50 Best Restaurants in The Panhandle, Florida

To feast on oysters that "slept in the bay last night," head 18 miles west of Apalachicola to this unique coastal seafood shack. The menu consists primarily of oysters, shrimp, and crab legs served raw, steamed, stuffed, or baked—nothing fried here—but there's also seafood gumbo, burgers, and hot dogs. Beer and other drinks are on the honor system, so grab what you need, and spend time on the porch listening to live music and making friends. Chances are you will have to wait, because this place is that popular.

The food is as eclectic and comforting as the atmosphere at this locals' favorite, where you can dine alfresco or belly up to the bar and watch the magic happen in the open kitchen. The menu changes daily, but you can always count on a fusion of flavors. Save room for dessert: if you're lucky, pastry chef Sylvia Gould's beehive-shaped baked Alaska or toasted-coconut meringue layer cake will be on the menu.

“Rollin’ in the dough since 1989,” this is the spot to grab a delicious pie on the beach. Its award-winning recipes have been featured in several national culinary magazines, and its family-friendly vibe is loved by locals and visitors alike.

Although this old-school ice-cream parlor and candy shop serves salads, sandwiches, and other savory dishes, it's best known for its extensive menu of sodas, frappes, and egg creams and its generous brunches featuring classic waffles and omelets, as well as a homemade hash that is deliciously different. The ice-cream choices are delectable, and it's hard to take your eyes off the candy makers as they hand-craft the confections. Lofty also sells jigsaw puzzles, toys, and board games, which customers have been known to play while dining.

Reservations are recommended for this dinner-only, 50-seat bistro that specializes in American comfort food with Creole and Southern accents. It's a short hop from the capitol and is a reliable spot for upscale dining in a down-to-earth setting.

If you're passionate about coffee, be sure to stop in at this or one of the five other branches of this local chain to find your new favorite brew. Friendly, knowledgeable staffers are happy to explain the flavor profiles of the different coffee varieties and roasts. Pastries and other edibles from Tasty Pastry, a local favorite bakery, are available, too.

Known affectionately as "a museum that serves food," this restaurant is set in a 1910 house that's filled with photos and steeped in local history. Dine on seafood, traditional Italian dishes, or fabulous steaks. 

A harbor view, impeccable service, and sophisticated fare create one of the finest dining experiences on the Emerald Coast. Selections include Gulf seafood; USDA steaks; gourmet pizzas; and Creole, Mediterranean, or Pan-Asian dishes. A special sushi menu is also available. The wine list is extensive, and happy hour runs from 5 to 7. An ocean motif is expressed in shades of aqua, green, and sand accented with marine tapestries and sea sculptures.

Libations are the star here, but Neat has an intriguing, ever-changing menu of shareable small bites, too. The Tasting Room opens at 2 pm, so it's the perfect spot for an afternoon cocktail and nibbles while waiting for dinner reservations; the neighboring Bottle Shop sells artisanal spirits, wines, and craft beers as well as bar tools, and some of its offerings are from producers in and around 30A.

Paddy's is the place locals will tell you about if they like you. Tucked away on the bayside of St. George, it's got the casual vibe of a beach shack with lots of outdoor seating. Even the indoor bar and tables bring the outside in—dogs and swimsuits are welcome. Raw oysters are king here, but be sure to try one of the chef's creative specials, like Captain Clint's spicy Big Fish SGI: oysters steamed with jalapeño, Parmesan, and Old Bay seasoning.

Known locally as “the best backyard on the beach,” this open-air establishment was built from sustainable materials including shipping containers and reclaimed wood from an old Coca-Cola warehouse. Bring the kids, bring the dog, and enjoy this grassy spot on the sound side of the beach.

Contemporary treats—of both the food and cocktail varieties—abound at this hip, sleek gem on Pensacola's hottest Downtown strip. The menu's Southern and seafood favorites feature seasonal ingredients, modern preparation techniques, and artistic plating.

A 25,000-gallon saltwater aquarium provides a dramatic focal point at this popular, upscale restaurant. The menu features steaks and all kinds of seafood, from lobster to Gulf grouper to whatever else is available fresh from the markets each day. The restaurant is busy year-round but especially so in the high season, so arrive early or prepare to wait.

The food at this beachfront spot is far from fancy, but it’s good and fresh, the beer is cold, and sunsets are celebrated with a cannon blast. It's a good family place for lunch or an early dinner; kids can have burgers and play on the beach while Mom and Dad enjoy grown-up drinks and gumbo, steak, burgers, crab-stuffed shrimp, or fresh grouper.

At the island's only restaurant on the beach, you'll feel as if you're sneaking in the back door as you climb the side stairs leading to an outdoor deck overlooking the Gulf. The food is hard to beat if you're looking for fresh seafood and a casual atmosphere. Baskets of shrimp, oysters, and crab cakes—fried or char-grilled and served with fries—are more than one person can handle. The place is packed during the summer high season, so service may be a little slow. And if you're in the mood for fun in the sun, Jet Ski rentals are available onsite.

This sophisticated steak house sits on the same street Andrew Jackson walked to meet the Spanish Governor Cavalla in order to transfer the territory to the United States in 1821. Contemporary furnishings in an old-world setting take you back in time, and the meat is aged as well. Enjoy traditional apps like shrimp cocktail or oysters Rockefeller before selecting your steak paired with sides such as lobster risotto or whipped Yukon golds.

The Emerald Coast's worst-kept secret is the Donut Hole. Lines of customers appear at 6 am for scrumptious baked goods (which tend to sell out) to go. Breakfast, which is served all day, is supplemented by diner foods later on. There are two other Donut Hole locations: the original on Highway 98 in Destin and one inland in Santa Rosa Beach.

Constructed of stacked shipping containers that have been painted bright azure, this is a great kid- and dog-friendly place to enjoy mojitos and seasonal seafood. Much of the restaurant is outdoors—the better to soak in the Choctawhatchee Bay views—with lounging couches and a patch of sand; simply order at the counter, and your meal is brought to you. There's another location just over the Alabama border in Orange Beach.

Touting itself as a “Crafty Southern Pub,” Union Public House pairs fresh ingredients with creative ideas, like the Scotch egg starter or the grouper and shrimp corndog; they’ve even been known to put gold flakes on fried chicken. You can also make your own “meat and two” by choosing a meat, two Southern sides, and a sauce.