10 Seafood Buffet Panama City Beach, FL

10 Seafood Buffet Panama City Beach, FL


Looking for the best seafood buffet Panama City Beach, FL? Discover 10 places to satisfy your cravings! From front beach restaurants to family-friendly buffet spots, indulge in the finest seafood dishes. Explore the top-rated buffet restaurants in Panama City for a memorable dining experience. Don’t miss out on the ultimate seafood feast – find the best buffet where you can eat to your heart’s content.

Panama City Beach isn’t all about the emerald water and white sands. It’s more than that and has many things to offer. Among the many delightful experiences it has to offer, local seafood buffets in Panama City Beach stand out as a true culinary delight for the freshest seafood lovers.

This is exactly why me and my family decide to head up to the beach every few months because of the variety of absolutely tempting fresh seafood dishes the restaurants offer. And believe me, once you taste the food at Panama City Beach, you will be hooked, wanting to come again and again.

The all-you-can-eat option is a good deal for those who are willing to explore the unique taste of each steamed seafood item available. Besides fish, the eateries offer appetizers, desserts, drinks, salads, and more.

10 Seafood Buffet Panama City Beach | Find the Best Places to Eat Seafood in 2023

Excited to know what mouthwatering dishes are waiting for you? Well, here we are to let you in the famous seafood restaurants around Panama City Beach, where we have added the address, contact numbers, delicious menu, cost per head, and our personal recommendations of each place so that you can carefully select where you would prefer to lunch or dine and what great services they offer.

Don’t have time to read the whole blog? Here is a short description:

Glimps of best Seafood Buffet near Panama City Beach: 

Panama City Beach, FL has many seafood buffets and restaurants that offer a variety of options for seafood lovers. Here are some of the most popular seafood buffets and restaurants in the area.

Capt. Jack's Family Buffet : Thomas Drive: This buffet is listed as one of the top 10 best seafood buffets and all-you-can-eat seafood buffets in Panama City Beach, FL on Yelp and TripAdvisor. They offer a variety of seafood options, including crab legs, shrimp, oysters, and more.

The Wharf Seafood Restaurant: This restaurant is listed as one of the top 10 best all-you-can-eat seafood buffets in Panama City Beach, FL on Yelp. They offer a seafood buffet with a variety of options, including crab legs, shrimp, oysters, and more.

Bishop's Buffet: This buffet is listed on Yelp as one of the best seafood buffets in Panama City Beach, FL. They offer a variety of seafood options, including crab legs, shrimp, oysters, and more.

Local Steamer Seafood Market: This seafood market is listed on Yelp as one of the best seafood buffets in Panama City Beach, FL. They offer a variety of fresh seafood options, including crab legs, shrimp, oysters, and more.

All American Diner: This diner is listed on TripAdvisor as one of the best buffet restaurants in Panama City Beach, FL. They offer a variety of options, including seafood, breakfast, and more.

Granny Cantrell's: This buffet is listed on Yelp as one of the best buffets in Panama City, FL. They offer a variety of options, including seafood, Southern-style dishes, and more.

Chow Time Grill and Buffet: This buffet is listed on Yelp as one of the best buffets in Panama City, FL. They offer a variety of options, including seafood, Chinese food, and more.

Panama City Beach has many seafood buffets and restaurants that offer a variety of options for seafood lovers. It's important to check each individual restaurant's menu and options to see if they can accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies.

1. The Wharf Buffet

The Wharf Buffet is at South Thomas Drive which is one of the best seafood buffets in Panama City Beach. The restaurant is known for its top-notch services and the freshest seafood where you and the kids can relax and eat at your own pace. The Wharf Buffet is always ready to serve you a variety of seafood that includes Snow Crab Legs, Filet Mignon, Shrimp, Chicken, Pasta, Salad Bar, Pizza, Desserts, and so much more seven days a week.

10 Seafood Buffet Panama City Beach, FL | The Wharf Buffet | Travelvibe

Here are some useful information about The Wharf Buffet that will be helpful for you:

  • The restaurant’s location is at 9902 South Thomas Drive.
  • Dial (850) 588-7613 to make reservations.
  • The Wharf Buffet is open every day from 4 pm – 9 pm.
  • Children who are three years old and under can eat for free.
  • Children between 4-10 years old can eat for $24.99.
  • Those who are 11 years old need to pay $59.99.
  • Customer Rating: 4.1/ 5
  • Website Link: https://www.wharfbuffet.com/

Although some of the items on the menu change seasonally according to the availability of ingredients. But don’t let that keep you away from trying the following ravishing seafood dishes when you walk into The Wharf Buffet that includes: Crab Legs, Fried Fish, Fried Shrimp, Fried Oysters, She Crab Soup, Peel and Eat Shrimp,1/2 Shell Mussels & Clams, Crab Cakes, Clam Strips and more.

And it doesn’t end there as you can find other items on the buffet menu, such as salads, fresh garden vegetables, cheese curds, and more. So vegetarians have no fear. The Wharf Buffet is here! Oh yes, do keep some room in your stomach; although the seafood is ravishing, the restaurant has a delicious dessert bar where you and the kiddos can enjoy a variety of sweet delights.

Now let me tell you why I always prefer The Wharf Buffet to the other restaurants. Not because I’m in love with their seafood but believe it or not, they have a separate kids’ buffet, which includes: fries, chicken fingers, pizza, and Alfredo Marinara pasta. Yay! For us adults that want to eat in peace, especially if you have a fussy five-year-old like my one who can’t stand the smell of fish. Just let them enjoy the kids’ buffet, where they can eat all the fries they want.

Ok, now let’s talk about the food. Well, I enjoyed their Crab Cakes, Fried Fish and Fried Shrimp as they were well-fried and crunchy too. Not that the other stuff tastes terrible, but it’s just that fried food complements my taste buds. However, my partner did mention that the Shell Mussels and Clam Strips are the best in town. And before I forget, my 5-year-old loved the kids’ buffet.

2. Capt. Jack’s Family Buffet: The Best Buffet Restaurant in Panama City

Capt. Jack’s Family Buffet is by far the best seafood buffet restaurant in Panama City Beach, which is located at Thomas Drive. Make sure to reserve your table beforehand, as the restaurant is always packed with seafood lovers. The family restaurant is worth the price. Capt. Jack’s Buffet in Panama City Beach has two outlets where you can munch on Crab Legs, Baked & Grilled Fish, Fried Oysters, Steamed Shrimp, Baked & Fried Atlantic Cod, 38 Item Salad Bar, Desserts, and more!

10 Seafood Buffet Panama City Beach, FL | Capt. Jacks Family Buffet | Travelvibe

Here is some more helpful information about Capt. Jack’s Family Buffet:

  • The 1st branch is at 12628 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32407.
  • Contact number-(850) 234-645.
  • The 2nd branch is at 8208 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408.
  • Contact number- (850) 236-8555
  • The Front Beach outlet offers a buffet lunch and dinner buffet.
  • The Thomas Drive outlet serves only buffet dinners.
  • Lunch buffet timing at Front Beach location: Fri-Mon 11 am-2 pm.
  • Dinner buffet timing for both outlets: Fri & Sat 3:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Sun – Thurs 3:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
  • Lunch buffet pricing per head: Adults -$14.99, Large -Child $8.95, Small Child -$6.953, and Under 3 – Free.
  • Dinner buffet pricing per head: Adults with dishes – $59.95, Adults without order the crab legs – $39.95, Salad Bar Only -$14.95, Large Child – $19.95, Small Child -$9.95, Children who are 3 & Under – Free.
  • 3% extra is charged for customers who pay with credit cards, whereas there is no extra charge on cash payments.
  • Customer Rating: 4 / 5
  • Website Link:https://www.captjackspcbeach.com/

We have mentioned the names of a few items served at the buffet, but to give you a clear picture, here is what Capt. Jack’s Family Buffet serves for lunch a 38 item Salad Bar, Fresh Vegetables, Chicken Parmesan, Fried Chicken, Salisbury Steak, Fried, Baked & Grilled Fish, Daily Chef Specials, Jello, Cupcakes, Ice Cream, and more.

For dinner, you get to feast your eyes on a much more comprehensive selection of seafood dishes that include Crab Legs, Fried Shrimp, Fried Scallops, Fried Oysters, French Fries, Mash Potatoes, Steamed Shrimp, Country Steak-n-Gravy, Fried Chicken, Royal Red Shrimp, Clam Strips, 38 Item Salad Bar, Banana Pudding, Cupcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Cheesy Cheesecake and more!

However, when I visited the best seafood restaurants in Panama City, I found that they featured items that included Crab legs, Popcorn Shrimp, Fried Shrimp, Grilled Pollock, Steamed Shrimp, Fried Cod, Grilled Sirloin, and Salad Bar. I did try, and you should as well.

Honestly speaking, the featured items are top-notch dishes in terms of flavor and presentation. More than that, it was worthwhile paying an extra $20 for the crab legs.

The salad bar has the most refreshing salads that will fill you up before you hit the main entrees. My personal favorites were the Pasta Salad and Macaroni Salad.

3. Jin Jin Super King

Jin Jin Superking is at Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach. It is not a seafood buffet restaurant in Panama City Beach, but the place has a wide variety of seafood dishes that visitors absolutely love. The restaurant offers both Chinese and Japanese cuisine, from which you can choose your starters and main entrees

10 Seafood Buffet Panama City Beach, FL | Jin Jin Super King | Travelvibe
  • Jin Jin Superking is at 9802 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407.
  • Contact number-(850) 238-8589
  • Restaurant timing: Sunday-Thursday 11 am – 10 pm. Friday & Saturday 11 am – 10.30 pm.
  • Both Chinese and Japanese Cuisines are available at all times.
  • Customer rating 3.5 / 5
  • Website Link: https://www.jinjinsuperkingpcb.com/

Here is some more helpful information about Jin Jin Superking Buffet:

Jin Jin’s Chinese cuisine has a large number of shrimp items that, include Crab Rangoon, Sweet, and Sour Shrimp, Kung Pao Shrimp, Shrimp Mei Fun, Shrimp with broccoli, Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, and Shrimp with Cashew Nuts. There are many more dishes made with shrimp that are equally mouthwatering.

The Japanese menu contains a huge variety of seafood that includes Tuna Tartar, Salmon Tartar. Tuna Tataki with Ponzu, Fresh Salmon Wrap with Spicy Crab, Eel Sushi, Octopus Sashimi, and a lot more. There is also a variety of chicken and vegetable dishes you can choose from if you don’t want your meal to be about fish.

Just so you know, the chef’s recommendations are the shrimp with rice and Seafood Delight, which includes

(Scallops, Lobster jumbo shrimp, crab meat sauteed with broccoli, snow peas, Chinese vegetables, bamboo shoots, straw mushrooms,& baby corn in delicious house special white sauce).

I tried both of the chef’s recommendations and didn’t like the combination of the items in the Seafood Delight. The bamboo shoots and snow peas don’t go with the rest of the ingredients in the dish. However, if you are a sushi fan, then Jin Jin Superking has the most tempting eel, crab, and other sushi dishes on the menu, which are not widely available in other restaurants.

Now if you have kids with you who do not like the sight and smell of seafood, then you can easily pick the other chicken/beef/pork items on the menu.

4. Salty Sue’s

Salty Sue’s, which is at Panama City Beach, is another seafood place that has an al-a-carte menu and not a buffet. Although they have a limited number of items on the menu, a lot of people dine in this restaurant as there is the option of combining your favorite seafood dish with a bottle of beer or wine that is available at Salty Sue’s.

10 Seafood Buffet Panama City Beach, FL | Salty Sues | Travelvibe

Here is some more helpful information about Salty Sue’s:

  • Salty Sue’s is at 17501 Panama City Beach, FL 32413.
  • Dial (850) 234-8485 to know more about what the restaurant offers.
  • The eatery is open Mon – Thurs: 11:00 AM – 08:00 PM, Fri – Sat: 11:00 AM – 09:00 PM
  • Closed on Sundays.
  • Customer Rating: 4.2 / 5
  • Website Link: https://saltysues.com

Salty Sue’s menu includes Large Fried Shrimp, Popcorn Shrimp, Fried Coconut Shrimp, Mahi Fish, Gulf Grouper, Steamed Shrimp, Grouper Nuggets, and more. It doesn’t end there; they also offer Beef Steaks, Burgers, Salads, Tacos, Sandwiches, and other different items made from chicken and beef.

Besides seafood Salty Sue’s offers a variety of drinks which is why the eatery is popular amongst those who like to enjoy a beer or two with their meals. They have both bottled and draft beers which include Budweiser, Corona Light, Heineken, and many more, which range from $2 – $5. Along with both red and white, they include Velvet Devil Merlot, Sue Mae Malbec, and Sangria, which are available for purchase in both bottles and glass.

Although I have given you a vague idea of what dishes are available at Salty Sue’s, here are three house specials. Firstly comes the Fried Seafood Platter that is combined with Fried Shrimp, Clam Strips, Fried Fish Filet & Steak Fries. Next up is the Ahi Tuna made with Pan seared Tuna Filet served over rice with Wasabi Cucumber Dressing & Teriyaki sauce. And lastly, the Shrimp Christo includes Sauteed large shrimp in an herb-infused aioli, diced tomato, and feta cheese served over angel hair pasta.

Just so you know that all the house specials are served with a side salad & hush puppies, Texas toast, or yeast roll. And believe me, each and every house special is worth trying. The Shrimp Christo was my favorite because of the combination of Shrimp, tomato, and feta cheese. The meal was filled with protein and carbohydrates as it included pasta too.

My cousins took the Fried Seafood Platter, which was a combination of three types of fish that were all crispy and delicious to eat. Then I also managed to keep room in my tummy to try out the Ahi Tuna, which I ate a small portion of and found to be somewhat spicy because of the Wasabi dressing. But the taste of the dish was uncommon because of the combination of tuna with wasabi and teriyaki sauce.

And no, it doesn’t end there. For dessert, I also decided to try out their Molten Lava Chocolate served with Ice cream, which was also too notch in terms of taste. Oh, and I took home the Grilled Gulf Grouper and Blackened Mahi Fish, And yes, I was yet again satisfied with the taste. Moreover, the can of Budweiser just made my dinner all the more perfect.

Before I forget to mention, my kids were with me, and since they do not like seafood, I had to order cheeseburgers, smoked wings, and some garlic mashed potatoes, which they loved. But don’t worry, that’s not all that Salty Sue’s has to offer, as they have many more on the menu, which you can find on their website from the link above.

5. Shrimp Basket

The Shrimp Basket located on Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach is very popular among shrimp lovers. Although they do not offer a buffet, the al-a-carte menu includes shrimp and other fish, such as Crabs, Catfish, White Fish, Oysters, and more. They have a separate menu for kids with food that the youngsters are likely to enjoy.

10 Seafood Buffet Panama City Beach, FL | Shrimp Basket | Travelvibe

Here is some more helpful information about Shrimp Basket:

  • The Shrimp Basket is at 12390 Front Beach Rd Panama City Beach, FL 32407.
  • If you have any queries or want to make reservations, call 850-563-7836.
  • The restaurant is open Mon – Thurs: 11:00 AM – 08:00 PM. Fri – Sat: 11:00 AM – 09:00 PM.
  • Sun: Closed.
  • The Shrimp Basket has a separate kid’s menu containing fish and chicken items.
  • Customer rating: 4 /5
  • Website Link: https://shrimpbasket.com/

Shrimp lovers, where are you? Did you know that you can get shrimp cooked in the way you want at The Shrimp Basket? Tell the chefs what to do and how to prepare it for you, and they will do it. Providing all the ingredients are available to cook the dish.

Other than that, The Shrimp Basket has Coconut Shrimp Fried, Gulf Shrimp tossed in tangy sauce, Coconut Shrimp Salad, Shrimp Étouffée with Rice, and more Shrimp dishes on their menu.

And that’s not all you. The restaurant also offers Crab Cakes, Fried Crab Claws, Fried Clam Strips, Crawfish Po Boy Gulf Oysters, Catfish, Whitefish, Flounder, and many more dishes. There are also a number of platters that include The Low Country Bowl ( made with peel n’ eat steamed shrimp, sausage, new potatoes, corn, and shrimp), Crab Cake Platter (with shrimp slaw, hushpuppies, corn fritter, and a side), and many more which you can find on the menu by clicking on the website link given above.

Ok, now let’s talk about the kiddos. Yes, from my experience, I know that most kids find seafood to be gross, mainly because of the smell. That’s why Shrimp Basket offers Kid’s Meals that include The Popcorn Shrimp Basket, Whitefish Basket, Chicken Strip Basket, and Hamburger. Each meal includes Kid’s Applesauce or French Fries and a small soft drink.

Let’s talk about the taste of the food. In my opinion, a place named Shrimp Basket obviously makes you think that they sell the best shrimp in town. Well, sorry to burst your bubble, folks, but the Coconut Shrimp was not properly fried and was raw inside.

On top of that, I was excited to have shrimp cooked my way as the restaurant does have that facility. But unfortunately, the chefs were unprofessional and kept on saying that they had too many orders to fulfill; hence unable to customize the shrimp dish as per my requirements.

But it wasn’t all that bad. The Oysters and Crab Cakes were absolutely amazing, which I suggest you try on your next visit to the restaurant. The Low Country Bowl Platter is also a good deal if you are starving, as the dish contains a variety of ingredients which include potatoes, shrimp, and more.

The best part of visiting Shrimp Basket was the fact that my child loved the food. We ordered a hamburger which was served with French fries and a drink which my son ate in a pleasing manner and, in fact, wanted to take another urge home! Instead, we ordered a Popcorn Shrimp Basket for takeaway.

6. The Juicy Seafood

The Juicy Seafood, which is not a buffet restaurant, is located at Panama City Beach, it has different types of fish on the al-a-carte menu. The restaurant is famous for its Red Snapper and Gumbo. Other than that, the menu includes the Fried Shrimp Basket, Fried Soft Shell Crabs, and more which are all served with a side, two sauces, and coleslaw

10 Seafood Buffet Panama City Beach, FL | juicy seafood | Travelvibe

Here is some more helpful information about Juicy Seafood:

  • The Juicy Seafood is at 11580 Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA.
  • Contact Number: 850 588 8523
  • Timing: Sun-Thurs 11.00 AM – 10.00 PM. Fri & Sat 11.00 AM- 11.00 PM.
  • Separate kids menu available.
  • Customer Rating: 4.2 /5
  • Website Link: www.juicyseafood.com

The Juicy Seafood has Fried Shrimp Basket, Fried Catfish Basket, Fried Oyster Basket, Fried Salmon Basket, Fried Red Snapper, and Fried Soft Shell Crab, which are served with sides as mentioned earlier.

On the starter menu, you can choose from Coconut Shrimp, Fried Calamari, Crab Cakes, Gumbo, and Steamed Oysters. The restaurant also offers Vodka and Whiskey, which you can order to go with your seafood.

As for the kid’s menu, you have three options that are the Chicken Tender, Fishy Filet ( Catfish), and Fried Shrimp, which are all served with French Fries and Soda.

Let’s talk about the quality of food served at The Juicy Seafood. We took the Fried Catfish Basket and Fried Red Snapper Basket as we hadn’t tried red snapper before. Both were served with coleslaw, sauce, and a side. The Catfish wasn’t appropriately fried, and it smelt raw. Nonetheless, we told the staff, and they immediately changed it and gave us a deep-fried, crispy Catfish.

The Red Snapper tasted as delicious as it looked. It had a nice brown color from being fried, and the size of the fish was pretty big. Within 10 minutes, my partner and I finished our meals. And we ordered the Fried Calamari and Steamed Oysters. The Calamaris were crispy and delicious to eat, but the Oysters gave off an unpleasant smell we could not eat. The restaurant gave us a complimentary plate of Crab Cakes, which were terrific.

7. Dirty Dick’s Crab House

Although Dirty Dick’s Crab House is not a seafood buffet in Panama, the variety of dishes they have on the menu is endless. Located at Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, you may have to wait in a queue as a lot of people tend to visit the place because of the name ‘Dirty Dick’s’! However, there are a number of items you can order at lunch and dinner which are King Crab, Mussels, Scallops, Oysters, Crab Cakes, Gator Bites, and more. 

10 Seafood Buffet Panama City Beach, FL | Dirty Dicks Crab House seafood | Travelvibe
  • Located at 9800 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407.
  • Dial 850 230 3425 to make reservations
  • Open every day from 11 AM – 9 PM
  • There is a special kid’s menu available at dinner every day.
  • Customer Rating: 3.8 / 5
  • Website Link: https://dirtydickscrabs.com

Here is some more helpful information about Dirty Dick’s Crab House:

Lunch starts at 3 pm, and some of the items on the menu include Calamari, Oysters, Fried Gator Tail, Sauteed Mussels, She Crab Soup, Monster Fish or Monster Pork Ribeye Sandwich, and Cocktail Crab Claws. Besides these seafood items, there is also a variety of chicken, beef, and pork-oriented dishes from which you can choose.

Dirty Dick’s Crab House has an exquisite range of seafood for dinner every day; where you can choose from Frog legs, Fried Shrimp, Gator Tail, Fried Catfish, Dungeness Crab Legs, Spiced Shrimp, Blue Crabs, and more from the starter and entree menu.

Now if you want to go for a platter that includes a variety of seafood, then the Mariner’s Platter is what you should order as it comes with crab cake, local oysters, dancing shrimp, thin & crispy fish, fried fish &, frog legs. If you want a quick meal, then you can try the Shrimp and Bacon Pasta which is a blend of three cheeses, shrimp, cream, applewood, smoked bacon & pasta. By the way, there are more platters you can choose from, which you can look at on the website.

The kid’s menu of Dirty Dick’s Crab House for children who are ten and younger includes Fish & Chips, Fried Chicken Nuggets, and Fried Shrimp which are all served with French fries and a special treat. Not to mention you can also order some pasta, chicken nuggets, or even a burger from the kid’s menu, which all come with a special treat.

So I tried The Trinity Platter, which included one order of Snow Crab, one order of Dungeness Crab, one order of Spiced Shrimp, and 2 Jumbo Dancing Shrimp—served with Low Country Sausage, Corn, Potatoes, and Grilled Pineapple.

In a word, the platter was ‘Amazing.’ Firstly because the fish was fresh and well-steamed, so there was no smell. And secondly, the zesty taste of the Dancing Shrimps, along with the crunchiness, made it all the better.

We also decided to try the Gator Tail, which my husband loved, but I could bring myself to eat the talk of an alligator! I went for the She Crab Soup and Sauteed Mussels, which were, in fact, good. In my opinion, Dirty Dick’s Crab House is one of the places that serves the best seafood in Panama City Beach.

8. Saltwater Grill

The Saltwater Grill is at Hutchinson Boulevard, Panama City Beach. They do not have a seafood buffet but you should drop by Saltwater Grill to taste their Gulf Snapper, Shrimp, Crab Cakes, and all the other appetizers and entrees they have on the menu. Oh yes, you can also choose from a wide range of liquor, beer, and wine to drink while you munch on seafood. This is exactly why this restaurant has many locals and visitors always occupying seats.

Here is some more helpful information about Saltwater Grill:

  • The Saltwater Grill is at 11040 Hutchison Boulevard, Panama City Beach, FL 32407.
  • Contact (850) 230-2739
  • Open: Sunday-Thursday 4 pm -9 p.m. Friday and Saturday 4 pm -10 p.m.
  • Customer Rating 4.5/5.
  • Website Link: https://saltwatergrillpcb.com/

Some well-known seafood appetizers at Saltwater Grill are the Firecracker Shrimp, Jumbo Crab Cake, Tuna Tartar, and Crab Claws. Although there are other states, these are the must-tries.

Moving on to entrees, there is the Shrimp & Grits, which is a combination of Gulf Snapper served with pineapple fried rice. For seafood lovers, there is a dish named Seafood Mac and Cheese, which is made with spring lobster, gulf shrimp, and triple cheddar mamay. Those who want to try tuna can order the Seared Yellowfin tuna served with jasmine rice and more. By the way, we have mentioned only three meals. Kindly check out their menu for more options.

Now if you want to take your time, relax and enjoy your meal to the fullest, then you can add a glass or two of your favorite liquor available at Saltwater Grill. The restaurant offers Rum, Scotch, Beer, Gin, Bourbon, Vodka, Tequila, and White and Red Wine.

Not only do you get to choose from a variety of seafood and liquor, but you can also give your children a treat by ordering them something from the kid’s menu. They have Grilled or Fried Fish, Cheeseburgers, Mac n Cheese, Grilled Steak, Fried Popcorn Shrimp, and Fried Chicken Tender. My son absolutely loved the Fried Fish served here as it didn’t smell of raw fish. In fact, he thought it was chicken until we told him after he was done eating!

Upon seeing so many appetizers, we went for the lobster spring rolls, which were juicy and had enough filling inside. And for the main course, I ordered the Blackened Redfish with pasta jambalaya, green onions, smoked sausage, and aged parmesan.

The meal was ravishing, that I can tell you. The fish was well seasoned and marinated long enough for all the spices to add flavor to the fish, and the pasta itself as shrimp, chicken, and other ingredients, made it filling. For me, the smoked sausages with parmesan cheese were heaven.

And if you are not the one who has to drive back home, then have a few shots of Tequila, take a stroll on the beach, then come back to Saltwater Grill for some Jumbo Crab Cakes, which are too good to be missed.

9. Pompano Joe’s Seafood House

Pompano Joe’s Seafood House is located at Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach. The eatery is not a buffet but has gluten-free items for those who are health conscious. Pompano Joe’s Seafood House has two menus, one for normal customers and one for those who want to avoid food that contains gluten. The special menu has scallops, Snow Crab, Grouper, and more.

10 Seafood Buffet Panama City Beach, FL | Pompano Joes Seafood House | Travelvibe

Here is some more helpful information about Pompano Joe’s Seafood House:

  • Pompano Joe’s Seafood House is at 16202 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32413.
  • For reservations, call 850-233-1790
  • The restaurant has a separate gluten-free menu and a kids’ menu.
  • Open daily from 11 AM – 9 PM
  • Customer Rating 3.7/5
  • Website Link: http://www.pompano-joes.com

Where do I even start? The variety of seafood available at Pompano Joe’s Seafood House is endless. You can get literally any fish you want, including Oysters, Mahi Tacos, Yellowfin Tuna, Grouper, Sea Scallops, Fish and Shrimp Combo, Flounder, Mini Crab Cakes, and more.

Pompano Joe’s Seafood House’s gluten-free menu includes Oysters On The Half Shell, Grilled Shrimp Salad, Boiled Shrimp, and more. You can also find various gluten-free grilled fishes that include Sea Scallops, Gulf Fish, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Snow Crab Feast, and more. Just so you know, there are gluten-free sides, that is, Baked potato, White rice, and Vegetable Medley.

Don’t worry, parents. This restaurant even has a special kid’s menu. I mean, we all used to hate fish in our younger days, if I’m not wrong. Your kids can select from Fried Chicken Fingers, Corn Dogs, Cheeseburgers, Grilled Cheese, Fried Fish Toes, and Fried Popcorn Shrimp. And you know what? The Fried Fish Toes tasted so exceptionally delicious that my child made me order two more servings!

Ok, since there were 2 of us, we all decided to try a different platter. I took the Grouper Reuben (made with sauerkraut, thousand island dressing, Grilled Gulf Grouper, and Swiss cheese on wheat berry bread), which is the most uncommon combination of ingredients that you cannot get elsewhere. The fish was undoubtedly fresh, and the addition of dressing and Swiss Cheese added a creamy flavor to the whole plate. Not to mention the berry bread made the dish a filling meal.

My friend went for the Coral Reef Nachos that were prepared with ( Scallops, Gulf fish, Shrimp, Tomatoes, queso cheese, black beans, Jalapenos, Scallions, Sour Cream, Guacamole, and salsa). Honestly, she didn’t like it as it was overloaded with ingredients. She found it difficult to enjoy the individual taste of what was in the Nachos.

10. Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant

10 Seafood Buffet Panama City Beach, FL | Sharkys Beachfront Restaurant | Travelvibe

Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant is located at Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach. Being a beachfront restaurant the place is always busy serving customers while they enjoy their food while taking a view of the beach. The restaurant does not serve a buffet, instead, you can order anything from Gator Bites to a large variety of shrimp items from their menu. And don’t worry about what the children will eat because although Sharky’s is not a seafood buffet in Panama City Beach, they still have a wide selection of fish and a separate menu for the kids to enjoy.

Here is some more helpful information about Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant:

Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant is at

  • 15201 Front Beach Rd. Panama City Beach, FL 32413.
  • Contact (850) 235-2420 for any queries.
  • Timing: Mon-Wed 11 AM – 11 PM. Thurs – Sat 11 AM – 12 AM.
  • Domestic and Crafted Beer is available.
  • Customer Rating: 4.2./ 5
  • Website Link: https://sharkysbeach.com/

Let me give you a sneak peek of what Sharky’s Beachfront restaurant offers. You can order Gator Po- Boy, Raw Oysters, Shrimp Tacos, Gator Bites, Redfish, Gulf Shrimp, Clam Strips, Bay Scallops, and more.

There are also a number of seafood sandwiches, Tacos, and salads on the menu. And not to mention, you can choose from various combos, such as the Mahi Mahi Dinner, which is made with (Blackened, Grilled, or Fried Mahi Mahi served with Mango Salsa, Beurre Blanc, or Pan-Asian Sauce). Or you can even try the Tiki Time Grouper, which is made with (Beurre Blanc, Crab Meat, and Blackened Filet of Grouper, served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes).

Those of you who fancy a can of beer can choose from Budweiser, Miller Light, Heineken, Red Strip, and more. The Beachfront also has a variety of specialized drinks made with Vodka, Rum, and Tequila.

The kid’s menu includes Chicken, Fish, Burgers, Pasta, Grilled Cheese, and Shrimp. My son enjoyed the Pasta the most as it was absolutely non-spicy and filled with cheese.

So I tried the Gumbo, which is full of (Shrimp, Andouille sausage, crawfish & chicken served with rice). The meal was filling, and the fish was well-marinated, which tasted really good. But the chicken was a bad combination with all the variety of fish.

My partner went for the Baja Fish Tacos made with a pair of tacos full of lightly blackened fish with Cilantro Cream, shredded cabbage, cheese & pico de gallo in flour tortillas. And he absolutely loved the idea of black fish combined with tortillas, as it gave out a unique flavor.

How to choose the best seafood restaurants in panama city beach?

To choose the best seafood restaurants in Panama City Beach, you can follow these steps:

Research online: Use popular review websites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, or Google Maps to find a list of seafood restaurants in Panama City Beach. Read customer reviews and ratings to understand the restaurant’s quality and reputation.

Check menus and variety: Look for restaurants that offer a diverse selection of seafood dishes. Check their menus online to see if they have a wide range of fresh seafood options, including local specialties and seasonal items.

Consider location and ambiance: Consider your preferences regarding the restaurant’s location and ambiance. Do you prefer a beachfront view, a casual seafood shack, or an upscale dining experience? Choose a restaurant that matches your desired atmosphere.

Seek recommendations: Ask friends, family, or locals who have visited Panama City Beach for their recommendations. Personal referrals can often lead to great dining experiences and insider tips.

Consider sustainability: If you’re concerned about sustainable seafood practices, look for restaurants emphasizing sustainable sourcing and responsible fishing. Many seafood restaurants now focus on offering sustainable seafood options, so you can support businesses that prioritize environmental conservation.

Call ahead for reservations: Once you’ve narrowed down your options, call the restaurants to inquire about reservations, wait times, and any special offers or promotions. This will help ensure you have a table and a pleasant dining experience.

Visit during non-peak times: To avoid long wait times and crowded restaurants, try visiting during non-peak hours or on weekdays when the establishments are likely to be less busy. This will allow you to enjoy your meal more comfortably.

Consider budget: Finally, consider your budget and the price range of the seafood restaurants you are interested in. While some restaurants may be more expensive, they might offer higher-quality ingredients and a better overall dining experience. Choose a restaurant that fits within your budget while still meeting your expectations.

What are the signature dishes at the best seafood restaurants in Panama City Beach?

Here are some signature dishes at some of the best seafood restaurants in Panama City Beach:

Bayou Bill’s Crab House: This restaurant is known for its crab legs, shrimp, and oysters.

Pompano Joe’s: This restaurant is known for its grilled seafood, including grilled shrimp, grilled fish, and grilled oysters.

Schooners: This restaurant is known for its seafood platters, including the Schooners Seafood Platter, which includes shrimp, oysters, fish, and crab claws.

Dee’s Hang Out: This restaurant is known for its seafood gumbo, shrimp and grits, and fried seafood platters.

Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill: This restaurant is known for its seafood tacos, including the blackened shrimp and fish tacos.

Bayou on the Beach: This restaurant is known for its Cajun-inspired seafood, including the crawfish étouffée and the blackened redfish.

Saltwater Grill: This restaurant is known for its seafood pasta dishes, including lobster ravioli and shrimp scampi.

Runaway Island: This restaurant is known for its seafood nachos, which include shrimp, crab, and cheese.

The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House: This restaurant is known for its seafood platters, including the Back Porch Platter, which includes shrimp, oysters, fish, and crab claws.

Panama City Beach has many seafood restaurants that offer a variety of signature dishes for seafood lovers. It’s important to check each restaurant’s menu and options to see if they can accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies.

FAQs

What are the best seafood buffets in Panama City Beach?

The Wharf Buffet and CAPT. JACK’S Family Buffet is the best seafood buffet in Panama City Beach.

Which seafood is famous in Panama City Beach?

Grouper, Oysters, and Gulf Shrimp are very popular in Panama City Beach and are widely available in many restaurants.

In Closing: Seafood Buffet Panama City Beach

Well, it seems that there are only two seafood buffets in Panama City Beach with various fish and other mouthwatering dishes, which you can eat all you want. However, we have mentioned 8 of the top seafood restaurants that have an al-a-carte menu where you can find Oysters, Gator Bites, a variety of shrimp, and more.

Luckily most of the restaurants offer a special. The kid’s menu includes burgers, fries, and other food that the youngsters enjoy eating rather than fish.

Al Amin Sagor

Hi, I'm Al Amin Sagor. Join me as I share travel tips, personal insights, and amazing experiences that have shaped my adventures. Let's explore together and make lasting memories.

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