Restaurants Overview

A staggering quantity and variety of seafood is harvested from the Panhandle's coastal waters each day, and much of it appears within hours at restaurants throughout the region. You'll find fresh oysters, crab, shrimp, scallops, and fish simply prepared at casual beachside cafés or elegantly presented at upscale resort dining rooms. Chain restaurants haven't had the effect here that they've had in other parts of the state, so you'll still find small-town seafood shacks, where you can dine "Florida Cracker"-style on deep-fried mullet, cheese grits, coleslaw, and hush puppies. Some restaurants in resort areas and beach communities close or modify their hours during off-season, so call first if visiting during winter months.