#89 of 198 Destin Restaurants

Emeril’s Coastal Italian

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Emeril’s Coastal Italian - Classic Italian Dining
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Emeril’s Coastal Italian offers a classic Italian dining experience, including the pastas, wines, and desserts that have made this cuisine so popular. For something far from canned ravioli, come to the celebrity chef’s newest restaurant and see just how special spaghetti (or any other pasta) can be.

- The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team

Emeril’s Coastal Italian is the latest establishment of Emeril Lagasse, and this one is at least as good as the celebrity chef’s other beloved places. Offering a classic Italian dining experience, this eatery has everything needed for a wonderful meal.

The food menu at Emeril’s Coastal Italian showcases the best of Italian cuisine, and it’s not limited to just pasta. While noodle-based dishes, like Lasagna Bolognese, Fettuccine Nero, Meril’s Linguini and Clams, headline the menu, there’s also a solid selection os soups, salads, bread, pizzas, meat entrees, and other items to choose from. You’ll have a hard time escaping the Italian theme altogether, but diners aren’t limited to ordering only pasta here.

Complementing the food menu is a drink menu that’s literally as expansive. Cocktails, wines, and beers from around the world are available, but there’s certainly a focus on Italian choice. For example, the Hibiscus Italicus is one of the house’s more exceptional cocktails and vino from Italy leads off just about every wine section.

Not to be missed, the restaurant has a good selection of desserts that are nothing short of great. The pies and gelatos can be a meal all in themselves (and many people do come just for dessert), and there’s an equally delectable selection of sweet cocktails too. Pair something that’s eaten with a drink that’s has the same flavors or mix-and-match for a more varied sweet sensation.

All of these dishes are served in an environment that’s evocative of what you might expect Italy to be like. The restaurant is relaxing yet refined, and the servers are always welcoming. The only thing that might be missing is the “ciao” and “Mangia” you’d hear in the Old Country.

Italian food is always a favorite, and this is about the best you’ll find this side of the Atlantic. For a relaxing, filling and flavorful meal, bring your group to Emeril’s Coastal Italian.

A few of our menu favorites at Emeril’s Coastal Italian include:

Lasagna Bolognese
All of the pastas are house-made and worth ordering, but the Lasagna Bolognese is particularly good. The fresh noodles are layered with ricotta, bechamel, and San Marzano to create a dish that’s as good as your Italian grandmother’s. Just don’t let her know we said so.

Meatball Mozzarella Flatbread
Pizza is always a safe choice, but the question is always what to put on it. When you’re at a true Italian establishment, go with house-made meatballs, fresh mozzarella, and basil. The Meatball Mozzarella Flatbread won’t disappoint.

Glass of Wine
The wine list is carefully crafted, and each selection will be a delight to the palette. Ask your server for a recommendation in the category you prefer (Champagne and Sparkling, White, Still Rose, and Red), and indulge the senses.

Bananas Foster Martini
A liquid take on the classic dessert, the Bananas Foster Martini combines spiced rum, creme de cacao, Foster’s puree, cream, cinnamon and nutmeg into a rich indulgence. If you’re a fan of the traditional version, see just how delicious it is in a glass.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mile High Pie
While it might not be a literal mile high, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mile High Pie is a towering pile of seductive goodness. Spoonful by spoonful, slowly work your way down and enjoy the sweet flavor. Despite being a pie, this is a gluten-free selection so people who have an intolerance can share with you.

Insider Tip:
For those who don’t want alcohol, house-made Italian sodas offer an elegant alternative to the more common fountain soda products.