20 Of The Best Seafood Restaurants In The Florida Panhandle

Stretching from the Alabama border to the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Panhandle is a charming coastal region famous for its stunning beaches, emerald waters, and abundant seafood. The food here is unique, blending the flavors of the Caribbean, the South, and everything in between.

With a view of the sparkling waters, a salty breeze, and warm Southern hospitality, indulging in the local Panhandle seafood is a treat for all your senses. Here you can appreciate the famous Apalachicola oyster, savor stone crab claws, or enjoy freshly caught red snapper, gently pan-seared or perfectly blackened.

Thanks to the richness and diversity of marine life, the Florida Panhandle coast is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the country. Picking only a few wouldn't do them justice, so we've included plenty more options depending on where you are in the Panhandle. From humble old-school shacks in Pensacola to huge, upscale dining rooms in Panama City Beach, discover the freshest, most decadent seafood the region has to offer.

Located in the heart of the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee, the Wharf Casual Seafood franchise has been a community favorite since its establishment in 1986. With over ten branches across the country, this seafood haven was founded by the Duggar family. Their unwavering commitment to sourcing only the freshest local catch from fishermen and purveyors is a tradition that has spanned over 35 years and counting.

Wharf Casual Seafood Bannerman has a laid-back atmosphere, fantastic seafood, and excellent service. The restaurant is praised for its lobster rolls, fried oysters, shrimp, and grits, and a fine selection of seafood platters for those with a big appetite. And if you're unsure what to get, mahi mahi tacos come highly recommended. Best of all, the prices are wallet-friendly.

Jackacuda's is a hot spot for seafood enthusiasts and sushi lovers in Destin. This cozy spot welcomes everyone with its warm and elegant decor, while the friendly manager Jacob Knight runs the show with a hospitality flair, making every guest feel at home. This casually chic atmosphere keeps pulling customers back, year after year, making it one of the top seafood places in Destin.

The restaurant's menu also shines brightly, featuring the addictive Coconut Shrimp encased in a crisp, golden brown shell drizzled with a luscious coconut sauce. A nod to Southern classics is its Shrimp and Grits, a generous serving of fresh shrimp and creamy grits drenched in a savory cheddar cheese sauce. And don't miss the specials, such as Wine Down Wednesday for wine lovers, Sake Sundays for adventurous drinkers, and an Early Bird Dining Special for savvy diners.

Brotula's Seafood House and Steamer is yet another gem located on the beautiful coast of Destin. Founded by two local entrepreneurs, Chris Ruyan and Tyler Jarvis, Brotula's serves the flavors of the South with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced seafood. You'll find a unique blend of upscale charm and warm hospitality, a testament to the quintessential Southern fish house. The dining room is spacious and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the harbor.

The menu at Brotula's is filled with the finest local seafood. Start your meal with a basket of fried oysters, golden and crisp, or the snow crab served in a big bowl with sides of irresistible melted butter. For your main course, try the Lobster Roll, featuring fresh lobster delicately dressed in lemon mayo, served on a perfectly toasted bun. It isn't cheap but totally worth it.

Shunk Gulley is a fresh seafood joint in Santa Rosa Beach, committed to environmental conservation. The restaurant, named after a legendary fishing reef off the coast, partners with the South Walton Artificial Reef Association to help create a richer marine habitat in the Gulf of Mexico.

At Shunk Gulley, you'll feel right at home in the airy dining room or on the sunny patio, where you can enjoy the views and the company of your furry friends. The bar is well-stocked and inviting, with live music on weekends.

Of course, no visit to Shunk Gulley would be complete without trying the signature Duck Fat Gulley fries, topped with cheese, bacon, and scallions. The oysters are another highlight — try them raw, smokey, or Rockefeller style for a classic indulgence. And for dessert, nothing beats the key lime pie and its summery zest.

In the heart of Pensacola, you'll find the Fish House with its enticing Southern charm. Opened in 1998 by three natives with a shared vision of rejuvenating their beloved waterfront, this dining venue swiftly bloomed into a local staple.

The Fish House is a soothing blend of casual and relaxed. The spacious and warm interior has an ample bar and cozy indoor and outdoor dining areas. It's the perfect place for a laid-back meal.

The restaurant's signature dish, Grits à Ya Ya, is a sensation to savor. A generous portion of spiced Gulf jumbo shrimp crowns a sauté of spinach, portobello mushrooms, and applewood-smoked bacon on a bed of smoked Gouda grits. Grilled favorites include grouper, and mahi-mahi, finished with a white-wine lemon butter sauce and a side of seasonal vegetables. The hearty portions are reasonably priced, much to our delight.

Right on the sunny shores of Panama City Beach stands an upscale seafood haven Grand Marlin. For over 30 years, this nautical-themed restaurant has been serving some of the most inventive dishes in the Florida Panhandle. The breathtaking bay views match the restaurant's sleek and elegant interior.

The man behind the magic is Chef Gregg McCarthy, a James Beard Award semifinalist. Chef McCarthy's culinary philosophy is simple: He uses only the freshest ingredients and lets them do the talking. You can feel it in every dish on the menu, from the perfectly Blackened Mahi Anegada to the succulent Fish Tacos.

In addition to its incredible food menu, the Grand Marlin has a well-curated cocktail list. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing signature martini or a boozy mango margarita, the Grand Marlin has something for everyone.

Saltwater Grill in Panama City Beach is a blend of casual sophistication and exquisite seafood experience. This elegant restaurant welcomes you with a stunning 25,000-gallon aquarium and an elegantly stunning dining area. Open from 4 p.m., Saltwater Grill is ideal for a relaxing dinner after a day at the beach.

At the helm of Saltwater Grill is Bennie Cohen, a seasoned professional with nearly 20 years of hospitality expertise. He leads a talented, friendly team that delivers impeccable service and makes you feel at home.

The menu at Saltwater Grill is a lavish spread of seafood delicacies, succulent steaks, and refreshing salads. You'll be spoiled for choice with dishes like the Herb-Crusted Diver Scallops, served with creamy saffron risotto and nutty parmesan cheese, or the Shrimp & Grits, a Southern classic with gulf shrimp, creamy stone-ground grits, smoky sausage, and tangy tomato cream.

At Louis Louis, a family-owned bistro in Santa Rosa Beach, you can savor French-inspired American cuisine in a cozy and eclectic setting. The restaurant is run by the Petit family, who also owns the legendary Red Bar in Grayton Beach, and their personality shines through every detail. From the colorful wall art, retro chandeliers, and beautifully lit-up garden patio in the evening, Louis Louis exudes charm and whimsy. You might even spot Louis Senior, the clan patriarch, mingling with the guests.

The menu is small but perfectly executed, with something to please everyone. From the shrimp and crawfish pasta tossed in a creamy Cajun sauce to the blackened grouper served over spinach and grit cakes, each dish is bursting with fresh, seasonal flavor. And the key lime pie is a must-try for dessert. The place can get quite busy on weekends, so plan ahead.

If you're craving a taste of New Orleans, look no further than Bayou On The Beach in Panama City Beach. This homey joint serves fresh seafood with all the familiar flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine. Situated just a hop away from the coast, Bayou draws guests in with its laid-back attitude, and if you pop in over the weekend, you can catch a live music performance in this bustling seafood diner.

There's plenty to taste on the menu at Bayou, but you must try the Crawfish Etouffee, a hearty stew of tender crawfish tails simmered in a rich sauce, or bite into a Po' Boy Sandwich, a Louisiana staple of crispy fried seafood piled on a soft French bread roll. And to quench your thirst, there's a well-stocked bar with cocktails, beers, and wines to choose from.

FINNS Island Style Grub is a cozy Mexican-themed hideaway with its small-town charm. The restaurant's beachy vibe and affordable fares ($8 average) make it a popular spot for casual, family-friendly meals. Even though the eatery is small, the excellent food and service more than make up for it.

FINNS is renowned in Pensacola for its lunchtime delights, closing its doors to diners as the evening unfolds. The menu features a variety of Mexican favorites, including ceviche, tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. The ceviche plate is a generous portion of the day's catch, served over greens or chips. The FINNS Original Fish Tacos are made with fresh local fish, island pico, cabbage, a five-cheese blend, and a signature creamy white sauce.