10 Pensacola Beach Restaurants Every Food Lover Should Try

From beachfront spots serving casual bites and tropical drinks to local gems with elevated Southern fare and upscale restaurants showcasing the Gulf's best flavors, here are some must-visit places to eat in Pensacola Beach.

No matter where you're vacationing, from the Rockies in Colorado to the white sand beaches of Florida, food always plays a big role in any trip.

Heading to Pensacola Beach soon? Lucky you! And luckier still are your taste buds. While you're visiting this Florida gem, you can count on fresh Gulf seafood, stunning waterfront views, and local dining spots that serve up plenty of Southern hospitality.

Below, I've rounded up a list of the top 10 restaurants in Pensacola Beach so you can enjoy a proper feast while you're in town.

Here's a quick bite of what's in store for you: 

Restaurant	Highlights
1. Shaggy's Pensacola Beach	Beachfront, open-air dining, live music, family-friendly
2. The Grand Marlin	Waterfront fine dining, fresh Gulf seafood, top-notch wine list
3. Peg Leg Pete's	Laid-back seafood shack, pirate theme, famous Bushwacker cocktail
4. Crabs	Lively crab house, sunset views, raw bar, and live music
5. Flounder's Chowder House	Boardwalk location, chowders and po' boys, beach volleyball
6. Whiskey Joe's	Tropical vibes, gator bites, and nachos, perfect for sunset drinks
7. The Oar House	Historic home setting, Creole seafood, romantic atmosphere
8. The Reef	Caribbean-inspired menu, beach dance nights, Gulf deck views
9. Red Fish Blue Fish	Colorful, casual, smoked tuna dip, Blue Angels viewing deck
10. The Fish House	Upscale coastal dining, Grits à Ya Ya, elegant harbor views

At Pensacola Beach Properties, we don't just offer a great selection of Pensacola Beach rentals; we've also got the kind of local tips that can seriously level up your trip.

As local experts, we're here to show you the best of what Pensacola Beach has to offer. For more insider ideas, check out our destination blog. We cover everything from top pet-friendly spots to the best places to eat, drink, and enjoy the local nightlife.

Ready? Time to taste your way through Pensacola Beach.

1. SHAGGY'S PENSACOLA BEACH 

Shaggy's Pensacola Beach is all about good food, Gulf views, and a laid-back vibe. This beachside spot is perfect for families, with a casual open-air setup, live music, and space for kids to play. From seafood favorites to sweet treats, it's a great place to kick back and enjoy the coastal breeze.

Highlights

Beachfront location with open-air dining and panoramic Gulf views

Family-friendly atmosphere with a sandy play area for kids

Fresh seafood, burgers, and coastal classics

Must-try dishes include Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos, Fried Shrimp Platter, and Blackened Grouper Sandwich

Signature Key Lime Pie and old-fashioned ice cream treats

Live music and cold drinks add to the relaxed beachy feel

Great for lunch, dinner, or just drinks by the water

2. THE GRAND MARLIN OF PENSACOLA BEACH 

If you're looking to elevate your dinner plans, The Grand Marlin is the place to be. With floor-to-ceiling water views and a menu full of fresh Gulf seafood, this spot blends laid-back coastal charm with fine dining finesse. It's a favorite for special occasions or just a really good night out with amazing food and wine.

Highlights

Waterfront setting with sweeping views

Fresh, local seafood and high-quality turf options

Signature dishes include Grouper with lump crab and Grilled Swordfish (both are very popular among patrons)

Elegant yet relaxed vibe, perfect for date nights or celebrations

Impressive wine list and handcrafted cocktails

Consistently professional and attentive service

3. PEG LEG PETE'S 

Peg Leg Pete's is one of those spots you just can't skip on a Pensacola Beach trip. This charming seafood shack has been dishing out crowd-pleasing favorites for over 30 years. With pirate vibes, a breezy outdoor patio, and plenty of personality, it's a go-to for casual eats and coastal charm.

Highlights

Beachside location with outdoor seating and sea breezes

Famous for the Grouper Sandwich, Fried Oyster Basket, and Bushwacker cocktail

Family-friendly with a kids' menu and playground

Quirky gift shop full of pirate-themed souvenirs

Festive, local-loved atmosphere that's stood the test of time

4. CRABS 

Crabs is a lively beachfront favorite where the name says it all. With a giant crab out front and sweeping Gulf views from its open-air deck, this is the place to dig into fresh seafood delicacies with a cold drink in hand. It's casual, fun, and packed with coastal flavor from the first bite to the last sunset.

Highlights

Two-story open-air deck with panoramic Gulf views

Crab-forward menu with favorites like Alaskan Snow Crab and Blue Crab Claws

Other favorites include the Bucket of Crabs, Crab Cakes, and seafood gumbo

Raw oysters and peel & eat shrimp are also must-tries

Kids' menu and gluten-free options available

Live music on the beachfront stage

Great for families, big groups, or sunset cocktails with a view

5. FLOUNDER'S CHOWDER HOUSE 

Flounder's Chowder House is a classic local spot with serious coastal character. Set right on the Boardwalk under swaying palms, this beloved restaurant dishes up chowder, seafood, and fun vibes for all ages. It's casual, lively, and full of old-school beach charm. Perfect for a family outing or a sunset drink with friends.

Highlights

Famous for hearty, homemade chowders (clam, Cajun gumbo, and signature seafood blend)

Casual favorites like fish tacos, po' boys, crab cakes, and fried baskets

Sweet cornbread served with every bowl

Beachfront Tiki bar and volleyball courts

Live music and a family-friendly playground

Gorgeous coastal views with breezy outdoor seating

Loved by locals and visitors for its nostalgic charm and festive vibe

6. WHISKEY JOE'S

7. THE OAR HOUSE 

Step into Pensacola's past with a meal at The Oar House, tucked inside the historic Meginnis-Cary House in the Seville District. This spot combines Southern charm, local history, and standout seafood in a setting filled with vintage touches. Expect friendly service, fresh Gulf flavors, and a dining experience that feels both cozy and special.

Highlights

Located in a restored 1800s home in Pensacola's Seville Historic District

Decor features antiques and local memorabilia

Known for Creole and Southern-inspired seafood

Must-try starters: West Indies Salad, Crabtini Martini, Fried Green Tomatoes

Signature dishes include Grits à Ya Ya and the Crab Cake Dinner

Full bar and well-curated wine list

Great for date nights, anniversaries, or any occasion worth lingering over

8. THE REEF 

 

The Reef delivers bold Caribbean flavor right on the sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach. With island eats, vibrant drinks, and Gulf views for days, it brings the energy from lunchtime bites to late-night beats. Sea breeze, seafood, and a little splash of rum. What more do you need?

Highlights

Caribbean-style dishes like Jerk Chicken, Conch Fritters, and Coconut Shrimp

Famous Fish Sandwich made with fresh catch, grilled or fried

Fruity cocktails like Reef Punch, PainKillers, and Rum Runners

Open-air pavilions and a massive waterfront deck with Gulf views

Happy hour deals, live music, and weekly food specials

Beach dance parties that roll well into the night

9. RED FISH BLUE FISH 

10. THE FISH HOUSE 

Experience Pensacola Beach like never before!

For the perfect Pensacola Beach getaway, book your dream vacation rental through Pensacola Beach Properties. We offer condos and private houses with top-notch amenities to help you make the most of your beach vacation as you explore the best restaurants in Pensacola Beach.