2024 Restaurant Spotlight: Capt. Dave’s on the Gulf
A long-standing history of amazing food and views
For as long as she can remember, Jill Marler has known the importance of gathering around the dinner table. Her career and livelihood revolves around keeping families coming back to the tables of Destin’s longest running restaurant.
In 1968, her parents, Dave and Jane, opened their restaurant alongside only two other restaurants in the area. Throughout 56 years, the restaurant has become one of the region’s most loved seafood spots.
“This restaurant has always been a part of my life, since I was a baby running around with a bottle in my hands,” said Jill Marler. “The area has grown so much and changed over the years, but we’ve built a reputation that holds on to customers and keeps them coming back.”
With her husband and son assisting in managing the restaurant, it has become a second- and third-generation run business. Many of the employees have been with the restaurant for over 30 years. Their deep-rooted knowledge of its inner workings keeps service consistent and puts an emphasis on quality control regarding menu offerings.
Even when products may be limited, Marler prioritizes only the freshest local seafood in the kitchen.
“We’ve never skimped on quality, which has always paid off,” said Marler.
The menu reflects classic American cuisine with a Gulf Coast twist. This can be tasted in the most popular dishes such as Stuffed Shrimp Parmesan and Mahi Parmesan. Both dishes, which were the creations of Jane Marler, are topped with a homemade Italian Parmesan cream sauce.
While Marler describes Captain Dave’s as casual family dining, the floor-to-ceiling windows providing scenic views of the Gulf make it feel like an elevated experience. Plus, each table has a dedicated server who handles every aspect of the experience, promising a meal that arrives with ease and is sure to please.
“We are a no-pressure, family-oriented restaurant that’s guaranteed to serve you great food for the value of your dollar,” said Marler. “Plus, you can’t beat the views.”
Capt. Dave’s On The Gulf
3796 Scenic U.S. Highway 98, Destin | (850) 837-2627 | captdavesonthegulf.com
