Date Night Restaurants Panama City Beach FL

Saltwater Grill
11040 Middle Beach Road
(850) 230-2739

The centerpiece of this Panama City restaurant is a 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium. (If that doesn’t get you in the mood for love or a fish dinner, we don’t know what will.) For special occasions, request the more intimate Mermaid Dining Room. We suggest the Pan Seared Diver Scallops over parmesan risotto or the Surf & Turf, an 8 oz. filet and lobster tail. After dinner, grab a seat at the beach’s only piano bar and get lost in the music.

Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant
5551 N. Lagoon Drive
(850) 234-2225

Beautiful views of Grand Lagoon coupled with delicious seafood brought in fresh from the marina outside its doors have kept customers coming back for nearly 50 years. The 700+ seat restaurant serves more than 250,000 guests during its annual eight-month season. (They’re closed from November to March.) Start with the She Crab Soup, a creamy bisque of lump crab with a touch of sherry, then choose from fried, grilled, baked or blackened seafood, or some of the best premium Angus charbroiled steaks in town.

Firefly
535 Jackson Boulevard
(850) 249-3359

Located in a strip mall, you’d never guess the ambiance inside would be so lovely. In fact, the main dining room features a gorgeous tree decorated with white twinkle lights. You have to see it to appreciate it. An ever-evolving menu features sushi, appetizers, steaks and seafood with weekly specials and wine pairings. For a real treat, order the 14 oz. Wagyu NY Strip, served with roasted potato and red pepper hash, green beans and herbed butter. The dessert trio (yes, trio) features creme brulee, cheesecake and flourless chocolate torte – because, how are you supposed to choose?

The Boar’s Head Restaurant
17290 Front Beach Road
(850) 234-6628

If you’re thinking this sounds an awful lot like the deli counter at your local grocer, think again. Boar’s Head Restaurant and Tavern has been serving fine steaks and seafood to Panama City Beach diners for more than 30 years. Elegant and rustic with its stone fireplace and walls, the restaurant is famous for its Prime Rib, and the yellowfin tuna is said to be the best in the area. If you like to get your romance in before sunset, they offer Early Bird specials, along with Happy Hour in the Tavern from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

The Craft Bar
15600 Panama City Beach Pkwy #180
(850) 588-7309

For something out of the ordinary, hit this Florida gastropub in Pier Park North, where you come for the drinks … but stay for the food. Sip crafty cocktails from the signature Basil Smash (basil hayden bourbon, simple syrup, citrus and fresh basil leaves) to the classic Manhattan while dining on snacks like soft pretzels, hushpuppies and roasted pecans. Larger plates include Shrimp Etoufee, Steak Frites and Fish & Chips, but they also have burgers and salads.

Lucky for you, when dinner’s over, you have a room at one of the best hotels on the beach.

– Ashley Kahn Salley
Lead Storyteller, Innisfree Hotels