With its miles of white sand beaches and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico,
Panama City Beach is incredibly popular with tourists, retirees, and those who want to have a second home somewhere warm and packed full of amenities. Home to gorgeous state parks, dozens of artificial reefs that attract scuba divers and fishermen, and a vibrant nightlife scene, Panama City Beach offers plenty of things to do and see.
Like many tourist destinations, the city also has a number of fantastic dining options. If you plan to be in the area or if you’re already a resident, you’ll want to make sure you’re checking out the newest and most impressive eateries in the area. Here are some of the best places to eat in Panama City Beach.
1. Sombreros Tacos & Bar
4933 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
With an established first location in Atlanta, Sombreros Tacos & Bar opened their second restaurant in Panama City Beach in January of 2022. Sombreros is owned and operated by Joanna Yim, and most of the fantastic menu options are from her husband’s family recipes. The restaurant has a wonderful family feel to it, even featuring menu items created by and named after regular customers. If you have a craving for fantastic Tex-Mex food, stop into Sombreros for lunch or dinner, and don’t forget to try the chunky guacamole, enchilada mole, and mojarra (fried tilapia).
2. Diego’s Burrito Factory & Margarita Bar
6209 Sunset Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
15514 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
With two locations in Panama City Beach (Sunset Drive being the newer location), Diego’s Burrito promises — you guessed it — a burrito you won’t soon forget. With a fun atmosphere and a flavorful menu, Diego’s features Mexican-inspired cuisine with a unique twist and daily happy hour specials. With its laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and delightful cuisine, Diego's Burrito Factory & Margarita Bar embodies the essence of a coastal Mexican culinary experience, making it a must-visit for those seeking a taste of paradise in Panama City Beach. Plus, don’t skip a dessert or flan or tres leches cake!
3. The Press
9902 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
With its first location in downtown Panama City quickly becoming a local favorite when it opened in 2021, The Press coffee shop expanded to the Laketown Wharf Resort in Panama City Beach in 2022. The Press serves a full coffeehouse menu all day, featuring popular drinks like the honey cinnamon iced Americano, bourbon caramel latte, mocha macadamia nut, iced frappe, and cafe au lait. Not only can you sip on your favorite brew in a spacious, friendly environment overlooking the lake, but you can also munch on crepes, charcuterie, or sandwiches.
4. Taco Doctors
2317 Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Another one of the best places to eat in Panama City Beach just happens to be a mobile food truck! Serving Panama City Beach and the entirety of Panama City, Taco Doctors is a highly esteemed food truck that is “saving lives one taco at a time.” Run by friends Mark Leavell and Mike Gutierrez, the truck is in a repurposed Bay County ambulance. It’s in a fixed location (2317 Thomas Drive) during the week and then goes mobile over the weekend (and is also available for private bookings).
When you visit Taco Doctors, you can enjoy made-from-scratch birria tacos, Cuban sandwiches, chicken flautas, and barbeque sandwiches. You can even invite the Taco Doctors to your wedding, as one of the owners is an ordained minister and can marry you and feed your wedding party at the same time! Make sure you follow their Facebook page to get updated information on where to find them on any given day.
5. Pressed Panini and Flatbreads
Panama City, FL 32401
Pressed, which is owned and operated by Chef Erica Reynolds, serves up delicious sandwiches on sourdough and naan bread. The panini and flatbread options range from prime rib to “off-white” (a shrimp flatbread with white sauce) to a PB&J with cheddar cheese. Side dishes include truffle fries, waffle fries, and baked macaroni and cheese. Pressed also serves seasonal salads and a few sweet treats. Follow their Facebook page to get information on where they will be located when you’re ready for a delicious meal on the go!
6. Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar
5 Harrison Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Located on St. Andrew’s Bay, Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar is an upscale restaurant that serves delicious food and features live music for those who want to be entertained while taking in the best views in the area. Described as Southern Casual Coastal cuisine, Harrison’s opened in the fall of 2022 and serves everything from award-winning gumbo to mahi mahi sandwiches and chicken fried parm with sides of collard greens, grits, or good old-fashioned fries. Dinner entrees include ribeyes, chicken cordon bleu, and teriyaki glazed salmon. Craving brunch? Harrison’s serves it every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, with standout options like the crab biscuit benny, pimento omelet, and smoked salmon bagel with bottomless mimosas. When you visit Harrison’s, you can dine inside and take advantage of the plush seating and an inviting ambiance, or you can sit on the patio and take in the fantastic views, enjoy the fireplace, and participate in outdoor games.
Ready to get started in Panama City Beach?
Have you fallen in love with these amazing
Panama City Beach restaurants and want to look for a home here? Reach out to the highly experienced team at the
Blue Wave Group for trusted market insight and a dedication to your goals. This expert team is ready to answer all your questions, provide guidance every step of the way, and show you what’s on the
Panama City Beach real estate market! Reach out today to begin your real estate journey and find your perfect new piece of paradise in Panama City Beach.
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
