Best Sushi in Miramar Beach & Destin, FL (A Local’s Picks)
Living on the Emerald Coast makes you a little picky about sushi. We’re surrounded by the Gulf, so the bar is high, and after almost 25 years of eating my way from Destin to Miramar Beach, I have a short list I send people to without hesitation. One is a tiny strip-mall gem run by the nicest owner around, one has a sushi bar with a view of the boats coming in, and one is hiding next to an Irish pub (yes, really).
Here are my favorite places for sushi in Miramar Beach and Destin, starting with my number one.
Looking for more local picks? Check out my guides to dinner in Miramar Beach and dinner in Destin for the full picture.
My Top Pick
Some restaurants you like. Sushimoto is the one I’m loyal to, and I’ve been going for years.
Photo: Sushimoto
Sushimoto
A tiny, easy-to-miss strip-mall spot in Miramar Beach with family-owned, fusion-leaning sushi and a devoted local following. I can’t get enough of this place, and a big part of that is the owner. Andy is the heart of it all, stopping by every table like you’re family and making sure your visit feels personal, not transactional. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
My go-to order: the MotoRolla. And ask about the off-menu rolls, because plenty of regulars swear by them.
The space is small, there are no reservations, and it’s first come, first served, so go a little early or go hungry and patient (ideally both). It’s closed Sundays and Mondays, and worth the wait every single time.
Sushi with a View
Sushi just tastes better when you can watch the boats come in.
Photo: Harbor Docks
Harbor Docks
A Destin institution since 1979, Harbor Docks started as a weather-beaten little cottage with six picnic tables and has grown into a sprawling deck along the waterfront with several sushi bars. The seafood comes from their own wholesale market, so it doesn’t get much fresher, and the harbor views are the bonus on top of a really good plate of sushi. It’s casual, it’s local, and it’s exactly what a Destin dinner should feel like.
This is the spot I take guests when they’re visiting for the first time, because you get the view, the sushi, and the whole harbor atmosphere in one stop. My go-to order: the Cowboy Roll. Grab a seat at the sushi bar if you can.
The Old-School Favorite
Some places earn their spot by simply sticking around, and doing it well.
Camille’s at Crystal Beach
Tucked upstairs above the Beachside Inn on Scenic 98, right across from the beach, Camille’s has been a local favorite for more than 20 years. It’s the kind of place where you can walk off the sand and straight into dinner, and it manages to feel both a little upscale and totally laid-back at the same time. The sushi bar is the star, with award-winning sushi from chef Yoshie Eddings, and the Gulf seafood comes from the Harbor Docks seafood market. That’s because Camille’s is Harbor Docks’ sister restaurant, so if you love one, you’ll love the other.
My go-to order: the Backdown Roll. Dinner starts at 5, and the casual café downstairs does coffee, smoothies, and breakfast during the day. Make an evening of it by taking a stroll along the beach after dinner.
Casual & Crowd-Pleasing
Every group has one person who says “I’ll just have the chicken.” This one is for them, and for everyone else too.
Photo: Zen Japanese Grill & Sushi Bistro
Zen Japanese Grill & Sushi Bistro
One of Miramar Beach’s newer Japanese spots, Zen sits right on US-98 and has a big menu that covers all the bases: creative sushi and sashimi rolls, small plates like gyoza and edamame, hibachi dinners, and a list of sake and Japanese cocktails. It’s a clean, modern space with friendly service and generous portions, and it’s a smart pick when your table is a mix of sushi lovers and people who’d rather skip the raw fish.
My go-to order: the Cajun Jalapeño. The menu is long, so give yourself a minute to browse (or ask your server what they’d pick). It’s also a solid option for takeout when you want good sushi on the couch.
The Surprise
Plot twist: some of the most fun sushi in Destin is hiding next to an Irish pub.
Photo: McGuire’s Sushi
McGuire’s Sushi
Most people know McGuire’s for the famous Irish pub, but right next door on Harbor Blvd is a sushi restaurant that many locals (and plenty of visitors) walk right past. These days it goes by Wagyu (McGuire’s Japanese Sushi & Steaks), and it’s known for big, inventive rolls, creative cocktails, and a cool, welcoming vibe that works for date night or a celebration dinner. The Godzilla roll, with soft shell crab and shrimp drizzled in eel sauce, is a crowd favorite, and the Bruce Lee roll gets a lot of love from regulars.
My go-to order: the McGuire Roll. It’s also a great one when your group can’t agree, since the steaks and the sushi are both on the menu. Afterward, wander next door to the pub, where the walls are covered in signed dollar bills.
Ready to Plan Your Sushi Night?
Whether you’re after a hidden gem with an owner who treats you like family, a table with a view of the harbor, or a spot that everyone at the table can agree on, Miramar Beach and Destin have you covered. Save this guide for your next trip, and bring your appetite.
Looking for more local picks? Check out my guides to happy hour in Destin, dessert in Destin, and lunch in Miramar Beach for the full picture.
Did I miss one of your favorite sushi spots? Leave a comment, because I’m always looking for another great local recommendation. And if you found this guide useful, save it for your next trip to the Emerald Coast!
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