Welcome to Pensacola Beach, Florida, where the sun-soaked shores meet a tantalizing array of culinary delights.
Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, this charming coastal town has an impressive selection of restaurants that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey as we explore the vibrant and diverse world of Pensacola Beach restaurants – where fresh flavors mingle with beachy vibes and unforgettable moments are always on the menu.
So grab your appetite and join us as we dive into the deliciousness that awaits in this foodie’s paradise!
1. The Grand Marlin
The Grand Marlin served lunch when I was in Pensacola. It was quite tasty. There is a calm, laid-back vibe there, as well as stunning views of Pensacola Bay and the Santa Rosa Sound and an air of refinement.
The Grand Marlin also offers the best assortment of fresh fish in the region.
Every day, they provide mouthwatering specialties from Gregg McCarthy’s Kitchen, an award-winning chef. Fresh from the ocean are seafood meals.
They are regarded as having the best oyster selection in the Pensacola area and serve the best oysters. Oysters from exotic locations, as well as Apalachicola and East Bay, are served at The Grand Marlin.
To order, oysters are shucked. The Grand Marlin also has you covered if you’re not a fan of fish with delectable poultry dishes, spaghetti, and juicy, grilled steaks. The Crispy Lobster Fingers with Vanilla Bean Honey Mustard are fantastic.
It is listed as an appetizer, but there is enough to fill you up. Try the TGM Signature Praline Basket for dessert.
It is a vanilla bean ice cream-filled pecan praline basket with a creamy house caramel and chocolate sauce drizzle on top, as well as seasonal fruit. It was the dessert we will remember the most from our trip.
2. Casino Beach Bar & Grille
At the Casino Beach Bar & Grill, which is only a short distance from the beach, you can take in live entertainment, a laid-back island atmosphere, breathtaking panoramic views, and a delectable meal.
On Pensacola Beach, you may eat on the deck while sipping on handcrafted specialty island concoctions and savoring small plates, tacos, salads, entrees, and more with Caribbean and Gulf Coast influences.
The Shrimp and Mango Ceviche, the Chinese Chicken Salad, or the Tropical Salad are a few small meals that you might like.
The shrimp and mango ceviche is served with crisp wonton chips and combines soft shrimp and juicy diced mango that have been marinated in a mixture of fresh lime juice, cilantro, jalapenos, red onions, basil, and a little bit of mint.
The Chinese Chicken Salad is composed of grilled chicken, cashews, bell peppers, bean sprouts, celery, red onions, carrots, radish, and cilantro over Asian slaw dressed with a soy vinaigrette.
The Tropical Salad, which is composed of strawberries, pineapple, mandarin oranges, grape tomatoes, lemon, candied pecans, and avocado on mixed greens, is incredibly light.
Fresh selections are available, and the ocean view is unbeatable. There is live entertainment every Friday and Saturday, and happy hour runs from 3 to 6 every day except Sunday.
3. Wine Bar
The Wine Bar provides the ideal vantage point from which to take in the vibrant nightlife of downtown Pensacola because it is situated in the heart of the city’s entertainment district.
A covered walkway off Palafox leads to the Wine Bar, where there is a large portion of outdoor seating. Nightclubs, art galleries, shops, and the Saenger Theatre are all nearby and can be reached on foot.
Every third Friday of the month, the downtown hosts Gallery Nights, which draw large crowds of people to the streets. On those nights, Wine Bar is a particularly interesting option. Visit Wine Bar and get the feta-cream cheese BLT. Believe me.
4. Joe Patti’s Seafood Market
Nearly as noteworthy as the fresh seafood that is being served there is the history of Joe Patti’s Seafood Market.
When a local captain and his wife started selling fresh fish from their front porch at home in 1931, this Pensacola Beach landmark was opened to the public.
Captain Joe Patti sought to offer excellent quality at a competitive price; this idea still rules the market bearing his name today. Take your time exploring the market, but make sure to stop by the sushi restaurant for a fresh and delectable lunch.
5. Peg Leg Pete’s
If you’re strolling down Fort. Peg Leg Pete’s is easily identified by its crowded parking lot and the rows of cars parked along the side of Pickens Rd.
For more than 30 years, it has been one of the most well-liked seafood and oyster restaurants on Pensacola Beach. You’ll realize why it’s at the top of almost everyone’s list of local recommendations after your first visit.
Oysters are offered in raw, steamed, and baked forms on a diverse menu. Along with a variety of meats, spaghetti, desserts, and Cajun delicacies.
Without dining at Peg Leg Pete’s for lunch, dinner, or downstairs at the “Underwhere Bar,” no trip to Pensacola Beach is complete.
6. Water Pig BBQ
If you want a fun atmosphere and mouthwatering barbecue, The Water Pig BBQ is the place for you. You won’t be dissatisfied with a visit to Water Pig BBQ given that USA Today named it one of the Top Best New Restaurants in the country for 2020.
You may savor Pitmaster Steve Seige’s BBQ cooked low and slow with homemade side dishes and tropical drinks in an open-air setting only steps from the clear ocean waters.
It is the only barbecue restaurant on Pensacola Beach that serves fresh smoked meats every day.
The dry-rubbed pork ribs, Texas-style smoked brisket, ground brisket smash burger, pulled pork, and smoked turkey are some of the most well-liked main dishes. Every day, they use seasoned oak to smoke their meats.
7. Flora-Bama Yacht Club
The Flora-Bama Yacht Club has the ideal lunch for you, offering regional seafood and unique menu items and drinks. You can arrive by boat, car, paddleboard, or float. The storied eatery creates a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.
When visiting Pensacola, you absolutely must stop at Flora-Bama Yacht Club and the Bar across the street, which are situated on the border between Perdido Key, Florida, and Orange Beach, Alabama.
On the terrace or along the beach, you can eat outside. Enjoy their renowned specialty cocktail, the Bushwhacker, while being entertained by local and visiting musicians.
When I went, I tried this excellent beverage. It resembled a hybrid between a frozen drink with a cherry on top and a tropical milkshake!
As an appetizer, I suggest the cilantro lime hummus that is served with grilled pita bread. They make a fantastic hummus dip by combining freshly ground chickpeas, lime, and a little cilantro.
Pensacola Beach boasts an array of captivating beachside restaurants that will tickle your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
From casual eateries with mouthwatering fish tacos to upscale dining establishments serving succulent shrimp scampi, this vibrant coastal town has it all.
So put on your stretchy pants and get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey through the charming Pensacola Beach restaurant scene in sunny Florida!
