Location: Panama City
Top Restaurants in Panama City
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Where to Eat in Panama City: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Panama City is a four-season paradise for water-sports enthusiasts. Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and kiteboarding are popular activities on the crystal blue waters of St. Andrews Bay. Numerous charters offer inshore and offshore fishing, scuba and snorkeling excursions. Guided day trips are available for dolphin-watching or you can go shelling on uninhabited Shell Island. Enjoy water views and fresh, locally caught seafood at popular restaurants like Gene's Oyster Bar, a local landmark.
Things to do in Panama City
1. Gary's Oyster Shack
Overall Ratings
5 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By angi1968 - Maryville, TN
My hubby and I ate supper here for the first time a few weeks ago. Wow! A small place, but wonderful, friendly service and delicious food! The owner, Gary, introduced himself to everyone that came thru the door.
My hubby ordered a platter with blackened fish, large scallops, and about 4 whole shrimp. I ordered the grilled crab cakes. All the food and sides were so fresh, seasoned perfectly and fresh off the grill!!
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Tables are able to accommodate large parties.
I can't wait to eat there again!! I might try the homemade Key Lime cake next visit!
2. Gene's Oyster Bar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By twaone - Daphne, Alabama
Oldest oyster bar in Panama City. Counter seating only. Only seats about about 13-14 people at a time!! Cash only. Family run and friendly. Great oyster stew and creamy clam chowder. Oysters are shucked inches from your stool and served on your try. Great fried soft shells, shrimp and oysters. Not a tourist spot and well worth searching for!
3. Hunt's Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Tim S
We were visiting Panama City Beach for spring break with our family and we wanted to eat at a place that wasn't a chain where we could really get a meal with the local flavor. Our hometown is having an explosion of small unique restaurants so we did not want a chain restaurant. This was the place. The oysters were amazing. The kids loved their salads, steak, crab legs and crab cakes. The hush puppies, onion rings and garlic toast were even delicious. The only thing we did not like about our meal was the wait. We had to wait over an hour to be seated. However, it was worth the wait. Be prepared if you go at dinner time, you will have to wait. This is a no-frills seafood restaurant that I would highly recommend. If we ever come back again to this area, we will definitely come back to this place.
4. Mamita's Pizzeria, Inc.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
We are a very small pizza joint. We make our dough and sauce from scratch and all of our veggies are cut fresh daily. Dough is hand tossed but can be made thinner if that is your preference. Kid friendly environment, but we do serve bottled beer. Dine in or take out.
Reviewed By davemac682017 - Panama City, Florida
I found Mamita's Pizzeria last summer and have been a regular patron every since. They have several lunch specials that include drink and are less than $7.00. The restaurant is clean, the help is always friendly, and the food is very good.
5. Finns Island Style Grub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By Regomatic - Orlando, Florida
We did the Dolphin Tour from the marina across the street and our captain recommended Finn's as his favorite from among the choices within walking distance. We were very pleased with our choices and found the funky island setting quite pleasant. We were pretty hungry after snorkeling most of the morning and were very happy with the prompt service. We'll recommend Finn's to others and will go back if we find ourselves in the area again.
6. The Grand Marlin Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By Allen21096 - Chicago, Illinois
This The Grand Marlin Restaurant & Oyster Bar is the sister restaurant to The Grand Marlin in Pensacola Beach. It is located on the marina, so the views overlooking the water are outstanding. There is plenty of parking. Both the exterior and interior have a warm, contemporary elegance which makes it a really nice setting for a great meal. There is a gift shop near the entrance. You'll notice as you wander throughout, that marlins are definitely among the thematic elements here. We were seated almost immediately. Our server, Zachary, was there quickly and was efficient, attentive and personable. We ordered a half dozen oysters Rockefeller which were delicious. We also ordered a lobster bisque which also was really good. For an entree we shared a grouper picatta which was excellent. Since we still had some room left, we opted to share a slice of Key Lime pie. It was one of the best that we had on our trip through Florida. The prices were reasonable. They offer gift cards which are available at the bar.
7. Uncle Ernie's Bayfront Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Yvonne R
My husband and I love St. Andrews area-Marina is very nice. Uncle Earnie’s was open for lunch so since we hadn’t tried it before- thought- why not!? Ordered Grouper with a tangy sweet sauce With a couple of fried shrimp, fried catfish, soup-a nacho flavored soup. Husband didn’t care for the shrimp- they were ok, just not the best we’ve had. We really enjoyed the restaurant - great waiter, clean and off of the Marina-so view is nice! Parking can be a problem in this area but they seem to have ample parking for their restaurant.
8. Just The Cook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Just The Cook is a laid back fast casual restaurant that elevates food. We serve everything from seafood to gourmet burgers! Catch us on Fridays when we have our Frank Sinatra Fettuccine Friday! Where we make homemade fettuccine, offer two sauces and drink wine all day! Owner (Ernie) was hand picked by the Food Network as one of the Top 16 Cooks in America and was featured on the Cooking Channels new show Trending Bites!
Reviewed By Sue f
Amazing fresh fish meals at a wicked reasonable price. Awesome freshly made crepes that are second to none. Two free beers with your meal order. As a bonus, this former military member owned establishment offers 25% off for military members.
9. Bayou Joe's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 377 reviews
Reviewed By allrightie - Kentucky
Food was good. I had burger, others all had various fish.
We ate outside, open air, no rail to the water.
Unique setting, worth the trip. People are polite, service is good and view is beautiful.
Don't let first impression scare you off. The unique setting lies beyond the gator at the tree.
Oh, they don't advertise, but I assure you they will not be empty.
I found the use of washcloths for napkins and flower pots for trash to be clever.
10. Captain's Table Fish House Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 431 reviews
Captain's Table Fish House Restaurant is a seafood restaurant in historic St. Andrews area of Panama City that serves fresh, local seafood. Our restaurant has been family-owned and operated since 1967. Since the beginning, we have aimed to provide the freshest, local seafood that is caught off of our own boats. Our menu includes a variety of favorites, including our famous grouper throats, crab claws, raw and baked oysters, grilled fish, and more. Bring your friends, or the whole family and enjoy a delicious meal in our fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Captain's Table Fish House Restaurant -- from our boats to your plate!
Reviewed By Ken K - Mtn. Home, AR
We have eaten here 6-8 times and never left disappointed. The food and service are above average, but the cost is below average. How is this done? The owners deferred adding the huge overhead expense that goes with offering “waterfront dining”.
So, if you’re merely wanting some fresh seafood for a reasonable price (and you’re not trying to impress anyone with upscale ambience) this is a good place you should consider.
