Calling All Sushi Lovers! Top 3 Sushi Spots around Destin

Welcome to the Emerald Coast: beautiful weather year round, serene landscapes that erase your worries, and of course, some of the freshest seafood you can find in the country. With seafood pulled straight from the Gulf and delivered to your plate in record time, there is no doubt that this area is a haven for sushi lovers. 

If the idea of warm, sticky rice, fish that melts in your mouth, and rolls that are equally as beautiful as they are delicious makes your mouth water and your legs shake, then you have come to the right place. As self proclaimed sushi connoisseurs, we have enjoyed all the sushi our area has to offer, and have found the top 3 spots that are sure to leave your minds blown and tums full. 

1. Sushimoto 

All we can say is, WOW! Located in Miramar Beach, Sushimoto is an intimate sushi bar that produces some of the most delicious sushi and Japanese fare we have ever had, ever. With dim lighting, simple yet chic decor and soft house beats playing in the background, Sushimoto delivers a warm and inviting atmosphere with their plates as the main show. Their sushi rolls never disappoint, boasting super fresh fish and a variety of creative ingredients that work together to create fireworks of flavor on your palette. Some of our favorites include the Starburst roll which combines lemon and cilantro for a boost of flavor, and the Harmony Salad, which is like a seafood salad on steroids. If you don't know what to try on the menu, you can always ask Sushimoto's very freindly staff. They love making reccomendations, and somehow seem to know what you need more than you do. If you're really trusting, tell them to pick their favorites for you. It will not disappoint!

We believe the sushi here is so good, because owner Andy is probably the kindest human you have ever met! He is so humble and gracious, welcoming all of his customers with open arms and endearing smile. Andy is the mind behind Sushimoto's amazing menu, and you can taste the love and intention put into his plates with every bite.

Sushimoto often fills up quickly and they are first come first serve, so plan to get there early or be prepared to wait. It is certainly worth it, so order a glass of sake, have a seat, and work up an appetite. Don't take our word for it though! Roll your way into Sushimoto, say hi to Andy for us, and see what we mean!

2. Camille's

Camille's at Crystal Beach clenches the number two spot as they have been a beloved go-to in Destin for years. Located just steps from the Crystal Beach public beach access, Camille's Restaurant and Cafe have earned the love of the locals and visitors alike. With Gulf to Table seafood being a main feature of their dishes, Camille's prioritizes fresh fish over all else. If you are accompanied by a non sushi lover, do not fret! Camille's has an excellent menu with a variety of options so everyone can find something they love. Here, you will find an eclectic vibe, with a combination of wood walls, cozy lamps and light fixtures along the ceiling, and various artworks splashing the walls. Camille's is another place that feels very inviting, just waiting for you to come in and get your fill. 

Camille's is owned by the same restaurant group as Harbor Docks, so it is important to note that Harbor Docks deserves honorable mention in our list of great sushi in Destin as well. Both sushi menus at Camille's and Harbor Docks were crafted by the sushi master, Chef Yoshie Eddings. These menus are filled with handmade sushi rolls, some simple and some incredible works of art with fish as the medium, and all bursting with flavor.

Our two favorite rolls include:

The Big Papi, which will have you getting down with sauce and spice- the TNT is similar and also amaze-balls

The Backdown roll, filled with crunchy shrimp tempura, topped with tuna and krab stick, and noted as Ol' Reliable in our book.

Being that Camille's is a very popular spot, this is another place you will want to plan for a possible wait. We love to put our name in and walk across the street to enjoy the sunset while we wait to be seated, or say hi to our girl Holly at the bar! 

3. Soi Bistro

Soi Bistro is an absolute GEM. Located in Fort Walton Beach, it is a darling casual eatery that never ceases to amaze us. The space is open + relaxed, perfect for customers to stop in for a quick lunch (hello wonderful lunch specials!) or stay for multiple courses and their large selection of sake. Their menu has a wide variety of sharable Asian plates, but of course, the sushi is what keeps us coming back for more. 

Soi Bistro is focused on delivering a dining experience that is both filled with creativity as  well as quality ingredients. They have a large sushi menu, with over 50 rolls ranging from basic to signature, and everything in between such as fried rolls or soy paper wrapped rolls. With this many options to choose from, you're bound to find something you love. One of our favorites is the Cookie Monster, deep fried to a crispy golden brown, and topped with mputh watering poke salmon and lemon. If you have never been here, make it a priority. You can thank us later!

Did you visit a spot we mentioned? Tag us on instagram and use the hashtag #stayeatplay850 so we can see what you loved about our favorite places, too!

Have a suggestion for a sushi place we missed, or a question about the area? Please do not hesitate to reach out!

Love, 

Emerald Coast Home Collective