Okaloosa and Walton counties are home to many restaurants and attractions. The counties continue to expand with more things to do and more places to eat.
Here is a look at the restaurants that have opened during the first half of the year. For more information on these restaurants, check our stories and the properties’ websites and social media.
Cabana Cantina
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach announced the opening of Cabana Cantina & Tequileria on located at 1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE. Read our story here.
First Watch
First Watch, a popular breakfast, brunch and lunch chain, opened on April 20 at 547 Mary Esther Cutoff NW. Read our story here.
7 Brew
Two 7 Brew Coffee locations opened at 799 Beal Parkway and 490 Mary Esther Blvd. Read our stories here and here.
Sea Oats Kitchen & Bar
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach announced the opening of Sea Oats Kitchen & Bar located at 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway SE. Read our story here.
Empanola
Offering 21 flavors of empandas, Empanola is open next to the Exxon gas station on Emerald Coast Parkway at 4618 Opa-Locka Lane on the east end of Destin. For more about the New Orleans-based franchise restaurant, read our story here.
Bowled Health Foods
Bowled Healthy Food Company, which celebrated its grand opening on March 7, is located at 4467A Commons Drive W. in Destin near Marshalls and Fresh Market. For more about Bowled, read our story here.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: These Okaloosa and Walton County restaurants opened during the first half of 2026
Reporting by DeonTay Smith and Tina Harbuck, Northwest Florida Daily News / Northwest Florida Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By DeonTay Smith and Tina Harbuck, Northwest Florida Daily News | USA TODAY Network
