Panama City Beach is a wonderful destination for spring break, with its warm Gulf waters, white sandy beaches and great fresh seafood. Make sure to take a detour from the more touristy restaurants and eat where the locals dine.
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According to Yelp, we have the top 10 restaurant experiences in Panama City Beach with everything from fresh seafood shacks to cozy cafes and even fine dining. By seeking out local favorites, you’ll get a true taste of the area's unique flavors. Whether you're craving a fresh grouper sandwich by the beach or an upscale steak dinner you'll discover some unforgettable meals while enjoying the relaxing charm of Panama City Beach, Florida.
Runaway Island
Give yourself the me time you deserve and run away to Runaway Beachfront Restaurant. Not only do they offer sumptuous foods like local seafood, but the vibe is very calming and relaxing as well. You can also have a beautiful sunset view from here, perfect for reflecting and looking forward to better days.
Customer Review: The service staff were really friendly. The food was yummy and there was a great view of the beach. There was a boardwalk down to the beach. There was indoor and outdoor seating.
Click Here To Learn More About The Runaway Island
Dee's Hangout
If you are in Panama City Beach, Florida with your loved ones, hang out in Dee's Hangout and enjoy their specialties, Cajun and Southern cuisines. Dee's Hangout is a family business with great homey atmosphere.
Customer Review: Want to go where the locals go? This is the place! I first ate at Dee's' about 8 years ago when they were in a different location. The building is different but the food is still the same! Every time I come to town I can't wait to go ! The she-crab soup is the most delicious thing I've ever had. Get the bowl. The cup won't be enough. Tonight we tried the tuna dip for the 1st time. Amazing!! I also had the shrimp and grits but I was so full I could barely eat any. It was really good and now I have lunch for tomorrow! The service was amazing. Everything came quickly and at the proper temperature. You won't regret it!
Click Here to Learn More About Dee's Hangout
Firefly
If you are looking for a wine and steak night or a casual fine dining on vacation, then Firefly is your spot. They also have locally caught seafood. The restaurant has an elegant and classy vibe that is not intimidating at all. Enjoy the fairytale-like lights at dinner and have the best night with good food.
Customer Review: Every time I visit Panama City Beach, Firefly is a must-visit for me. It's the perfect spot for a girls' night out, where dressing up feels just right for the chic and inviting atmosphere. the vibe is warm and sophisticated
The food? Simply amazing. My go-to dish is the Pepper Crusted Stuffed Filet Mignon, which is an absolute masterpiece. Stuffed with bacon, spinach, and feta, and served over a flavorful roasted red pepper, caramelized onion, and potato hash with a rich garlic cream and red wine reduction, this steak is so tender it feels like butter melting in your mouth. It's easily the best filet I've ever had.
I also never thought I'd enjoy Escargot, but Firefly's preparation completely changed my mind. Baked with parsley garlic butter, a parmesan crumble, and served with grilled sourdough, it's indulgent and absolutely delicious. The Caesar Salad is served in an edible Parmesan cheese bowl, is another favorite of mine. It's the perfect combination of flavor and presentation.
Firefly always delivers on flavor, atmosphere, and an overall exceptional dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this spot is a gem in PCB. Highly recommend!
Click Here to Learn More About Firefly
American Charlie Grill & Tavern
Celebrate spring break in American Charlie Grill and Tavern if you are in Panama City Beach, Florida. The establishment is perfect for date night, family dinner, or bigger parties. They also offer handcrafted drinks and happy hour where you can avail great deals.
Customer Review: Two nights in a row I've eaten at American Charlie's and both nights have been lights out!
Had the Early Eagle menu both nights and definitely recommend them!
Get out and support a veteran owned business!
I salute you American Charlie's!
Click Here to Learn More About The American Charlie & Tavern
The Pour
Pour your morning thoughts at The Pour while enjoying brunch. They have a wide range of options to enjoy. The Pour is what you are looking for if you want all day breakfast meals. They also have a must try local kombucha.
Customer Review: I didn't have any expectations when I was looking around for avocado toast this morning. I found a place nearby and decided to check it out. The avocado toast was absolutely delicious, I also had a chai latte with lavender and a cinnamon roll to-go. Everything was incredible. Highly recommended!!!
Click Here To Learn More About The Pour
Saltwater Grill
Experienced underwater-like dining at Saltwater Grill, where they have a 25,000-gallon beautiful saltwater aquarium. Although they are a seafood restaurant, they offer other types of dishes as well. Bring your family here and enjoy the relaxing vibe.
Customer Review: My family and I went around 5:30PM and there wasn't a wait. The staff was very friendly. The atmosphere was clean and fairly quiet. Plenty of room between tables and it seemed new-ish.
I ordered the swordfish and lemon risotto with not really knowing what I was getting. I don't normally order seafood. I actually googled swordfish taste before I order LOL! I was actually very pleased with what I ordered and would recommend it. Well seasoned and great texture. The portions are somewhat small compared to what I was expecting but it's not unreasonable.
Swordfish and Lemon Risotto - 8.5/10
Salted Caramel Cheesecake - 9/10
This was my first time coming here but would gladly return! I would recommend trying to make reservations as I'm sure everything is busy around dinner time.
Click Here To Learn More About the Saltwater Grill
Local Steamer Seafood Market
Experience one of the best seafood in Panama City Beach, Florida - the Local Steamer Seafood Market. Try their famous seafood basket and enjoy the celebration of fresh flavors you'll love in seafood.
Customer Review: We ordered two Famous Steamer Baskets and had them DoorDash'd to our condo near South Thomas. Everything was fantastic! The crab legs were perfectly cooked and the shrimp were just as good. The baskets came with corn, potatoes, sausage, garlic butter, and cocktail sauce--what more do you need? We opted for the medium spice level, which had a kick (definitely spicier than Tony's for comparison). I enjoy spice and would probably try the spicy level next time.
For the quality and portion size, it was absolutely worth the price. Give this place a try!
Click Here To Learn More About The Local Steamer Food Market
Dat Cajun Place
If you love Cajun cuisine this is the best place for it in Panama City Beach. Great music and during football season you can catch a game too!
Customer Review: Tapping into my Cajun roots, I had to try Dat Cajun Place while in Panama City Beach.
For starters, we ordered the boudin balls and gumbo soup. The boudin balls were filling, with a tangy "Voodoo Sauce" (think Raising Cane's sauce) and the gumbo was fairly spicy, though nothing can match my Mississippi uncle's homemade gumbo.
I had the Shrimp Pontchartrain as a main course and let me say it was so, so creamy. I wouldn't order it again due to how rich it was, but I still liked it, ya know?
I loved the dessert, which was a decadent butter coffee cake!
My Cajun ancestors would be proud of Dat Cajun Place!
Click Here to Learn More About The Dat Cajun Place
Hunt & Gather Raw Bar & Pub
Dine at Hunt & Gather Raw Bar and Pub and enjoy their regional farm partners' fresh flavors of farm produce. Their menu is curated through a journey that tells a story. Try dishes from this restaurant and let them be a part of this beautiful journey.
Customer Review: What a great suggestion for my birthday dinner from my nail tech today!! We were sat immediately even though they were quite busy. Our waiter was friendly (and super patient with all of our questions) and took awesome care of us the whole time we were there. We shared the quail quesadillas and baked pimento cheese oysters, both were delicious and will go back just to have them. For our entrees my partner had Cornish game hen oven-roasted, broccolini, and crushed potatoes whole, while I had the braised boar shank, creamy polenta, braised Swiss chard all in al jus. Both were rich and full of layered flavors that had us sharing bites of each dish off our plates during dinner. The room was cozy, nicely lit, and even if a bit loud at times we had no trouble having conversation at our table. We definitely will be back to enjoy again. Epic food Awesome service Great vibe
Click To Learn More About The Hunt & Gather Raw Bar & Pub
Pineapple Willy's
Enjoy a wide range of food selections with your family at Pineapple Willy's and try their famous blackened mahi-mahi. Enjoy good food with your best people and have the best spring break at Panama City Beach, Florida.
Customer Review: Did you even visit PCB if you didn't eat at Pineapple Willy's? Am I right!?!
We have a blast each time we visit! This time we invited friends who had never been & they loved it too!!
Service is fast and extremely friendly (shout out to our server Amber who was outstanding!).
The food is 100% delicious! We ordered the gator bites (FYI if you eat gator, they won't eat you!) Jambalaya (chefs kiss); Shrimp basket, Mahi Basket, kids chicken littles (strips) and kid's shrimp... it was all so good with generous portions. My kids loved their food (they don't say that every where)!
Views of the beach and ocean are spectacular and the outdoor seating with cooling fans is what makes the visit even more memorable!
We also ordered refills of our favorite beach drinks, Pina colada's & Blue Raspberry daiquiri. Get refillable bugs and the absolutely adorable kids Pineapple Willy cup!
I bought a T-shirt at the gift shop too... There's no shame in being a huge fan right?!
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