Shortlisted: Eight Spots For Breakfast In Destin That Locals Love!

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Last updated on December 1, 2022 by Wandering our World

Walking along the Emerald Coast and then having a dip in the crystal clear water – doesn’t that sound like the dream we all aspire too? Well Destin, with its drop-dead gorgeous beaches, vast golf courses, and nearby islands to explore, gives you just that and more.

And with all the activities on offer here, what better way to start your day than with a hearty and filling breakfast?

That’s exactly why we’ve put together a list of our favourite spots for breakfast in Destin. Places where you’re guaranteed to start your day off right.

And if you’re planning on staying in Destin and need some inspiration about where to rest your head, clicking here will take you to the top rated accommodation in Destin thanks to our partners at Booking.com.

So read on as we show you Destin’s eight best breakfast spots!

Selection of breakfast items
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Los_Angela

Our Top Eight Picks For Breakfast In Destin 

1. Crackings 

Get cracking with your day by grabbing breakfast at Crackings, a restaurant that specialises in American comfort food breakfasts.

While the exterior is nothing extraordinary, the warm colors inside and the cozy, southern decor are definitely inviting. There’s a spacious dining area so you don’t feel cramped, and the staff are courteous so you’re sure to start your day with friendly faces – which is always a bonus!

But the reason why this place is one of our favourite Destin breakfast spots is all down to the food. Here you’ll find plenty of classic American breakfast items on offer like Omelets, Pancakes and more. In fact Crackings is famous throughout Destin for their breakfasts and you’ll find many customers are regulars.

What do we recommend? Well the Maque Choux Benedict – crab cakes, perfectly poached eggs, and homemade maque choux – is a delicious seafood spin on the traditional eggs benedict that will leave you craving for more.

But if you’re not feeling up for eggs, then do try their signature Lobster Gouda Grits – the creamiest grits ever! Expect a generous amount of lobster topped with fresh tomatoes and green onions. 

Crackings also has plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, such as the Spinacado Omelet, Avocado Egg Flat, Brown Rice Flour Pancakes, and much more.

If you do decide to give this place a try, then it’s best to arrive early. Crackings gets busy, and there’s often a queue. See that as a good sign though – this place is well known for being a fantastic Destin breakfast spot.

Located on 979 US-98 East close to many different shops – so you can always enjoy a bit of retail therapy when dropping by – this eatery is open for breakfast from Tuesday to Sunday. 

Address: 979 US-98 E, Destin, FL 32541

Omelet with parsley, cherry tomatoes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Plateresca

2. The Pancakery

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, when in Destin don’t miss an opportunity to visit The Pancakery – it’s a pancake heaven!

We’ll admit, at first sight this place is no stunner. The outdoor seating – while appreciated – is pretty straightforward and so is the interior. But what this place lacks in looks it makes up for with its tasty breakfast menu, which includes gourmet pancakes. 

And these aren’t your ordinary pancakes – they’re huge, fluffy, deliciously soft, filled and topped with your choice of fruit and sauces. You can also choose some of the chef’s unique creations if you like, such as the ‘Big Apple’, which comes with apple compote and vanilla ice cream. Simply delish! We also recommend the ‘Gone Bananas’, which is dripping with bananas foster sauce and filled with fresh bananas. We are truly bananas for this one!

But that’s not all. There’s many other classic American breakfast items on their menu too, and they’re just as good in our opinion.

From tasty Omelets and Eggs Benedict to the Chorizo Breakfast Burrito and Avocado Toast, there’s loads on offer. The Crabcake Benedict is especially good, not just because of its very crabby flavor but also because it comes with pancakes on the side!

On top of that, they also have a separate menu for kids, which includes M&Ms pancakes, PB&J sandwiches, and more.

We have to warn you though. If you do plan to come here, make sure you’re ravenous because they serve very large, generous sized portions!

This family-friendly pancake house is open throughout the week, from 7am to 2pm. It’s easily one of the best places to have breakfast in Destin. 

Address: 960 Highway 98 East, Suite 104, Destin, FL 32541

3. Donut Hole Bakery and Cafe

This is an easy addition to our list of the best places for breakfast in Destin as once you visit the Donut Hole Bakery and Cafe once, you tend to keep coming back for more!

Located on 635 Harbor Boulevard, so right beside Destin’s picturesque harbor, expect a breakfast menu with a wide array of delicious southern-style breakfast items and the likes of Egg Benedict, Omelets, Sandwiches, Hash Browns, Pancakes. The Gulf Coast Crabcake Benedict is particularly popular here and no wonder. It’s crispy large crabcakes sat on top of an English muffin, served with perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. 

And while you’re visiting, it’s going to be very hard to resist getting one of their enticing donuts and pastries on display. So why not get some of them to go (they run out of baked goods fast, so get in early), and then enjoy a harbor walk before indulging? And of course, don’t forget to try their famous Key Lime Pie – it’s a locals’ favorite!

Oh and, did we mention they serve breakfast all-day long!

That’s right, even if you are a night owl you can still get up late and indulge in scrumptious pancakes and mouth-watering omelets at any time of the day here. That’s a big plus point to this Destin breakfast spot.

The Donut Hole is popular so it can get busy during peak breakfast hours, so you may have to wait when visiting. If you’re a newcomer then the left ramp is where you queue up to be seated for breakfast, while the right side is where you can get donuts to go.

Even if you do have to queue, the wait doesn’t tend to be that long. And luckily they open at 6am, so you can get your donut fix super early if you wish.

With reasonable prices, generous portions, and unbeatable flavors, this bakery is easily one of the best places for breakfast in Destin. 

Address: 635 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

Selection of doughnuts
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/EvgeniiAnd

4. Bad Ass Coffee

Bad Ass Coffee is a quirky coffee house just off Miramar Beach, so it’s a great spot to visit after an early beach walk. With bold, bright orange walls, palm trees for decor, and an indoor area that resembles a beach hut, this place has big Hawaiian and tropical tiki vibes to it. 

And as the name suggests, they serve some pretty badass coffee. Using 100% Kona coffee beans brought from Hawaii, this cafe has put together a killer menu with a wide variety of coffees. From different blends of brewed coffee to signature flavored lattes and smoothies, their assortment of hot and cold drinks is sure to energize you for the rest of the day. 

Not in the mood for a hot drink? Then we recommend their Koffee Kooler, which is granita in a creamy mix of milk and vanilla – perfect for Florida’s hot summer days.

While we recommend this place primarily for the coffee, that’s not all they have. You can also order an assortment of breakfast pastries, bagels, muffins, and sandwiches.

Open everyday, Bad Ass Coffee can get busy, so be sure to drop in early if you’re looking to avoid the crowds. They’ve also got a mini shop in the cafe, where you can buy some ‘Bad Ass’ merch. They’ve got mugs, shirts, and of course – their special Hawaiian coffee blends for sale. 

One of the best parts? This Destin coffee house is super pet-friendly. The outdoor seating area accommodates dogs, and they’ve even got water bowls and treats available for your furry friends. That’s some badassery that we love!

Address: 1708 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL 32550

group drinking coffee
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Rawpixel

5. Capriccio Cafe

How about a taste of Italy while you’re in Destin? For those who love Italian cuisine, Capriccio Cafe offers some of the most authentic Italian food you can find in the city. Open Monday through Sunday, but closed on Wednesdays, owner Marco Sironi prides himself on introducing Italian cuisine to this area.

Located in Shoreline Village, this little cafe is just a short walk away from several city hotels so if you’re visiting Destin it may be a great breakfast choice. The interior has warm, comfortable, cozy vibes, but if the sun is shining why not dine outside on their spacious patio. 

But what we think sets Capriccio apart from other places is their authentic Italian coffee!

Imported from Italy, their coffee is hand-brewed by talented baristas every day and is available in all forms imaginable. From simple espressos to fancy frappes and flavored mochas, Capriccio’s impressive coffee menu will satisfy all your caffeine needs.

We especially recommend their Caramel Frappe – it tastes exceptional and gives you a duel caffeine-sugar boost that’ll have you ready for a day of adventuring in Destin.

This place is also a great breakfast spot for kids – especially fussy ones – because no one can resist the sweet crepes on offer here. Take the ‘Fluffer Nutter’ as an example – that’s a crepe showered in peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, strawberries, and bananas. Yum!

The menu also has some amazing, frittatas and savory crepes, so there’s plenty of choices for kids and adults alike. 

Crepe and Italian coffee? It’s hard to think of a better way to start your day. Plus they also open earlier than most Destin breakfast spots, doing so at 6am.

Address: 810 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

crepes with berries
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

6. Sunset Bay Cafe

For a fancy breakfast experience with gorgeous views, then Sunset Bay Cafe is the perfect place. Located at 58 Sandestin Blvd N., hidden away from the bustling areas of Destin, and with tables lined up alongside the bay, expect views of the gleaming blue water as you tuck into breakfast here.

There’s also a beautiful swimming pool outside with a water fountain beside it, so no matter where you look there’s a picture waiting to be taken. This really is having breakfast in style!

Luckily the food here is just as exquisite as the views, with a menu ranging from Breakfast Tacos and Waffles to Eggs Benedict and Pancakes.

Their Chicken and Waffles is a must-try as you’ll get the perfect balance of sweet and savory – it hits the spot every time. We also recommend seafood items, such as the Shrimp and Grits, as the owners order a fresh supply of seafood every day from the harbor. 

If you’re visiting for brunch you can also get bottomless mimosas. After all, who can resist refillable, delicious drinks, right?

Plus, if you need to beat the heat, this cafe has a Tiki bar outside by the pool. It operates seasonally and has fancy cocktails (martinis, hello!) and beer up for grabs. There’s also a full bar indoors, which is another elegant and chic-looking area of this cafe. 

Address: 158 Sandestin Blvd N, Miramar Beach, FL 32550

Homemade Chicken and Waffles
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Bhofack2

7. Harry T’s Lighthouse

Yet another picturesque location for breakfast in Destin is Harry T’s. Situated right at the harbor in Harborwalk Village, this restaurant is built into a quirky two-story lighthouse structure, though the top deck is only available for private events. Nevertheless, it has panoramic views of the ocean and the harbor – perfect for watching boats sail away as you devour delicious food!

The ambiance here is fun, friendly, and casual, with an eclectic collection of decorative items indoors. But in our opinion sitting outside on the deck offers the best experience. So when the sun’s shining make sure you get a seat outside so you can truly enjoy the seaside views.

As for the food, their breakfast/brunch items are worth every buck. There’s lots on offer, but we recommend the Tacos with Eggs and Bacon. Yes, please! You should also try the ‘Sunrise Breakfast’, which is a generously portioned plate of eggs, bacon, seasoned potatoes, and grits. 

Harry T’s like to make sure you feel full, very full, so with every order you get a complimentary basket of baked goods on your table. And if you order an entree for brunch, you get bottomless champagne.

This places opens a little later than other Destin breakfast spots, 9am on Sundays and Saturdays, and 10am from Monday through Friday. But as an added bonus pets are allowed on the deck outside. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy breakfast beside the ocean with their four-legged friend?

Address: 46 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

Diner-style Breakfast
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Diana Van Der Sluys

8. Formula Fresh Superfood Bar

Need a break from the usual rich, heavy breakfasts? Want something healthy but still tasty? Then Formula Fresh is a great choice. Stepping inside this place is like a breath of fresh air with its white walls, airy seating area with cute plants, and minimalist-style decor.

Open every day from 8am to 6pm, Formula Fresh is committed to serving healthy smoothies and acai bowls. They locally source their ingredients and prepare everything in front of you – so you know it’s fresh.

Why not start your day with their fresh, cold-pressed juices, which include 11 different blends of various fruits, veggies, and nuts. For an extra kick of energy, go for their ‘Premium Superfood’ smoothies that have the healthiest blend of ingredients you can put in a cup.

They’ve also got some healthy, yet delicious, acai bowls, which are perfect for breakfast. With seven different combinations of acai, fruit, nuts, and milk, there’s a bowl for everyone here. And you certainly don’t have to be vegan to enjoy their bowls. For example, the ‘Berry Blast’ is a tasty blend of berries with granola, coconut flakes, and banana!

If you love what they serve, don’t be shy to try their bottled cleansing juices which you can take home with you.

For a refreshing experience and a break from your typical American-style breakfast, this is a great healthy alternative for breakfast in Destin.

Address: 4307 Legendary Dr D134, Destin, FL 32541

a selection of acai bowls
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Demidoffaleks

Breakfast In Destin: Our Final Thoughts 

There’s no doubt that Destin has some incredible eateries and cafes. And while some of them are tourist traps and others are overly hyped, we’re show our list of places for breakfast in Destin won’t disappoint.

They all offer a big bang for your buck alongside quality food and great service. So on your next visit to Destin, give one of our favorite Destin breakfast spots a try. Bon appetit!

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  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.