Miramar Beach(Destin-Past San Destin) Restaurant Reviews —Pic Heavy—

We just got back from our annual trek to the coast. We tried several new restaurants this time around. Our first stop was Bitterroot. It came recommended by some Destin locals as well as a FBD member, and it did not disappoint. Service was fantastic, and the food was delicious. I had Bombitas(basically Arancini) with a sofrito risotto and mozzarella inside over and Avacodo crema and I had their Short Rib over Miso Cauliflower mash. This dish was outstanding.


Our next stop was Vin’tij right past San Destin. It was good. Service was very good and the food was enjoyable. I had the oyster crostini which was very good. Some in our party order the “Chargrillled Oysters” but we are spoiled in NOLA with this dish. They missed the mark by a lot on that, but everything else was very good. My entree was a Blackened Shrimp charred endive salad which was done nicely.


Staci’s on the Beach was our next dinner. It is on the ground floor of the condo we stayed in, so location was ideal. This place is taking the spot vacated by Soleil. They have some room for improvement. They want to be upscale, but the dishes aren’t there yet. Service was just ok, I will be surprised if they are in this location next year. I had crab claws which were good. I was starving by the time they came and didn’t get a pic. My entree was a papaya marinated skirt steak with corn ribs. The steak was cooked to my liking, but the corn ribs tasted like they had been sitting on the line for a while.

Our next stop was Ovide in the Hotel Effie in the Baytown area. This place popped up on our radar last year and was outstanding. It is still firing on all cylinders. I started with the Fried Chicken Skins. The had a hot honey dipping sauce. They were incredibly rich and delicious and the hot honey was the perfect accompaniment. My entree was their version of shrimp and grits. It was rich and spicy with creamy well seasoned grits. Service was also great. They also validate your valet parking which makes dining there very easy.


We decided to try a closer Italian place and ended up with a reservation at Pazzo Italiano. This one has been added to our favorites list. Service was great and the food was on point. I started with Shredded Porchetta on focaccia bread. It was done in their pizza oven and was perfect. My entree was Papardelle pasta with Italian sausage and mushrooms in a Gouda cream sauce. This was delicious.


Our final dinner of the week was Cantina Laredo it’s our guilty Mexican pleasure. Food is always good and fresh for a chain Mexican place with great service. I had the top shelf guacamole and the Camaron Poblano Asada. We devoured the guac, but here is the entree.