Pensacola Seafood Restaurants to Dig Into While Visiting

Fresh fish, creative dishes and fried delicacies – expect to eat those and more in Pensacola, Florida. The city has a location unlike most cities in the area. Pensacola sits on Pensacola Bay and Gulf of Mexico, meaning fresh seafood is easy to catch and enjoy. To dig into the best, check out the top Pensacola seafood restaurants.

Pensacola Seafood Restaurants for Fresh Flavors in Florida

Fishermans Corner Seafood Restaurant

Fishermans Corner not only ranks among the best Pensacola seafood restaurants, but it also ranks among the best restaurants in the Perdido Key area. This longtime favorite provides an upscale dining experience in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

Fishermans Corner Seafood Restaurant serves traditional favorites made with Creole flair. In addition, everything is made in-house, including sauces, dressings, sides, entrees and desserts. Due to popularity and cooking processes, expect longer wait times.

Most seafood is sourced from Gulf of Mexico, and guests have a selection of steaks and burgers to cater to other cravings. For tasty seafood, select from grouper, shrimp, crawfish and seafood po boys. Those with hearty appetites should order seafood combo, which includes two types of fish, shrimp or oysters, and two sides.

The Fish House

The Fish House provides upscale dining located directly on the waterfront. For over 20 years, the restaurant has served inventive seafood made with Southern flair. It’s so popular The Fish House welcomes some 500,000 people per year.

Guests enjoy scenic views of Pensacola Bay and Seville Harbor and proximity to Seville Square. In addition to seafood, the restaurant serves sushi and steaks, and late-night bites for night owls.

Daily fish includes grouper, mahi mahi, salmon and snapper. Or choose from seafood sandwiches, platters and Fish House specialties. A few examples include their famous grits a ya ya, crab-stuffed mahi mahi and fish tacos. For something different, pick from 20 sushi options.

Atlas Oyster House

A sister restaurant to The Fish House, Atlas Oyster House offers casual waterfront dining just a few steps away on the bay. This spot remains a top among the best Pensacola seafood restaurants for fresh selections and laid-back atmosphere.

Atlas Oyster House specializes in local oysters from Pensacola Bay, Apalachicola Bay and Easy Bay – all located in Florida’s panhandle. Guests can eat them raw, baked or steamed.

Other seafood favorites include baked oyster specialties, daily fish, shrimp platters and Gulf Coast sampler. In addition, Atlas has a large collection of steaks, sandwiches and sushi. Grits a ya ya – the signature dish – is available here as well.

Nick’s Boathouse

Located in downtown Pensacola, Nick’s Boathouse sits on Pensacola Bay and offers indoor and outdoor dining. The restaurant serves fresh seafood in a casual environment with live entertainment on Friday and Saturday.

At Nick’s, expect seafood favorites and traditional dishes made with Cajun flavors. Additionally, those dining during weekend brunch-time have access to breakfast items such as crab omelets, salmon and eggs, and Southern fish and grits.

During regular hours, enjoy a selection of seafood starters and entrees. A few specialties include lighthouse platter, shrimp skewers, seafood-stuffed shrimp, catch of the day and fried platters. And don’t miss the fresh lobster or boathouse tacos.

Flora-Bama Lounge

Among the top Pensacola seafood restaurants, find legendary Flora-Bama Lounge – also known as one of the top beach bars in the world. This hot spot sits in between the Perdido Key, Florida, and Orange Beach, Alabama line, hence the name.

In addition to local seafood, Flora-Bama has five stages and hosts artists in country, rock, and beach music. While visiting, kick back, listen to live entertainment, and meet locals and visitors.

What’s on the menu? Start with a famous oyster bar, which has sandwiches, oysters and shrimp, oyster samplers, and raw oysters on the full- or half-shell. Other seafood items include shrimp tacos and baskets. For more, head to the Flora-Bama Yacht Club or Ole River Grill. No matter the entree, pair it with a famous Bushwacker — a drink for guests 21 and older.

Captain Joey Patti’s Seafood Restaurant

This local favorite opens for lunch and early dinner only, and operates a deli-style restaurant. Captain Joey Patti’s Seafood Restaurant attracts those who want large portions in a casual atmosphere.

This spot gets busy fast. Frequent visitors recommend arriving early and expect large crowds. Booths are perfect for two people, so everyone has room and space. In addition, seafood is caught by a local family of fishermen in the area.

Entrees feature mullet caught daily, flounder, crab patties, shrimp and grouper. Seafood baskets feature salmon, shrimp, calamari and catfish. Those with big appetites may want to try a platter, such as Captain Joey and its crab, shrimp, oysters and fresh fish.

The Oar House

Overlooking Bahia Mar Marina – minutes from downtown Pensacola – find The Oar House. This hot spot ranks among the best Pensacola seafood restaurants for waterfront and sunset views and tasty seafood. The Oar House also hosts live entertainment and has ample outdoor dining space.

For the full experience, visit during dinner hours. The restaurant serves hot dishes infused with Cajun flavor. Seafood gumbo ranks as a must, or select from po boys, baja tacos, Cajun BBQ shrimp, seafood platters and Key West paella.

Those who prefer smaller crowds should visit during lunchtime. While the menu isn’t as large, the food is just as good. Lunch options feature fish and shrimp baskets and non-seafood sandwiches.

The Fishing Hole Restaurant

Looking for affordable and fresh seafood? Visit The Fishing Hole Restaurant located in Brentwood shopping center. This hidden gem offers Southern-style seafood in a friendly atmosphere away from busier spots.

The Fishing Hole Restaurant serves sandwiches, salads, tacos and entrees made with seafood. For hearty options, order mullet, tilapia, red snapper, trigger fish or mixed seafood baskets. In addition, guests select from oyster dinners, grilled shrimp, fish tacos and fish sandwiches. Or dig into classic shrimp and grits, a Southern tradition.

Looking for late-night hangouts? Check out the Pensacola Beach nightlife scene. Then find spacious vacation homes in Pensacola.