From local favorites to hidden restaurant gems Panama City Beach is a hotspot for unique eateries that will satisfy your taste buds and your hunger for beach charm.
Looking to uncover the best hidden gems for dining in Panama City Beach? Here’s your guide to PCB’s lesser-known foodie treasures — beloved by locals and waiting to be discovered by you!
Panama City Beach, nestled along Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast, is renowned for its powdery white sands, sparkling emerald waters, and family-friendly atmosphere. But beyond the bustling beachfront and popular spots lies a world of culinary delights that locals swear by.
If you’re an adventurous foodie or simply looking for something different, Panama City Beach offers an array of unique eateries tucked away from the main strip. These are the places most locals head to for authentic flavors and a truly special dining experience.
From cozy cafes with homemade specialties to unassuming seafood shacks serving the freshest catch, these hidden gems promise a taste of PCB’s vibrant coastal charm. Whether it’s the warm atmosphere or the flavors that keep locals coming back, these spots offer an insider’s glimpse into the heart of this beachside community.
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At Emerald Coast Retreat, 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.
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Ready for a culinary feast? Let’s uncover some unique places to eat in Panama City Beach!
Eating Out: Local Favorites PBC
Liza’s Kitchen, Gourmet & Healthy Sandwich Spot
Looking for dishes prepared with fresh, made-from-scratch ingredients? Liza’s Kitchen is the locals’ go-to spot for healthy bites that don’t compromise on flavor or indulgence.
Their selection of hot and cold sandwiches is simply incredible, featuring a wide variety of options to satisfy every taste. Local favorites include the Hippie Chick — a focaccia sandwich with roasted chicken, goat cheese, spinach, roasted red pepper, and spicy mayo—and the Big Apple Turkey, made with turkey, apple, spinach, provolone, and honey mustard on focaccia.
Brunch at Liza’s is unbeatable, especially if you snag a table on their lovely, pet-friendly outdoor patio. Must-try brunch dishes include the Hippie Hash, Eggs Liza, and Breakfast Burrito.
To top off the experience, Liza’s exudes a quirky, family-friendly atmosphere and delivers 5-star customer service that turns first-time visitors into loyal patrons.
Christo’s Sports Bar and Grill, American Fare & Ice-cold Drinks
Ask anyone in PCB where the best place is to watch a match while enjoying good food and drinks, and Christo’s Sports Bar and Grill will likely be mentioned as one of the top options in town. This local institution, voted one of the “Top 3 Sports Bars” in Bay County, offers a family-friendly atmosphere with 25 flat-screen TVs, fresh food, and a full selection of spirits.
Christo’s menu is renowned for its fresh, made-from-scratch meals and ice-cold drinks. Top picks include the She Crab Soup, Boom Boom Tuna, Redneck Chicken Sammy, Thomas Drive Fish Tacos, and the Wicked Tuna Sandwich. If you’re looking to pair your meal with a cold drink, you’re in for a treat — options like Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and the refreshing Citrus Martini make the perfect complement to your dining experience.
Runaway Island, Beachfront Bar and Grill
Runaway Island offers a unique beachfront dining experience with a two-level indoor space and an outdoor deck that extends to the beach. In addition to incredibly fresh seafood, the restaurant features live entertainment and breathtaking views of Panama City Beach.
The stars of their menu include the Baja Rolls, Crab Cakes, Blackened Mahi Tacos, Parmesan Flounder, and for a sweet ending, the lip-smacking Key Lime Pie. While savoring these delicacies, you can enjoy good live music, and while waiting for your food, take a stroll along the boardwalk leading to the beach, where you can dip your toes in the water and enjoy the shoreline.
Firefly, Romantic Setting & International Cuisine
Firefly goes beyond exceptional cuisine and attentive service, offering an intimate ambiance that makes it one of the most romantic and beautiful settings for a memorable dine experience. At the heart of the restaurant is a grand oak tree draped in twinkling lights, creating a cozy, magical atmosphere.
The menu features an impressive variety of dishes, including Japanese-inspired options, European-style creations, and fresh, locally sourced seafood. To set the tone for your romantic evening, start with their standout Kobe Carpaccio appetizer, followed by indulgent entrees like Boiled Lobster Tails with seasonal vegetables or the flavorful Honey-Glazed Salmon. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine to add the perfect finishing touch.
End the evening on a sweet note with one of their signature desserts, such as the incredible Crème Brûlée.
The Grand Marlin, Fresh Coastal Cuisine & Sea Views
Located in the scenic Port Lagoon area, The Grand Marlin offers fresh coastal cuisine paired with stunning water views. This is one of the most beloved local eateries in town, so if you’re a foodie, be sure to add The Grand Marlin to your bucket list.
For an extra-special experience, reserve a table on their covered outdoor deck on the second floor, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the water while you enjoy cooked-to-perfection dishes.
Here’s a suggestion: begin your meal with the classic Oysters Rockefeller as an appetizer, followed by exceptional seafood options like Fried Gulf Shrimp, Applewood Smoked Bacon, or Grouper Piccata. To enhance your evening, choose from their signature cocktails, a glass of prosecco, or a fine wine for the perfect pairing. For a lively twist, keep an eye out for their occasional live music performances.
Schooners, Entertainment, Gulf Views, & Beach Food
Known for its laid-back vibe, fresh seafood, and stunning Gulf views, Schooners, affectionately called “The Last Local Beach Club” by locals, offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with live music, frequent events, and simple yet amazing beach food.
You can’t go wrong with menu options like their Seafood Gumbo, Seared Crab Cakes, Lobster Flatbread, and Gulf Fresh Grouper. And don’t skip dessert — highlights include the White Chocolate Macadamia Cheesecake, Big Jamie’s Sweet Cake, and the Cheesecake of the Day.
Local Tip: A beloved local tradition at Schooners is gathering on the beach every evening to celebrate the sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the crowd counts down, and an old cannon is fired, marking the moment and kicking off the evening’s festivities.
Hidden Restaurant Gems Panama City & Panama City Beach
David’s Sno-balls, New Orleans Style Cafe & Sno-Balls Eatery
Offering authentic New Orleans-style dishes and desserts, including Sno-Balls and beignets, David’s Sno-Balls provides a casual, family-friendly setting for a delightful culinary experience in PCB.
The menu at this local gem features mouthwatering options like Roast Beef Po-Boy, muffuletta, stuffed Sno-Balls, beignets, and shrimp Po-Boy — all crowd favorites. It also boasts a variety of Sno-Ball flavors and daily specials such as Red Beans & Rice, Jambalaya, and Gumbo.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, the eatery often has the owner present to greet customers, adding a personal touch to the experience.
Dat Cajun Place, Cajun-themed Restaurant
This casual and vibrant restaurant on Thomas Drive is renowned for its authentic Cajun and Creole dishes, live music, and welcoming local atmosphere. With award-winning offerings like gumbo and oysters, it stands out as a must-visit dining spot in Panama City Beach.
Exploring their irresistible menu is a treat. Among the vast selection of starters, entrées, and po’boys, must-try dishes include the Boudin Balls, Gator Bites, Cajun Crab Balls, Crawfish Étouffée, and Three Cheese Cajun Baked Oysters. The star of the menu, however, is their “Award-Winning” Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo. Before you leave, indulge in a Deep-Fried Cheesecake or a slice of Key Lime Pie for the perfect sweet ending.
For those looking to pair their meal with great drinks, Dat Cajun Place features a full bar with delicious cocktails, bottled beers, and wines. Don’t miss their daily happy hour (4 PM–7 PM) and live music schedule for an extra dose of fun.
Bayou on the Beach, Cafe & Oyster Bar
Locals in PCB can’t get enough of Louisiana-style Cajun cuisine, and here’s another gem to satisfy your craving for Southern delicacies and ultra-fresh oysters.
While soaking in the casual, family-friendly Louisiana Cajun vibe at Bayou, indulge in some patron favorites like the Who Dat Shrimp, Swamp Cakes, Crab Cake, Seafood Gumbo, and Royal Red Boiled Shrimp. Be sure to explore the “Oysters on the Half Shell” section of the menu, where standout options include Baked Oyster Imperial, Baked Oyster Rockefeller, and Chargrilled Oysters.
Insider Tip: The restaurant can get busy, so try arriving early (around 5 PM) to avoid long waits (though the dining experience is well worth it!). If you’d like to enjoy their delicious offerings at home, the restaurant has a Steamed Seafood Menu available for takeout at the Steamers & Mercantile section, where you can also find charming souvenirs.
Bayou Joe’s Marina & Grill, Off-the-Beaten-Path Waterfront Dining Spot
Located at the end of a dock on Massalina Bayou and considered one of Panama City’s best kept secrets, Bayou Joe’s offers panoramic water views, stunning sunsets, and a fantastic menu filled with fresh, flavorful dishes.
Don’t miss standout options like the Blackened Shrimp & Cheese Grits Metcalf, Fried Oyster Po’ Boy, Yellowfin Tuna Sandwich, Flounder Basket, Joe’s Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Island Shrimp, and the Surf & Turf, featuring a juicy chargrilled steak paired with your choice of seafood.
It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a memorable meal while watching boats glide by or soaking in a beautiful sunrise or sunset.
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.
