Panama City Beach is a paradise for seafood enthusiasts. The city’s restaurants serve up fresh catches from the Gulf of Mexico, prepared in myriad ways. From casual beachfront eateries to upscale dining establishments, there’s an option for every palate and occasion. Let’s dive into the eight best seafood restaurants in Panama City Beach that define the local culinary scene.

Boon Docks

Situated on the water’s edge, Boon Docks offers a genuine Florida Panhandle dining experience on one of the top 25 beaches in the US. This restaurant prides itself on serving fresh, locally-sourced seafood in a casual atmosphere that captures the essence of coastal living.

Boon Docks’ menu features an array of seafood delights. Their fried seafood platters are particularly popular, showcasing the catch of the day alongside crispy hush puppies and coleslaw. For those seeking a lighter option, the grilled fish selections provide a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor.

One standout dish is the Grouper Pontchartrain, a local favorite that combines perfectly cooked grouper with a rich, creamy sauce. The restaurant’s key lime pie is a must-try dessert, offering a sweet and tangy conclusion to your meal.

The rustic decor and waterfront views enhance the dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy their meals while watching boats glide by. Boon Docks’ commitment to quality seafood and its inviting ambiance make it a top choice for both locals and visitors.

The Grand Marlin

The Grand Marlin elevates the Panama City Beach dining scene with its upscale approach to seafood. This establishment combines fine dining with a relaxed coastal atmosphere, creating an ideal setting for special occasions or a refined night out.

The restaurant’s menu changes daily to ensure the freshest seafood options are available. Skilled chefs prepare each dish with precision, often incorporating innovative culinary techniques. The Grand Marlin’s oyster bar is a highlight, offering a variety of fresh oysters from the Gulf and beyond.

Signature dishes include the Praline Basket, a unique dessert that showcases the chef’s creativity, and the Grouper Piccata, which puts a delicious twist on a classic preparation. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list and craft cocktail menu to complement your meal.

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of Grand Lagoon, adding to the restaurant’s elegant ambiance. The Grand Marlin’s attention to detail in both food and atmosphere cements its status as one of Panama City Beach’s premier seafood destinations.

Pineapple Willy’s Restaurant

Pineapple Willy’s has been a Panama City Beach institution for decades, known for its casual beachfront dining and lively atmosphere. This restaurant offers guests the opportunity to enjoy fresh fish in Panama City Beach while taking in panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

The menu at Pineapple Willy’s features a range of seafood options, catering to various tastes. Their famous Willy’s Platter presents an assortment of fried seafood, perfect for sharing or satisfying a hearty appetite. The restaurant’s signature drink, the Pineapple Willy, is a refreshing tropical cocktail that pairs well with the beachy vibe.

One of Pineapple Willy’s most popular dishes is the Mahi-Mahi Tacos, which combine flaky fish with zesty toppings in a soft tortilla. The restaurant also offers a selection of beach-inspired appetizers, like conch fritters and crab cakes, that are ideal for snacking while enjoying the ocean breeze.

Live music often accompanies the dining experience at Pineapple Willy’s, adding to the restaurant’s fun and energetic atmosphere. The combination of tasty seafood, tropical drinks, and beachfront location makes Pineapple Willy’s a favorite among beachgoers and families.

Schooners

Schooners bills itself as the “Last Local Beach Club” in Panama City Beach, and it lives up to this title by offering an authentic beach experience alongside delicious seafood. The restaurant’s location right on the sand allows diners to feel the ocean breeze and hear the waves while enjoying their meals.

The menu at Schooners focuses on fresh, Gulf-caught seafood prepared in both traditional and creative ways. Their Oysters Rockefeller is a standout appetizer, featuring locally harvested oysters topped with a rich, flavorful sauce. For main courses, the Blackened Redfish and Grilled Amberjack showcase the best of local fish preparations.

Schooners is famous for its sunset celebration, where they fire a cannon as the sun dips below the horizon. This daily ritual adds a unique touch to the dining experience and draws crowds of both tourists and locals.

The restaurant’s casual atmosphere extends to its beach area, where guests can enjoy drinks and light bites with their toes in the sand. Schooners’ combination of great seafood, stunning views, and laid-back vibes make it a quintessential Panama City Beach dining destination.

Saltwater Grill

Saltwater Grill offers a more refined seafood dining experience in Panama City Beach. The restaurant’s centerpiece is a 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for diners as they enjoy their meals.

The menu at Saltwater Grill showcases a variety of seafood options, prepared with skill and attention to detail. Their Seafood Tower is an impressive appetizer, featuring a selection of chilled shellfish perfect for sharing. For entrees, the Pan-Seared Scallops and the Grouper Oscar demonstrate the kitchen’s ability to elevate classic seafood dishes.

Saltwater Grill also caters to steak lovers, offering high-quality cuts that rival their seafood offerings. The restaurant’s dessert menu is equally impressive, with the Chocolate Lava Cake being a particular favorite among patrons.

The elegant interior design, coupled with the hypnotic aquarium, creates an upscale yet relaxing atmosphere. Saltwater Grill’s combination of excellent food, unique ambiance, and attentive service makes it a top choice for those seeking a more sophisticated dining experience in Panama City Beach.

Dee’s Hangout

Dee’s Hangout brings a taste of New Orleans to Panama City Beach with its Cajun-inspired seafood dishes. This cozy restaurant offers a more intimate dining experience compared to some of the larger establishments in the area.

The menu at Dee’s Hangout features a mix of traditional seafood dishes and Cajun specialties. Their Gumbo is a crowd-pleaser, packed with seafood and bursting with flavor. The Crawfish Étouffée is another popular choice, offering a true taste of Louisiana cuisine.

For those seeking more traditional seafood options, Dee’s Hangout doesn’t disappoint. Their Grilled Mahi-Mahi and Fried Shrimp Platter showcase the restaurant’s ability to prepare seafood in various styles. The Bread Pudding, a New Orleans classic, is a must-try dessert that provides a sweet ending to your meal.

The restaurant’s casual, welcoming atmosphere reflects its name, making diners feel like they’re enjoying a meal at a friend’s place. Dee’s Hangout’s unique blend of Gulf Coast and Cajun flavors, combined with its friendly service, has earned it a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.

Bayou on the Beach

Bayou on the Beach brings a taste of Louisiana to Panama City Beach, offering a menu that combines traditional seafood dishes with Cajun and Creole influences. This family-owned restaurant provides a friendly, casual atmosphere that welcomes diners seeking bold flavors and generous portions.

The menu at Bayou on the Beach features an array of seafood options prepared with a Southern twist. Their Seafood Gumbo is a house specialty, packed with shrimp, crab, and oysters in a rich, flavorful broth. For those craving a true taste of New Orleans, the Crawfish Étouffée and Jambalaya are excellent choices.

One of the restaurant’s standout dishes is the Bayou Platter, which offers a sampling of fried seafood including catfish, shrimp, and oysters. The Chargrilled Oysters, topped with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, are another popular item that showcases the restaurant’s Louisiana inspirations.

Bayou on the Beach also offers a selection of po’ boy sandwiches, featuring crispy fried seafood on fresh French bread. The casual, laid-back atmosphere of the restaurant complements its hearty, flavorful dishes, making it a favorite spot for those seeking a taste of the bayou by the beach.

Shuckums Oyster Pub & Seafood Grill

Shuckums Oyster Pub & Seafood Grill has been a Panama City Beach staple for over 50 years, known for its casual atmosphere and fresh seafood offerings. This local favorite combines the relaxed vibe of a pub with the delicious flavors of a seafood restaurant making it a great place to enjoy seafood in Panama Beach.

As the name suggests, oysters are a main attraction at Shuckums. The restaurant offers them prepared in various ways – raw, steamed, or baked with toppings. Their Oysters Rockefeller and Cajun-style chargrilled oysters are particularly popular among patrons.

Beyond oysters, Shuckums’ menu features a wide range of seafood options. The Fried Seafood Platter allows diners to sample multiple offerings, including shrimp, fish, and scallops. For those preferring grilled options, the Mahi-Mahi and Red Snapper are excellent choices, showcasing the restaurant’s ability to prepare seafood in different styles.

Shuckums also offers a selection of non-seafood items and a kids’ menu, making it a versatile choice for families and groups with varied tastes. The restaurant’s casual, beachy atmosphere is enhanced by live music performances, adding to the overall dining experience.

The combination of fresh seafood, reasonable prices, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere has made Shuckums a long-standing favorite in Panama City Beach’s dining scene. It’s a place where locals and tourists alike can enjoy quality seafood in a relaxed setting, embodying the casual, friendly spirit of the Florida Panhandle.

Why You Should Vacation with Us at Emerald Coast Retreats

Panama City Beach’s seafood restaurants offer exceptional dining experiences, showcasing the Gulf’s bounty. Each establishment brings its own flair to the table, ensuring memorable meals for visitors and locals alike. For those planning an extended stay to explore these culinary delights, Emerald Coast Retreats provides comfortable accommodations that serve as the perfect base for your gastronomic adventures.

Panama City Beach is more than just a culinary paradise. From seasonal events like the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally to hidden gems like Shell Island, there’s always something exciting to explore. Discover pickleball courts, thrilling adventures at the SkyWheel, and a vibrant nightlife scene—all within close proximity to your home away from home.

So why wait? Book your stay with Emerald Coast Retreats and start planning your perfect vacation today. Experience the best of Panama City Beach from the comfort of our exceptional vacation rentals.