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Where Do the Locals Eat in Panama City Beach? (Our Top Picks for You)

Welcome to the beautiful Emerald Coast. When you visit our sunny shores, you might find yourself asking a very important question. Where do the locals eat in panama city beach?

At Dolce Vita Getaways, we know that finding great food is a huge part of a perfect vacation. Since 2006, we have been helping guests live the good life in our beautiful beach town. We always encourage our visitors to skip the crowded tourist traps. Instead, we want you to taste the real flavors of the Gulf Coast.

In this guide, we are sharing our top local restaurant picks. From fresh seafood spots to cozy breakfast cafes, these are the places we love and recommend. Let us help you eat like a true local during your next beach escape.

Best Breakfast and Casual Lunch Spots

Starting your day with a great meal is a must. These local cafes and daytime spots offer fresh food, friendly smiles, and a very relaxed vibe. They are the perfect places to fuel up before hitting the sand.

Andy’s Flour Power Cafe & Bakery

Andy’s Flour Power is the perfect place to start your morning. Our guests constantly rave about the hearty portions and the incredible pastries baked fresh daily. The staff is always welcoming and the coffee is always hot. It is a bright, happy spot that makes you feel right at home.

  • Rating: 4.7/5
  • Price Level: $$
  • Location: 2629 Thomas Dr, Panama City, FL 32408
  • Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7 AM to 2 PM
  • Contact: +1 850-230-0014

Learn more about Andy’s Flour Power Cafe & Bakery

Liza’s Kitchen

Liza’s Kitchen is a quirky sandwich shop with a fun, hippie vibe. Everything they serve is made from scratch. Many of our visitors love stopping here for the famous Hippie Hash breakfast or a fresh focaccia sandwich for lunch. It is healthy, delicious, and very laid back.

  • Rating: 4.7/5
  • Price Level: $
  • Location: 7328 Thomas Dr UNIT L, Panama City, FL 32408
  • Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 8 AM to 2 PM (Closed Tuesday)
  • Contact: +1 850-233-9000

Learn more about Liza’s Kitchen

Finns Island Style Grub

If you want fresh island flavors, you have to try Finns. They serve massive fish tacos, hearty bowls, and great coffee. You order outside and sit at picnic tables under the sun. It is the ultimate casual beach dining experience.

  • Rating: 4.7/5
  • Price Level: $$
  • Location: 7210 Thomas Dr, Panama City, FL 32408
  • Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM to 3 PM
  • Contact: (850) 249-3466

Learn more about Finns Island Style Grub

Fresh Gulf Seafood Favorites

You cannot visit Florida without eating amazing seafood. Our local seafood restaurants serve fish caught right in the Gulf of Mexico. These spots offer great views, cold drinks, and the freshest catches in town.

💡 Local Tip: Grouper and red snapper are two of the most popular local fish in our area. Always ask your server what the fresh catch of the day is.

Schooners

Schooners is known proudly as the last local beach club. It sits right on the sand and offers amazing views of the water. Our guests love coming here for the fried shrimp and the fun, family friendly atmosphere. They even fire off an old cannon every night to celebrate the sunset.

  • Rating: 4.6/5
  • Price Level: $$
  • Location: 5121 Gulf Dr, Panama City, FL 32408
  • Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Contact: +1 850-235-3555

Learn more about Schooners

Dusty’s Oyster Bar

Dusty’s Oyster Bar is a true local staple. You will know you are in the right place when you see the thousands of dollar bills pinned to the walls. Visitors tell us the raw oysters here are the best they have ever had. It is a very casual, fun, and classic Florida dive.

  • Rating: 4.4/5
  • Price Level: $$
  • Location: 16450 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
  • Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Contact: +1 850-233-0035

Learn more about Dusty’s Oyster Bar

Saltwater Grill

Saltwater Grill offers a slightly more polished dining experience. When you walk in, you are greeted by a massive 25,000 gallon saltwater aquarium. The atmosphere is wonderful and the seafood is top tier. Our guests highly recommend the lobster bisque and the fresh sushi rolls.

  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • Price Level: $$$
  • Location: 11040 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
  • Hours: Varies daily, usually open 4 PM to 10 PM
  • Contact: +1 850-230-2896

Learn more about Saltwater Grill

Casual Pubs and Comfort Food

Sometimes you just want a great burger, a cold beer, and a place to watch the game. These neighborhood spots are exactly where the locals go to unwind after a long day.

Patches Pub

Patches Pub is a fantastic neighborhood hangout. It is famous for its lively atmosphere and incredible comfort food. Many of our visitors stop by for the huge chicken wings, the loaded burgers, and the live music. It is a place where everyone treats you like an old friend.

  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • Price Level: $
  • Location: 4723 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
  • Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 AM to Midnight
  • Contact: +1 850-233-8879

Learn more about Patches Pub

A Taste of New Orleans on the Coast

Our area has a deep love for Cajun and Creole cooking. Many locals flock to these amazing spots to get a taste of Louisiana right here in Florida.

💡 Good to know: The food scene here has seen a big rise in Cajun flavors over the last few years. If you love spicy, rich comfort food, you are in the right city.

Big Easy Restaurant & Bar

The Big Easy brings the charm of the French Quarter straight to the beach. The food is packed with authentic flavor. Our guests love the rich gumbo, the spicy jambalaya, and the sweet beignets for dessert. The moody, beautiful decor makes it a great spot for a fun dinner.

  • Rating: 4.8/5
  • Location: 8744 Thomas Dr, Panama City, FL 32408
  • Hours: Monday to Sunday, Opens at 10 AM or 11 AM, Closes at 9 PM
  • Contact: +1 850-238-8890

Learn more about Big Easy Restaurant & Bar

David’s New Orleans Style Cafe & Sno-Balls

David’s is a wonderful, family friendly spot. People drive from all over to try their famous New Orleans style shaved ice. With dozens of flavors, you can even get your sno-ball stuffed with ice cream. They also serve delicious roast beef po boys and muffulettas.

  • Rating: 4.8/5
  • Price Level: $
  • Location: 13913 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
  • Hours: Daily hours vary, usually 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Contact: +1 850-236-1998

Learn more about David’s New Orleans Style Cafe & Sno-Balls

Fine Dining and Romantic Nights

When the locals want to celebrate a special occasion, they head to places with incredible atmosphere and top quality ingredients.

Firefly

Firefly is an award winning restaurant that offers an unforgettable dining experience. You get to eat in a beautiful room centered around a massive, glowing oak tree. It is extremely romantic. Visitors tell us the filet mignon and the seared tuna are absolutely perfect.

  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • Price Level: $$$
  • Location: 535 Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
  • Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 5 PM to 8:30 PM (Closed Monday)
  • Contact: +1 850-249-3359

Learn more about Firefly

Plan Your Perfect Beach Getaway With Us

Panama City Beach has a thriving food scene that goes far beyond the usual tourist stops. Whether you want a quick breakfast taco or a fancy steak dinner, there is a local favorite waiting for you.

At Dolce Vita Getaways, we are passionate about helping you experience the absolute best of our city. When you stay in one of our amazing vacation rentals, you get more than just a place to sleep. You get a true local guide. If you are ready to live the good life on the Gulf Coast, contact us today to start planning your perfect escape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to eat dinner in Panama City?
There are many great choices for dinner. For fresh seafood and waterfront views, Schooners and Saltwater Grill are very popular. If you want a more romantic setting, Firefly offers an upscale menu and a beautiful dining room.

Which is nicer, Panama City Beach or Destin?
Both towns are beautiful and share the same clear water and white sand. Panama City Beach offers a wider mix of fun family attractions and very relaxed local spots. Destin tends to feel a bit more crowded and upscale. It really depends on the type of vacation you want.

What is the name of the most popular restaurant?
Schooners is often called the most popular spot on the beach. It is famous for its casual vibe, great food, and the sunset cannon celebration. Saltwater Grill is also highly popular for its massive aquarium and amazing seafood.

What is the local food of Panama City Beach?
The local food scene is built around fresh Gulf seafood. Popular dishes include blackened grouper, raw and baked oysters, and fried shrimp. You will also find a very strong Cajun and Creole influence, bringing gumbo and po boys to many menus.

Do I need reservations for local restaurants?
For casual spots like Patches Pub or Finns, you do not need reservations. However, if you plan to visit finer dining locations like Firefly or Saltwater Grill, booking a table in advance is highly recommended.