Panama City Beach is more than just white sand and sunshine—it’s a foodie paradise packed with locally loved restaurants serving fresh seafood, Southern comfort food, and coastal cuisine with a twist. Whether you’re here for a beach vacation or just cruising through, don’t settle for chain restaurants. These local favorites offer authentic flavors, warm hospitality, and memorable meals you’ll want to come back for.
🐟 Seafood Restaurants
Dee’s Hang Out – $$
A casual, welcoming spot that dishes out Southern favorites with a coastal flair. Known for their creamy crab and shrimp bisque, smoky jambalaya, and chargrilled oysters.
📍 529 N Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 · ☎ (850) 249-4264
deeshangout.com
The Grand Marlin – $$$
For a more upscale dining experience with a view, The Grand Marlin delivers fresh seafood, expertly prepared steaks, and a curated wine list—all served with a backdrop of Grand Lagoon.
📍 5323 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 · ☎ (850) 249-1500
thegrandmarlin.com
Pineapple Willy’s – $$
An iconic beach-front restaurant famous for ribs, seafood, and frozen daiquiris. Perfect for sunset views right on the pier.
📍 9875 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 · ☎ (850) 235-1225
pwillys.com
Saltwater Grill – $$$
Upscale seafood, steaks, and sushi in a warm, modern setting. The 25,000-gallon saltwater aquarium makes the atmosphere unforgettable.
📍 11040 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 · ☎ (850) 230-2739
saltwatergrillpcb.com
Schooners – The Last Local Beach Club – $$
Fun, lively spot with daily live music, great seafood, and a beach view. Don’t miss their “sunset cannon blast”!
📍 5121 Gulf Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 · ☎ (850) 235-3555
schooners.com
Runaway Island Beachfront Restaurant & Grill – $$
Two-story beachfront dining with fresh seafood, steaks, and live music.
📍 14521 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 · ☎ (850) 634-4884
runawayislandpcb.com
Bayou on the Beach – $$
Bringing New Orleans flavor to PCB—gumbo, po’boys, and oyster platters in a lively atmosphere.
📍 11115 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 · ☎ (850) 769-4423
bayouonthebeachcafe.com
🍖 BBQ & Southern Comfort
Back Beach Barbecue – $$
Wood-smoked meats, house-made rubs, and a welcoming atmosphere. The brisket and pulled pork are local favorites.
📍 19714 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 · ☎ (850) 249-0822
backbeachbarbecue.com
Sandbar Seafood & BBQ Joint – $$
Blending the best of both worlds — fresh seafood and southern-style BBQ.
📍 2725 Joan Ave, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 · ☎ (850) 249-7200
sandbarpcb.com
Salty Sue’s Restaurant – $$
Seafood, steak, and BBQ all in one menu — famous for gumbo, grouper sandwiches, and live music.
📍 17501 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 · ☎ (850) 234-8485
saltysues.com
Moe’s Original Bar B Que – $$
Southern-style BBQ with a beach twist—ribs, smoked wings, and fried catfish.
📍 14896 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 · ☎ (850) 708-1633
moesoriginalbbq.com
Shane’s Rib Shack – $
Quick, casual, and delicious BBQ — their smoked wings and “shack fries” are addictive.
📍 10100 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 · ☎ (850) 249-8111
shanesribshack.com
The Wicked Wheel – $$
Southern-style dining with a biker flair — known for fried chicken, burgers, and fun décor.
📍 10025 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 · ☎ (850) 588-7947
thewickedwheel.com
🍝 Italian Restaurants
Bella Roma Tuscan Grill – $$$
Elegant dining featuring pasta, seafood, and Tuscan-style dishes with an excellent wine list.
📍 11535 Hutchison Blvd Ste 101, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 · ☎ (850) 249-1340
bellaromapcb.com
Panama Pizzeria & Italian Bistro – $$
Casual and family-friendly with hand-tossed pizza, baked pasta, and hearty sandwiches.
📍 17140 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 · ☎ (850) 234-5000
panamapizzeria.com
J. Michael’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar – $$
A local institution offering coastal Italian-inspired dishes and Gulf seafood.
📍 3210 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 · ☎ (850) 233-2055
Christo’s Sports Bar & Grill – $$
Casual eatery with pizza, pasta, and great game-day vibes.
📍 2903 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 · ☎ (850) 249-3663
🥙 Mediterranean, Healthy & Light Fare
Taziki’s Mediterranean Café – $$
Lean meats, gyros, and fresh salads — a healthy alternative with quick service.
📍 15463 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Ste B, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 · ☎ (850) 785-5144
tazikis.com
Finns Island Style Grub – $
Famous for fresh fish tacos, poke bowls, and smoothies. Vegan and gluten-free options available.
📍 7220 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 · ☎ (850) 238-3466
finnsislandstylegrub.com
Lotus Café & Juice Bar – $$
Vegetarian-friendly café tucked behind Zen Garden; known for smoothies, wraps, and salads.
📍 707 Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 · ☎ (850) 234-1651
lotuspcb.com
Liza’s Kitchen – $$
Locally loved gourmet café offering fresh sandwiches, soups, and brunch options.
📍 7328 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 · ☎ (850) 233-9000
lizaskitchen.com
☕ Breakfast, Coffee & Treats
Thomas Donut & Snack Shop – $
A PCB classic since 1971 — fresh donuts, biscuits, burgers, and frozen treats.
📍 19208 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 · ☎ (850) 234-8039
thomasdonutandsnackshop.com
Andy’s Flour Power Café & Bakery – $$
Breakfast and brunch institution serving creative omelets, pancakes, and pastries.
📍 2629 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 · ☎ (850) 230-0014
andysflourpower.com
The Pour Coffee House – $$
Community-focused coffee spot offering espresso, pastries, and cozy beach-town vibes.
📍 12902 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 · ☎ (850) 588-8697
thepourpcb.com
David’s Sno-Balls – $
New Orleans-style snowballs, beignets, and sandwiches.
📍 13913 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 · ☎ (850) 236-1998
davids-snoballs.com
🥪 Casual Lunch Spots & Local Favorites
Fatty’s Sandwich Shop – $
Known for piled-high subs, pressed Cubans, and chicken salad.
📍 15900 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 · ☎ (850) 249-1510
fattyssandwichshop.com
Dat Cajun Place – $$
Authentic Louisiana Cajun flavor—live music, great drinks, and hearty dishes like crawfish étouffée.
📍 8503 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 · ☎ (850) 588-5314
datcajunplacecafe.com
Diego’s Burrito Factory – $
Build-your-own burritos and tacos with a beachside twist; casual and quick.
📍 15514 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 · ☎ (850) 249-7373
diegosburritofactory.com
🌴 Wrap-Up
Whether you’re craving Cajun spice, fresh-off-the-boat seafood, or the best donut in town, Panama City Beach’s local food scene has you covered. Skip the chains and try one of these locally loved spots—you’ll be glad you did.
At Best Beach Getaways, we help guests experience the very best of Panama City Beach—starting with where you stay. Our vacation rentals offer comfort, space, and convenience with a local team always ready to help make your stay memorable. From beachfront condos with stunning views to spacious homes ideal for families or groups, you’ll find the perfect place to relax after a delicious day of dining out.
When you book direct with Best Beach Getaways, you get more than a rental—you get trusted local expertise, five-star service, and the inside scoop on everything PCB has to offer. Explore our Panama City Beach vacation rentals and let us help you plan your next flavorful escape to Florida’s Gulf Coast.