Nestled along the Choctawhatchee Bay, Kelly Plantation isn’t just celebrated for its lush fairways and dreamy waterfront homes. For locals and visitors alike, this gated Destin enclave serves up a vibrant, often surprising, food scene. Whether you’re craving a laid-back lunch, a bakery treat, or a memorable dinner, Kelly Plantation and its neighboring crossroads have you covered. From acclaimed fine dining and brunch favorites to cherished hidden gems, let’s take an appetizing stroll through the best eats in and around Kelly Plantation.
Standout Restaurants for Every Occasion
Primrose
Location: 4201 Indian Bayou Trail, at The Henderson Resort
If you’re looking for an elevated culinary experience minutes from Kelly Plantation, Primrose is the crown jewel. Executive chefs put a modern, Gulf-inspired twist on steaks and fresh-caught seafood. Specialties like the Seared Grouper with herb beurre blanc or the house-cut Prime Rib draw foodies from all over Destin. The atmosphere is bright and airy—ideal for celebrations or a cozy date night. Expect dinner entrées from $28-$45, and don’t miss their extravagant weekend brunch.
Craft Bar – Destin
Location: 4424 Commons Dr E, near the Kelly Plantation entrance
A local favorite for its curated craft beer list and inventive gastropub fare, Craft Bar feels both relaxed and high-energy. The menu features Southern twists on everything from burgers and salads to gourmet mac and cheese. Try the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich or their rare wagyu burger—both pack a flavor punch. Most meals are in the $15-$25 range. Pro tip: grab a seat on the patio for a breezy, dog-friendly lunch.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Location: 15000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Grand Boulevard
Just a short hop from Kelly Plantation, this iconic steakhouse chain delivers flawlessly cooked steaks and impeccable service. Start with their sizzling crab cakes, then sink your teeth into a buttery filet. Prices are on the higher end (entrées $45+), but it’s perfect for anniversaries or celebrating milestones.
Café Culture and Sweet Treats
Camille’s at Crystal Beach
Location: 2931 Scenic Hwy 98, a short drive from Kelly Plantation
No food tour is complete without mentioning Camille’s. Famous for its laid-back surfside vibes, Camille’s offers both a bistro and café setting. Grab a smoothie bowl or a flaky croissant at the café for breakfast on the go, or linger over Gulf sushi rolls in the upstairs restaurant. Espresso drinks and pastries start around $3, and lunch plates run $10-$18.
Honeycomb Kitchen & Bakery
Location: 408 Racetrack Rd NE, nearby in Fort Walton Beach
A little off the beaten path but worth every bite: Honeycomb Kitchen draws raves for its artisan pastries and locally baked breads. Their cinnamon rolls are legendary, as are the savory breakfast scones and quiche. Pair your treat with a locally roasted coffee. Most items are under $7, making this a sweet stop whether you’re fueling up for golf or grabbing brunch to-go.
The Pancakery
Location: 960 Highway 98, convenient to Kelly Plantation
An institution among breakfast lovers, The Pancakery serves monster-sized pancakes, omelets, and breakfast burritos in a friendly, retro atmosphere. Bring friends and go big with the Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes—a towering stack topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream (about $10). For families, this spot is a must.
Quick Bites and Food Trucks
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Location: 34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Silver Sands area
When pizza cravings strike, Grimaldi’s delivers hand-tossed, coal-fired masterpieces in a lively bistro setting just minutes from Kelly Plantation. The Mediterranean Salad and the Margherita Pizza are standouts. Pies start at about $14, with gluten-free options available.
Destin Food Truck Park
Location: Across from Destin Commons at Hwy 98 and Commons Dr E
For a taste of Destin’s growing street food scene, check out the rotating lineup of trucks at the Destin Food Truck Park. Expect everything from fresh Gulf shrimp tacos and Korean BBQ bowls to gourmet grilled cheese. It’s a great spot for casual, grab-and-go lunches ($8-$15), and the communal picnic tables make it easy to sample a bit of everything.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
The Local Market
Location: 950 Gulf Shore Dr, Harbor District
Though a little drive past the gates of Kelly Plantation, The Local Market is worth every mile. This laid-back breakfast and lunch café is beloved by locals for scratch-made Southern comfort food. Standouts include the breakfast skillet bowls, avocado toast, and rotating daily specials—think gumbo, smoked brisket, or fresh salads. Meals range from $9-$14.
Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer
Location: 210 Harbor Blvd, Destin Harbor
If you want to eat like a local, Brotula’s is a can’t-miss spot. Set on the Destin Harbor with sprawling water views, Brotula’s specializes in classic Gulf seafood: steamed Royal Reds, fish tacos, and “Catch of the Day” dinners. Bring your own fresh catch, and they’ll prepare it for you, Destin-style! Entrées range $18-$35, and the upbeat vibe makes it perfect for group dining.
Savory Traditions and Neighborhood Flavor
Besides its mix of upscale and casual destinations, Kelly Plantation’s food culture is shaped by coastal influences—think fresh seafood at nearly every turn, smoked Southern meats, and breezy, open-air patios that make dining itself a social event. Keep an eye out for neighborhood food truck rallies (especially in peak season) and locally hosted chef dinners at the Plantation’s clubhouse—exclusive for residents but occasionally open to the public for special occasions.
And don’t skip out on dessert: southern pecan pie and key lime treats pop up on nearly every restaurant menu, making a sweet ending to your Kelly Plantation food adventure.
Conclusion: A Destination for Every Appetite
Whether you’re after a sunrise pastry, a chef-driven dinner, or a filling lunch after a day on the water, Kelly Plantation and its surrounding streets offer a dining lineup as varied as its scenery. From family-friendly pancakes and café lattes to oyster po’boys and steakhouse perfection, the best way to taste it all is to explore—hungry and with an open mind. Grab a friend and let your appetite lead the way through one of Destin’s most deliciously promising neighborhoods.