Where to eat in Panama City Beach

1. Capt. Anderson's Restaurant & Waterfront Market

Captain Anderson’s Restaurant isn’t just a Panama City Beach favorite — it’s a Southern icon, named year after year in Southern Living magazine as one of the Top 100 Restaurants in the South. Family-owned since 1967 and perched along the Grand Lagoon, this landmark is known for its fresh Gulf seafood, classic service, and marina-front views where guests can watch the fishing fleet unload their daily catch. Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Johnny’s Special Greek Salad, piled high with Gulf shrimp, lump crab, and their signature house dressing. And save room for the famous Feud Cake — a rich, layered dessert that’s earned its own loyal fanbase. Reopening February 5

2. Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Set to make waves in June 2025, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show brings Dolly Parton’s signature magic and high-seas adventure to Panama City Beach. This all-new, immersive experience combines jaw-dropping stunts, aerial acrobatics, and original music with a full-scale pirate battle on land, sea, and sky — all inside a 60,000-square-foot indoor arena featuring a 15-foot-deep lagoon.

Guests will be drawn into a thrilling story of rivalry between the Crimson and Sapphire pirate crews, battling aboard full-sized pirate ships, swinging from ropes, and diving into the water in a high-energy show for all ages.

While the show dazzles, the feast keeps coming. The four-course meal includes:
• Voyager Creamy Vegetable Soup
• Buccaneer Biscuit • Half O’ Roasted Chicken
• Me Hearties Pulled Pork
• Corn on the Cob • Mashed Potatoes
• Apple O’ Me Eye Pie
• Unlimited Coca-Cola®, tea, or coffee

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request. Arrive early to enjoy the Pirates Village pre-show, complete with themed snacks, drinks, and the chance for kids to transform into pirates or mermaids. It’s an evening of pure, family-friendly adventure — one of the most exciting new attractions on the Emerald Coast.

3. Firefly

Tucked quietly in the Shoppes at Edgewater, Firefly is Panama City Beach’s hidden gem — a place where fine dining and beach-town comfort collide in the most enchanting way. As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm glow of lanterns and the soft twinkle of lights strung above a majestic indoor oak tree, creating a dreamy atmosphere that feels like you’ve stumbled into a secret garden.

Known for its refined yet approachable menu, Firefly is more than just a dinner spot — it’s an experience. Signature dishes like the She Crab Soup, Gulf Coast Snapper, and perfectly seared filet mignon showcase the kitchen’s attention to detail and commitment to fresh, local ingredients. The sushi bar, one of the best-kept secrets in town, offers an unexpected twist of coastal Asian fusion that loyal diners rave about.

Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself after a day on the beach, Firefly delivers sophistication without the fuss. It’s no wonder locals recommend it again and again — it’s that rare place where elegance meets soul, and every bite reminds you you’re somewhere special.

Insider Tip: Ask for a table under the tree and start with their artisan cocktail menu — the Lavender Lemon Drop is a local favorite

4. Saltwater Grill

Step inside Saltwater Grill, and you’re instantly transported — not just to another restaurant, but to another world. At the heart of this Panama City Beach favorite is a breathtaking 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium, where vibrant reef fish glide past coral formations while you dine. It’s not just décor — it’s an experience.

But Saltwater Grill is far more than just eye candy. The menu offers a standout blend of upscale coastal cuisine and steakhouse classics, crafted with skill and served with flair. Start your meal with the Lobster Spring Rolls or decadent Crab Cakes, and follow it with entrées like the perfectly seared Grouper Imperial, buttery filet mignon, or their signature panéed chicken pasta that locals won’t stop talking about.

With ambient lighting, live piano music drifting through the dining room, and a well-curated wine list, this is one of the few places in PCB where elegance meets comfort without pretension. It’s a favorite for special occasions, date nights, or anyone wanting to slow down and savor a memorable evening.

Insider Tip: Request a table near the aquarium for a mesmerizing dining backdrop — it’s like having the ocean all to yourself.

5. Runaway Island

If you’re dreaming of that perfect beach day that turns into a magical coastal evening, Runaway Island is where you want to land. Perched directly on the sugar-white sands of Panama City Beach, this two-story, open-air restaurant offers unmatched Gulf views, a laid-back atmosphere, and some of the most satisfying seafood around.

The vibe here is tropical but unfussy — think flip-flops, salty breezes, and a cold drink in hand. Whether you’re on the upper deck catching the sunset or downstairs with your toes practically in the sand, there’s no bad seat in the house. The menu is a crowd-pleaser, too: from their famous Island Nachos and fried shrimp baskets to blackened Mahi tacos and creamy seafood pastas, every dish is infused with coastal flavor and a dose of fun.

Runaway Island is more than a meal — it’s a full PCB experience. With live music, beachside cocktails, and the sound of waves crashing just steps away, you’ll see why this spot has become a favorite for both locals and vacationers looking to unwind.

Insider Tip: Time your visit for golden hour — their signature Sunset Rum Punch tastes even better when the sky lights up in pink and gold.

6. Bayou on the Beach

Tucked away from the tourist bustle, Bayou on the Beach is a local secret serving up authentic Cajun cuisine with coastal flair. Expect hearty portions, bold spices, and a menu packed with favorites like jambalaya, fried gator bites, and po’boys stacked high.

Live zydeco music often fills the air, giving this place a festive, down-home feel that’s rare this close to the water. It’s the perfect place to go when you want your meal to have some soul.

Insider Tip: Their seafood gumbo has a loyal following — grab a bowl and see why it’s a Gulf Coast essential.

7. Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant

Set right on the sand beneath a massive tiki hut, Sharky’s is all about the view — and the vibe. Known for its sprawling beachfront patio, live music, and friendly atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where you can roll up straight from the beach and stay for hours.

The menu covers all the coastal cravings: fish tacos, snow crab legs, fried shrimp, and tropical drinks in souvenir cups. With fire pits on the sand and sunset selfies practically guaranteed, Sharky’s is a vacation in a meal.

Insider Tip: Visit during happy hour for drink deals and early evening music — it’s a local favorite time to drop in

8. Sunrise Cafe & Bakery

Located directly across the street from the beach on Front Beach Road, Sunrise Café & Bakery is a beloved local spot where hearty American classics meet authentic Eastern European cuisine. Start your day with a satisfying breakfast served until 3 PM, featuring favorites like the Traditional Plate with eggs, bacon or sausage, and your choice of grits or hash browns, or indulge in a Loaded Hashbrown Burrito packed with sausage, eggs, cheese, and veggies. For lunch, the menu offers a variety of options, including club sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and buffalo chicken wraps, all served with your choice of fries, chips, fruit, or coleslaw.

What truly sets Sunrise apart is its extensive European menu, showcasing dishes like Pelmeni (Russian dumplings), Borscht (beet soup), Syrniki (farmer’s cheese pancakes), and Pierogies filled with choices like ground beef, potato, or cabbage. These specialties offer a unique culinary experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in Panama City Beach.

9. McGuire's Irish Pub

Maguire’s Irish Pub is a go-to spot when you want a meal that feels satisfying, familiar, and full of character. With its classic Irish pub atmosphere, lively décor, and welcoming energy, it’s a place that works just as well for a casual family dinner as it does for an easy night out. The menu is packed with hearty pub favorites and crowd-pleasers—fish and chips, burgers, sandwiches, traditional Irish-inspired dishes, and even steaks—served in generous portions that make it easy to find something everyone will enjoy. It’s dependable, comfortable, and exactly the kind of restaurant people end up adding to their “let’s go back there” list during vacation.

Worth a note: The Senate Bean Soup is a longtime staple and something regulars genuinely talk about. It’s a traditional, comforting soup offered at a famously low price as a nod to its history, and many guests make a point to order it as soon as they sit down. Simple, hearty, and easy to overlook if you don’t know—it’s one of those quiet menu items people wish they’d tried sooner.