Top Best Seafood Restaurants in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach, a waterfront town in Florida, is renowned for its stunning coastline, vibrant nightlife, and, most importantly, its mouthwatering seafood. The city is a paradise for seafood lovers, boasting a plethora of restaurants that serve up the freshest catch from the Gulf of Mexico. From casual beach shacks to upscale dining establishments, Panama City Beach offers a diverse range of seafood eateries that cater to all tastes and budgets. This article will guide you through the best seafood restaurants in Panama City Beach, each offering a unique dining experience that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Shrimp basket
4.3
(5218)
Informal chain outpost offering a variety of fried seafood dishes & an oyster bar.
Reviews:
Tina was an excellent, super friendly and helpful waitress! We felt welcomed and enjoyed all food we had. Thank you Tina! We had Boom Boom Shrimp and Seafood Boils Cajun style medium heat. It was not too spicy for me(don’t like too spicy). Everything was super yummy! Crab was amazing! Never had sausage like that before. The atmosphere was great 😊 Highly Recommended!!
Iryna Tsukanova
Food took a few extra minutes, but it was completely worth the wait! Sit outside, enjoy the view and try the grilled menu, Cajun style. I chose Cajun shrimp and flounder with green beans as a side. The fish was so tender you couldn't use a fork, the shrimp was cooked perfectly and the seasoning was balanced and delicious. As an appetizer, I had the best coconut shrimp I've ever had, served with a nice take on dipping sauce. Orange/mango tasting with a hit of worshteshire sauce, amazing! Topped it all off with the local "Shrimp Pail Ale", one of the best meals I've had in Panama city. My waiter was Derek, if you eat here I hope you ask for him or get him, friendly, attentive and all around good guy. Give this place a shot, you won't be disappointed! Update: brought the family back on vacation and had to visit this place again. Just as good as before and friendly staff.
B Wiggs
The wait was long, but to be expected for a Saturday night. The food was well worth it too, in my opinion. I ordered the Cajun Pasta & it was soooo good. Everything was perfectly seasoned. The sauce was just the right consistency that it stuck to everything, & don't even get me started on the garlic bread. I'd go back & wait just for a bag of the garlic bread itself!
Heather Guzman
There's nothing to not like about the Shrimp Basket! The prices are much more reasonable for panama city Beach. Bigger chain resturaunts run at least $10 more for similar dishes. A mixed drink was 7.25 vs 13.00. I got a cheeseburger and a CHERRY daiquiri, while my husband got a basket with shrimp, white fish, stuffed crab, and oysters, which came with a shrimp slaw. Everything was fantastic. Parking was easy to get in and out. I highly recommend this place!
Tracy Martin
Ate there today for lunch. The food was amazing! Restaurant was great, we ate outside. Our server, Derek, was so nice and had an awesome personality. We will definitely have to eat there again before our vacation is over. Absolutely recommend this place to anyone interested in some great seafood!
Hope Asbell
12390 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA
Hook'd pier bar & grill
4.4
(2086)
Small, beach-themed bar & grill featuring outdoor seating with water views & a seafood-focused menu.
Reviews:
We try to visit this awesome beach side bar and restaurant everytime we come to the Panama City area. They just recently expanded and included more tables inside in the air conditioning if you don’t like the sea breeze and warmth and humidity that you get from the beach. The staff is fantastic and the food and drink menu is extensive with something for everyone. This trip that we went with the wraps as our personal favorites with the fish tacos a close second. All the drinks are amazing with many beach themed libations to make your day just a little bit better
Randle Likes
There's nothing like having a meal with a view of the beach. Hook'd does that and more! Though their menu was on the smaller side for being on a touristy street, I actually quite appreciate it. You can tell that Hook'd has been here for a while, and then deciding on keeping their menu relatively small means that they care about the quality of their food. You can definitely taste it too! My partner and I had the catch of the day. I had mine fried, he had his blackened. You couldn't go wrong with either way, because both were delicious. Mine was perfectly fried, salted, and with the added lemon and tartar sauce, it was great. I could also taste how fresh it was as well! Their fries were good too. My favorite part about this place is that dogs are allowed, so long as they are leashed and behaved. We don't get to bring our boy with us to many places, but I'm glad we got to bring him here. Our waiter even got him his own bowl of water, and our boy was definitely thankful. Lastly, the service was wonderful. We had the kindest waiter who was super friendly, conversational, and informative. I feel bad because I forgot his name, but he was definitely one of the best waiters we've ever encountered. You can't go wrong with this place!
Andrea Ecarma
My coworker and I really enjoyed this restaurant. Food- The food was good. We both got bowls for dinner and dole whips for dessert. The bowls had lots of flavor and came out incredibly quick. Service- Probably one of the best waiters we have ever had. His name was Dillon and he was efficient, checked on us, made recommendations and made us feel like he was an old friend in his style of communication. Atmosphere- beautiful location and beach beach vibes. We sat outside and got to watch the sunset over the pier. You can’t beat that.
Juanita Simpson
It was Memorial weekend & they still got us seated pretty quickly (about 30 minutes). We got outdoor seating at night, and it was a fun atmosphere. The drinks were yummy & the food was really tasty!! Everyone in our 8 person group, loved what they ordered. I got the fish tacos & the flavor was incredible!
Amy Jones
We ate outside by the pier which was really nice. The food was extremely good. We got Mahi Mahi sandwich, shrimp teriyaki wrap, fish tacos and a burger. Would definitely eat here again.
Brittany B
16201 Front Beach Rd Ste C, Panama City Beach, FL 32413, USA
Firefly
4.5
(2045)
Romantic seafood spot offering dining under a lit-up oak tree plus a creative menu & full bar.
Reviews:
Had a great experience here. All of the food was delicious, our server was incredibly nice and attentive. It was a pretty busy Friday night and everything showed up in a pretty reasonable amount of time. They prefer your courses so you don't feel rushed, probably good to know if you are in a hurry to eat... This might not be the place. The sushi was fresh and flavorful, the appetizers were phenomenal, and the drinks were mixed well. All in all, one of the best places we ate on our vacation to PCB. definitely worth a try!
B Wiggs
The best steak I've had!! The fried calamari was delicious as an appetizer, along with the bread and three spreads. Amazing creme brulee. Beautiful setting - I loved the tree and lights, the mural, etc.
Amanda H
Really good menu. Can't wait to try more of it, but it would have to be a special occasion because the prices are high. But to be fair the prices could be much higher for food that good. I am not fond of open concept dining areas, but the tree helped. Friendly staff and professional service.
Thomas Thieme
We had our 2 year anniversary dinner here and let me say it was one of the best dining experiences I've had on Panama City Beach! The stuffed Filet was incredible and she had the shrimp and grits and she thought it was the best she ever had!. Great service warranted a 30% tip of course and the atmosphere was top notch 👌 No reservations and zero wait time was a nice surprise but if you want a private table I recommend calling ahead. 10 out of 10 overall
King Pipeforce
Amazing ambience and atmosphere. We were in the room with the tree and all the lights. We had a nice dinner date and enjoyed a night out without the kids. We had the crème brûlée for dessert which was amazing! We both ordered steaks but 2 different types and it was very good! We would definitely come back next time we come into town.
Amy S
535 Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA
Pineapple willy's restaurant
4.5
(13158)
On-the-sand spot offering po' boys & frozen drinks plus sports on big-screen TVs & live music.
Reviews:
Went to Pineapple Willy's again, said I would not go back. Would rather went to there sister's restaurant the Wicked Wheel where the food is better. When me and my wife went there the Rangers and Astros were playing. Hosted said I could not sat there because that they were seating people from back to the front where there was no TV. Had the chicken strip and fries. Chicken was so salty it my raise my blood pressure. They should tell customers how salty this is so that are aware. Wife had clam's, fries and cold slaw. Clam's salty and cold slaw uneatable. Server Jesse was nice and enjoyable. I will never go back !
Greg Crenshaw
Not a long wait to get in. Food was really good and it was all made right. Waitress was top notch checking on our table alot. Dont get much better than this place for sure!! The Mahi Mahi platter was good and the Pineapple Coleslaw was also good. The portions are more than enough. Wife got the Shrimp Basket and it was also good!!
russell dehaven
One of the best places in PCB. Don’t eat breakfast and get there right when they open because it gets packed VERY fast. The Miami vice frozen drink is so good. We have been here twice on our trip because we love it so much. There roumalade is incredible and you really can’t get anything bad on the menu. Our servers were extremely attentive and friendly. Can’t say enough great things!
Olivia Galecki
I wish they had a reservation system but it was first come first serve. We were given a pager and quoted a 2 Hour wait. We spent our time in their little gift shop which was a great escape for some A/C. We then went over to the bar to order some drinks. If you want appetizers during your wait, you have to flag down a server and sit at an open table. Our group of 8 shared a small table which was pretty comedic. I absolutely love their fried pickles! Our pager went off and we were escorted to a different part of the restaurant. A whole separate building. Bathroom was clean. Service was fast and we got our food quick.
Linda Nguyen
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this restaurant. Ample parking and quick seating started off the great experience. The restaurant is right on the beach for a relaxing view while you dine. The server was cordial, and the food arrived quickly- shockingly so. There was not one person from our party of 5 who was not pleased with their dishes. The Alligator is an absolute must, and I was dubious about trying it and left a huge fan. It was so good, the family wanted to go there again before departing PCB. The service and quality remained the same: amazing. The cocktails were also potent but delicious.
Reka the Travelnista
9875 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, USA
Harpoon harry's beachfront restaurant
4.1
(4900)
Casual eatery with beach views & patio seating featuring burgers, seafood & steaks.
Reviews:
This restaurant has an awesome view! I would recommend this restaurant if you’re only willing to drink or snack, otherwise there are better restaurants out there with variety of seafood options. The seafood dishes offered here are mostly fried. You only get crab legs in the 75$ bucket. So, if you’re willing to fill up your tummy from scratch to the brim, this is not the place. If you’re willing to drink and snack on a very picturesque place, then this is it! Please take the Tuna Dip if you’re snacking. It’s the best amongst most of the dishes I tried in this restaurant.
Swapnil Moon
Saw this place on TV and it was right next to the hotel so I walked over to try something I have wanted to try for a while. Got cheese wrapped fish tacos and was not disappointed. The fish was slightly dry but the sauce on the taco and the fresh slaw made up for that. To top it off, the grilled cheese on the tortilla was amazing. It is definitely a loud place but I took my seat on the bar with The Gulf behind me and it was pretty nice. Will definitely come back if I am in the area. Update: came back on vacation with the family, food was great, but the highlight was our waiter Chris. Great sense of humor, very attentive and made the dinner memorable. Will be back whenever I'm in town!
B Wiggs
4 stars because of the location and service. The view was incredible. We were looking for a place on the beach, and we got it! We wanted dinner but didn't want to lose time on the beach, so we got the best of both worlds. We enjoyed that we were able to step right down off the deck, on to the beach for a few pictures while waiting on our food, then again after dinner to catch the sunset. Our server was fantastic as well!Our kids got cheese sticks as an appetizer, and they were OK. The grouper strips (I forget exactly what they called them) were a tasty appetizer, though. My blackened grouper was not blackened like everywhere else. I've had blackened fish (and this is A LOT). I probably should have asked about it, but I didn't. The bigger issue was simply the texture; it was just off. My wife loved her chicken sandwich with pineapple (Island Chicken), and it was quite tasty.
Matt Diebolt
I went there with my mom & daughter who are both in wheelchairs. We were treated with the same respect & kindness as everyone else. They quickly cleared 2 spaced for their access & seated us. Food was served fast & it was hot & delicious. Beautiful sunset view can be seen there as well.
Robert Mintz
In town from Chicago and met a friend at this Panama City Beach gem. Not only were the views spectacular, the service was impeccable. Sabrina did an awesome job ensuring that my friend and I enjoyed our experience at Harpoon Harry’s. She suggested that we try the Cheesy Fish Tacos which were delicious. If you’re ever in the area, make sure to check out this establishment and ask for Sabrina.
C Clark
12627 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA
Barefoot hide-a-way
4
(2435)
Popular oceanfront hangout with a large colorful deck for casual seafood plates & tropical drinks.
Reviews:
We absolutely love coming to eat here while on vacation. The scenery and food is amazing! Our server last night, Brendan, was wonderful!! He had such a warming smile and was very attentive and polite. He checked on us multiple times while making conversation. Excellent job and we can’t wait to come back!
Kayleigh Woods
Everything about this place was great! This was our last stop for lunch on our way out from an amazing week at the beach… we were after that last bite of gator lol By far, this was the best meal and service we had the entire time we were there. Our waitress, Alicia, went above and beyond to make sure we got our gator (which was only on the dinner menu). The food was fresh, hot and delicious! The atmosphere was fun, we sat outside with a view of the beach. I definitely recommend you give this place a try, you won’t be disappointed!
Robyn Griffin
We ate here for breakfast twice it was so good! This little hidden gem sits right on the gulf front and offers all the classic breakfast options served by some of the sweetest folks around. We got sausage gravy and biscuits, chicken waffles, and pancakes all loaded up alongside some smoothies to start our day. I insisted we go back a second time before we hit the road home.
Meredith Nickson
Found a hidden gem this morning. Barefoot Hide A Way Grill is a great place for breakfast on the beach. Not only did the food taste good but the presentation was equivalent to any high end restaurant. I had the traditional eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast and pancake. I normally don't care for home fries/potatoes for breakfast. However, theirs was delicious! They were seasoned with sliced onions and peppers. Food, atmosphere, and service was great. I will be back and would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone in Panama City Beach.
Brent Shelton
My mom and I were staying at a hotel nearby so we walked over to this restaurant and we’re thankful that we did. The view was perfect, the food was great, and the service was even better. Brendan was our server and he did a great job making sure everything was perfect. Definitely recommend going here!
Savannah Anderson
15405 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413, USA
Sandbar seafood & bbq joint
4
(2325)
This no-nonsense eatery serves oysters right out of the shell, just-caught shrimp & other dishes.
Reviews:
Very good and fresh ingredients. Service was fast and friendly. Shrimps was the best i order in any restaurant. Burger meat was good but can use a little salt and pepper. Life music made the experience even better.
Angel Soler
Loved it. The jumbo sautéed gulf shrimp are amazing. I'm from Louisiana, and these are probably the best I've ever had. The seafood platter isn't as good as I wanted it to be, lots of fries, and clam strips but only a few small pieces of fish. All in all, 8.5 out of 10 for the whole experience. Would go back.
Jason Roshto
I ordered a pulled BBQ chicken sandwich. The first bite, there were joint bones. I spit them out. Then, I decided to check the rest of it. There was another bone about three quarters of an inch long. I found another one that was bigger than that one and some other small pieces. I brought it to the attention of the waitress. She told me that it's pulled chicken and it's supposed to have bones. Basically, she took it as a personal attack and I heard her say it's okay to eat it. I told her I would not be eating it. She asked what else would I want? I told her a grilled chicken sandwich with no bones. She just didn't think finding bones was a big deal. DO NOT ORDER THE PULLED BBQ CHICKEN sandwich because the waitress told me bones are part of the chicken. FYI - chicken bones are choking hazards. Vetinarians don't even recommend giving chicken bones to dogs because of the choking hazard.
Sonya Thompson
WARNING: THE PRICES ON THEIR WEBSITE ARE NOT WHAT YOU WILL BE CHARGED WHEN YOU GET THERE. According to their website, my carryout order should have been around $50--I was charged $75. When I questioned the difference the gentleman told me that they get that all the time because the website hasn't been updated in years. I asked about the price on my Shrimp and Scallop and combo that was supposed to come with two sides and cost $21 (they charged me $34 and no sides). He said they don't sell it that way any more. So based on their pricing I received 5 scallops for $21. They didn't look or taste like real scallops. If I had to guess they were stingray meat. All of the other meals were also more than what the website showed. No apologies, just the guy basically saying it is what it is. The following pictures show you what $75 gets:
Cane Fan
Everything was amazing! Visiting from out of state for spring break & it is the best place we’ve ate at - including on the 12 hour drive here and overall here in Florida. The menu has a wide selection & large portions - the ahi tuna was so flavorful & the sides were great. The homemade desserts are amazing! Our server candy was beyond great, so very helpful.
Sharon Clifton
275 FL-79, Panama City Beach, FL 32413, USA