Rocco Smith
Panama City is known all over the country for being a place with beautiful beaches, shopping malls, and so many more fun attractions that it brings in visitors from pretty much everywhere. No matter what brings you to Panama City, however, it’s all but guaranteed that you’re going to want to go out to eat while you’re here, and that’s where I come in.
This city is absolutely loaded with amazing places to eat, but sometimes that becomes a bit of a double-edged sword. With so many options, how can you possibly know which ones are the best of the best?
Well, it took some investigating, but I’ve managed to put together a complete guide ranking all the top restaurants Panama City has to offer right here on one convenient list. The next time you’re deciding where to eat in Panama City, just take a look at this guide and it should answer any questions you might have.
Best Restaurants in Panama City
- The Grand Marlin
- Finn’s Island Style Grub
- Hunt’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant
- Saltwater Grill
- Firefly
- Pineapple Willy’s
- Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market
- Another Broken Egg Cafe
- Alice’s on Bayview
- Bayou Joes Marina & Grill
- Uncle Ernies
- g. Foley’s
- Ferrucci Ristorante
- Los Antojitos Mexican Restaurant
- The Place Downtown
The Grand Marlin
5323 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Phone: 850-249-1500
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Coming away with the number one spot on my list of best Panama City Restaurants is none other than The Grand Marlin, and with a name like that, you just know it’s going to be good.
You’ll find The Grand Marlin off of North Lagoon Drive next to Capt. Anderson’s Marina and Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise, so it’s a convenient location, especially if you’re on a boat and you want to dock up and eat somewhere.
I always go for an order of half shell oysters because they’re so fresh and they get them right from the Gulf of Mexico.
Finns Island Style Grub
Multiple locations
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Up next is a well-known and widely-loved Panama City restaurant that I think anyone who isn’t familiar with should try called Finns Island Style Grub.
This place can be found in multiple locations all across Panama City, including one in St. Andrews, and another located right across from Rick Seltzer Park on Panama City Beach.
When you get here, be sure to try some of their fish tacos either with mahi-mahi or ahi tuna. Either way, you’re bound to love them. There are plenty of other tasty options to choose from, though, so be sure to read the menu carefully.
Hunt’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant
1150 Beck Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: 850-763-9645
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Up next, Hunt’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant is definitely somewhere to check out if you want some fresh seafood and a down-home atmosphere where you’ll feel welcome and comfortable all night.
Hunt’s is located over on Beck Avenue near the St. Andrews Marina, just north of Oaks by the Bay Park.
When you get here, I’d recommend starting with a drink or two and just diving into a tray of oysters. Of course, oysters aren’t the only thing that’s good here at Hunt’s. They also have delicious snow crab legs and even grouper throats when available.
Saltwater Grill
11040 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Phone: 850-230-2739
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Right off of Middle Beach Road is a place called Saltwater Grill, one of my favorite places to eat in Panama City, by far. The convenient location makes this restaurant even better since it’s close by the Shoppes at Edgewater shopping mall.
My absolute favorite dish to order from Saltwater Grill is the tuna au poivre. It comes pepper-crusted and pan-seared to a medium-rare perfection, complete with garlic whipped potatoes and sauteed spinach with a shiitake demi-glace.
If you like martinis, then you’re going to feel right at home here at Saltwater Grill. They offer 5 different craft martinis to choose from.
Firefly
535 N Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Phone: 850-249-3359
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Up next is a place called Firefly located inside the Shoppes at Edgewater shopping center, right next to Axe Throwing PCB and Rock’it Lanes bowling alley. There is certainly no shortage of fun things to do both before and after dinner!
This place is also perfect for a romantic night out thanks to the wonderful decor of the establishment.
When it comes to the food, I recommend trying the bone-in ribeye or the pan-seared diver scallops. Both of these delectable options are sure to please, but the menu is literally full of other delicacies.
Pineapple Willy’s
9875 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Phone: 850-235-0928
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Pineapple Willy’s is a classic spot to stop by when you’re in PCB, especially if you want to eat one of the best po’ boy sandwiches you’ve ever had right on the beach. This surfside restaurant is so close to the water you can pretty much put your toes in the sand while you eat.
You’ll find Pineapple Willy’s on South Thomas Drive, right next to the Shores of Panama hotel, directly on Panama City Beach.
When you get down here, I recommend trying one of their classic po’ boy sandwiches, seeing as that’s their specialty.
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market
5551 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, FL 32408
Phone: 850-234-2225
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This next place, Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market, is absolutely perfect for anyone coming back or about to take off on a rental boat from Adventures at Sea right next door.
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market is a delightful place to visit when you want some extremely fresh fish and shellfish, among other delectable options.
I always go for a whole snapper since it’s so unbelievably fresh, but I always recommend grabbing a souvenir 32-ounce growler for my beer so I have something to remember my trip by. They also have a different mixologist’s special cocktail they feature every day.
Another Broken Egg Cafe
11535 Hutchison Blvd Ste 100 Ste 100, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Phone: 850-249-2007
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Up next is another amazing Panama City restaurant called Another Broken Egg Cafe. This place is my go-to when it comes to grabbing breakfast or brunch in PCB. It’s a casual restaurant with all the comforting fare you could need to get your day started right.
I always start with one of their house-infused bloody marys if I’m in the mood for a midday cocktail, which is almost always. As for food, I usually go with either the classic biscuits and gravy or the shrimp n’ grits. No Matter what you choose, though, it’s bound to be good.
Alice’s on Bayview
1000 Bayview Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: 850-640-4516
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Alice’s on Bayview is another spectacular place to eat in Panama City, especially if you want a beautiful waterfront view of Saint Andrew Bay while you enjoy your meal.
The specialty here is seafood, of course, but they have plenty of tasty land-based options if seafood isn’t exactly what you’re in the mood for. My favorite things to order are the smoked tuna salad sandwich and the oyster po’ boy, for sure.
This is another great place to grab brunch when you’re in PCB, too. I always love coming here for a sunday brunch and having a couple mimosas before I head down to the beach.
Bayou Joes Marina & Grill
112A E 3rd Ct, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: 850-763-6442
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This next place is located right in the heart of Panama City. You can find Bayou Joes Marina & Grill right off of East 3rd Court overlooking the Bristol Harbor Marina, offering beautiful waterfront views while you enjoy your food.
What I love about Bayou Joes is the atmosphere and, of course, the food. They serve lunch and dinner all day long, but they also have a delectable breakfast menu that they serve from Friday through Sunday, from 9 am to noon.
I always go for a couple of their jumbo lump crab cakes, they are absolutely out-of-this-world good.
Uncle Ernies
1151 Bayview Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: 850-763-8427
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Uncle Ernies is the next restaurant on my list that I think everyone should visit while they’re in Panama City. You can find Uncle Ernies over off of Bayview Avenue, just before The Market at St. Andrews.
I strongly encourage anyone to stop by Uncle Ernies when they’re in the mood for some incredible house-brewed beer in a waterfront setting. Not to mention, the food is absolutely amazing as well.
I always go for the 12-ounce, open-face ribeye sandwich made with certified Angus beef, but they have lots of fresh seafood options to choose from as well.
g. Foley’s
3212 W 23rd St, Panama City, FL 32405
Phone: 850-481-0354
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Right off of West 23rd Street near the Pretty Bayou Heights neighborhood, right across the street from Winn Dixie, is a place called g. Foley’s, one of the best restaurants in PCB, hands down.
G. Foley’s is upscale and has a unique and creative atmosphere that I just can’t get enough of, and I’m sure you’ll like it too.
My favorite part of g. Foley’s is their specialty cocktail called The Assistant to the Regional Manager. It’s made with Hendrick’s Gin, beet reduction, fresh lime, and tonic. It’s the perfect drink for any beet-farmer/paper salesman out there.
Ferrucci Ristorante
301 Harrison Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: 850-913-9131
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Right in the heart of Panama City’s metropolitan area is a place called Ferrucci Ristorante, a delightful Italian restaurant that you really don’t want to pass up on.
You’ll find Ferrucci Ristorante off of Harrison Avenue near McKenzie Park and the Panama City Center for the Arts.
This place is so cozy and comfy that once you get a glass of wine or a cocktail, you’ll be ready to settle in and wait for your food. I recommend the penne puttanesca or the spaghetti alla bolognese, but the menu is full of other great choices.
Los Antojitos Mexican Restaurant
1236 Beck Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: 850-784-6633
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This next place is called Los Antojitos Mexican Restaurant and you’d be hard-pressed to come across a more vibrant and lively restaurant in PCB. This place is great for taking the whole family out for a fun time, or even just a night of margs with friends.
When you come to Los Antojitos, You simply must try one of their incredible baked burritos. They have a super duper-sized burrito that weighs in at over 5 pounds.It’s so big they have a challenge called the Super Duper Challenge for anyone feeling brave enough to tackle that absolute unit.
The Place Downtown
429 Harrison Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: 850-818-0590
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Last, but by no means least, is The Place Downtown. The Place is the place to be when you’re in Downtown Panama City and you want to have a good time full of food and drinks.
The Place Downtown has an extensive liquor menu, plenty of beer and wine, as well as one of the best burgers in the whole city. You get to choose from a variety of breads, cheeses, toppings, and more when you build your own dream burger.
I also love the fact that the central location of The Place is so convenient. There is plenty to do nearby like the Bay County Historical Museum and Escape Manor.
Final Thoughts
Panama City and PCB are both full of absolutely incredible restaurants that everyone should check out if they’re in the area. Even if you’re not in the area, it’s the perfect destination for a road trip or a vacation when you need a break from the grind of daily life.
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
