Best Seafood Restaurants in Panama City Beach – Top 5 Must-Try Spots
Best Seafood Restaurants in Panama City Beach – A Food Lover’s Guide
Panama City Beach is a seafood paradise, offering some of the freshest Gulf Coast seafood in Florida. Whether you're craving fresh oysters, buttery lobster tails, or classic fish tacos, this coastal city has something to satisfy every seafood lover.
From casual beachside eateries to fine dining experiences, here are the top seafood restaurants in Panama City Beach that you must try on your next visit.
🔗 Looking for premium seafood to enjoy at home? Check out Global Seafoods for high-quality fresh fish and shellfish!
1. Captain Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market – A Local Icon
📍 Location: Grand Lagoon, Panama City Beach
⭐ Best For: Classic seafood platters, waterfront dining, and fresh catch of the day
Captain Anderson’s has been a Panama City Beach staple since 1967, serving award-winning seafood dishes. Known for its dock-to-table freshness, this restaurant offers an extensive seafood menu in an elegant yet relaxed setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ Famous Seafood Platter – A hearty mix of shrimp, fish, oysters, and crab cakes.
✔️ Lobster Tail – Cooked to perfection and served with drawn butter.
✔️ Crab-Stuffed Grouper – A flavorful Gulf favorite.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive early—Captain Anderson’s is one of the most popular restaurants in Panama City Beach, and wait times can be long.
🔗 Want to cook seafood at home? Explore Fresh Lobster Options.
2. Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill – Casual Dining with Ocean Views
📍 Location: Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach
⭐ Best For: Laid-back beachfront dining, live music, and tropical seafood dishes
For stunning ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere, Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill is a perfect choice. With indoor and outdoor seating right on the beach, this restaurant offers a casual yet flavorful seafood experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ Fish Tacos – Freshly grilled and served with tangy slaw.
✔️ Shrimp Po’boys – A New Orleans classic done right.
✔️ Crab Cakes – Lightly fried and packed with fresh crab meat.
💡 Pro Tip: Enjoy a sunset cocktail on the outdoor deck while listening to live music!
🔗 Looking for fresh seafood? Try Pacific Whiting Fillets.
3. Bayou on the Beach Café & Oyster Bar – Best Place for Oysters
📍 Location: Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach
⭐ Best For: Fresh oysters, seafood boils, and Louisiana-style seafood dishes
If you’re an oyster lover, Bayou on the Beach Café & Oyster Bar is a must-visit. This lively seafood spot serves some of the best oysters in town, along with other Cajun-inspired seafood favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ Oysters Rockefeller – Baked with a rich, buttery topping.
✔️ Seafood Gumbo – A hearty Louisiana-style stew.
✔️ Crawfish Étouffée – A flavorful Southern classic.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit during Happy Hour for discounted oysters and drink specials!
🔗 Love oysters? Order fresh Oysters & Shellfish for home delivery!
4. Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill – Fun, Laid-Back Seafood Spot
📍 Location: Next to Russell-Fields Pier, Panama City Beach
⭐ Best For: Waterfront views, seafood nachos, and casual seafood dining
Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill is a fun, casual seafood spot offering delicious seafood dishes right by the pier. Whether you want a quick bite after the beach or a relaxed seafood meal, this place won’t disappoint.
Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ Seafood Nachos – Loaded with shrimp, crab, cheese, and jalapeños.
✔️ Fish & Chips – Classic and crispy.
✔️ Blackened Shrimp Alfredo – A creamy, seafood-packed delight.
💡 Pro Tip: Grab a seat outside for the best ocean views while enjoying your meal!
🔗 Want fresh fish? Explore Chilean Sea Bass for home cooking!
5. Dusty’s Oyster Bar – A Local Favorite Since 1979
📍 Location: Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach
⭐ Best For: Fresh oysters, seafood gumbo, and a lively atmosphere
Dusty’s Oyster Bar is one of the most famous oyster bars in Panama City Beach. Known for its casual setting and delicious seafood, this spot is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
✔️ Raw Oysters – Fresh and shucked to order.
✔️ Seafood Gumbo – Packed with shrimp, crab, and andouille sausage.
✔️ Lobster Tail – Served with butter and garlic.
💡 Pro Tip: Dusty’s doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared for a wait during peak hours.
🔗 Looking for lobster? Order fresh Live Lobster today!
FAQs About Seafood Restaurants in Panama City Beach
1. What is the best time to visit these seafood restaurants?
✔️ Off-season (November to February) is the best time to avoid crowds. Weekdays and early dinners (before 6 PM) also help beat the rush.
2. Are these restaurants family-friendly?
✔️ Yes! All of these restaurants welcome families and offer kids' menus.
3. Do these restaurants have vegetarian options?
✔️ While seafood is the main focus, many of these restaurants offer vegetarian options like salads, veggie burgers, and pasta dishes.
4. What seafood is Panama City Beach famous for?
✔️ Gulf shrimp, oysters, and blackened grouper are local favorites.
5. Where can I buy fresh seafood in Panama City Beach?
✔️ Many of these restaurants have seafood markets, or you can order from Global Seafoods for premium seafood delivered to your door!
Conclusion: Enjoy the Best Seafood in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach offers a diverse seafood scene, from upscale waterfront restaurants to casual oyster bars. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh Gulf oysters, seafood boils, or fish tacos, these top seafood spots are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Panama City Beach Recap:
🌊 Fine Dining & Fresh Catch: Captain Anderson’s
🍹 Best Beachside Atmosphere: Runaway Island
🦪 Best Oysters & Cajun Dishes: Bayou on the Beach
🐟 Best Casual Seafood: Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill
🍻 Best Lively Oyster Bar: Dusty’s Oyster Bar
👉 Which seafood restaurant in Panama City Beach is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
🔗 For fresh seafood, check out Global Seafoods.
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