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The best part of most any vacation is the food. The Downtown Panama City and Historic St. Andrews neighborhoods will have you well taken care of, whether you have a hankering for fresh seafood or you’re planning on hitting the Oyster Trail. Don’t stop there, though; these districts are packed with dining options beyond a fresh catch – from clever themed breweries to classy Italian and colorful Mexican options.
Here are 10 must-visit restaurants to put on your list during your next visit to Panama City.
History Class Brewing Company
If you’re looking for the perfect introduction to Panama City, start here. As its name suggests, History Class Brewing Company takes history very seriously with archival photographs, old relics, and stories from around town covering the walls. The beer list stays on-theme, of course, including options like Tarpon Trippin, which pays tribute to local fishing history, and McKenzie’s Finest porter, which nods to one of the city’s early neighborhoods.
Beyond history and hops, the brewpub serves Southern-inspired food that will encourage you to stay awhile.
Gene’s Oyster Bar
Gene’s Oyster Bar has been feeding the Millville neighborhood longer than many of us have been alive. The building dates to 1910, when it operated as Hiram Conrad’s Oyster Bar, before becoming Gene’s in 1969. Today, the menu still includes oysters served raw with lemon or baked and smothered with things like cheese, bacon, and jalapeños.
El Weirdo
This downtown brewpub and taco joint is weird in the best way. Covered with local art, funky murals, and colorful everything (chairs, planters, and trash cans included), El Weirdo is a welcome deviation from the minimalist look so many restaurants opt for these days. The menu promises “good tacos for weird people,” but also includes “not taco” options like nachos, burritos, churros, and a wildcard miso Brussels sprouts dish to keep things weird.
Enzo’s Pizza and Grill
Enzo’s has been slinging pies in Historic St. Andrews since 2010, making its dough, sauces, soups, dressings, and lasagna in-house. Their pizza comes in Chicago-style thin crust, deep dish, and Double Decker form since everyone prefers their crust-to-toppings ratio differently. In addition to pizza, you’ll find calzones, wings, subs, pastas, chicken parm, and more Italian favorites.
Hunt’s Oyster Bar and Seafood
This Historic St. Andrews oyster bar has been family-owned and operated since 1966. Its little yellow building has expanded over the years, but oysters still arrive fresh, shucked behind the counter, and served raw, baked, or fried.
For plenty of local families, Hunt’s is also where somebody eats their very first oyster – they can even receive a hand-painted Golden Oyster to mark the occasion. If you aren’t into oysters, the menu includes Gulf shrimp, crab cakes, seafood platters, fish, steaks, and sandwiches, too.
Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill and Brew House
This iconic restaurant occupies the former home of Ernest “Uncle Ernie” Morris and his wife, Jessie, built in the late 1800s near the St. Andrews Marina. Uncle Ernie’s sources wild-caught Gulf grouper from Greg Abrams Seafood, with fresh deliveries coming in every single day. Grab a table outside, order the fish, and watch the sun set across St. Andrews Bay.
Bayou Joe’s Marina & Grill
Bayou Joe’s sits directly over Massalina Bayou, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner all year round, coming with a charming side of swaying boats and jumping fish. Whether you arrive by land or boat, you can grab a table, enjoy a made-to-order omelet (or a famous trash burger if breakfast is over), and eat while the bayou floats beneath you.
Alice’s on Bayview
Alice’s on Bayview covers nearly every meal, serving brunch, lunch, and dinner near the St. Andrews Marina. The menu spotlights Southern delicacies like deviled eggs, she-crab soup, and a chicken salad sandwich, but also includes plenty of fresh seafood and a hefty dessert menu. It’s a charming eatery with comfort food, white tablecloths, and a view of the water.
Ferrucci Ristorante
For nearly three decades, Ferrucci Ristorante has been a beloved Italian eatery in downtown Panama City. Mike Ferrucci established it, and Matt and Mynta Harbison now own it, keeping that long-time character afloat. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, the menu includes the typical cast of Italian favorites, backed by an impressive wine and cocktail list. This is the perfect place to come for a special occasion or just a Tuesday.
Pressed Panini & Flatbreads
There’s just something about a sandwich on vacation, and when you’re in Panama City, there’s one foolproof option: Pressed Panini & Flatbreads. Located inside the MLK Center, Chef Erica’s menu takes a Southern-leaning approach to hot-pressed sandwiches, flatbreads, burgers, wraps, bowls, loaded fries, salads, juices, smoothies, coffee, and tea. It’s perfect for fueling up before a day of adventuring (which, in Panama City, can include things like murals, watersports, or shopping).
Looking for more reasons to visit Panama City? We’ve got the ultimate guide here.
| This article is presented in partnership with Destination Panama City, a Modern South Founding Partner.
