Panama City Beach is one of Gulf of Mexico's loveliest beachfront destinations, home to more than 27 miles of pristine white sands and glistening turquoise waters. Couples traveling to the area can enjoy world-renowned scuba diving, swimming, and fishing experiences at dozens of public beach access points or peruse the trails and natural areas of the region's two lovely state parks. Spectacular sunsets are showcased from many of the city's best waterfront dining rooms, which serve up high-quality fresh seafood entrees and delicious fried fish platters.
Firefly
Firefly is a unique award-winning dining experience in Panama City, owned and operated by executive chef Derek Langford and restaurateur Dave Trepanier. Its dining room cultivates a Mediterranean bistro atmosphere, while its full-service bar showcases high-definition television screens and serves up top-shelf liquor and cocktails.
Elegant main courses served up throughout the evening include espresso-rubbed pork shanks, brown butter-seared scallops, and shrimp and summer vegetable pasta with artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes. Fine wine selections are offered at the restaurant's 535 Library Lounge, while raw bar offerings are served at its full-service sushi bar.
Find it at this Address: 535 N Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, Phone: 850-249-3359
Runaway Island
Runaway Island serves high-quality local seafood specialties for more than two decades in a bi-level space showcasing stunning views of nearby Panama City Beach.
Two floors of interior dining spaces showcase live entertainment throughout the year, while an outdoor deck connects to a boardwalk leading directly out onto the beachfront's white sandy shores.
Diners can enjoy high-quality main dishes at lunch and dinner, including seafood favorites like blackened fish tacos, grilled mahi mahi filets with tomato key lime butter, and New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp tossed in Worcester butter sauce and Cajun seasoning.
Find it at this Address: 14521 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413, Phone: 850-634-4884
Saltwater Grill
Saltwater Grill is a delightful Panama City Beach dining destination opened in 2002 by executive chef Chris Joyner, home to an impressive 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium showcasing native Florida marine life.
Couples can dine in clear view of the aquarium tank while they enjoy excellent Gulf-fresh seafood entrees, paired with delicious USDA Prime steak and fine game offerings. Happy hour and early bird specials are offered during the afternoon hours, including delicious drink specials for couples to enjoy.
Find it at this Address: 11040 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, Phone: 850-230-2739
If you love casual eateries, check out this video of the History Class Brewing Company.
The Grand Marlin Restaurant and Oyster Bar
The Grand Marlin Restaurant and Oyster Bar is a beautiful restaurant located on Panama City Beach's Lighthouse Marina, opened in 2016 by restaurateur Bryan Housley and award-winning executive chef Gregg McCarthy.
The restaurant, which overlooks stunning Grand Lagoon, is known for its high-quality daily seafood specials, which are crafted from fresh daily fish catches.
A raw bar serves up fine oysters sourced from Apalachicola and East Bay, shucked to order.
Find it at this Address: 5323 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, Phone: 850-249-1500
Fin's Japanese Sushi and Grill
Fin's Japanese Sushi and Grill offers one of Panama City's most authentic Asian dining experiences, known for its high-quality dine-in and takeout service and friendly, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant prepares traditional Japanese entrees with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, offering family-friendly ambiance for couples traveling with children in tow.
Find it at this Address: 732 W 23rd St, Panama City, FL 32405, Phone: 850-769-0888
