If you're craving authentic Italian cuisine, Florida’s Emerald Coast does not disappoint. Like many cities across the nation, Destin has attracted Italian families who enjoy our beautiful white sand beaches and relaxed beach lifestyle. For those looking for the best Italian restaurants in and around Destin, Florida, here’s our list of best locally-owned Italian restaurants:
Clemenza’s and Fat Clemenza’s
Locally owned by Dominic and Tammy Damiano, Clemenza’s in Fort Walton Beach is consistently ranked the best Italian restaurant in Destin by the readers of Emerald Coast Magazine. The authentic Italian recipes are presented in large portions ideal for family-style dinners. The main dishes, include seafood linguine, pasta carbonara, chicken picatta and margherita pizza, among others. The seafood linguine combines the best of the coast with Dom’s Italian heritage. The specials are a great choice too. Looking for brick oven style pizza, look not further than Dom's Fat Clemenza's in Miramar Beach. In addition, those who appreciate a European style breakfast will love Mama Clemenza’s in Miramar Beach, which features many of Tammy’s own family recipes. Clemenza's is located in Uptown Station at 75 Eglin Parkway, Fort Walton Beach.
Tuscany Italian Bistro
Guglielmo has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in Destin for 23 years. Diners enjoy a true taste of Italy through his dishes. If you like calamari, try the appetizer, it consistently earns praise. Also, they have happy hour until 9 p.m. each night. Many locals sit at the bar and enjoy drink specials and dinner without needing a reservation. Tuscany Italian Bistro is centrally located in Destin near Miramar Beach at and is near many of Newman-Dailey’s vacation rental homes and condos. Address: 36178 Emerald Coast Parkwayv Destin.
Ciao Italia Bistro
New to Destin, Ciao Italia Bistro recently opened with rave reviews. Co-owned by Michelle Ianni and her husband Guglielmo Ianni, who also own Tuscany Italian Bistro, Ciao Italia is their newest venture. Featuring homemade pasta and seafood dishes, Ciao Italia offers northern Italian specialties, such as meats, cheeses including Parmigiano-Reggiano, pecorino, asiago and gorgonzola, as well as pastas such as fettuccini alfredo. Open Monday – Saturday at 4 p.m. with happen hour specials from 4-8 p.m. Ladies night is Wednesday with two for one drink specials for the women. Ciao Italia Bistro is located at 985 Highway 98 E, Destin.
Christiano’s
For guests staying in South Walton off Scenic Highway 30A, Christiano’s serves authentic Italian cuisine. Chef Chris Chirum and his family own and operate this Italian Bistro in Santa Rosa Beach. The Italian dishes are complemented by local, freshly caught seafood from the Gulf of Mexico. Christiano's is located at 4942 US Highway 98, Santa Rosa Beach.
Have we made you hungry? Come enjoy delicious Italian cuisine on your next trip to Destin, Florida. Ready to book your next Destin vacation? We invite you to view Newman-Dailey's premier selection of Destin vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.
See you @ the beach!
*pictured dish from Clemenza's