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Venturing on a culinary exploration along the Emerald Coast is always a delight, especially when it includes stunning views of the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf. Panama City Beach, famous for its miles of white sandy beaches, is home to incredible beachside restaurants that offer not only mouthwatering cuisine, fresh Gulf seafood, and refreshing drinks but also a gorgeous and relaxing scenic dining experience.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a restaurant with ocean views in PCB, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ve curated the top beachside restaurants in Panama City Beach, so on your next visit, you can enjoy an unforgettable dining experience in this Florida gem.
At Emerald Coast Retreat, our love for this coastal haven that is Panama City Beach is translated into our commitment to crafting unparalleled getaways 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 hidden gems to where to find pickleball courts, with more posts always on the way to make your vacation even better. So stay tuned!
Here’s a quick sneak peek of what this blog has in store for you:
Nestled in the charming Port Lagoon area, The Grand Marlin offers an exquisite dining experience featuring fresh coastal cuisine and breathtaking views of the water, perfect for a memorable meal.
With a tempting array of island cocktails, the menu offers high-quality culinary delights, ranging from crispy lobster fingers and Oysters Rockefeller to seared swordfish and fried Gulf shrimp. Don’t miss the desserts, including key lime pie and red velvet cake. Freshness is key here, with a daily menu that reflects the latest seafood catches. Enjoy a dedicated oyster bar and an excellent cocktail list in a relaxed, island-inspired setting where beachwear, including flip-flops, is always welcome.
Expert tip: Sunset dining at The Grand Marlin is a must. Experience nature’s daily show from the best seats in the house—just remember to book in advance.
Since 1984, this beachfront gem has been a local favorite for fresh seafood, offering dishes like po’boys, alligator bites, and refreshing frozen drinks—all served in a vibrant atmosphere with stunning water views and a delightful salty breeze.
Situated directly on the beach offering unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico, Pineapple Willy’sis well known for their Caribbean salad, “world-famous” barbecue ribs, and their Chilly Willy Daiquiris. Indulge in all its delicacies at their expansive deck with plenty of outdoor seating, allowing you to soak in the sun and enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze while taking in the picturesque surroundings.
Here’s a nice detail: The restaurant is housed in a historic pier that dates back to 1936, originally designed for fishermen and sightseers.
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market is a renowned dining destination in Panama City Beach, offering a rich culinary tradition and breathtaking waterfront views. Situated along the Grand Lagoon, you can enjoy stunning water vistas as you indulge in their incredible cuisine. Operating for over 50 years, the restaurant is celebrated for its fresh, Gulf-sourced seafood and Southern-inspired dishes.
Capt. Anderson’s provides both cozy indoor and outdoor seating, but for those wanting to fully embrace the waterfront ambiance, nothing compares to dining al fresco. Menu highlights include Capt. Anderson’s “Famous” Grilled Bay Shrimp, Parmesan Baked Oysters, Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna, Fried Golden Calamari, Char-Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Oven-Broiled Cold Water Lobster Tails, and the Grouper Imperial with fresh lump crab meat.
With its retro nautical decor, excellent food, and stunning water views, dining at Capt. Anderson’s is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Panama City Beach.
This locally owned, family-friendly gem, situated right on the Grand Lagoon, offers a relaxing dockside atmosphere with water views that are perfect for enjoying sunsets while savoring fresh seafood, burgers, and drinks.
Settle in at one of the long wooden dockside tables and indulge in standout dishes like the O.T.H. Seared Tuna, Basket of O.T.H. Trash Tots, Shrimp Tacos, or Philly Cheesesteak. Pair your meal with one of their signature drinks, such as a Margarita, Bloody Mary, O.T.H. Stress Reliever, or O.T.H. Punch, and you’ll have a 5-star scenic dining experience in PCB.
Under the Boardwalk Bar & Grill is a laid-back, beachfront dining spot at the Boardwalk Beach Resort. In addition to excellent food, this poolside bar and grill offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, where you can unwind while enjoying delicious seafood, burgers, and tropical cocktails.
The open-air setting, with colorful wooden tables, beachy vibes, and turquoise waters in the background, creates the perfect atmosphere as you indulge in must-try dishes like the Smoked Tuna Dip, Poolside Smoked Nachos, Grouper Fingers, Fresh Caught Grouper Sandwich, Gulf Coast Po’Boy, and Shrimp Caesar Wrap. All of their delicacies pair perfectly with one of their specialty mixed cocktails or tropical frozen drinks — don’t forget to ask for the souvenir mug as a fun keepsake from an amazing dining experience.
This local gem is a well-known destination that combines fresh Gulf seafood, lively entertainment, and gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico. Since its opening in 1986, it has become a staple for both locals and tourists, offering a casual beach bar atmosphere.
Located directly on the beach, you’ll enjoy panoramic ocean views while dining. You can choose between covered or uncovered seating areas and explore a menu featuring mouthwatering dishes like Caribbean Nachos, Shrimp Ceviche, Gator Bites, Black & Bleu Chicken Salad, Shrimp Po’Boy, Mahi Sandwich, Oyster Combo, Key West Garlic Shrimp, Pepper-Crusted Tuna, Tiki Time Grouper, Panhandle Seafood Platter, and Biloxi Crab Cakes—all absolute must-tries. To enhance your meal, order one of their specialty drinks, such as the World Famous Shark Attack, Summer Squeeze, Cherry Limeade, Pineapple Upside Down, or Bahama Mama.
Expert tip: Due to its popularity, Sharky’s can fill up quickly during peak times, so arriving early is recommended, especially if you want a prime spot with a direct view of the Gulf. Be sure to check their schedule for live music and other entertainment before you go.
Runaway Island Beach Bar and Grill is another great spot located directly on the beach. Featuring a spacious deck that extends to the shore, it’s one of the top places in Panama City Beach to enjoy fresh seafood, tropical dishes, refreshing cocktails, and epic sunsets.
The restaurant boasts a two-story layout with a large outdoor deck, perfect for soaking in the warm coastal breeze while savoring your meal. Be sure to try crowd favorites such as the Runaway Grouper, Alaskan Snow Crab, Parmesan Flounder, Big Kahuna Platter, and St. Charles Redfish. Other must-tries include the Crab Cakes, Pesto Salmon Bowl, Teriyaki Bowl, and Rockefeller Oysters.
With its casual and friendly atmosphere, Runaway Island is an ideal spot for families, groups of friends, or couples looking to relax and enjoy an unforgettable meal.
How about some waterfront gems in Panama City? While Panama City and Panama City Beach share (most of) their name, they each offer unique experiences. Panama City, with its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, has a more residential vibe, focusing on local arts, museums, and community events. Meanwhile, Panama City Beach is a lively, tourism-driven destination, renowned for its stunning white sand beaches, water sports, and family-friendly attractions.
But there’s one similarity between them — amazing restaurants with stunning sea vistas.
Here are your favorite Panama City restaurants overlooking the water:
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.
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