#192 of 199 Destin Restaurants

Ali’s Bistro

Ali's Bistro – Elevated Italian Fare in a Relaxed Environment
Local Expert's Rating:
4.5 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Ali's Bistro is a classic Italian bistro serving the best-loved Italian staples in an upscale casual atmosphere. Mouthwatering food and drinks and a fabulous experience make this a great option for a brunch with friends or a date night. A covered outdoor dining area offers a comfortable escape to sit and relax with your meal. 

- The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team

Whether you’re looking for an upscale lunch or a great date night spot, Ali’s Bistro is tough to beat, particularly when it comes to Italian fare. Authentic, flavorful dishes are carefully plated and served up by attentive servers. An elevated atmosphere keeps things classy but unpretentious. Unlike many of the beachside restaurants in the area, Ali’s Bistro takes things up a notch with white fabric tablecloths and napkins. Each dish, from appetizer to dessert, is presented with a touch of elegance. 

An outdoor seating area adds even more to the experience when the weather is pleasant. Expect your cup to stay filled and your needs to be met practically before you express them. 

Some of our favorite menu items at Ali’s Bistro include: 

Bruschetta
Fresh, homemade baguettes are topped with fresh tomatoes marinated in garlic, fresh herbs, and mozzarella cheese, then drizzled with olive oil. The flavors here are fresh, savory, and perfectly balanced every time. 

Pizzas
Ali’s Bistro serves up a variety of pizza options, all stone-baked, thin-crusted, and authentically crafted. Their chef’s special pizza is particularly delicious. It features prosciutto, sliced tomatoes, parmesan, freshly shredded mozzarella, and a drizzle of heavy cream. Other pizza options include the classic Margherita, veggie lovers, meat lovers, and a huge array of topping options you can combine to create your perfect pie. 

Chicken Piccata 
One of many pasta dishes on the menu, the chicken (or veal) piccata consistently earns rave reviews thanks to the beautiful balance of flavors. The white wine sauce with lemon, butter, and capers pairs beautifully with tender chicken and your choice of pasta. 

Shrimp Scampi
Some of the most frequently-ordered shrimp scampi in Fort Walton Beach is served here. Expect fresh, flavorful shrimp sautéed with garlic and capers and served up with a wonderful lemon and white wine sauce over spaghetti. It’s the classic shrimp scampi, flawlessly executed. 

Drinks 
Enjoy a cappuccino, affogato, or espresso with your lunch or dessert; they’re always hot, fresh, and perfectly prepared. Ali’s Bistro also offers San Pellegrino, Perrier, an excellent wine list, and a variety of sodas to pair with your meal. 

Gelato
It wouldn’t feel like Italy without some homemade gelato to top off your meal. Feel free to ask for samples; the servers are happy to help you find the perfect flavor. Specialty options like the chocolate gelato martini are well worth it. 

It’s hard to go wrong with any of the menu items here. Seafood is always fresh, steaks are tender and cooked to perfection, and service is consistently excellent. Don’t expect a budget meal, but do expect a memorable experience and delectable cuisine. 

Location 
Ali’s Bistro is located in the heart of Fort Walton Beach just a block away from the bridge connecting Fort Walton Beach with Oskaloosa Island. It’s within easy walking distance of Fort Walton Beach Landing Park and several area hotels and resorts. 

Insider Tips:
-Reservations aren’t required, but they are highly recommended if you’re visiting in the evening, particularly on weekends or holidays. 
-Ali’s Bistro is closed all day on Mondays, but they open at 3 pm on other days, so you can grab a late lunch or early dinner to beat the dinner crowd.