Panama City Beach, Florida. Dinner & Beach Photos

Welcome to the 2027 ” The 2027 Dinner Restaurant planner – “Our” – “Top 10 Eat in Locations” Panama City – Panama City Beach, Florida brought to you by: Spedale Jr. Photography LLC.” – Discover 10 highly rated Panama City and Panama City Beach restaurants for 2027, including seafood, steaks, oysters, waterfront dining, Google review highlights, reservations, parking, wait-time tips and beach photo ideas.

QUICK LOOK: TOP 10 FOR 2027

1. Firefly — Fine dining, seafood, steaks & sushi
2. Saltwater Grill — Seafood, steaks, sushi & giant aquarium
3. Schooners — Beachfront seafood & Panama City Beach atmosphere
4. The Grand Marlin — Waterfront seafood & upscale coastal dining
5. Dat Cajun Place Cafe — Cajun, Creole, seafood & live entertainment
6. Hunt’s Oyster Bar & Seafood — Oysters & classic Panama City seafood
7. Uncle Ernie’s — Waterfront dining in Historic St. Andrews
8. Gene’s Oyster Bar — Old Florida oysters & seafood
9. History Class Brewing Company — Craft beer, smoked food & Panama City history
10. Gary’s Oyster Shack — Local seafood, oysters & Southern comfort food

All ten meet the 4.0+ Google-rating requirement based on currently indexed Google-review data.

1. Firefly

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Current indexed data lists Firefly at approximately 4.5 stars on Google with more than 3,000 Google reviews.

Address: 535 Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Phone: (850) 249-3359
Food Type: Seafood, steakhouse, sushi, American fine dining
Price Range: $$$
Best For: Date night, anniversary, upscale vacation dinner, couples

Why Eat Here?

Firefly is one of the restaurants people frequently discover while searching:

best romantic restaurant Panama City Beach
best steak PCB
fine dining Panama City Beach
anniversary dinner PCB
best seafood Panama City Beach

The restaurant does not try to look like another beach bar.

Its signature dining room is built around a dramatic illuminated oak-tree centerpiece. Lighting is intentionally darker and warmer, while adjoining lounge and bar spaces create more of an upscale city-restaurant atmosphere than a typical flip-flops-and-fried-shrimp PCB restaurant.

The menu crosses several categories: steaks, Gulf seafood, sushi, wild game and creative appetizers.

What Customers Say

Recent Google-review snapshots include:

“The best steak I’ve had!!”

and another diner praised the:

“Beautiful setting”

while specifically mentioning the restaurant’s tree and lights.

Other reviewers repeatedly mention filet mignon, scallops, risotto, sushi, she-crab soup, crème brûlée and the restaurant’s atmosphere.

Reservations & Wait Times

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer, holidays and weekends.

Firefly is frequently selected for anniversaries and special occasions, so prime dinner times can disappear quickly.

Calling ahead is smart even when online reservations appear unavailable.

Reservations / Information: (850) 249-3359

Parking

Firefly is located within the Shoppes at Edgewater area and has shopping-center-style parking nearby.

Still, vacation-season traffic means arriving 15–20 minutes earlier than normal is wise.

Beach Photos Before Dinner

Firefly makes a particularly strong photos-then-dinner date night.

A family or couple could schedule golden-hour photographs with Spedale Jr. Photography LLC., then head to Firefly already dressed for the evening.

Photo theme idea:

Elegant Coastal

Women: flowing dresses, cream, black, champagne or muted jewel tones
Men: khaki, linen, white, navy or dress-casual coastal clothing

Photograph the Gulf at golden hour, then transition into Firefly for dinner.

2. Saltwater Grill

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Recent indexed Google data places Saltwater Grill around 4.5 stars with more than 4,000 Google reviews.

Address: 11040 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Phone: (850) 230-2896
Food Type: Seafood, steaks, sushi, cocktails
Price Range: $$$
Best For: Families, anniversaries, special occasions, kids who love aquariums

What’s Inside?

The restaurant’s signature visual feature is difficult to miss:

A huge 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium dominates the dining room.

That immediately gives Saltwater Grill an advantage for families with children. Dinner becomes part restaurant and part attraction.

The atmosphere is more polished than a beach shack but still vacation-friendly.

Why Eat Here?

Popular menu mentions include:

• Lobster bisque
• Grouper Imperial
• Prime rib
• Firecracker shrimp
• Sushi
• Lobster spring rolls
• Surf and turf
• Seafood dishes
• Cocktails

The restaurant also offers Sunday brunch.

What Customers Say

One recent Google reviewer wrote:

“Best sushi rolls I’ve EVER had!”

Another vacationing customer wrote:

“We all enjoyed the meal!”

Reviewers frequently praise the aquarium, lobster bisque, sushi and service.

Reservations & Wait Times

Saltwater Grill accepts reservations, including online reservation options.

For summer nights, weekends and holidays, make the reservation rather than assuming a walk-in table will be available.

Phone: (850) 230-2896

Peak dinner periods can still produce waits even at restaurants taking reservations, so vacationers should avoid scheduling everything too tightly.

Parking

Parking is available around the restaurant area, but visitors should allow extra arrival time during peak PCB dinner hours.

Beach Photo Idea Before Dinner

Families with children could do a 20–30 minute sunset family session before dinner.

Try:

• Kids walking barefoot
• Parents holding hands
• Family walking toward the camera
• Children running at the shoreline
• Formal family portrait
• Sunset silhouette

Then let the aquarium become the kids’ reward for surviving family pictures.

3. Schooners

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Schooners currently appears around 4.6 stars on Google with more than 9,000 Google reviews, making it one of the most heavily reviewed restaurants on this list.

Address: 5121 Gulf Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Phone: (850) 235-3555
Food Type: Gulf seafood, American, beach-bar food
Price Range: $$
Best For: Sunset, casual families, beach atmosphere, first-time visitors

Why Eat Here?

Schooners calls itself “The Last Local Beach Club.”

That describes the experience fairly well.

This isn’t primarily about polished fine dining. Schooners is about being directly beside the Gulf with open-air beach energy, seafood, music and the sunset.

Its nightly sunset tradition includes a countdown and cannon.

For someone searching where to eat directly on the beach in Panama City Beach, Schooners deserves consideration.

Inside & Atmosphere

Think:

Open-air coastal restaurant
Beach views
Bars
Live entertainment
Vacation crowd
Sand nearby
Sunset energy

It can also become loud and crowded.

Visitors searching for a quiet anniversary dinner may prefer Firefly or The Grand Marlin.

Visitors wanting to feel like they are unmistakably on vacation in Panama City Beach may love Schooners.

What Customers Say

A recent Google reviewer who visited twice wrote:

“Service was great both times”

and:

“Everything tasted fresh.”

Frequently mentioned foods include grouper, fish tacos, shrimp, tuna, hush puppies and seafood baskets.

Reservations & Wait Times

This is important:

Schooners does not normally accept standard dinner reservations and operates largely first-come, first-served.

During peak periods, waits can become substantial—sometimes an hour or more.

Go early.

If the family wants sunset, arriving shortly before sunset may actually mean arriving after everyone else had the same idea.

Phone: (850) 235-3555

Parking

Parking can become difficult during busy periods.

Allow significantly more time than GPS says you need.

Photography Tip

For anyone planning family beach pictures before eating at Schooners:

Do the photography first.

Sand, seafood, drinks, humidity and children eating dinner are generally not ingredients for clean family portraits afterward.

Photos first.

Dinner second.

4. The Grand Marlin

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Current indexed information puts The Grand Marlin near 4.5 Google stars with roughly 3,900 reviews.

Address: 5323 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Phone: (850) 249-1500
Food Type: Seafood, oysters, steaks, American
Price Range: $$$
Best For: Waterfront dinner, date night, anniversaries, celebrations

Why Eat Here?

The Grand Marlin sits along Grand Lagoon and gives vacationers a different waterfront experience from Gulf-front restaurants.

Instead of looking directly over the beach, diners can watch boats, docks and marina activity.

The restaurant feels more refined while remaining coastal.

Popular choices repeatedly mentioned by diners include:

• Grouper Piccata
• Crab cakes
• Oysters
• Fresh fish
• She-crab soup
• Crab claws
• Steaks
• Cocktails

Inside & Views

Expect a clean, polished coastal dining room with waterfront views.

Upper-level and water-facing seating can become especially desirable around sunset.

When making a reservation, ask whether a water-view table can be requested.

It is not guaranteed—but asking costs nothing.

What Customers Say

Recent Google reviews include:

“The food was fantastic!”

Another diner said:

“The grouper piccata lived up to the hype.”

Reservations & Wait Times

Reservations are highly recommended.

This is also an important reminder that having a reservation does not always guarantee immediate seating during extremely busy vacation periods.

Some guests report longer waits on high-volume nights.

Phone: (850) 249-1500

Parking

The Grand Marlin is located in the Grand Lagoon marina area. Give yourself additional arrival time during summer dinner hours.

Before-Dinner Photo Theme

“Coastal Date Night”

Perfect for:

• Couples
• Anniversaries
• Engagements
• Parents finally getting photographs without the children
• Honeymoon-style vacation portraits

Have Spedale Jr. Photography LLC. photograph the couple around golden hour, then continue the night with waterfront dinner.

5. Dat Cajun Place Cafe

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Dat Cajun Place currently appears around 4.6 stars on Google with more than 9,000 reviews.

Address: 2705 Navy Blvd, Panama City, FL 32408
Phone: (850) 588-5314
Food Type: Cajun, Creole, seafood, oysters, po’boys
Price Range: $$
Best For: Families, groups, Cajun food, live music, big appetites

Why Eat Here?

Dat Cajun Place is almost the opposite of Firefly.

This is lively.

It can be loud.

There may be music.

There are TVs.

People are eating large portions of Cajun and seafood dishes.

Menu favorites frequently include:

• Gumbo
• Baked oysters
• Shrimp and grits
• Lobster grits
• Boudin balls
• Gator
• Po’boys
• Seafood boils
• Bread pudding

What Customers Say

One Google reviewer wrote:

“This is one of our favorite restaurants!”

and praised oysters as:

“some of the best we’ve ever had.”

Wait Times

This might be the single most important tip for Dat Cajun Place:

Expect a wait during prime dinner hours.

Its popularity can create significant lines, and reviewers frequently recommend joining the available waitlist before arrival.

Reservations / Waitlist

Traditional reservations may be limited depending on party size and date, but an electronic waitlist option is available.

Phone: (850) 588-5314

Calling before driving over with a large group is recommended.

Parking

There is parking around the restaurant, but a packed dining room can naturally mean a packed lot.

Who Should Go?

Go here when the family wants energy rather than elegance.

This works especially well after a relaxed beach photography session where everyone changes from formal photo clothing into something more casual.

6. Hunt’s Oyster Bar and Seafood

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Hunt’s carries approximately 4.6 stars on Google with more than 5,000 Google reviews in current indexed results.

Address: 1150 Beck Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: (850) 763-9645
Food Type: Oysters, Gulf seafood, American
Price Range: $$
Best For: Oyster lovers, local-food hunters, Historic St. Andrews visitors

Why Eat Here?

Hunt’s is the kind of restaurant people hope to discover when they say:

“Where do the locals go?”

Oysters are the headline.

Raw oysters, baked oysters and chargrilled-style preparations dominate the conversation, but diners also mention:

• Grouper
• Seafood platters
• Shrimp
• Gator bites
• Crab cakes
• Fried fish
• Gumbo

The Look

The atmosphere is much more old Florida oyster bar than luxury dining room.

That is part of its appeal.

Depending on seating area, diners may encounter an enclosed downstairs atmosphere or more open-air surroundings upstairs.

What Customers Say

A Google reviewer summarized the attraction simply:

“If you love oysters this is the place!”

Another wrote:

“Fresh hot delicious food.”

Wait Times

Hunt’s reputation means crowds.

Peak periods can produce waits, particularly on weekends and during summer vacation season.

Early dinner is a smart move.

Reservations

Call before assuming reservations are accepted for your particular party.

Phone: (850) 763-9645

Parking

Hunt’s is in Historic St. Andrews. Parking demands can increase significantly during busy evening periods and neighborhood events.

Make a St. Andrews Evening

One smart vacation plan:

Professional family photos → Historic St. Andrews → Hunt’s → evening waterfront walk.

That gives visitors a completely different experience from the high-rise-condo side of Panama City Beach.

7. Uncle Ernie’s

Google Rating: 4.5/5

Current Google-review data shows Uncle Ernie’s around 4.5 stars with more than 5,500 reviews.

Address: 1151 Bayview Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: (850) 763-8427
Food Type: Seafood, steaks, American, cocktails
Price Range: $$$
Best For: Sunset dining, waterfront views, anniversaries, families

Why Eat Here?

Uncle Ernie’s has something no amount of interior decorating can manufacture:

St. Andrews Bay.

The restaurant occupies a historic waterfront setting, and outdoor deck seating provides views across the water and marina.

The setting makes it an especially appealing sunset restaurant.

What Does It Look Like?

Inside, expect a more traditional coastal restaurant with nautical and historical character.

Outside is where many vacationers want to be.

The decks create the classic Florida combination of:

Water
Boats
Breeze
Seafood
Sunset

Food

Frequently praised items include:

• Grouper
• Shrimp and grits
• Lobster
• Scallops
• Crab cakes
• Coconut shrimp
• Tuna
• Key lime pie

What Customers Say

One recent Google customer wrote:

“The food was great”

while another simply described the visit as:

“Phenomenal! Great lunch prices.”

Reviews repeatedly mention the sunset and waterfront atmosphere.

Reservations

Reservations may be available and are particularly valuable for special occasions.

Phone: (850) 763-8427

When calling, ask about outdoor or water-view seating.

Wait Times

The waterfront setting attracts crowds near sunset.

Going earlier can reduce both wait and parking stress.

Parking

Parking is one of the more frequently mentioned logistical concerns.

On busy evenings, nearby parking can become tight.

Do not schedule a 6:00 photo session ending at 6:55 and assume everyone can magically be seated at Uncle Ernie’s by 7:00.

Leave breathing room.

8. Gene’s Oyster Bar

Google Rating: 4.8/5

Gene’s currently carries approximately 4.8 stars on Google, one of the strongest ratings on this list.

Address: 302 Sherman Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: (850) 785-1232
Food Type: Oysters, fried seafood, Gulf seafood
Price Range: $$
Best For: Local flavor, oysters, casual lunch or early dinner

Why Eat Here?

Gene’s does not need a giant aquarium or designer dining room.

Its charm is that it feels like something from an older Florida.

It’s small.

It’s casual.

It’s oyster-focused.

The old-school atmosphere is part of the meal.

People come for:

• Raw oysters
• Baked oysters
• Loaded oysters
• Grouper
• Shrimp
• Crab claws
• Clam chowder
• Seafood baskets

What Customers Say

One Google reviewer wrote:

“Best Oysters I’ve ever had in my life.”

Another recent review described:

“Great local seafood. Old school atmosphere.”

Reservations

Gene’s is generally better treated as a show-up-early local restaurant than an elaborate reservation-night destination.

Phone: (850) 785-1232

Current listings indicate limited weekly hours, so checking the schedule before driving there is especially important.

Wait Times

Because Gene’s is smaller, a modest number of customers can fill the restaurant quickly.

Early lunch or early dinner can be easier.

Parking

Parking is available around the property/neighborhood, but this is not a giant tourist-complex parking lot.

Who Should Choose Gene’s?

People who would rather discover a true local oyster bar than another polished tourist restaurant.

9. History Class Brewing Company

Google Rating: 4.9/5

History Class Brewing Company currently shows approximately 4.9 Google stars with nearly 700 Google reviews.

Address: 6 E 4th St, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: (850) 801-2337
Food Type: Southern food, smoked meats, sandwiches, craft beer
Price Range: $$
Best For: Adults, groups, history lovers, casual downtown evening

Why Is a Brewery on a Restaurant List?

Because people repeatedly mention the food.

History Class combines craft beer with Panama City history.

Walls and décor contain memorabilia and references to people, businesses and events from the area’s past.

That makes walking through the building almost part of the entertainment.

Food Favorites

Reviewers frequently mention:

• Smoked wings
• Alabama white sauce
• Giant pretzel
• Beer cheese
• Truffle fries
• Pimento cheese
• Pulled pork
• Smoked bologna sandwich
• Banana pudding

What Customers Say

One Google reviewer wrote:

“Fast service. Great vibe with brick walls.”

Another praised:

“Smoked Wings with Alabama White Sauce”

as exceptional.

Reservations & Seating

Smaller parties generally operate on a first-come basis, while larger groups may be able to arrange reservations.

Thursday trivia and special events can make seating much harder.

Phone: (850) 801-2337

Parking

This is Downtown Panama City rather than a suburban shopping-center restaurant.

Street and downtown parking availability depends heavily on the day and nearby events.

Allow extra walking time.

Why Vacationers Should Try It

Beaches are only one part of Bay County.

A trip downtown gives visitors another side of Panama City—historic buildings, local businesses and a more traditional downtown atmosphere.

10. Gary’s Oyster Shack

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Gary’s currently appears around 4.6 stars on Google with more than 1,200 reviews.

Address: 1320 N Tyndall Pkwy, Panama City, FL 32404
Phone: (850) 348-1116
Food Type: Seafood, oysters, Southern/Cajun-influenced food
Price Range: $$
Best For: Local seafood, families, casual dinner, visitors willing to leave the beach strip

Why Eat Here?

Gary’s Oyster Shack has a more relaxed local-seafood personality.

This is another restaurant that becomes interesting specifically because it is away from the most concentrated tourist corridor.

Popular review mentions include:

• Fried oysters
• Chargrilled oysters
• Crab cakes
• Grouper
• Shrimp
• Seafood stacks
• Smoked tuna dip
• Cheese grits
• Hush puppies
• Jalapeño slaw

Inside

Think clean local seafood shack, not beachfront resort dining.

Rustic.

Casual.

Friendly.

The atmosphere tends to put food ahead of presentation.

What Customers Say

One Google reviewer called it:

“Best place we ate at on our vacation”

while another wrote:

“This place is a local gem!”

Reservations

Calling ahead is worthwhile, particularly for larger groups.

Phone: (850) 348-1116

Wait Times

Lunch and dinner rushes can fill the restaurant.

One reviewer specifically described arriving at lunch with the restaurant packed while still receiving good service.

Parking

Gary’s is located along North Tyndall Parkway rather than inside the crowded beach corridor, so the experience is generally more automobile-oriented.

WHICH RESTAURANT SHOULD YOU PICK?

Best Romantic Dinner

Firefly

For atmosphere, tree-lit dining, cocktails and upscale food.

Best Restaurant for Kids to Look Around

Saltwater Grill

The enormous aquarium makes dinner easier to sell to children.

Best Direct Beach Atmosphere

Schooners

This is the choice when location and PCB vacation atmosphere matter as much as dinner.

Best Upscale Waterfront Dinner

The Grand Marlin

Excellent for couples, anniversaries and people who want marina views.

Best Cajun Experience

Dat Cajun Place Cafe

Big portions, Cajun flavor and high energy.

Best Oyster-Bar Experience

Hunt’s Oyster Bar

A classic St. Andrews choice.

Best Sunset Waterfront Dinner in Panama City

Uncle Ernie’s

The bayfront location is the attraction.

Best Old-Florida Experience

Gene’s Oyster Bar

Simple, historic and oyster-focused.

Most Unique Interior Theme

History Class Brewing Company

Part brewpub, part local-history experience.

Best Local Seafood Detour

Gary’s Oyster Shack

Worth considering when vacationers want to explore beyond Front Beach Road.

THE PERFECT PANAMA CITY BEACH VACATION EVENING

Here is an idea vacationers sometimes overlook:

Don’t make dinner the only event.

Turn the whole evening into something memorable.

4:30–5:00 PM

Everyone showers and gets dressed.

5:30 PM

Meet Spedale Jr. Photography LLC. for professional beach portraits.

During the Photo Session

Capture:

• Full family portraits
• Parents together
• Children individually
• Siblings
• Grandparents
• Grandparents with grandchildren
• Couples
• Candid walking photographs
• Shoreline photographs
• Sunset silhouettes

After Photos

Brush the sand from everyone’s feet.

Change shoes.

Head to dinner.

Instead of coming home with only a restaurant receipt and another cellphone picture, the family comes home with photographs of everyone together.

BEACH PHOTO THEMES BEFORE DINNER

Coastal White & Blue

White, cream, khaki, navy and pale blue.

Classic and timeless.

Sunset Elegance

Long dresses, linen shirts, neutral tones, muted greens, rust, blush or champagne.

Excellent before Firefly or The Grand Marlin.

Florida Vacation Color

Coral, aqua, turquoise, pink and tropical color.

Fun for families with younger children.

Senior Vacation Session

Bring:

Graduation outfit
College shirt
Sports item
Casual beach clothing
One dressier outfit

Dinner afterward turns the senior session into an event.

Multigenerational Family

When grandparents, children and grandchildren are all vacationing together, take advantage of it.

Photograph every household separately in addition to the giant family portrait.

Anniversary Session

Couples can recreate engagement-style photographs years after marriage:

Walking
Dancing
Kissing
Silhouettes
Barefoot shoreline portraits
Close portraits at sunset

Then go somewhere special for dinner.

FREQUENTLY GOOGLED QUESTIONS ABOUT DINING IN PCB

Do I need dinner reservations in Panama City Beach?

For popular upscale restaurants during summer: yes, whenever possible.

How long are restaurant waits in Panama City Beach during summer?

It varies dramatically.

Popular restaurants can move from almost no wait during an early dinner to an hour or longer during peak periods.

What time should you eat dinner in PCB to avoid crowds?

Vacationers willing to eat around 4:30–5:30 PM generally have an easier experience than those arriving near the traditional 6:30–8:00 PM dinner rush.

Where should we eat after family beach photos?

That depends on the photography location and desired atmosphere.

For a dressier session, Firefly, Saltwater Grill or The Grand Marlin fit naturally.

For casual photographs, Schooners, Dat Cajun Place, Hunt’s or Gary’s can work well.

Should we take family photos before or after dinner?

Before.

Children are cleaner.

Clothes are cleaner.

Makeup is fresh.

Nobody has spilled seafood sauce on a white shirt.

And sunset light is usually much prettier than restaurant-parking-lot light.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Panama City and Panama City Beach have very different personalities.

Panama City Beach delivers Gulf views, vacation energy, resorts, beachfront restaurants and nightlife.

Panama City’s Historic St. Andrews and Downtown areas offer an older, more local side of Bay County filled with seafood history, marinas, independent restaurants and neighborhood character.

The best vacation does not necessarily choose one or the other.

Explore both.

Have oysters in St. Andrews.

Watch sunset from Panama City Beach.

Eat beside the Grand Lagoon.

Try somewhere polished.

Try somewhere that looks like it has been serving oysters longer than you’ve been alive.

And on one evening, while the entire family is together, clean and dressed for dinner, take an hour and create something that survives long after the vacation ends.

Book professional Panama City Beach vacation photographs with Spedale Jr. Photography LLC., then celebrate the evening at one of Bay County’s highly rated restaurants.

THIS POST WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Spedale Jr. Photography LLC.

Professional Panama City Beach photography for:

Family Beach Photos
Senior Photography
Couples
Engagements
Maternity
Weddings
Vacation Photography
Multigenerational Families
Portraits

Make the memory before dinner.