Pensacola Beach Restaurants: Your Local Guide to the Best

by Stephanie Harrington

Are you on Pensacola Beach right now or planning to visit soon? Are you debating where to get the best food without leaving the island? At Engel & Völkers Pensacola, we are Pensacola Beach locals who know the food scene inside and out. If it’s on Pensacola Beach, we’ve tried it. That’s why we wanted to share a list of some of our favorites with you. In this article, we will go through a handful of Pensacola Beach restaurants that will fit any occasion from barefoot bites to a romantic date night.

Key Takeaways

Pensacola Beach offers a wide array of dining choices, from grab-and-go takeout spots like Bear Fruit Bowls & Coffee to casual beach bars like Red Fish Blue Fish and fine dining at places like Grand Marlin.
Some of the most beloved restaurants on the island include Peg Leg Pete’s for seafood, Flounder’s Chowder House for fresh catches, and Papa’s Pizza for delicious New York-style pizza.
Many restaurants embrace a relaxed, beachy vibe, perfect for enjoying a meal in flip-flops, such as Casino Beach Bar & Grill and Water Pig BBQ.
For those seeking a more upscale meal, restaurants like Drift and Bonsai provide exquisite cuisine with stunning views, ideal for romantic date nights or special celebrations.
The food scene on Pensacola Beach is continuously evolving, reflecting the area's growth and the local commitment to offering high-quality dining experiences for both visitors and residents.

Grab & Go

We get it. When you’re on the beach, you don’t always want to have a sit-down meal. Sometimes you just want to grab something to go so you can get back to enjoying your beach day. Here are a few places we like to order ahead for takeout to keep the fun in the sun going.

Bear Fruit Bowls & Coffee
41 Fort Pickens Rd.
(850) 583-0798

Start your day off with something refreshing and light. Bear Fruit Bowls & Coffee is located directly on the Pensacola Beach Pier and serves up delectable açaí bowls with a wide range of fresh fruit toppings. They also have a delicious cold brew coffee selection to complete the experience. This cool, satisfying option pairs perfectly with a warm summer day on the beach!

Neomaya
35 Via De Luna Dr.
(850) 733-9045

A self-proclaimed American Restaurant, Neomaya has a menu chock full of easily recognizable favorites that you know and love. From warm breakfast burritos to fully loaded hot dogs and nachos, you’ll be able to find something to fuel your day at the beach without fooling with reservations. As an added bonus, they have an array of bubble tea flavors to keep you cool!

Sidelines
2 Via De Luna Dr.
(850) 934-3660

Since 1992, Sidelines Sports Bar & Restaurant has been the spot for game day bites. In fact, the restaurant has routinely taken home the honor of “Best Wings” in Pensacola. That’s really what the Sidelines experience is all about. If you get nothing else, get the wings. They have 10 signature flavors to choose from. Pro tip: you can ever get their chicken tenders tossed in any wing sauce you want!

Piazza Pizza & Beach Bodega
5 Via De Luna Dr. Suite G
(850) 565-1980

Let’s not beat around the bush. Pizza is the ultimate takeout food for when you’re feeling hungry and don’t want any of the fuss added. Piazza Pizza & Beach Bodega has an Italian brick oven that puts out crispy New York-style pies. They also have piled-high Italian subs, paninis, and salads with fresh ingredients. You can even load up on snacks and beach goodies at their shop!

Pensacola Beach Restaurant Legends

It wouldn’t be a Pensacola Beach restaurant guide without an ode to the classics. The mainstays. The restaurants that have been here year after year without skipping a beat. If you’re feeling hungry and want nothing but good, old-fashioned Pensacola Beach, check these out.

Peg Leg Pete’s
1010 Fort Pickens Rd.
(850) 932-4139

More pirate ship than restaurant, Peg Leg Pete’s is a Pensacola Beach staple for seafood lovers. Whether you’re searching for oysters on the half shell or fresh Gulf grouper, “Peg Leg’s” as it’s known by locals is the spot. Don’t expect to just walk right in, though. This beach favorite routinely has a line out the door during the summertime. Plan accordingly. You’ve been warned.

Flounder’s Chowder House
800 Quietwater Beach Rd.
(850) 932-2003

Located on the quiet sound side of the island, Flounder’s has been a Pensacola Beach legend since 1979. The menu is packed full of fresh seafood, epic appetizers, burgers, and even sushi. This is some of the most expansive outdoor dining on the island with a beach volleyball court to top it off. When they say the Diesel Fuel is a two per person limit, please trust the professionals!

Papa’s Pizza
400 Quietwater Beach Rd. #1
(850) 934-1198

Legends of the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk overlooking Quietwater Beach, Papa’s Pizza has been slinging New York style pizzas since 1998. Their sauce and dough is made fresh daily and has tourists and locals alike lining up before, during, and after a day at the beach. They even have homemade spaghetti and meatballs that taste just like grandma used to make it!

Paradise Bar & Grill
21 Via De Luna Dr.
(850) 916-5087

Located directly behind the iconic Paradise Inn hotel, Paradise Bar & Grill is an open-air restaurant located right on the white sandy shoreline of the Santa Rosa Sound. The menu features a no-fuss assortment of fresh-catch baskets and sandwiches that will make everyone in your group happy. You can even get your order to-go by boat right off their pier or stay a while and enjoy the live music and endless good vibes. “Paradise” is more than just a name here!

Casual & Outdoor Dining

While you will find that most Pensacola Beach restaurants are casual, these are a few of the highlights. If you want to come as you are in a t-shirt and flip flops or just keep the outdoor vibes going, you’ll want to add these to your list!

Native Cafe
45A Via De Luna Dr.
(850) 934-4848

Maybe this one doesn’t have any outdoor seating, but Native Cafe is serving up the best breakfast on Pensacola Beach. They’ve even won “Best Breakfast” in all of Pensacola. Adored by locals, you can’t go wrong with any of their breakfast classics. We’ll always recommend getting their “Native Cakes” or “Native Bennys.” Bonus: they serve their breakfast menu all day!

Casino Beach Bar & Grill
41 Fort Pickens Rd.
(850) 932-6313

Perhaps the best restaurant view on the beach, Casino Beach Bar & Grill or “CBB” is located right off the Pensacola Beach Pier. This menu is top to bottom hits from their appetizers to their eclectic list of fresh catch entrees and tacos. CBB is the perfect way to cap off a beautiful day at the beach. If you get lucky, you might even get to see the Blue Angels flying home over the gulf!

Red Fish Blue Fish
5 Via De Luna Dr.
(850) 677-8899

Known as the “best backyard on the beach,” Red Fish Blue Fish is an outdoor oasis for hungry beachgoers. Their menu is a Gulf Coast-forward and Southern-inspired with New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp and Grouper Piccata. They have a pet-friendly atmosphere with lawn games so you can stay and relax while taking in a beautiful Pensacola Beach sunset over the sound.

Water Pig BBQ
5-K Via De Luna Dr.
(850) 565-4863

Located just a short walk across the sand from Red Fish Blue Fish, Water Pig BBQ is another outdoor option that keeps the breeze blowing and flavors coming. The BBQ is slow-smoked for flavorful pulled pork and fall-off-the-bone St. Louis ribs. Paired with an assortment of BBQ-friendly sides and appetizers, you’ll be in hog heaven as soon as you arrive.

Cafe Nola
400 Quietwater Beach Rd.
(850) 677-8532

As the name suggests, Cafe Nola serves Cajun and Creole classics from New Orleans. Taking home awards from best gumbo in Pensacola to best po’boy, it’s widely accepted as the place to be when you’re craving a taste of the Big Easy. There is plenty of indoor seating and outdoor seating on their expansive wrap-around balcony overlooking the quiet side of the Santa Rosa Sound.

Fine Dining & Date Night

Even though Pensacola Beach is a casual destination, there are bound to be those nights when you want to put on something nice and enjoy a meal with family or that special someone. If you’re planning a celebration or just want an elevated experience, you can’t go wrong with these.

Grand Marlin
400 Pensacola Beach Blvd.
(850) 677-9153

Positioned at the foot of the Bob Sikes Bridge on the Santa Rosa Sound, Grand Marlin offers an upscale dining experience with breathtaking views of the sound. The menu features Gulf-fresh favorites like fried gulf shrimp and grouper piccata. Land lovers can also indulge in their steak selections or roasted mojo chicken. Both covered outdoor seating and indoor seating available!

Bonsai
12 Via De Luna Dr.
(850) 932-8194

Unassumingly located on the 2nd story of the Hilton Pensacola Beach, Bonsai is a Japanese sushi and ramen restaurant that you won’t find anywhere else in Pensacola. Indulge in carefully crafted sushi or experience the decadence of Japanese A5 Wagyu. Dinners are served alongside a world class sake and cocktail menu. Reservations are required.

Drift
41 Fort Pickens Rd.
(850) 733-7331

Located just one story above Casino Beach Bar & Grill, Drift offers an elevated beachfront experience for a special evening with modern coastal cuisine. The menu features eclectic dishes from the double bone pork chop to a coconut citrus sea bass. Diners can enjoy a panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico from the indoor dining area or catch a breathtaking sunset from the outdoor bar during happy hour.

FAQ About Pensacola Beach Restaurants

Q: What are some good takeout options on Pensacola Beach?

A: Recommended takeout spots include Bear Fruit Bowls & Coffee for refreshing açaí bowls and cold brew, Neomaya for breakfast burritos and hot dogs, and Piazza Pizza & Beach Bodega for delicious New York-style pizza and Italian subs.

Q: Which restaurants are great for seafood lovers on Pensacola Beach?

A: Peg Leg Pete’s and Flounder’s Chowder House are local favorites known for their fresh seafood offerings, including oysters and Gulf grouper, making them must-visit spots for seafood enthusiasts.

Q: Are there fine dining options available on Pensacola Beach?

A: Yes, there are several fine dining options, including Grand Marlin for upscale Gulf-fresh cuisine, Bonsai for gourmet sushi, and Drift for modern coastal dishes, all featuring beautiful views of the water.

Final Thoughts on Pensacola Beach Restaurants

No matter the occasion or preference, there is a place for you and your family to enjoy a culinary experience on Pensacola Beach. As the area continues to grow, Pensacola’s food scene has flourished alongside it. We are excited to see what new Pensacola Beach restaurants have to offer in the future. Until then, enjoy your time on Pensacola Beach and bon appétit!

About Engel & Völkers Pensacola

Engel & Völkers Pensacola is a real estate agency with an enhanced focus on luxury homes in Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Downtown Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Perdido Key, and beyond. We have expert advisors for every neighborhood in the area to help you unlock the luxury lifestyle of your dreams and pair you with the perfect home. If you're searching for a home in Pensacola, see our current listings and connect with one of our advisors today!