Four restaurants in Okaloosa and Walton counties were named Michelin Recommended in the 2026 Michelin Guide Florida, released in May. It was the first time the guide’s Florida selections covered the entire state, including the Panhandle.
- Bitterroot in Destin, The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant in Seaside, Roux 30A in Grayton Beach and Evie Mae’s BBQ in Miramar Beach each earned the designation.
The three Walton County restaurants were recognized at the June 30 Board of County Commissioners meeting, where commissioners presented commemorative plaques to Chef Nikhil Abuvala of The Daytrader and Roux 30A and to Arnis and Mallory Robbins of Evie Mae’s BBQ.
Bitterroot is the first restaurant in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area to earn a Michelin recommendation.
Bitterroot
Bitterroot, a farm-to-table Southern restaurant at 4463 Commons Drive West in Destin, earned its Michelin Recommended designation the same week it reopened after a kitchen expansion.
The Michelin Guide described the restaurant as offering “so much more than expected,” highlighting dishes like a charred house-made biscuit with bone marrow and black pepper gravy, Gulf shrimp and grits, and house-made pecan pie with brown butter ice cream.
Executive Chef Chadwick Donelson posted a message on the restaurant’s Facebook page after the recognition was announced.
- “When we opened Bitterroot, the goal was never an award,” Donelson wrote. “The goal was to build something worth believing in. A place where people could take pride in their work. A place where people could learn a craft.”
Donelson credited members of his kitchen team by name and thanked the restaurant’s farmers, fishermen and early supporters.
“This is a receipt for the work,” he wrote. “Nothing more, nothing less.”
Jennifer Adams, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourist Director, said the recognition reflects the area’s growing dining scene.
“Accolades like this not only celebrate the remarkable talent found within Bitterroot’s kitchen but also reinforce Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s growing reputation as a destination where visitors can enjoy unforgettable dining experiences alongside our world-class beaches,” Adams said.
The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant
The Daytrader in Seaside blends Polynesian-inspired flavors with a beach-town atmosphere. In addition to its Michelin Recommended status, the restaurant received the Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award.
“The MICHELIN Guide is one of the most well-respected guides in the entire world,” Chef Abuvala said. “For them to finally get their way over to Florida and to recognize us is probably one of the most amazing things in the entire world for me.”
Roux 30A
Also led by Abuvala, Roux 30A in Grayton Beach’s Art District is built around shared dining experiences and multi-course tasting menus. Abuvala, a longtime figure in the Gulf Coast culinary scene, was named a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: South.
Evie Mae’s BBQ
Evie Mae’s BBQ brings Texas-style barbecue to Miramar Beach, with cut-to-order meats and house-made sides.
“Being recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, especially in the first year that the panhandle and the entire state is included, is a huge accomplishment for us that we’re proud of,” owner Arnis Robbins said. “Opening here has been difficult, and this is just one thing that makes it feel like it’s all been worth staying the course.”
Matt Algarin, Walton County tourism director, said the recognitions reflect the growing reputation of the area as a culinary destination.
“Each one has created a dynamic experience that attracts visitors and delights locals alike,” Algarin said.
One Response
Congratulations to all of you! Such an honor for you and your staff to have your hard work and dedication to the culinary art recognized! My husband and I look forward to visiting your establishments!