#96 of 197 Destin Restaurants

Grande Vista Bar and Grille

See all photos (19 Photos)
Grande Vista Bar and Grill: A Hidden Gem Offering Seafood Classics and a Pleasant Atmosphere
Local Expert's Rating:
4.5 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Head to Destin's Grande Vista Bar and Grill for a cozy, laid-back, and delicious meal away from the hustle and bustle of the HarborWalk Village's more popular restaurants. 

- The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team

Something of a hidden gem, Grande Vista Bar and Grill might not have a contemporary atmosphere or attract the most visitors among its competitors in Destin’s HarborWalk Village — but therein lies its charm. When other restaurants get crowded or suffer long wait times, the Grande Vista Bar and Grill remains perfectly accessible. Its relaxed atmosphere is especially appreciated during the peak of tourist season.

The Grande Vista is situated within the Emerald Grande, so it tends to primarily attract vacationers staying at the resort. Still, it’s open to the public; all guests are welcomed with open arms.

When you arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to request a specific seating area. When in doubt, head outside. You’ll enjoy a great view by the pool, plus a refreshing breeze that will have you feeling completely relaxed. The inside seating area is beautifully decorated but may feel dark and cramped in comparison.

A variety of different menus are available at various times of the day, so you could enjoy a completely different experience depending on if you visit for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, or dinner. No matter what you order or when you’re guaranteed to receive food so fresh, you’ll expect it to hop off the plate. 

Enjoy your meal alongside a handcrafted beverage. A vast drink menu is offered, with several selections discounted significantly during happy hour. A variety of virgin cocktails and milkshakes are available to those who wish to treat themselves without consuming alcohol.

A few of our favorite menu items include the following:

Cinnamon Vanilla French Toast
Start your day with this delectable French toast. Sliced sourdough forms the basis of this meal, with cinnamon and vanilla egg batter adding plenty of flavors. Griddled to the perfect shade of golden brown, this tasty breakfast can be served alongside Virginia ham, applewood smoked bacon, or sausage links.

Grouper Tacos
Seafood is always a wise choice at the Grande Vista Bar and Grill. Choose from grilled, blackened, or fried grouper; no matter which approach you take, your grouper will be served on warm tortillas and topped with purple cabbage, diced tomato, green onion, and cheddar cheese. These tasty tacos also come with guacamole, chipotle sauce, salsa, and tortilla chips.

Fried Group and Shrimp Basket
Another top option for seafood lovers, this basket comes with generous servings of fried favorites. You’ll also receive an equally generous serving of French fries.

Norriego Burger
If you’re not in the mood for seafood, you may find yourself drawn to this juicy burger. Featuring certified Angus beef, your juicy patty is grilled to perfection and topped with red onion, lettuce, and tomato. Feel free to add applewood bacon or cheese for a small additional charge. Like all sandwiches served at the Grande Vista, your burger comes with fries and your choice of pasta salad or fresh fruit.

Grande Key Lime Pie
The sizable portions at the Grande Vista make it difficult to save room for dessert. If you can find room for a sweet treat, however, you’ll fall in love with this fun take on Florida’s most iconic dessert. It offers the sweet, yet tangy flavor you’ve come to expect from key lime pie but is also served with mango coulis and whipped cream.

Offering a vast selection of menu items, the Grande Vista Bar and Grill is capable of pleasing nearly any type of visitor. Your order will be served fresh and with plenty of love.

Insider Tips:
– The restaurant’s location within the Emerald Grande can prove confusing those not staying at the resort. If you arrive by car, feel free to park in the public garage situated beneath the resort’s iconic towers. From there, you can easily reach the restaurant. 
– The Grande Vista offers a unique ‘cook your catch’ menu that allows you to catch your own meal without dealing with the hassle of preparation. Reservations are required, with at least a two-hour allowance needed to ensure your catch can be prepared and cooked in time.