Beachfront Gulf views, lagoon-side dining, and marina settings — the best waterfront restaurants in Panama City Beach ranked by view and food quality.
PCB has 27 miles of Gulf coastline and a network of bays, lagoons, and marinas behind it. The waterfront dining options here range from bare feet in the sand to white tablecloth lagoon views — and the best ones combine setting with genuinely good food.
Here's where the view and the kitchen are both worth your time.
The only true beachfront restaurant in PCB — tables on the sand, Gulf in front of you, live music every night, and a sunset cannon blast that's become a PCB tradition. The grouper sandwich and mahi are excellent. Open since 1977. This is the one tourists picture when they imagine eating seafood in Florida.
Right on the Gulf with a massive open-air tiki structure right on the Gulf. Beachfront tables, live music, and a menu built around Gulf seafood. Snow crab legs, Key West Garlic Shrimp, and all-you-can-eat grouper on Fridays. A PCB staple since 1986.
Across from Pier Park next to Russell-Fields Pier — possibly the best restaurant view on the entire strip. Gulf and white sand as far as you can see. Pet-friendly patio, Drunken Duken Shrimp, and a casual vibe that makes it easy to stay for hours.
Right on the wharf at Grand Lagoon where the commercial fishing fleet docks. A PCB institution since 1967 — arrive early and watch the boats unload before dinner. Ranked #1 on Southern Living's Florida's Most Legendary Restaurants list (2024) and recipient of 16 Florida Trend Golden Spoon Awards. The scamp imperial and stuffed flounder are the signatures. Reservations strongly recommended.
Upscale waterfront dining overlooking Grand Lagoon with floor-to-ceiling views, a shucked-to-order oyster bar, and a daily-changing fresh catch menu. The most refined waterfront dining experience in PCB. Book ahead — it fills up fast.
For Gulf sunset views, Schooners and Sharky's face west and are ideal for watching the sun drop into the water. For lagoon sunsets with a quieter atmosphere, Capt. Anderson's and The Grand Marlin catch the colors differently — warmer and more reflective off the water.
Built on the original 1936 PCB pier site with beachfront access and a lively open-air atmosphere. Good for groups who want water views without the full-service price point of the upscale lagoon spots.
Two-story beachfront deck on Front Beach Road with Gulf views from both levels. Known for Oysters Rockefeller and fresh Red Snapper. One of the more underrated waterfront spots on the strip.
For full rankings and the complete seafood guide, visit our Top 15 list and Area Guide.