tourists.
A Taste of Miramar Beach's Local Flavor
Promising a blend of fresh ingredients and locally inspired recipes, Miramar Beach comes with some impressive eats. As anyone might expect, considering the coastal location, seafood is a big winner around here.
Many restaurants work directly with local fishermen, and preparation styles can range from fried, blackened, and even raw varieties. Outside of the popularity behind seafood, it isn't hard to find southern comfort dishes and unique chef-driven twists that make for something special.
From my experience there, a lot of these restaurants resemble the laid-back Gulf lifestyle through the food and the surrounding atmosphere. Overall, it's easy for me to say that I'll be back in Miramar Beach for seconds. While I couldn't experience it all, I definitely ended up with a few favorites that are a can't-miss in my book.
6 Best Miramar Beach Florida Restaurants
With the wide range of dining options available, it was a bit of a challenge to choose one over another. There are plenty of casual beachfront spots, as well as restaurants that are known for more of an upscale vibe. Miramar Beach offers plenty to do, but good food is pretty high on the list
Fresh Gulf seafood was a highlight across a lot of the menus, but that doesn't mean everyone was taking a copy-and-paste approach. Not only did I find some of the best seafood I've ever had, but I encountered recipes I've never even considered before. In the table below, I've provided a gist of what my foodie journey was like in Miramar Beach.
| Restaurants | Highlights |
| Maple Street Biscuit Company | Opens 7am, family-friendly portions, outdoor seating, popular brunch, signature biscuits, and fresh drinks |
| Shan Kishi | Customizable spice levels, consistent quality, visually appealing dishes, sushi, hibachi, and all-you-can-eat lunch |
| The Craft Bar | Burgers and cocktails, brunch options, kid-friendly, mid-week deals, and tasty sides |
| 2 Birds Coffee | Vegan options, quick service, breakfast favorites, sweet treats, and specialty cold brews |
| Bijoux | Upscale seafood, creative appetizers, standout wine list, date-night spot, elegant desserts |
| Pascalli Kitchen | Hearty brunch, diverse menu, house-made sweets, casual vibe, outdoor seating |
These ended up being my personal favorites, but by no means was this all I heard about while I was there. I honestly really enjoyed the blend of delicious seafood and southern comfort classics and inspirations. Whether I wanted something light or more than hearty, both were easy to find.
1. Maple Street Biscuit Company - Fluffy Biscuits, Bold Flavor, Local Charm
Boasting fresh ingredients daily and several signature dishes like the Five and Dime, I'm more than glad I made a stop here. The staff was excellent, and the place does a good job of making a lively, yet equally casual atmosphere.
I was told about several go-to dishes here, some of which include The Squawking Goat, Sweet Grace, and the Sticky Maple. Whether I wanted biscuits by themselves or with gravy or stacked with ingredients for a sandwich, I had options.
Aside from the biscuits, the place's fresh ingredients can be found in the freshly squeezed orange juice and bold coffee. I gave a few popular sides a shot too, including the crispy fried jalapeno hash browns and a maple vanilla latte.
Notable Highlights
- Opens early at 7am, giving visitors plenty of time to make it in for breakfast
- Plenty of portion sizes suitable for children, perfect for families
- Outdoor seating is great for days that carry milder coastal weather
- A go-to spot for locals and travelers for a weekend brunch
2. Shan Kishi - Fresh Rolls, Friendly Vibes, Unforgettable Flavor
An ideal spot for families and group outings, Shan Kishi is known for their quality and consistency when it comes to seafood. I'm talking flavorful sushi, beautiful presentation, and they're very much loved for the all-you-can-eat lunch special.
The menu is diverse to say the least, and I'm a pretty big fan of their sashimi choices, and I always have to get some Gyoza on the side. Another big angle to this place is their approach to hibachi, and I was surprised at how affordable this all was.
Some of the fan favorites here include the Pacific Roll, Fire Island Roll, and Shrimp Tempura. While I agree these come with some recognizable features, the seafood came with that local boost in flavor.
Notable Highlights
- Many dishes allow visitors to customize the spice level for a better personalized experience
- The restaurant is known to maintain its quality and food service with every visit
- Each dish comes with a visually appealing presentation
- Shan Kishi finds a good balance between casual meals and special occasions
3. The Craft Bar - Burgers, Brews, and a Gastropub Vibe
Hailed for the juicy and flavorful burgers, The Craft Bar is much more than what it looks like on the surface. Once I got into the menu, I was sold on the range of options between the food and cocktails. With the Que Burger catching my eye, I decided to pair it with the popular Brown Butter Old Fashioned cocktail.
I want to make it a point that this place isn't just burgers and cocktails. Other popular dishes include the Tuna BLT and Pulled Pork Quesadilla. I decided to come back for brunch just to try out the Salmon Benedict, which was entirely worth it.
There's plenty of seating, indoor and outdoor, and during both of my visits, I opted for the comfy patio options. From the food quality to prompt service and sizable portions, I can see why locals swing by this place as often as they do.
Notable Highlights
- Find generous midweek deals on fried chicken, drinks, and select appetizers
- Popular sides to consider include rosemary mashed potatoes and their tasty Brussels sprouts
- Kid-friendly options span from breaded chicken tenders to mini sliders
- Don't overlook the brunch offerings, as the Salmon Benedict was just as good as I was told
4. 2 Birds Coffee - A Go-To for Breakfast and Specialty Coffee
One of my favorite places when it comes to Miramar Beach Florida Restaurants, 2 Birds Coffee hits the spot. A few of my top breakfast choices from this place include the Breakfast Sammy, delicious Avocado Toast, and Breakfast Tacos.
I find this spot to offer a great balance of healthy eating and making sure visitors leave full and happy every time. There are also some great sweet treats here, like the Pan-Fried Banana and the Blackberry Lavender scones.
During my time in Miramar Beach, I was able to swing by a few times to try several drinks. I kept coming back for their cold brews, and the house-made syrups helped avoid any kind of artificial notes.
Notable Highlights
- Vegan-friendly options are available
- Find a variety of house-made kombuchas
- Service is quick, even during busy hours, making it my favorite grab-and-go breakfast spot
- Other delicious breakfast items include the Chorizo Toast and Salmon Fancy Toast
5. Bijoux - Miramar Beach's Fine Dining Gem
Whether it's the fresh Gulf seafood or the impressive range of drink options, Bijoux is an upscale legend in Miramar Beach. Although I usually like to travel on a budget, I don't mind doing a little splurging here and there.
I definitely made the right choices when it came to the food, as I was blown away at every turn. The Lobster Spring Rolls were amazing, and I also went for the Crab Beignets and Blackened Brie.
The staff was more than attentive and accommodating. On top of it all, the whole environment is elegant, relaxed, and bustling with enticing aromas. By the end of my night, I finished it all off by trying the Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, which comes paired with goat cheese ice cream.
Notable Highlights
- Offers a standout wine list with award-winning selections, perfect for seafood or steak
- Perfect for a quiet date night or hosting a memorable experience with larger groups
- Appetizers were more than creative, and they weren't scared to lean into southern favorites
- Convenient location in The Market Shops with more than enough parking
6. Pascalli Kitchen - Flavor-Packed With a Diverse Menu
Made to order and built with high-quality ingredients, Pascalli Kitchen is what I call feel-good food. I can also say the menu is pretty diverse, as I found everything from Gouda Grits, Egg Sandwiches, to several pizza options.
Some of the lunch favorites at this spot include a Turkey Club and even Blackened Shrimp Sandwiches. On my way out, I had to eye some of the sweets to go. I went with some of their house-made beignets and a slice of key lime pie.
It's definitely a place that prides itself on the casual and welcoming atmosphere. While the restaurant offers different menus throughout the day, I prefer to show up for a quick and easy breakfast.
Notable Highlights
- Hearty brunch combinations are popular, such as the BEC Biscuits and Gouda Grits
- House-made savory and sweet items that are perfect for grab-and-go bites
- Check out the specialty beverages, from fresh coffee to more flavorful morning drinks
- Small and charming location with outdoor seating for a no-rush vibe
Tips to Experience Local Flavor in Every Bite
For those wondering, where do locals eat in Miramar Beach? I always suggest seeking out the seafood. Of course, this isn't the only highlight in the area, but the locally sourced seafood shouldn't be missed.
Make sure to ask staff about any included daily specials, and don't hesitate to explore a mix of options. From casual cafes to beachfront breakfast and upscale dining, Miramar Beach offered a lot more diversity in flavor than I expected.
Although I didn't eat out multiple times per day throughout my whole vacation, I did my best to try a variety of options. I found that a lot of the food I tried was great paired with seasonal and in-house beverages as well. In whole, Miramar Beach knows what it's doing when it comes to food.
Final Thoughts
From the fresh seafood, southern-inspired favorites, tasty drinks, and unique atmospheres, Miramar Beach has plenty of hits. I loved the restaurants that used locally-sourced ingredients, and each spot I visited was entirely unique in its own way.
My experience overall was relaxing, mixed with impressive flavors, and it's even better that I had a cute place to kick back at the end of the day. I had some help when it came to trip planning, and Travel Life Vacations made sure I found the perfect spot to sleep at night. Visit Miramar Beach, find good food, beautiful places to relax, and minimize the travel stress.
FAQ
What Types of Cuisine are Locals Known to Enjoy in Miramar Beach?
Locals favor Gulf seafood, in addition to southern comfort dishes and locally inspired recipes.
Do Miramar Beach Restaurants Cater to Families and Children?
Yes, many spots like Maple Street Biscuit Company and The Craft Bar are known for family-friendly portions and kid-friendly menus.
How Can Visitors Find the Best Local Flavors?
Ask about daily specials, explore a mix of casual and upscale dining experiences, and try spots that work with locally-sourced ingredients.