Dining in Destin-Fort Walton Beach with allergies

Vegetarian + Allergy Alternative Dining in Destin FWB

If you don’t eat meat or need to watch out for serious allergens like gluten, shellfish or nuts, don’t worry. Destin and FWB is packed with delicious flavors and tremendous chefs who have created menus with options that offer a little something for everyone.

Salads, burgers, pasta, chicken; most of our favorite local places to eat in Destin – Fort Walton Beach have options that can be easily, and happily, adapted. But, if you’d like to choose from a menu that has been crafted with the vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergy-friendly diner in mind, we have a couple of recommendations.

Pescatarians will rejoice at the Gulf-to-Table seafood options they will find while on vacation in Fort Walton Beach, Destin or on Okaloosa Island. Vegetarians have only slightly fewer options, as most of the signature dishes of our favorite restaurants are just as scrumptious without the seafood. Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer is rated the number one option for vegetarians in the area on Tripadvisor, known for their adaptations. Try their stuffed portabella mushrooms without the crab meat or let the chef create something totally original for you!

Beach Walk Café at The Henderson in Destin is a romantic, adults-only dining option that veggie lovers will also enjoy. What’s not to like about smoked tomato soup or fried risotto with goat cheese? And, that’s just a few of our favorite selections from their starters menu. In addition, Brotula’s and Beach Walk Café are highly rated for their gluten-free menus, as is Louisiana Lagniappe and Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi.

So, what if you’re not just vegetarian, but vegan? Don’t worry! There are several vegan dining options in Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island! The aforementioned vegetarian and gluten-friendly locations will also offer vegan adaptations. You can also hit up fun spots like Zoe’s Kitchen (try the hummus!) and Formula Fresh. Both are located in Destin Commons and ideal for a lunch break during a day of Emerald Coast shopping.

While many dining restrictions can be overcome by a willing and creative chef, which Destin and FWB many of, food allergies are harder. But, it doesn’t have to be when you visit LuLu’s! A family-friendly, bay-front dining option, LuLu’s is owned by the sister of Jimmy Buffet, so not only is she cooking up allergy-friendly options, but also incredible cuisine with coastal flare! Ask to see their gluten, egg, shellfish, seafood, dairy, and soy free menus. They even keep their nuts and cookware used with nuts separate from everything else in the kitchen!

Dining with food restrictions doesn’t have to restrict your Destin Florida vacation. While we’ve listed a few of the most popular options here, don’t be shy about asking any of our local restaurants to serve up an alternative. It’s just another opportunity for our chefs to flex their skills and show off!