Check out Panama City Beach, where sparkling emerald waters meet sugar-white sand, and there’s a dining spot for every taste. This coastal paradise is renowned for its breathtaking views and an array of dining options that provide not just great food, but also an unforgettable waterfront dining experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor exploring places to eat in Panama City Beach, this guide features some of the most iconic restaurants offering the best places to eat in Panama City Beach.
If you’re planning an extended stay, browse our wide variety of Panama City Beach condo rentals to complete your dream holiday. Read on to discover our curated list of waterfront dining Panama City Beach must-tries!

Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant & Tiki Bar
Since its inception in 1986, Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant & Tiki Bar has been an essential stop for anyone visiting Panama City Beach. This popular spot offers fresh Gulf seafood, live entertainment, and a beautiful view of the coastline. Millions of guests have relished both their meals and the panoramic views under the iconic Tiki Hut. One must-try dish is their Mahi Sandwich, featuring a grilled or blackened Mahi filet served with tartar sauce on the side along with lettuce, tomato, red onion slices, and pickles. This place perfectly encapsulates waterfront dining Panama City Beach.
Runaway Island Beach Bar and Grill
Runaway Island Beach Bar and Grill is a true gem conceived by locals with a passion for fresh seafood. This unique eatery has two levels of indoor dining, but it’s the expansive outdoor deck that steals the show. The deck extends all the way to the shores, providing a seamless blend of the dining experience and the beach’s natural beauty. Guests can indulge in local seafood specialties, live entertainment, and frosty drinks under the warm Florida sun. Among their must-try dishes is the Pesto Salmon Bowl, featuring blackened Atlantic salmon served on tortellini pesto alfredo, topped with lemon butter sauce and chopped tomatoes.
The Back Porch
A fixture in the community since 1974, The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House started in a quaint A-frame building on the beach. It quickly gained a reputation for serving tasty Gulf seafood accompanied by stunning Gulf views. The restaurant introduced the now-famous Amberjack sandwich, which played a part in its rise to local fame. Dining here means enjoying a scenic view while sipping your favorite drink and savoring some of the coast’s best seafood. One standout menu item is the Panko Shrimp Pasta, where Panko shrimp are cooked in scampi butter and served with sautéed spinach in Alfredo sauce over linguini.
Harpoon Harry’s
Harpoon Harry’s is where great food meets fun and music right on the beach. Ideal for both lunch and dinner, this hotspot promises a memorable meal with spectacular views of the coast. Their Cheese Crusted Fish Tacos come highly recommended—two cheese-crusted fish tacos topped with Mango slaw and Island Cilantro, available grilled, blackened, or fried. This venue offers a waterfront dining Panama City Beach experience like no other.
Pineapple Willy’s
Located along the sugar-white sand coast, Pineapple Willy’s is steeped in history, tracing back to the original Panama City Beach Pier that opened in 1936. Despite numerous natural challenges, the location has transformed into a beloved dining establishment. Pineapple Willy’s remains a favorite for families and offers a fantastic dining experience right on the water. One dish you’ll love is their Island Nachos—freshly fried tortilla chips covered with white queso, pulled pork, and topped with a sweet blend of sautéed red onions, pineapple, red peppers, cilantro, green onion, and lime juice.
Barefoot Hideaway
Barefoot Hideaway offers Southern comfort foods and crafted cocktails perfect for any meal of the day. From breakfast to dinner, every dish is a delightful escape for your taste buds, served with a dash of sunshine and beach vibes. Their Island Style Pulled Pork Hoagie, made with slow-roasted seasoned pork butt, red onion, pineapple, jicama slaw, and Mango Habanero BBQ sauce on a hoagie roll, is not to be missed.
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market
A family-owned treasure for over five decades, Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant is legendary for its quality and consistency. Celebrating its 57th anniversary, this venue offers 725 seats and serves over 250,000 guests a year. Their Surf & Turf is a standout, featuring a 9oz strip sirloin paired with your choice of fried grouper, scallops, shrimp, oysters, or popcorn shrimp.
The Grand Marlin
Known for its commitment to fresh seafood and local ingredients, The Grand Marlin changes its menu daily to reflect the freshest catch. Established in 2016 in Panama City Beach, this restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with stunning views over the Grand Lagoon. A must-try dish is the Ginger Soy Tuna, accompanied by Spicy Baby Bok Choy, Wasabi Whipped Potatoes, Shiitake Mushroom Jus, and Ginger Soy Glaze.
Schooners
Affectionately known as the “Last Local Beach Club,” Schooners is cherished for its casual beach food, lively environment, and tradition of celebrating sunset by blasting an old cannon. Patrons often stay all day to enjoy volleyball, surf, and the lively atmosphere. The Lobster Ravioli, topped with a crawfish and mushroom cream sauce, is an absolute must-try. Happy dining!
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Panama City Beach Condo Rentals at Beachscapes
For those wishing to explore the best places to eat in Panama City Beach fully, securing a comfortable and convenient place to stay is essential. Our Panama City Beach condo rentals offer luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the Gulf and proximity to top dining spots. Our Panama City Beach vacation rentals provide varied options to match different needs, whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay. Experience the comfort and elegance of condos in Panama City Beach Florida, making your dining adventures even more enjoyable and convenient.