Get more for your money with our limited-time SPECIAL OFFERS!
Get more for your money with our limited-time SPECIAL OFFERS!
Looking for beachfront restaurants Panama City Beach style? You’re in for a treat! With over 4.5 million annual visitors, Panama City Beach has become one of Florida’s top destinations for oceanfront dining and fresh seafood. This sun-soaked slice of Florida’s Gulf Coast has become a mecca for food lovers who crave amazing meals with spectacular views.
Here, the dining scene goes way beyond just fresh seafood – it’s about creating memories with every bite while your toes are practically in the sand.
There’s something magical about eating with the Gulf of Mexico as your backdrop. Imagine sitting at your table, feeling the gentle sea breeze brush against your face as the sound of rolling waves creates the perfect dinner soundtrack. Panama City Beach’s waterfront restaurants have mastered the art of blending mouthwatering cuisine with stunning natural beauty.
The best part? Many local spots time their dinner service perfectly with nature’s most spectacular show – the sunset. As the sky transforms into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, you’ll understand why dining here is an experience that goes straight to your vacation highlight reel. Pro tip: Plan your dinner around sunset (usually between 5:30 and 7:30 PM, depending on the season) to catch this stunning daily performance.
Pull up a chair at what locals lovingly call “The Last Local Beach Club.” Schooners nails the perfect mix of casual beach vibes and seriously good eats. Their grilled amberjack is legendary, but it’s their sunset cannon ceremony that steals the show every evening. Don’t miss their famous fish tacos – they’re a game-changer!
Upscale dining meets laid-back coastal charm at The Grand Marlin. Their second-floor deck offers some of the most impressive views in PCB. The praline basket dessert is worth saving room for, and their fresh oyster selection changes daily. Pro tip: Their Sunday brunch is absolutely worth rolling out of bed for.
With its massive tiki hut and beach volleyball courts, Sharky’s screams “vacation mode: ON!” Their grouper sandwich is a local favorite, and the beach bar serves up some of the most creative cocktails in town. Kids love watching the pelicans dive for fish while parents enjoy the live music.
Welcome to paradise! This place brings the island vibe with its fun atmosphere and killer cheeseburgers (in paradise, of course). The outdoor deck puts you right over the beach, and yes, the margaritas are as good as you’d expect. The Volcano Nachos are big enough to share with the whole family.
This rustic gem serves up some of the best amberjack around. Their screened porch keeps the bugs out while letting in those amazing Gulf breezes. The smoked tuna dip is a must-try appetizer, and their key lime pie might just be the best in PCB.
Sitting right on the pier, Hook’d gives you that “dining over the water” feeling. Their breakfast is fantastic (hello, crab cake benedict!), and the fish sandwiches are always fresh-caught. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for families with sandy feet and beach hair.
Those famous BBQ ribs with a side of beach view? Yes, please! Pineapple Willy’s iconic red and white striped building houses some of PCB’s most beloved comfort food. Their signature Pineapple Willy drink is practically a rite of passage for visitors.
Two stories of gorgeous views and a menu that’ll make your mouth water. Their seafood mac and cheese is pure comfort food heaven, and the open-air deck is perfect for watching dolphins play in the Gulf. The Sunday Funday specials are legendary among locals.
This place is all about fun, food, and fantastic views. Their seafood platters are enormous, and the hush puppies are addictive. The casual vibe makes it perfect for families, and the sunset views are absolutely Instagram-worthy.
While not directly on the beach, this upscale spot makes our list for its massive 25,000-gallon tropical fish tank and incredible seafood selection. Their happy hour is one of the best deals in town, and the atmosphere is perfect for special occasions.
Let’s talk about what you need to know before heading out to these amazing waterfront spots! The dress code at most Panama City Beach restaurants is pretty chill – we’re talking “beach casual” at its finest. Feel free to show up in your sundress, shorts, or nice beach cover-up. Just toss a light jacket in your bag for those breezy evening meals.
Here’s a pro tip: These restaurants get super busy during peak times (7-9 PM), especially in summer months and on weekends. Your best bet? Hit them up right when they open (usually around 4 PM) or plan for an early dinner around 5 PM. Not only will you skip the crowds, but you’ll also catch that gorgeous sunset!
Speaking of planning ahead – reservations are your friend! While some spots like Sharky’s and Hook’d work on a first-come, first-served basis, places like The Grand Marlin and Saltwater Grill definitely need advance bookings, especially during tourist season. A quick phone call a few days ahead can save you hours of waiting time. Trust me, your hungry family will thank you later!
Want some insider advice? Here’s what the locals know about making the most of PCB’s waterfront dining scene!
Best Happy Hours: Head to Schooners between 4-7 PM for great deals on appetizers and drinks. The Grand Marlin’s happy hour is a bit shorter (3-5 PM) but worth planning your day around – their discounted oysters are amazing!
Parking Secrets: Most restaurants offer free parking, but spots fill up fast during peak season. The secret? Many spots, like Pineapple Willy’s and Runaway Island, have overflow lots across the street. At Schooners, the best parking spots are actually on the west side of the building – most tourists don’t know about these!
Skip the Wait: Download restaurant apps when available. Places like Margaritaville and The Grand Marlin use waitlist apps that let you grab your spot in line while still enjoying the beach. Genius, right?
Weather Backup Plans: Afternoon thunderstorms are pretty common in summer. Smart move? Make reservations at spots like Saltwater Grill or The Grand Marlin – they’ve got covered outdoor seating with amazing views, plus indoor options if the weather gets rough.
Bonus tip: Many restaurants offer birthday specials – just mention it when making your reservation. Some even throw in a free dessert!
Let’s talk about all the extra fun stuff that makes dining at PCB’s waterfront spots so special! These restaurants know that great food is just the beginning of an awesome evening out.
Want some entertainment with those grouper bites? Many spots keep the good times rolling with live music, especially during summer evenings. Schooners brings in local bands almost every night, while Sharky’s hosts some seriously talented musicians on their beachside stage. The vibe ranges from cool acoustic sets to full-on beach party mode – just check their social media pages to see who’s playing when.
Got kids in tow? No worries! Most of these restaurants are total pros at keeping the little ones happy. Pineapple Willy’s offers a great kids’ menu with activities to keep them busy, and Runaway Island has plenty of space for restless kiddos to move around. At Sharky’s, the beach volleyball courts provide free entertainment while you wait for your food.
Looking for something special? These spots really shine during holidays and local events. During the annual Pirates of the High Seas Fest, restaurants like Harpoon Harry’s get into the spirit with themed menus and decorations. New Year’s Eve? The Grand Marlin puts on a spectacular celebration with special menus and the best fireworks views in town.
Many restaurants also offer seasonal specials based on what’s swimming in local waters. Summer brings amazing red snapper dishes, while fall is prime time for local oysters. The stone crab season is a total game-changer at places like Saltwater Grill.
Let’s wrap this up with the good stuff! Panama City Beach’s waterfront dining scene is more than just restaurants – it’s a collection of experiences that’ll make your vacation memories extra special. Each spot brings its own unique flavor to the table, paired with those million-dollar Gulf views that just can’t be beat.
My personal take? Try a different spot each night if you can. Start casual at Schooners one evening, go upscale at The Grand Marlin the next, and maybe wrap up your trip with sunset drinks at Runaway Island. Mix it up, and you’ll get to experience all the flavors and vibes that make PCB’s beachfront dining so incredible.
Remember, the best meal isn’t just about what’s on your plate – it’s about the sunset you watched, the waves you heard, and the people you shared it with. That’s the real magic of dining on Panama City Beach!
Planning your PCB dining adventure? Book your stay through Emerald Coast Retreats, offering handpicked beachfront properties with stunning Gulf views and 24/7 local support for the perfect coastal getaway.
for the latest news, local events, & more!
© 2025 Emerald Coast Retreats | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Website Terms of Use
