#128 of 199 Destin Restaurants

Sandcastles Restaurant

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Sandcastles Restaurant: Destin's Amercan Family Bistro
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Located inside the Hilton Sandestin Resort, Sandcastles Restaurant and Lounge serves a buffet and a la carte breakfast, as well as lunch, dinner, and late-night lounge menus and drinks. Their breakfast is a great choice every time, and their extensive menu caters to a wide variety of tastes, but the quality of service and time to receive your food can be wildly inconsistent from one visit to the next. 

- The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team

Located at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort, Sandcastles Restaurant is the in-resort restaurant offering a well-supplied buffet of food options, as well as dinner and lunch menus later in the day. You’ll find a variety of menu items to fit the tastes of everyone in your group, a clean, well-designed dining area, and friendly, attentive service. Breakfast menu items tend to rise to the top, but some dinner offerings can be hit or miss when it comes to food quality and wait time. 

Sandcastles dubs itself an “American Family Bistro,” and it lives up to its name. The atmosphere is elegant but not posh–a relaxing stop whether you’re going out on a casual date or enjoying a family breakfast. A full buffet breakfast, as well as a la carte options, ensure you’ll have plenty of options to start your day. An ample kids’ menu caters to younger tastes, and late-night snack options in the lounge ensure that guests and visitors won’t go to bed hungry. 

Some of our favorite menu items include: 

The Buffet Breakfast 
The buffet breakfast has something for everyone; it’s well-stocked with eggs, hash browns, breakfast meats, fruit, yogurt, cereals, pastries, and all the breakfast staples you’d expect at an expansive breakfast bar. Service is prompt and friendly; servers will keep your coffee or juice refreshed while you enjoy your meal. 

The Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich 
An often-overlooked basic, the grilled chicken breast sandwich should not be taken for granted. The perfectly-cooked, savory grilled chicken breast pairs beautifully with roasted tomato aioli, pepperoncini, and lettuce, and it’s served on a refreshingly chewy, flavorful sourdough roll. The lunch menu boasts many great sandwiches, but there’s a good reason this one is at the top. 

Seafood Jambalaya Pasta
There’s nothing like being at the Gulf to put you in the mood for a good jambalaya, and the Sandcastle certainly does jambalaya well. Enjoy Gulf shrimp, clams, andouille sausage, bell peppers, onions, and pappardelle pasta in a spicy parmesan cream sauce. The combination of sharp, fresh flavors and the creamy sauce makes for a to-die-for entree every time. As with all entrees, the Seafood Jambalaya Pasta is served with a house salad, too–which is always fresh, crisp, and delicious. 

House-Made White Chocolate Cheesecake
Never overlook the power of an excellent dessert. Sandcastle makes their white chocolate cheesecake in-house, and it shows; fresh, never-frozen, creamy cheesecake is topped with fresh berries and real whipped cream. For true cheesecake connoisseurs, this one is a must-try. 

Sandcastles Restaurant and Lounge is located in the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, just west of the Topsail Hill Preserve. It’s worth a stop even if you’re not a guest of the Hilton, and you’ll find easily-accessible parking if you’re driving onto the property just for Sandcastles. 

Insider Tips:
– If you’re going for breakfast, opt for the buffet option. Unlike many buffets, you’ll find this one stocked with hot, fresh foods, and you’ll be able to choose from a much wider variety for your money than if you order a la carte. 
– It’s hard to beat a decadent adult coffee beverage in the evenings, especially if you’re a guest on the property. Try the Brandy Alexander for ice cream, brandy, and creme de cocoa delight. 
– In search of GF dishes? You’re in luck! Sandcastles Restaurant has a wide variety of gluten-free plates among its offerings.