8 Best Places to Cook your Catch on Destin Harbor

Cook your Catch at Brotulas

So you’ve had a great day fishing with us and now you want to find a restaurant to cook your fresh catch? Luckily there are plenty of great options nearby on Destin Harbor to choose from.

Pelican Adventures crew cleaning and preparing fresh caught fish on Destin Harbor

When you get off the boat, our crew will clean and prepare your fish for you so it’s ready to cook. If you want to head to a restaurant with it from there and let someone else do the cooking, this list will give you plenty of ideas of where to go.

Bag of fish from Pelican Adventures

It’s always best to call the restaurant ahead to make sure they can accommodate your “Hook and Cook” dinner. Most places in Destin offering this service are fine with walk-ins but during the busy season some might have guidelines on when they are able to do it.

Prices at the restaurants vary depending on type of fish, how you want it prepared and what sides are included.

Catching snapper on the Vera Marie boat

The most common type of fish brought to the Destin restaurants to cook are Triggerfish, Grouper, Mahi, and Red Snapper when they are in season and also Vermillion Snapper which is caught all year.

1. Harbor Docks

Website: https://www.harbordocks.com

Cook your Catch at Harbor Docks

Harbor Docks is conveniently located right next door to us so you could walk straight over there with your fish if you are hungry or else come back later for dinner.

Harbor Docks has been serving our community for over 40 years and is a favorite spot among locals and visitors. They are happy to cook your fresh catch for you with a variety of styles and side options.

2. Harbor Tavern

Website: https://www.facebook.com/theharbortavernfl/

Harbor Tavern Restaurant

Harbor Tavern is a hidden gem that opened in 2019 so it’s still a bit of a locals secret; and the locals do love it. They are located on the harbor sharing the same parking area as the Boathouse and the Red Door Saloon.

Harbor Tavern has an outdoor shaded patio along with an indoor open-air bar and seating area. Their kitchen is operated from their onsite food truck and they are known for fresh, simple but unique offerings.

3. Boathouse Oyster Bar

Website: http://boathouseoysterbardestin.com

Boathouse Oyster Bar Cook Your Catch

The Boathouse Oyster bar is a casual eatery directly on Destin Harbor. Famous for their live music, lively atmosphere and locals crowd, they welcome cooking up your fresh catch for you.

4. Brotulas

Website: https://www.brotulas.com

Cook your Catch at Brotulas

Brotulas is the best known spot in Destin for cooking your catch and their family style spread with several sides gets rave reviews. After your fishing trip, just bring your filets up and give them your name.

At Brotulas, you can choose to have your fish grilled, blacked, fried or all three served on a family style platter with sides such as mashed potatoes, cheese grits, asparagus, brussel sprouts, and fries.

5. Dewey Destins

Website: http://www.destinseafood.com/Harborside-Restaurant/

Cook your Catch at Dewey Destins

Dewey Destin’s is a long time tradition since Dewey’s great, great grandfather, Leonard Destin, founded the town in 1835. The original location is on Calhoun Avenue but you can also enjoy the same fresh food and great service with their harborside location.

Dewey Destin’s has the Cook your Catch option on their menu offering to serve your fish up fried, grilled, blackened or bronzed and served family style with the choice of 2 sides.

6. Tailfins

Website: https://tailfinsdestin.com

Cook your Catch Tailfins

Tailfins is so serious about this service that they painted on the building “You Hook it, We Cook it” to let people know they welcome your fresh catch.

Tailfins has several options to prepare your fish with various side options and incredible views to go with it from their multi-level indoor/outdoor dining decks.

7. Ajs Seafood and Oyster House

Website: https://ajsdestin.com

Cook your Catch at Ajs

Speaking of views, AJ’s is located right next to Tailfins and also offers sweeping panoramic views of Destin Harbor while you enjoy your dinner. They can usually accommodate cooking your fresh catch for you except during the busiest of peak times.

AJ’s is also home to some of the most popular events in Destin, including the Destin Fishing Rodeo, so there’s lots of fun and entertainment to enjoy with your meal.

For more about the Destin Fishing Rodeo, check out this post we wrote with all the details: Destin Fishing Rodeo: Your Guide to all the Fun

8. Harry T’s

Website: https://www.harryts.com

Cook your Catch Harry Ts

Harry T’s is located directly on Destin Harbor at HarborWalk Village and will cook up your catch Blackened, Fried or Grilled, plus fries and a side.

Harry T’s is an especially great choice in the fall if you like football as it’s one of the most popular spots in Destin to catch the big games on multiple TV’s around the dining area and plenty of excited fans. They also have outdoor dining if you prefer the water views.

Cook your Catch on Destin Harbor
Above is a map of Destin Harbor showing the locations of the best “Cook your Catch” restaurant options in this post.

Pelican Adventures Fishing Charters

Vera Marie Party/Walk-on Boat

The Vera Marie is a 70′ walk-around boat with space for up to 65 anglers on each fishing trip. She has a sun deck, large air-conditioned salon, restroom and a full service sports bar with multiple satellite TV’s.

Fishing trips on the Vera Marie start at just $79 per person so it’s a great opportunity to get out on a deep sea fishing trip without breaking the bank.

The Vera Marie boat is also available for private fishing charters. This can include corporate parties, holiday events, family reunions, weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties and more. 

Good Times Boat

Our Good Times boat is a 40′ Sea Harvester available for up to 20 anglers at a time.  She has a large walk-around air conditioned cabin and restroom onboard.

Good Times Boat

The Good Times Boat is also available for both shared and private fishing charters.


We hope this post helps you find the perfect place to enjoy your fresh caught fish. To book your next fishing excursion with us, visit our online booking page or give us a call at the office at 850-650-3825. We look forward to fishing with you!

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