In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a gastronomic adventure through the top 10 restaurants in Panama Beach. Panama City Beach, Florida, is not just about pristine beaches and endless sunshine. It’s also a treasure trove of culinary delights. Whether you’re seeking the freshest seafood, mouthwatering BBQ, or international flavors, this coastal paradise has something to satisfy every palate.

Restaurants in Panama Beach

1. Saltwater Grill

Topping our list is Saltwater Grill, a seafood haven with a vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service. Indulge in a wide variety of seafood, including shrimp, crab, fish, and lobster. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list and craft cocktails, making it a true gem in Panama City Beach’s dining scene.

• Cuisine: Seafood
• What to Do: After a satisfying seafood meal, explore Pier Park for shopping and entertainment.
• Hotel Cost: Accommodation options near Pier Park, such as beachfront condos, start at around $150 per night.
• Experience the freshest seafood in a vibrant atmosphere with exceptional service.
• Menu highlights: Shrimp, crab, fish, and lobster.
• Don’t miss their extensive wine list and specialty cocktails.

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2. Moe’s Original Barbecue

Moe’s Original Barbecue offers a cozy, laid-back atmosphere and serves up Southern-style BBQ and comfort food. Must-tries include their smoked meats, pulled pork, chicken, and ribs. Sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, and baked beans perfectly complement the flavors. Don’t forget to sample the unique smoked wings.

• Cuisine: BBQ and Comfort Food
• What to Do: Visit Frank Brown Park for sports activities and events.
• Hotel Cost: Lodging options in the vicinity of Frank Brown Park typically range from $100 to $200 per night.
• Enjoy Southern-style BBQ and comfort food in a cozy, laid-back setting.
• Must-try: Smoked meats, pulled pork, chicken, ribs, and unique smoked wings.
• Sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, and baked beans complement the flavors.

3. First Watch.

For the health-conscious diner, First Watch is a popular breakfast and brunch spot. Their Million Dollar Bacon is a sensation, and the menu features a range of breakfast delights like omelets, pancakes, and waffles. With options for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets, there’s something for everyone. And for lunch, you can enjoy a variety of salads and sandwiches.

Restaurants Panama City Beach:

• Cuisine: Breakfast and Brunch
• What to Do: Start your day with a beachfront walk along St. Andrews State Park.
• Hotel Cost: St. Andrews State Park offers camping and cabins starting at $40 per night, while nearby hotels range from $80 to $150.
• For health-conscious diners, First Watch is a popular breakfast and brunch spot.
• Signature dish: Million Dollar Bacon, omelets, pancakes, and waffles.
• Find gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options along with a variety of salads and sandwiches.

4. Local Steamer Seafood Market.

At Local Steamer Seafood Market, you become the chef. This unique seafood restaurant allows guests to select their fresh seafood and cook it to perfection. The Low Country Boil is a signature dish, featuring shrimp, crab legs, corn, and potatoes. If you’re in the mood for something different, explore their sandwiches and salads.

• Cuisine: Seafood
• What to Do: Spend the day at Gulf World Marine Park for marine life encounters.
• Hotel Cost: Accommodations near Gulf World Marine Park can vary from $100 to $250 per night.
• Get hands-on with cooking your seafood selections from their market-style offerings.
• Signature dish: Low Country Boil with shrimp, crab legs, corn, and potatoes.
• Sandwiches and salads provide diverse alternatives.

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5. David’s New Orleans Style Cafe and Snowballs.

Transport your taste buds to the heart of New Orleans at David’s Cafe. Their menu is a celebration of Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes, featuring classics like Po Boys, gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. Be sure to try their famous snowballs, a delightful shaved ice treat available in a variety of flavors.

• Cuisine: Cajun and Creole
• What to Do: Explore Shell Island for a serene natural escape.
• Hotel Cost: While there are no hotels on Shell Island, you can find lodging options on the mainland starting at $80 per night.
• A taste of New Orleans in Panama City Beach, offering Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes.
• Snowballs are a must-try, with flavors ranging from classic cherry to unique options.
• The menu features Po Boys, gumbo, jambalaya, and more.

6. Culver’s.

Culver’s is a fast-food chain known for its Butter Burgers, Frozen Custard, and cheese curds. The Butter Burger is a crowd favorite, made with 100% fresh, never-frozen beef and topped with Wisconsin cheese and all the fixings. Their Southern-style chicken sandwich and shrimp dinner, cooked to order, are equally enticing.

• Cuisine: Fast Food
• What to Do: Take a scenic boat tour in Grand Lagoon.
• Hotel Cost: Hotel rates near Grand Lagoon range from $80 to $200 per night.
• A fast-food chain known for Butter Burgers, Frozen Custard, and cheese curds.
• Try the Butter Burger with fresh beef and Wisconsin cheese or the southern-style chicken sandwich.
• Sides like coleslaw, fries, and onion rings complete your meal.

7. Schooners.

Schooners, a beachfront seafood restaurant, has been delighting Panama City Beach diners for over 30 years. With ocean views and a casual ambiance, it’s the perfect spot for seafood lovers. The menu includes fried shrimp, oysters, crab cakes, Schooners gumbo, and their famous spicy cumin dip. Enjoy live music and events for a memorable evening.

• Cuisine: Seafood
• What to Do: Relax on the beach or enjoy live music and events at the restaurant.
• Hotel Cost: Beachfront accommodations near Schooners range from $150 to $300 per night.
• A seafood restaurant with stunning ocean views and a casual atmosphere.
• Menu highlights: Fried shrimp, oysters, crab cakes, Schooners gumbo, and spicy cumin dip.
• Enjoy live music and events for a fun night out.

8. The Grand Marlin.

The Grand Marlin is an upscale seafood restaurant that boasts a refined atmosphere. Sample their signature Grand Marlin grouper, lobster bisque, and an array of steaks. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with marina views. It’s an ideal spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.

• Cuisine: Seafood
• What to Do: Visit St. Andrews Bay for fishing and water sports.
• Hotel Cost: Options near St. Andrews Bay start at $150 per night, while waterfront resorts can cost $250 or more.
• An upscale seafood restaurant with a refined ambiance.
• Signature dishes: Grand Marlin grouper and lobster bisque, along with a variety of steaks.
• Ideal for surf and turf, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating with marina views.

9. Dat Cajun Place Cafe.

If you’re craving the flavors of Louisiana, Dat Cajun Place Cafe has you covered. Authentic Cajun cuisine like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffee is a highlight. The laid-back, casual atmosphere is enhanced by Louisiana-style decor. Live music and weekly events make it a fantastic place for good food and entertainment.

• Cuisine: Cajun
• What to Do: Explore Camp Helen State Park for hiking and nature trails.
• Hotel Cost: Lodging options near Camp Helen State Park can range from $80 to $200 per night.

• Savor authentic Cajun cuisine, including gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffee.
• Choose from sandwiches, burgers, and salads for lighter options.
• Enjoy live music and events for a taste of Louisiana in Panama City Beach.

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10. Diego’s Burrito Factory and Margarita Bar.

Finally, for a taste of Mexico in Panama City Beach, head to Diego’s Burrito Factory and Margarita Bar. Their colorful, vibrant atmosphere complements a menu featuring burritos, tacos, fajitas, and an array of margaritas. The outdoor seating is perfect for savoring your meal on a warm day.

• A casual Mexican restaurant with a colorful, vibrant atmosphere.
• Menu delights Burritos, tacos, fajitas, and a selection of margaritas.
• Experience Mexican-themed decor and outdoor seating for a perfect meal on a warm day.

• Cuisine: Mexican
• What to Do: Enjoy watersports and beach activities at Panama City Beach.
• Hotel Cost: A wide range of accommodations are available along Panama City Beach, with rates starting at $100 and reaching $300 or more for luxury beachfront resorts.

Conclusion:

In Panama City Beach, Florida, you’re not just experiencing beautiful beaches; you’re embarking on a culinary journey. From the enchanting seafood at Saltwater Grill to the spirited Cajun and Creole dishes at David’s New Orleans Style Cafe and Snowballs, this destination caters to all tastes. Subscribe to our channel for more travel and food-related content. And if you have more restaurant recommendations for Panama City Beach, please share them in the comments below. Thank you for joining us on this delectable adventure!