When you think of Panama City Beach, you think of beautiful beaches and amazing nightlife. But the city is also a perfect gastronomic destination. The best places to eat in Panama City Beach offer diverse flavors ranging from classic American food to international cuisine. No matter what you choose, your taste buds will be thankful.
And because there are different restaurants, you can enjoy all the diverse flavors that will make your palate swoon with delight in different settings. The wide array of best restaurants guarantees a different dining atmosphere.
Make your pick from an upscale restaurant to a classic pub, café, bistro, or some casual eatery. What about the great food in Panama City Beach Florida? Some of the best food options include fresh crab, seared tuna, All-American breakfast, pastries, barbecue ribs, and many more.
What is Panama City Beach Famous For?
The name says it all. Panama City Beach is famous for its beautiful beaches, great nightlife, and countless theme parks and arcades. All of that makes Panama City Beach a great place for a fun break in the sun.
Some of the attractions like Shipwreck Island Waterpark, Race City, and Ripley’s Believe it or Not will offer fun to people of all ages.
Home to many breathtaking coastlines, like Shell Island White Sand Beach, Panama City is the perfect getaway for family, friends, colleagues, or loved ones.
Many compare Panama City Beach to Destin. They are both family-friendly places with large sandy beaches and amazing food. Today, we will talk about some of the best places to eat in Panama City Beach.
Best Restaurants in Panama City Beach
Pineapple Willy’s
You cannot ignore Pineapple Willy’s in Panama City Beach. It should be your first stop. The famous local favorite has been serving fresh seafood since 1984.
Their love for the community and great food make Willy’s a staple in Panama City Beach. Besides seafood, they have dishes like ribs that will give you more options.
Combine with the great beach view, amazing cocktails, and live music, and you have a winner. Now, they do not accept reservations. So if you want to catch a spot, make sure to get there early.
Wicked Wheel
We continue the list of best places to eat in Panama City Beach with the sister restaurant of Pineapple Willy’s, Wicked Wheel.
The menu is completely different. Wicked Wheel is not close to the beach, but they make up with their amazing interior and great food.
It is more of a family-friendly dining experience. Do not miss the smoked wings. Choose any of the local craft beer options.
And if you want to get a souvenir, visit their lifestyle shop that sells clothes and accessories. All of them are motorcycles and hot rods themed.
Firefly
The unique dining experience in Panama City Beach is owned and operated by chef Derek Langford. He and restaurateur Dave Trepanier opened the place in 2007 and since then, they have won numerous awards.
For example, they won the Most Romantic Panama City Beach Restaurant of 2017 by OpenTable. The dining room is all about an authentic Mediterranean bistro atmosphere.
Some of their signature dishes include espresso-rubbed pork shanks, brown butter-seared scallops, shrimp and summer vegetable pasta with artichoke hearts.
Of course, you can choose a selection of fine wine as well.
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Foley’s
George Husum opened G. Foley’s in 2012 offering an excellent romantic dining experience. Their focus is on the bounty of the Gulf of Mexico region.
The premier casual fine dining establishment is famous for its hand-cut steaks and decadent homemade dessert offerings.
We recommend trying macadamia-crusted grouper with orange ginger glaze or seafood penne a la vodka in tomato cream sauce.
If you are a meat lover, try some of their fine steak selections like ribeye and filet mignon.
Local Steamer Seafood Market
You cannot visit Panama City Beach Florida without a stop at the Local Steamer Seafood Market. It is a beloved local mainstay that has a menu of steamed seafood platters, world-famous tuna dip, and enormous snow crab.
Local Steamer Seafood market is located right across from Front Beach Road. You can either dine in or get takeaway food.
Kilwin’s
This is the best place for people who love sweet food. The old-fashioned confectioner’s store offers an array of treats, including chocolate, fudge, nut brittle, and many ice cream flavors.
Do not worry, if you are health-conscious, there is a wide selection of sugar-free options as well. Located right on the Boardwalk in front of the City Pier, Kilwin’s is the perfect place for some quality sweet food.
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen has six locations in the United States. The one in Panama City Beach FL is famous for its amazing Southern fare.
It is a place where traditional and chic meet and create an incredible view.
What to eat? Well, we suggest their chicken-fried pork chop. It is boneless tender pork coated with flour and then fried. It is as crunchy and as flavorful as ever.
Runaway Island
Run by executive chef Chris Hein, Runaway Island serves high-quality local seafood specialties. The restaurant has two floors of interior dining space with an outdoor deck that connects to a boardwalk leading directly out onto the beach and sandy shores.
There are plenty of options for lunch and dinner. If you want to try some specialty, try blackened fish tacos or grilled Mahi Mahi filets with tomato key lime butter.
British Eatery
We have to mention British Eatery, proof of the diversity of the food scene in Panama City Beach. This is where you can enjoy local bites in a relaxed setting or international cuisine.
The British Eatery offers the very best of traditional English fare. Each dish is made with local and seasonal ingredients, but with a contemporary flair.
Some of the classics include fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash.
If you want something international, they have a selection of exotic burgers.
Jesse’s Place
This is a dining American restaurant with a tropical rustic theme. They serve delicious morning dishes and classic American comfort food.
The casual spot in Panama City Beach will deliver every meal you need during your stay.
If you are a one-timer, try the specialty Country Fried Steak. It is juicy meat topped with delicious gravy.
The Back Porch
Same as Paula Deen’s kitchen, The Black Porch is a chain of restaurants. They have several in different locations in Florida.
Serving incredible seafood dishes, The Back Porch will make you feel like you are in an Old West saloon. There is a touch of modernity with the TV and hanging lights, but it is mainly a retro place.
What to eat? Well, there are many options, but you should try the Amberjack Sandwich. It is a fish char-grilled to perfection on soft bread that will make your palate go nuts. With some lettuce and tomato, you get fresh flavors as well.
Saltwater Grill
Opened in 2002 by executive chef Chris Joyner, Saltwater Grill is a unique restaurant with a 25,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. You can see the native Florida marine life in that aquarium.
You can dine in a clear view of the aquarium tank and enjoy Gulf-fresh seafood. There are also Prime Steak and fine game offerings.
During afternoon hours, try to catch the happy hour and early bird specials.
The Grand Marlin Restaurant and Oyster Bar
Next on our list of best places to eat in Panama City Beach is The Grand Marlin Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Opened in 2016 and operated by restaurateur Bryan Housley and chef Greg McCarthy, it overlooks the stunning Grand Lagoon.
This seafood restaurant offers fresh daily fish catches and a raw bar serving fine oysters. Try the house specialties like Loved and Rubbed Scottish salmon. Prepared with a housemade caramelized rub, this salmon is to die for.
Salty Sue’s
Let’s continue with the local favorite, Salty Sue’s. The dining establishment has been serving the community for more than 25 years.
Their extensive menu includes seafood, steak, BBQ, burgers, and sandwiches. Let’s mention their house specialty, Cajun–style shrimp and grits. Other popular choices include shrimp Christo and fried seafood platter.
Andy’s Flour Power
The locally owned dining spot often ranks as one of the best-rated restaurants in Panama City Beach. Their diverse menu options has something for everyone, plus coffee and cocktails.
Now, let’s talk about the great food they offer. Our choice is the Blackened Chicken Sandwich, an amazing fusion of meat and veggie flavors.
Hang Five Beach Bar and Grill
Let’s wrap up the list with this waterfront eatery and one of the best restaurants in downtown Panama City. They serve delicious burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and some decadent desserts that you will die for.
Visit Hang Five Beach Bar and Grill to get up close and personal with nature. You can dine outdoors and soak in the majestic water in front of you. Even if you eat indoors, you will still get the same beautiful view.
Now, for the classics, we suggest Emerald Coast Reuben. It is a blackened Mahi Mahi with coleslaw on soft toasted wheat bread. Your taste buds will thank you for sure.
Hi, I’m a clinical psychologist and inclined towards best buying practices for home and kitchen things. Critical towards choosing the best product and honest with my feedback. I’m a seasoned writer having more than 4 years of experience in multiple niches as well.
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