You don’t need us to tell you that Crestview is serious about its seafood—but it’s also a pretty good place to find it done right. Whether you want oysters, grouper, or you just want to get out of a fried shrimp rut, these spots can help. And land-lubbers, this list is for you, too. Because seafood lover or not, when you want to eat from the sea, you can do much better than a frozen fish stick.
Stewby’s Seafood Shanty
$ | (850) 586-7001 | WEBSITE
Stewby’s Seafood Shanty’s lightly battered shrimp is a very delicious and convincing stand-in for the real thing, and it’s all fried to perfection. Not only that, but they have a variety of Southern favorites to fill your plate with, from standout cheese grits to jalapeño-honey hush puppies.
The Gator Cafe
$ | (850) 537-4949 | WEBSITE
The Gator Cafe is a cozy country cooking restaurant that serves well-priced meals. You’ll find dishes like the grilled chicken salad with perfectly seasoned ingredients, or the country fried steak with sides that’s a popular choice, along with delicious battered onion rings. Also, the interior is interesting, with a fun alligator statue that kids love. Use that detail to entertain anybody you bring here.
Samuel’s Roadhouse
$$ | (850) 423-1003 | WEBSITE
This Crestview roadhouse has a lineup of steakhouse classics with such hearty satisfaction that the occasional contented sigh is warranted. Use the perfectly cooked ribeye—with its charred crust and juicy interior—to pair with fall-off-the-bone tender ribs and scallops, and let the indulgence commence. Keep this place in mind for a solid dinner or casual work lunch in the area.
Emerald Isle Seafood
$ | (850) 683-1418 | WEBSITE
Emerald Isle Seafood in Crestview specializes in exceptional seafood dishes, many of which highlight the freshest catches. But some of the most fantastic options here are straightforward classics, like the divine grouper sandwich, generous hot sides, smoked tuna dip with crackers, and outstanding crab cakes (that you can order without the usual remoulade sauce). Chase it all with a sweet dessert treat, which happens to be homemade, too.
Captain D’s
$ | (850) 682-5101 | WEBSITE
Weighing in with generous portions, the seafood platters at Captain D’s are substantial and loaded with everything from crispy fried shrimp and flaky fish to hush puppies and coleslaw. You can also add sauces that complement the main dishes without overwhelming them, like tartar sauce, zesty cocktail sauce, and creamy ranch. And while you could order virtually any fried seafood meal here and leave satisfied, you need the fish and chips.
You’ll get golden-battered cod that’s piping hot and a side of fries that’s crispy while still letting the fish shine through. They say “hey, I’m worth every penny,” by the way.
The Hub American Family Restaurant
$ | (850) 398-5266 | WEBSITE
The fried catfish selection at this American family restaurant is straightforward. But a golden-fried fillet or turkey plate with green beans at The Hub has the power to change the trajectory of your meal. Be generous with trips to the impressive salad bar and add on a homemade dessert. Those (thankfully) don’t skimp on flavor, either.
Desi’s Downtown Restaurant
$ | (850) 682-7477 | WEBSITE
If your friends crave seafood, take them to Desi’s Downtown Restaurant anyway, and maybe just conveniently forget to mention that the fried chicken is served daily. This place is a reminder that classic country-style meals like fried mullet, catfish, ribs, and shrimp pasta are delicious no matter what you think about fancy dining. And the atmosphere with American and Israeli flags is like eating inside a warm hometown kitchen.