Introduction:
Panama City Beach is a popular destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast, offering stunning white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and plenty of outdoor activities. When it comes to food, there’s no shortage of options. From fresh seafood to traditional Southern fare, Panama City Beach is a paradise for foodies. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or an upscale dining experience, there’s something for everyone in Panama City Beach.
Tour of the Best Restaurants in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach has a wide selection of restaurants, from local favorites to unique eateries. In fact, according to a survey conducted by Visit Panama City Beach, 85 percent of visitors said that the quality of food was one of the main reasons why they chose to visit the area. Here’s a quick overview of some of the best restaurants in Panama City Beach.
Types of Cuisine Available
Panama City Beach offers an array of cuisines to choose from. Seafood is a popular choice, with plenty of local restaurants serving up fresh catches from the Gulf of Mexico. There’s also traditional Southern fare, including fried chicken, hush puppies, and grits. You can also find Mexican, Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern dishes. Additionally, many restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Popular Restaurants
If you’re looking for a great place to eat, there are plenty of popular spots in Panama City Beach. The Shrimp Boat is a local favorite, serving up fresh seafood with a side of Southern hospitality. Another popular spot is Firefly, which serves up farm-to-table dishes with a unique twist. For a truly unique experience, head to the Capt. Anderson’s Marina for dinner and a show. The marina offers waterfront views and live music.
Unique Experiences
Panama City Beach is home to some truly unique dining experiences. If you’re looking for something different, check out the beachfront restaurant Spinnaker. With its tropical vibe and panoramic views, it’s a great spot to watch the sunset. Or, take a ride on the Captain Anderson’s Pirate Cruise, where you can enjoy dinner and entertainment while sailing around St. Andrews Bay. If you’d rather stay on dry land, The Grand Marlin offers a five-star dining experience with a view of the marina.
Insider’s Guide to the Top Dining Spots in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach locals know their way around the best restaurants in town. Here’s an insider’s guide to some of the top spots.
Local Favorites
If you want to dine like a local, here are some of the most popular restaurants in Panama City Beach. Saltwater Grill is a go-to spot for fresh seafood and local specialties. Another favorite is Schooners, which serves up classic American fare with a side of live music. For a true taste of the Gulf Coast, head to Thomas Donut & Snack Shop for a donut and cup of coffee.
Upscale Options
Panama City Beach also has plenty of upscale restaurants for those looking for a finer dining experience. The Pearl Hotel offers a five-star dining experience with a menu of coastal cuisine. Another great option is the award-winning Firefly, which serves up modern dishes with a unique twist. For a romantic evening, make reservations at the Grand Marlin, where you can enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the marina.
Hidden Gems
For a truly unique experience, look beyond the tourist hotspots and explore some of the lesser-known restaurants in Panama City Beach. For example, the Back Porch Oyster Bar is a local favorite, serving up fresh seafood with a side of Southern hospitality. Another hidden gem is the Tiki Bar at Schooners, which is a great spot to grab a bite and watch the sunset. Finally, check out the Red Bar, a cozy spot with live music and a menu of eclectic dishes.
A Foodie’s Guide to Eating Out in Panama City Beach
Foodies will love the variety of culinary options in Panama City Beach. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to eat.
Must-Try Dishes
When it comes to must-try dishes, there’s something for everyone in Panama City Beach. Start your day with a breakfast burrito from the Breakfast Shack, or try the famous beignets from Thomas Donut & Snack Shop. For lunch, dig into a lobster roll from the Back Porch Oyster Bar, or go for the fish tacos at Schooners. For dinner, try the grouper sandwich at Saltwater Grill, or the shrimp and grits at Firefly.
Best Value Restaurants
Panama City Beach has plenty of restaurants that offer great value. For breakfast, try the pancakes at the Pancake House, or the omelets at the Breakfast Shack. For lunch, check out the sandwiches at Schooners, or the burgers at Southside Sliders. For dinner, head to the Island Time Bar & Grill for fresh seafood and cold drinks. And for dessert, don’t miss the ice cream at Scoops.
Trendy Eateries
Panama City Beach has its fair share of trendy eateries. If you’re looking for a cool spot to hang out, check out the Salty Goat Taproom, which serves up craft beers and small plates. For a more upscale experience, head to the Grand Marlin, where you can enjoy a five-star dinner with a view of the marina. Or, for a unique experience, try the rooftop bar at Firefly, where you can enjoy craft cocktails and small plates.
Local Favorites: Where to Eat in Panama City Beach
When it comes to local favorites, Panama City Beach has plenty to offer. Here’s a quick look at some of the top spots.
Variety of Cuisines
Panama City Beach has a variety of cuisines to choose from. For Mexican food, try La Cocina, or head to El Agave for authentic tacos. For Italian, try the brick oven pizza at Little Village, or the pasta dishes at Ciao Bella. For Asian, check out the sushi at Sushi Thai, or the curries at Thai Garden. And for traditional Southern fare, head to the Shrimp Boat or Saltwater Grill.
Traditional Dishes
No trip to Panama City Beach is complete without trying some of the local specialties. Sample some fresh oysters at the Back Porch Oyster Bar, or indulge in some fried green tomatoes at Saltwater Grill. Enjoy some fresh Gulf shrimp at the Shrimp Boat, or try the hush puppies at Schooners. And for dessert, don’t miss the beignets at Thomas Donut & Snack Shop.
Specialty Restaurants
If you’re looking for something unique, Panama City Beach has plenty of specialty restaurants to choose from. Head to the Island Time Bar & Grill for fresh seafood and live music. Or, for a truly unique experience, try the Capt. Anderson’s Pirate Cruise, where you can enjoy dinner and entertainment while sailing around St. Andrews Bay. Finally, check out the Tiki Bar at Schooners, where you can sample local specialties while watching the sunset.
Five Must-Try Restaurants in Panama City Beach
Here are five of the best restaurants in Panama City Beach.
Name & Location
The Shrimp Boat – 8700 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Firefly – 12805 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Capt. Anderson’s Marina – 5550 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Grand Marlin – 700 W Beach Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Back Porch Oyster Bar – 15201 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Menu Highlights
The Shrimp Boat – Fried shrimp, grouper sandwich, hush puppies
Firefly – Lobster mac and cheese, grilled octopus, steak frites
Capt. Anderson’s Marina – Grouper fingers, crab cakes, fried shrimp
Grand Marlin – Seared scallops, blackened redfish, filet mignon
Back Porch Oyster Bar – Oysters Rockefeller, gumbo, po’boys
Price Range
The Shrimp Boat – $10-$20
Firefly – $20-$30
Capt. Anderson’s Marina – $15-$25
Grand Marlin – $30-$40
Back Porch Oyster Bar – $10-$20
Take a Bite Out of Panama City Beach: The Best Places to Eat
Panama City Beach has something for everyone when it comes to food. Here’s a quick look at some of the best places to eat.
Local Seafood
The Gulf Coast is known for its seafood, and Panama City Beach is no exception. Head to the Shrimp Boat for fried shrimp and grouper sandwiches, or try the oysters at the Back Porch Oyster Bar. For a unique experience, take a cruise on the Capt. Anderson’s Pirate Ship, where you can enjoy dinner and live entertainment while sailing around St. Andrews Bay.
Casual Dining
If you’re looking for a casual meal, there are plenty of options in Panama City Beach. Check out the Island Time Bar & Grill for fresh seafood and cold drinks. For classic American fare, head to Schooners, or grab a burger at Southside Sliders. And for breakfast and lunch, don’t miss the Breakfast Shack and Thomas Donut & Snack Shop.
Fine Dining
For a truly special dining experience, Panama City Beach has plenty of fine dining options. Try the award-winning Firefly for modern dishes with a unique twist. Or, head to the Grand Marlin for a five-star meal with a view of the marina. Finally, check out the Pearl Hotel, where you can enjoy coastal cuisine with a side of luxury.
Conclusion
Panama City Beach is a paradise for foodies, offering a wide selection of restaurants to choose from. From fresh seafood to traditional Southern fare, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or an upscale dining experience, Panama City Beach has it all.
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