Looking for ethnic restaurants in and around Panama City Beach? You’re in the right place. Here’s your guide to international food in PCB!
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Panama City Beach is a vibrant seaside destination known for its stunning white-sand beaches, emerald-green waters, and a wide range of activities that appeal to families, couples, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to enjoy life.
If you’re a foodie, PCB is the perfect destination for you. The town boasts a diverse culinary scene that caters to a wide array of tastes and preferences. From Asian and Latin dishes to Mediterranean and European delicacies, you don’t have to travel far to savor global flavors — PCB brings the world to your plate.
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of places serving international food in PCB, restaurants where you can embark on a culinary world tour — but without ever leaving this stunning Florida gem.
Before we start, a little about us…
At Emerald Coast Retreats, our love for Panama City Beach is translated into our commitment to crafting unparalleled Emerald Coast vacation rentals for our guests. We offer a curated selection of properties, ranging from beachfront condos to spacious rental homes, each meticulously designed to provide the utmost convenience and comfort for your stay.
And if we may say so, we’re experts in all things Panama City Beach. In our destination blog, we’ve covered everything from nightlife gems to where to find pickleball courts, with more posts always on the way to make your vacation even better. So stay tuned!
Ready to indulge in some international delicacies?
Your Guide to Ethnic Restaurants Panama City Beach
Boricuba Cafe, Latin American Fare
Combining Puerto Rican and Cuban cuisines, Boricuba Cafe serves traditional dishes in a casual and unpretentious setting where authentic flavors and a homey atmosphere are at the heart of their business.
The menu features must-try options like the Cuban Sandwich, Empanadas, Tostones, Fried Plantains, Croquetas, Mofongo, and Ropa Vieja—a traditional Cuban dish made from slow-cooked shredded beef (typically flank steak) simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and various spices.
Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and the service is warm and welcoming, making Boricuba Cafe a go-to spot in PCB for anyone looking to satisfy their cravings for delicious Latin fare.
JAAs Kitchen, Caribbean Flavors
For an authentic Jamaican dining experience, be sure to add JAA’s Kitchen to your list of must-visit restaurants in Panama City Beach. Recognized as one of Florida’s best Jamaican restaurants, they are a local favorite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, especially for those craving Caribbean flavors.
Some of their must-try dishes include Chicken Curry, Coconut Curry Shrimp, Saltfish Fritters, Pimento Smoked Jerk Chicken, and Ackee and Saltfish—Jamaica’s national dish, combining salted cod with ackee fruit. For dessert, don’t miss the Fried Sweet Ripe Plantains.
Pico’s on Back Beach, Mexican Favorites
This family-owned Mexican restaurant in PCB serves all the traditional Mexican delicacies we love in a colorful and welcoming setting that celebrates the vibrant culture of Mexico.
From tacos, quesadillas, and fajitas to nachos and burritos, you’re in for a genuine Mexican feast. Their breakfast and lunch plates are also sensational, offering filling and flavorful meals. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts like Rice Pudding, Pastel Tres Leches, and Rollo de Nuez are simply unmissable.
Pierogi Time, Polish Delicacies
Specializing in authentic Eastern European cuisine, Pierogi Time is a food truck renowned for its pierogi, or Polish dumplings—a quintessential Polish delicacy.
Their menu features both savory and sweet pierogi, with the most popular options being potato and cheese pierogi and strawberry pierogi. You can also enjoy their potato pancakes, served in various styles, and Knysza, a beloved Polish street food sandwich. Knysza combines fresh, savory ingredients packed into a soft, crusty roll, making it a hearty and satisfying meal on the go.
Bella Roma Tuscan Grill, Timeless Italian
Experience the flavors of Italy at Bella Roma Tuscan Grill, where every dish is prepared with a focus on culinary traditions passed down from the owner’s Amalfi Coast family.
The menu is thoughtfully crafted to capture the true essence of Italian cuisine. Highlights include the Bruschetta, Mediterranean Salad, Spaghetti Marinara, Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Alla Parmigiana, Meat Lasagna, Penne Alla Caprese, and Eggplant Parmigiana. They also offer delectable sandwiches like the Panino Italiano and the Meatball Sandwich. Be sure to save room for dessert—the zesty Limoncello Cake is a must-try and a delightful indulgence.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, Mediterranean Delight
Offering a delightful blend of coastal Mediterranean flavors, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe features a spacious, fully covered outdoor seating area where guests can enjoy dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and flavorful herbs.
Crowd favorites include the Grilled Chicken Gyro, Falafel Gyro, Chicken Basil-Pesto Pita, and Grilled Chicken Roll-Up, along with salad bowls like the Greek Salad and Mediterranean Salad. Vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie options are also available for those with dietary restrictions.
Relax on their welcoming patio and savor Mediterranean flavors while supporting a restaurant that values giving back to the community through school programs, charities, and the impactful HOPE Project.
Firefly, International Cuisine
A short stroll from the Gulf of Mexico, this upscale restaurant combines a romantic ambiance with a spacious dining area centered around a beautifully lit oak tree. The menu boasts a wide variety of offerings, including Japanese fare, European-inspired creations, and locally sourced seafood.
The Kobe Carpaccio appetizer is a stellar way to kick off a meal to remember. Salads like the Firefly House Salad and Burrata Summer are impressively fresh, while main dishes such as Boiled Lobster Tails with seasonal vegetables and Honey-Glazed Salmon are crowd favorites. Their sashimi selections, featuring delicate Atlantic salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and shrimp, are not to be missed.
Pho Pier 77, Classic Vietnamese
Conveniently located on Front Beach Road, Pho Pier 77 is celebrated for its fresh, healthy Vietnamese offerings, with their pho being an aromatic delight.
Beyond their must-try pho, other popular options include banh mi, the traditional Vietnamese sandwich, fried egg rolls, fresh shrimp spring rolls, fried dumplings, stir-fried noodles, grilled hot chili squid, and more.
Oishi Thai Restaurant, The Best of Thailand
Thai food is always a favorite, and in Panama City Beach, Oishi Thai Restaurant is the go-to spot for classic dishes that deliver a flavorful journey to this beloved Southeast Asian country through your taste buds.
Top picks for an authentic Thai meal include Tom Yum, Tom Kha Gai, Spicy Beef Salad, Papaya Salad, Kaprow, Cashew Chicken, Shrimp Fried Rice, Panang Curry, and Pad Thai. Each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients, and their vibrant location on Front Beach Road is just steps from the beach, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal.
Jin Jin Fusion, China Meets Japan
Featuring a fusion of Chinese and Japanese flavors, Jin Jin Fusion is a must-visit restaurant for an East Asian culinary experience in PCB.
The Chinese menu offers classics such as dumplings, shu mai, wonton soup, fried rice, lo mein, sweet & sour pork, kung pao chicken, and Hunan chicken, among others. If you lean more toward Japanese cuisine, the menu includes options like gyoza, and shrimp tempura, as well as timeless favorites such as fresh sushi, sashimi, and a variety of sushi rolls.
Seoul Red Barn Restaurant & Oriental Market, Korean Specialties
Beyond offering a cozy dining area where you can enjoy popular Korean specialties, Seoul Red Barn also features a market stocked with Korean snacks and other Asian items typically found only in specialized stores.
The menu includes classics such as beef bulgogi, kimbap, kimchi, egg rolls, jajangmyeon, and yaki mandu (Korean dumplings). For those who enjoy cooking, the grocery store attached to the dining area offers a wide range of Asian ingredients and products to take home, along with popular snacks and candies like Honey Butter Chips, MyChew, Melona Ice Bars, and more.
Persis Biryani Indian Grill, Indian Treats
Delve into the bold flavors and aromatic spices that make Indian cuisine so special at Persis Biryani Indian Grill. Specializing in authentic Indian cuisine, this is arguably the best spot in town to indulge in biryanis, tandoori specialties, curries, and more. This is also a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as the restaurant offers an entire section of its menu featuring dishes made without meat or dairy ingredients.
Highlights from their menu include Cheese Butter Masala, Chicken Seekh Kebab, Chicken Biryani, Persis Goat Biryani, Paneer Tikka Masala, Chilli Gobi, and Veg Vindaloo. They also offer refreshing lassis, such as Salt Lassi and Mango Lassi. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts like Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai, and Carrot Halwa are must-tries. To end your meal in true Indian style, enjoy a cup of aromatic and slightly spiced Chai.
Where to Stay in Panama City Beach?
Nestled along the pristine shores of Panama City Beach, we take pride in curating unforgettable vacation experiences for every guest.
As a premier provider of PCB vacation rentals, Emerald Coast Retreats offers a handpicked selection of properties, ranging from beachfront condos to spacious rental homes, each meticulously designed to provide the utmost convenience and comfort for your stay.
Our local team is committed to ensuring that your escape to the Emerald Coast is nothing short of extraordinary.
