The Best Restaurants in Panama City Beach (according to real people)

Review Round-Up: The Top Restaurants in Panama City Beach

Here on the iTrip team, we love diving into good, informative reviews.

But when did we start employing chatbots to write our reviews for us? As far as we know, robots can’t tell us how good the food is (at least, not yet!)

That’s why we’ve combed through hundreds of restaurant reviews by real people so you know all the can’t-miss entrees and must-have desserts during your next stay in Panama City Beach!

Updated September 2025

Firefly

Fine dining and a romantic atmosphere

At time of writing, Firefly has more than 2,500 reviews averaging 4.5 stars. According to reviewers, this restaurant is the perfect destination for a romantic evening – many mentioned celebrating their anniversary at Firefly.

Guest favorites include:

  • Appetizers: Crab cakes
  • Entrees: She Crab Soup, Grouper, Elk
  • Dessert: Creme Brulee

Overhead view of Panama City Beach restaurants, hotels, and short-term rental homes on Front Beach Road

Margaritaville

Fun, casual atmosphere with gorgeous beach views

With more than 9,000 reviews, Margaritaville has reached a rarified status in Panama City Beach. With a 4.0 star average, this restaurant isn’t for everyone. Guests say your experience may hinge on whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly atmosphere – there are sometimes staff on stilts with balloon animals – and which wait staff is assigned to your table.

Popular menu items:

  • Lava lava shrimp
  • Cheeseburger in Paradise
  • Margaritas!

Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market

Fresh, local seafood you can watch coming into the docks daily

Capt. Anderson’s has enjoyed a decades-long legacy as a top-tier restaurant in Panama City Beach. Modern reviewers love the atmosphere and the views most of all.

Many reviewers are torn on which entrees and appetizers to recommend, so if you visit Capt. Anderson’s please let us know what you ordered and tell us your experience!

Panama City Beach restaurants get fish from the nearby Gulf of Mexico, seen here in an aerial shot

Grand Marlin

Daily menu specials from the award-winning chef – on the beach!

Expect a 4.5 star experience from this stylish seafood place next to the marina. While the other restaurants on our list boast a relatively narrow selection of food recommendations, the Grand Marlin consistently earned accommodations from its guests for the whole menu.

  • Recommended sides: Wasabi mashed potatoes
  • Entrees: Grouper, Swordfish, Prime rib
  • Dessert: Praline basket

Pineapple Willy’s

Waterfront dining on the pier offering world-famous BBQ Ribs

Over 15,000 reviews(!), with an average of 4.5 stars, makes this the most-reviewed restaurant in our list by far. Given its popularity, we recommend visiting on Tuesday or Wednesday; otherwise, be prepared to wait on popular evenings Thursdays through Saturday.

Don’t skip:

  • Appetizers: Pineapple coleslaw, Smoked tuna dip
  • Entrees: Ribs, Mahi mahi, Alligator, Po boy
  • Drinks: the Pineapple Willy, Frozen daiquiris (any flavor)

Panama City Beach landscape

Panama City Beach is Calling

With gorgeous beaches, stunning sands and incredible dining & drinks, Panama City Beach is a destination for all seasons. Experience everything PCB has to offer by reading our Vacation Guide or booking your rental today.