Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Northwest Florida

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Northwest Florida? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

O-Ku Alys Beach

4.8

4.8 (155)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Seacrest Beach

About the restaurant

Modern Japanese meets new urban architecture in the heart of Alys Beach at 30A. Overlooking the town’s iconic Amphitheater, O-Ku will welcome guests with warm hospitality and authentic Japanese cuisine. O-Ku celebrates unique ingredients, traditional techniques, and sophisticated presentations through an approachable menu featuring sushi, sashimi, and nigiri alongside savory dishes.

Top review

Cheryl

Dined 4 days ago

We had a great experience at O-Ku. We will definitely go again.

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Sandestin

4.7

4.7 (2536)

$30 and under

Seafood

Destin

About the restaurant

Tommy Bahama combines a tranquil environment and great food with an emphasis on hospitality to make for the perfect place to recharge or unwind while indulging in a unique dining experience. The experience is sure to feel like a getaway, whether you’re on vacation or looking for a vacation from your everyday life

Top review

Connie

Dined 3 days ago

I was pleasantly surprised that the restaurant knew it was my birthday!

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Popular dish

Macadamia-Nut-Crusted Fresh Catch

Popular dish

Thai Shrimp & Scallops

Popular dish

Goat Cheese Dip

The Union Public House

4.7

4.7 (1665)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Pensacola

About the restaurant

UPH is a crafty southern pub where it all comes together. 36 East Garden St.

Top review

Madison

Dined 6 days ago

We will be returning! Great food! I had the fried chicken and it was so good.

The Blu Halo

4.7

4.7 (1244)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Tallahassee

About the restaurant

THE BLU HALO in Tallahassee, Florida is much more than just a restaurant. With our wine and martini bar, as well as steaks and seafood, we offer a high-end dining experience that everyone in Tallahassee can enjoy.

Top review

SandraVIP

Dined 4 days ago

This is one our favorites restaurants! Always fantastic service and delicious food. We have tried several things on the menu and we never been disappointed. Blu Halo has a great Happy Hour and the best MARTINIS in Town!!!

Brother Fox

4.6

4.6 (215)

$31 to $50

Spanish

Pensacola

About the restaurant

We pay tribute to the rugged individualism of Pensacola’s unique historic cultural significance, specifically its Spanish influence. Real and super-rustic, the kitchen presents Old World cookery at its roots, with all the layers peeled back. Brother Fox utilizes a live-fire approach to cooking almost everything that we serve, from coal-roasted oysters to Carne Asada for two, served with hot tortillas. Our beautiful outdoor seating sets the stage for a casual meet up with friends for a glass of wine from regions near and far, carafes of Bathtub Gin or Sangrias from the bar. Inside, the cuisine and casually elegant design are the embodiment of a “neighborhood” spot that caters to visitors and residents alike, for special occasions, celebrations, and some of the finest wood-fired cuisine in Pensacola. Imagine food with soul, both exciting and traditional, in a breezy setting, right in the heart of Old East Hill.

We are open daily for Dinner at 5pm

Top review

michae

Dined 6 days ago

We celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary and had such a great meal, great server and overall a great experience!

Ocean Club Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (1113)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Destin

About the restaurant

PLEASE CONTACT THE RESTAURANT DIRECTLY FOR HOLIDAYS & ANY DAYS THAT ARE BLOCKED DUE TO LARGE PARTIES!

Main Phone number: 850-267-3666 (Office Manager/Kathleen)

Ocean Club Management

Top review

Tom

Dined on Apr 30, 2025

Always have a great time here❤️ The food, atmosphere, band and staff are amazing!!!!

The Wharf Fish & Oyster Company

4.5

4.5 (48)

$30 and under

Seafood

Pensacola Beach

About the restaurant

The Wharf Fish & Oyster Company is Pensacola Beach's premier dining destination, offering an elevated yet approachable experience that features waterfront views and flavors of the Gulf Coast.

Top review

WendyVIP

Dined on Apr 28, 2025

This was a great place to spend my birthday dinner! The fish and chips were amazing - I don’t love seafood but the cod was incredible. They also had great drinks and surprised me with a yummy birthday cake.

Emerald Waterfront

4.4

4.4 (47)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Navarre

About the restaurant

The Emerald Waterfront Bar and Grill features meticulously hand-cut steaks, freshly caught seafood, an extensive selection of wines and creative cocktails. All of this is offered in a sophisticated yet laid-back beach atmosphere, complemented by stunning views of the serene Navarre Sound. Perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions, The Emerald Waterfront Bar and Grill is an essential destination for those looking for relaxation and an unforgettable dining experience.

Top review

Eric

Dined 3 days ago

A variety of food choices and at good prices. Drink specials. Attentive waiter Aaron.

Señor Frog's - Panama City Beach

3.9

3.9 (36)

$31 to $50

International

Panama City Beach - Bay Point

About the restaurant

Señor Frog’s is known for spreading its party ambiance and good humor. It has already become a staple for offering the perfect mix of fun and flavor. It is a restaurant to have a good time accompanied by family and friends while enjoying yummy dishes and drinks always served with a smile, surrounded by a fun and cheerful atmosphere.

Top review

Paul

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

Good carne asada, served either on a sizzling fajitas platter and served on a regular plate. The only difference besides the sizzling platter seemed to be the peppers served with it. The corn tortillas were excellent. Only complaint is that everything costs extra, including chips and salsa, which are less than mediocre anyway. Chips have no salt and the salsa is not good, so I would not get these again.

The Crazy Lobster Destin

3.3

3.3 (658)

$30 and under

Seafood

Destin

About the restaurant

Looking for a place to fuel up with drinks and fresh or fried seafood, find your feast today overlooking the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay at Poppy’s Crazy Lobster. Share a Steamed Seafood Bucket with your pals, or satisfy your own appetite by keeping it all to yourself—a 2-lb. lobster, snow crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage all seasoned to pure perfection. Taste some of our New Orleans’ favorites like Crawfish étouffée, jambalaya, gumbo, and red beans, or our local specialties such as blackened Redfish, pan seared Amberjack or lobster fettuccine. The signature drinks and full service bar will keep the good times Rollin; Poppy’s Voodoo Juice, an all-time favorite and refreshing tropical cocktail. Live music keeps the restaurant hopping nightly with a variety of musicians and local talents

Reservations made through Open Table will only be held for up to 15 minutes

Top review

AlannahVIP

Dined on Apr 27, 2025

10/10 Seafood and atmosphere!! If you’re looking for views and good seafood, this is the spot. Lots a great shops on this location too

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