Special occasion dining doesn't always fall on Valentine's Day, but it sure makes for a special night out no matter when you choose to elevate your dining experience. If you’re on vacation and want to have a dress-up dinner, are celebrating a birthday or anniversary, or if you want to take your Valentine out for that special Valentine’s Day meal, treat yourself to a dining experience that offers incredible cuisine and beautiful ambiance in Panama City Beach at one of these special restaurants.
The Grand Marlin
5323 North Lagoon Drive
This restaurant comes highly recommended by locals and visitors, some even say it is the best meal they have ever had on the beach. The Grand Marlin offers stunning views of the lagoon in a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the easy Caribbean lifestyle that inspired the creation of this establishment. A group of friends with a passion for seafood and the stress-free lifestyle of the Caribbean created the idea for this fabulous restaurant while fishing in the Virgin Islands.
The Grand Marlin prides itself on having only the freshest seafood prepared by their chefs. The seafood is so fresh that they print a menu daily to incorporate their daily catch. Their menu includes enticing steaks, succulent poultry dishes, and other high-quality dishes with ingredients made from scratch. Their accommodating staff will provide an impressive 80-bottle wine list and island cocktail options.
Saltwater Grill
11040 Hutchison Blvd
The entrance to Saltwater Grill is adorned with an elaborate 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium. The elegant ambiance of the restaurant, with piano musicians playing, offers an exquisite evening of fine dining. Patrons love their seafood dishes such as snapper and swordfish cooked to perfection or try the filet mignon or prime rib. Your experience wouldn’t be complete without one of their delectable desserts or specialty dessert cocktails.
Firefly
535 Richard Jackson Blvd
Firefly is a dining experience like no other in Panama City Beach. This award-winning restaurant has gained renowned recognition for its creative cuisine and lovely atmosphere.
Firefly is listed as one of America’s Most Popular High-End Restaurants by Urbanspoon. It was also named Best of Bay’s most romantic restaurant, received Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Award nine years in a row, received TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence, and hosted the presidential first family in 2010. Firefly features amenu with a variety of dishes such as escargot, rack of elk, rack of lamb, venison, lobster tails, and much more.
The dining areas in Firefly create a unique atmosphere. The main dining room features a sparkling-lit oak tree glittering in the center of the Mediterranean bistro. The Rockin Rolls Room is the sushi bar area with guitars played by famous musicians decorating the walls. Here you will find an extensive sushi menu with a variety of sushi appetizers, sushi rolls, and sushi entrees. You can step into the Library Lounge for after-dinner cocktails where you will feel as if you are in Ernest Hemmingway’s Library.
Hunt & Gather Raw Bar and Pub
7942 Front Beach Rd
This small but unique restaurant is inspired by partnerships with regional farms using the freshest and most seasonal produce. Each dish tells a story, and the menu is a journey that focuses on ingredients, provenance and texture, resulting in a powerful combination of wonderful and memorable food.This cozy place has an upscale, fun vibe with ambient lighting and creative paintings adorning the walls.
The menu is an absolute delight for your tastebuds with premium oysters, charcuterie and cheese boards, quail, duck, lamb, veal, bison, octopus, cornish hen, elk, wagyu beef, and so much more. You can relax and unwind with the large selection of draft beer, wine, dessert wine, bubbly or non-alcoholic bubbly.
Angelo’s Steak Pit
9527 Front Beach Rd
Angelo’s Steak Pit has been a family favorite for generations. At the entrance, you will notice Big Gus, a 20,000 pound bull statue that's been the restaurant's mascot for over 60 years. Angelo’s serves up USDA choice corn-fed steer steaks your way, all cooked over their hickory pit. You can smell the mouthwatering steaks wafting out of the building the instant you arrive.
In addition to their delicious steaks, they serve barbeque ribs, barbeque chicken, and fresh seafood and they have a children's menu. Their wine list and hand-crafted cocktails have been selectively chosen to complement their fine foods. Angelo’s also has an exclusive bourbon called Big Gus Bourbon.
Captain Anderson's Restaurant and Waterfront Market
5551 N Lagoon Dr
Captain Anderson’s prides itself on serving some of the best steaks and seafood for over 50 years and continues to improve through the years. The restaurant has repeatedly won prestigious awards and has been recognized by many national institutions and magazines as the best Panama City Beach seafood restaurant. This landmark waterfront restaurant was named Florida’s number-one legendary restaurant by Southern Living.
Since 1953, the Patronis family have been serving up their delicious dishes. Their menu offers an excellent variety and includes the classic dishes that have been loved for years. They received the best award of excellence from Wine Spectacular and wine suggestions are listed in the menu that will pair perfectly with your dish. It is a local tradition to dine early at Capt. Anderson's Restaurant in Panama City Beach, and watch the fishing fleets unload their catch.
C-Level Seafood and Steakhouse Restaurant
8014 Front Beach Rd
C-levels offer great flavors and dishes using the freshest local fish and farm-to-table vegetables. It has quickly become one of Panama City Beach’s favorite restaurants. Prime rib is one of their signature dishes, the seafood is caught daily and the menu consists of creative dishes cooked to perfection. There are vegan options available, a kid's menu, a full bar, and desserts made fresh daily.
Bella Roma Tuscan Grill
11535 Hutchison Blvd, Ste 101
If you are looking for delicious authentic Italian cuisine with an elegant ambiance Bella Roma is an excellent choice. This is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner, an intimate meal with friends and family, or a special occasion. They use only the best ingredients from all over the world, carefully crafting an amazing experience.
Their menu exhibits traditional Italian flavors with an exciting twist, so you can find a new favorite or stick to the classics. If you prefer outdoor seating, there is a beautiful patio overlooking a sparkling water feature.