Hunting down the best seafood in Panama City Beach, FL offers a bit of adventure, a dash of salt air, and a guarantee that you’ll never have to settle for bland or basic. Fresh-from-the-gulf grouper sandwiches, peel-and-eat shrimp, and quiet waterfront gems all await on these sandy shores. With every wander down Thomas Drive or stroll along Front Beach Road, you pass yet another promising spot for oysters or blackened snapper.
The first time I ate seafood in Panama City Beach, a simple shrimp basket changed my mind about what really fresh should taste like. Since then, the search expanded, netting boat-to-table crab, buttery scallops, and enough hushpuppies to keep a smile on anyone’s face. If you want the local legends, the hidden hideaways, and family-friendly mainstays, you’re in the right place. These picks blend precision, flavor, and a knack for good times — one bite at a time.
Where to find the best seafood in Panama City Beach, FL
Here are some of the top spots to find the best seafood in Panama City Beach, FL:
- Bayou Bill’s Crab House
- Dee’s Hang Out
- Pompano Joe’s
- The Grand Marlin Of Panama City Beach
- The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House
- Schooners
- Dat Cajun Place
- Saltwater Grill
- J Michael’s
- Bayou On The Beach Cafe
1. Bayou Bill’s Crab House
Bayou Bill’s Crab House sits at the crossroads of casual comfort and old-school Florida charm. This spot is all about honest, hearty seafood in a lodge-like setting where wooden beams and fish trophies set the mood. Drop by for dinner any night of the week, and you’ll find a crowd, but the wait is never dull—live alligators outside keep things lively.
Crab is the star here. The steamed snow crab legs arrive perfectly seasoned, snapping open with ease and rich with briny sweetness. Grouper sandwiches and oysters on the half shell also headline the menu, with freshness that’s impossible to fake.
On my last visit, the blue crab claws and peel-and-eat shrimp were the standouts. Don’t skip the crab cakes—they’re packed with local flavor, just the way seafood on the Gulf should be.
2. Dee’s Hang Out
+1 850-249-4264
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Dee’s Hang Out strikes a rare balance between beach-casual and full-flavored Southern comfort. This spot feels like a secret handshake shared by locals, with staff who remember your favorite sides and make sure every meal has that laid-back vibe.
What sets Dee’s apart is their skill with regional classics. The smoked tuna dip and Creole catch-of-the-day are crowd-pleasers that rarely disappoint. Fresh seafood is always front and center, but there’s a surprise twist—just enough Cajun and Coastal flair to keep things interesting.
On my last visit, the blackened grouper was a highlight, thanks to its perfect sear and flake. Pair it with their famous hushpuppies for a true taste of Panama City Beach’s easygoing, soulful side.
3. Pompano Joe’s
Pompano Joe’s infuses the Panama City Beach shoreline with vibrant colors and a lively Caribbean twist. This isn’t your average beachside grill; here, seafood takes on fresh, punchy flavors you won’t find elsewhere on Front Beach Road.
The open-air atmosphere draws you in, but it’s the Garlic Crusted Grouper and famous Reggae Rolls that keep you around. Each bite packs bold, sun-soaked flavor—think tender fish, crisp veggies, and spiced sauces that brighten up your plate and your mood.
One meal at Pompano Joe’s left me convinced their grouper is the best I’ve had on this stretch of coast. Order the seafood platter to sample a little bit of everything and see how Caribbean flair shines on the Gulf.
4. The Grand Marlin Of Panama City Beach
The Grand Marlin of Panama City Beach brings a polished, coastal elegance to the local dining scene. This place is where sunset views and refined plates meet, perfect for a relaxed dinner or special occasion. Floor-to-ceiling windows let you take in the marina while savoring some of the freshest flavors around.
Seafood here is locally sourced and thoughtfully prepared. The Grouper Piccata is a standout—flaky fish, bright lemon, and capers that balance richness with zest. If you’re after oysters, the daily raw bar selections are as fresh as it gets.
I still remember a forkful of their snapper, silky and light, paired with seasonal vegetables. Order a daily special to see how The Grand Marlin captures the best of Gulf seafood with creative flair.
5. The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House
The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House carries a low-key, vintage vibe that never goes out of style. Gulf views and unfussy charm set the tone for a meal that’s all about freshness and comfort. Locals have flocked here since the seventies, and you can taste the tradition in every bite.
The menu showcases amberjack, oysters, and classic Gulf seafood done right. The chargrilled amberjack deserves its reputation—tender, smoky, and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. Pair it with a side of seasoned fries and a crisp salad for the full experience.
On my last visit, the raw oysters stole the show—briny and cold, perfect with just a dash of lemon. The Back Porch knows how to let the Gulf do the talking—and it speaks fluently to seafood lovers.
6. Schooners
Schooners is where locals and beachgoers go when the sun starts to dip and appetites grow. This is Panama City Beach’s beloved “Last Local Beach Club,” and you feel it as soon as you step onto the sand-hugged patio.
Fresh catches, live music, and a laid-back vibe are the draw. The grilled grouper sandwich and yellowfin tuna salad are favorites, both showing off a straight-from-the-Gulf freshness in every forkful. The menu lets seafood shine, never losing sight of simple coastal cooking.
The snapper, grilled and served with seasonal vegetables, was my personal pick—clean flavors, just a little char from the grill, and a view of the waves that’s tough to beat. Schooners serves atmosphere as well as food.
7. Dat Cajun Place
Dat Cajun Place spices up Panama City Beach with a Louisiana twist that’s hard to resist. Here, you get the easygoing beach energy mixed with bold Cajun flavors, all wrapped up in a relaxed, inviting space.
The menu blends Gulf freshness with Creole warmth. The seafood gumbo and blackened shrimp turn up the comfort and flavor, both rich with layered spices and generous portions of fresh seafood.
On my last stop, the crawfish étouffée was a knockout—savory, satisfying, and packed with coastal character. Order a platter to sample their Cajun seafood classics and soak up a bit of New Orleans heart right by the water.
8. Saltwater Grill
Saltwater Grill greets you with a massive, mesmerizing aquarium—a 25,000-gallon spectacle that sets an underwater stage for your meal. The atmosphere is as dazzling as the seafood, turning dinner into a full sensory experience without a hint of pretense.
What makes Saltwater Grill special is how they combine Gulf freshness with creative flair. The Jumbo Sea Scallops and lobster spring rolls are shining examples, each dish arriving beautifully plated and brimming with flavor from the sea.
Last time I dined here, the blackened redfish was the winner—perfectly spicy, moist, and paired with fresh veggies. If you want a taste of local seafood in a setting that’s pure spectacle, Saltwater Grill delivers on every level.
9. J Michael’s
J Michael’s wears its local roots with pride, offering a space that feels like an old friend. This is where you find genuine Southern hospitality matched with generous portions and the sort of unfussy cooking that keeps regulars coming back.
The menu reads like a love letter to Gulf seafood. The crab claws and shrimp baskets are house specialties, always arriving hot, fresh, and brimming with flavor. Portions are hearty, so come hungry.
On my last visit, the seafood gumbo was packed with Gulf shrimp and just enough spice to wake up your palate. If you want a no-frills, big-flavor spot where seafood shines, J Michael’s is a tried-and-true favorite on Thomas Drive.
10. Bayou On The Beach Cafe
Bayou On The Beach Cafe brings the soul of Louisiana to Panama City Beach, serving up bold Cajun flavors in a setting that feels instantly welcoming. Family recipes and fresh, hand-battered seafood are the backbone here, showing off a real commitment to scratch-made comfort food.
If you crave depth and spice, the seafood gumbo and crawfish étouffée deliver that unmistakable Louisiana kick. Fresh, local shrimp and perfectly spiced boudin balls round out the menu, blending Gulf freshness with time-tested Cajun expertise.
Every visit reminds me of home-cooked meals in the heart of the bayou. The daily lunch specials are a smart pick for day-trippers, but dinner invites you to slow down and savor every seasoned bite.
More Things to Try in Panama City Beach, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is Panama City Beach best known for?
Gulf shrimp, grouper, oysters, and crab are local favorites. Many restaurants highlight these fresh catches in a mix of classic and creative dishes.
Are most seafood restaurants in Panama City Beach family-friendly?
Yes, most spots welcome families and cater to all ages, with casual atmospheres and kid-friendly options on the menu.
Is locally sourced seafood easy to find here?
Absolutely. Almost every top seafood restaurant in town focuses on Gulf-caught fish and shellfish, serving it fresh from the boat whenever possible.
Where can I get seafood with a view in Panama City Beach?
Several restaurants—including Schooners, The Grand Marlin, and The Back Porch—offer stunning Gulf or marina views alongside their seafood specialties.
Are there good options for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes. Most top spots highlight vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, ensuring there’s something for every diner in your group.