Pandora’s Steakhouse reopens in Destin at HarborWalk Village

By AI, Created 4:51 PM UTC, May 26, 2026, /AGP/ – Pandora’s Steakhouse has reopened in Destin’s HarborWalk Village, bringing back the Emerald Coast institution after its 2017 closure. The revival pairs the Montalto family with Celebrity Chef Tim Creehan and restores signature dishes, memorabilia and a waterfront dining experience tied to three generations of local history.

Why it matters: - Pandora’s Steakhouse was a long-running Destin dining landmark and the Emerald Coast’s oldest family-owned steakhouse. - The reopening brings back a familiar fine-dining spot for locals and visitors who tied celebrations, traditions and community memories to the restaurant. - The return also adds a recognizable waterfront dining option at HarborWalk Village at Emerald Grand.

What happened: - Pandora’s Steakhouse officially reopened at HarborWalk Village at Emerald Grand, 56 Harbor Boulevard, Destin, Florida 32541. - The restaurant closed its original location in 2017 and has returned through a partnership between the Montalto family and Celebrity Chef Tim Creehan. - Sal Montalto, grandson of founder Sam Montalto, is serving as general manager. - The reopening restores a restaurant founded in 1978 and known for premium steaks, fresh seafood, a wine list and oak-fired prime rib.

The details: - The original Pandora’s was founded by Sam Montalto in 1978 and became a cornerstone of Destin’s dining scene. - The restaurant was known as the area’s first true fine-dining destination when most nearby options were more casual and seafood-focused. - The new location brings back an oak-burning wood grill for steaks and Pandora’s prime rib. - The Frangelica Freeze, an Italian hazelnut liqueur ice cream drink once reserved for VIP regulars, is now available to all guests. - Plans call for a dedicated Frangelica Freeze Bar on the front porch with alcoholic, non-alcoholic and mocktail versions. - The reopened restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining with views of Destin Harbor, the fishing fleet and surrounding water activity. - Former customers have started returning original décor and memorabilia they kept after the 2017 closing sale. - The recovered items include artifacts tied to the restaurant’s history of hosting notable guests and longtime regulars. - Reservations are available through the restaurant website and OpenTable. - Media opportunities include interviews with Tim Creehan and Sal Montalto, plus on-site photo and video access and cooking demonstrations.

Between the lines: - The reopening is being framed as a restoration, not a reinvention, with the original flavors and standards positioned as the core draw. - The return of memorabilia and décor suggests the restaurant still holds strong emotional value in the Destin community. - The waterfront setting gives Pandora’s a fresh operational advantage while keeping the brand tied to its legacy.

What’s next: - Pandora’s plans to expand the experience with the Frangelica Freeze Bar on the front porch. - The restaurant is also inviting media coverage and demonstrations centered on oak-fired cooking and signature dishes. - The renewed concept now has to prove that a legacy brand can translate its history into steady new traffic at HarborWalk Village.

The bottom line: - Pandora’s Steakhouse is back in Destin, leaning on legacy, family ownership and signature menu items to revive one of the Emerald Coast’s most recognizable dining names.