The Best Seafood Restaurants in Panama City Beach
There's no better place to indulge in fresh seafood than in a beachside town, and Panama City Beach is no exception. With the Gulf of Mexico as its backdrop, Panama City Beach offers a variety of dining establishments that serve up some of the finest seafood dishes you can find. Whether you're a fan of oysters, can't get enough of shrimp, or have a craving for fresh-caught fish, there's a restaurant here that will satisfy your palate.
1. Schooners
Why: A visit to Schooners is a Panama City Beach tradition. Known as the "Last Local Beach Club," this spot offers a casual, laid-back atmosphere and fantastic seafood.
Must-Try: The Beach Boil is a mix of shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage, all seasoned to perfection.
2. Captain Anderson's
Why: A fixture in Panama City Beach, Captain Anderson's offers fine dining with an emphasis on fresh, local seafood.
Must-Try: The Grouper Imperial, baked and stuffed with crabmeat, is a house specialty.
3. The Grand Marlin
Why: For a more upscale experience, The Grand Marlin offers an excellent selection of seafood dishes with a fine-dining flair.
Must-Try: The Blue Angel Chips, with smoked tuna and chipotle cream, are a unique and delicious appetizer.
4. Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill
Why: With a beachside location and a two-story deck offering spectacular views, Runaway Island is the go-to for both ambience and seafood.
Must-Try: The Coconut Shrimp comes with pineapple dipping sauce and is a crowd-pleaser.
5. Saltwater Grill
Why: Beyond its 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium, Saltwater Grill offers a menu packed with all sorts of seafood delicacies.
Must-Try: The Oyster Sampler is perfect for those who want to try a little bit of everything.
6. J. Michael's
Why: A bit of a dive bar atmosphere, but don’t let that fool you. The seafood here is some of the freshest in town.
Must-Try: The "Famous Red Snapper Throat" is exactly as good as the locals say it is.
7. Dat Cajun Place Café
Why: For something a little different, this spot offers Cajun-inspired seafood dishes.
Must-Try: The Crawfish Étouffée is rich, flavorful, and not to be missed.
8. Bayou On The Beach
Why: If you're in the mood for Southern-style seafood, Bayou On The Beach offers just that, complete with a Bayou atmosphere.
Must-Try: The Seafood Gumbo is a hearty choice that will leave you satisfied.
9. Firefly
Why: Ideal for those looking for a romantic setting, Firefly specializes in gourmet seafood dishes.
Must-Try: The Scamp Cervantes, a sautéed scamp fillet with lump crab and sherry beurre blanc, is divine.
10. Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant
Why: With a fun atmosphere and a menu that's kid-friendly, Sharky's is a great option for families.
Must-Try: The Fish Tacos are a light and tasty option that both kids and adults will love.
Panama City Beach offers a smorgasbord of options when it comes to seafood dining. Each of these restaurants brings something unique to the table, be it the atmosphere, the type of cuisine, or a signature dish that you won't find anywhere else.
And while dining out is an experience in itself, a great meal becomes even better when you have the perfect place to stay during your vacation. For the best in short-term beachside accommodations, give us a call at (770) 309-4239.
Bon Appétit!
