The best part about coming to Pensacola for a beach vacation is that you're not limited to just Pensacola Beach. Actually, that might be an even more important tip for locals wanting to soak up the sun while avoiding spring and summer break crowds.
The Perdido Key coastline stretches for about 16 miles before eventually meeting Orange Beach and Gulf Shores in Alabama, making it the perfect destination between more popular beaches.
The beach isn't the only draw, however. Perdido Key is home to some seriously good restaurants, many that take full advantage of their Gulf Coast location, which comes out in the freshness of the ingredients.
New restaurants:Four new restaurants opened in Pensacola in February. Here’s a peek:
Keep reading to discover Perdido Key's best restaurants.
Fisherman’s Corner
13486 Perdido Key Dr.
Fisherman’s Corner is a seafood restaurant that typically tops the list any time someone asks about the best restaurants in Perdido Key. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike and has won several accolades, including the News Journal’s Best of the Bay, “best food” at the Pensacola Seafood Festival and it was listed as one of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards in 2022.
On the menu: With a name like Fisherman’s corner, you can expect plenty of seafood. Popular entrees include grouper, oysters, crab cakes and crawfish but the menu also features pasta, burgers, pork tenderloin and more.
Price: $11-$27
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The Jellyfish
13700 Perdido Key Dr.
The Jellyfish is another award-winning culinary oasis in Perdido Key. This charming eatery is the perfect spot for foodies seeking to tantalize their taste buds whether they’re in the mood for a sumptuous seafood spread or a mouth-watering meaty feast. The restaurant, established right after Hurricane Ivan, began as a quaint sushi and martini bar before growing into one of Perdido Key's best places to eat.
On the menu: For lunch, check out their selection of fresh Gulf seafood, burgers, sandwiches, tacos and more. Dinner offers some more dressed up offerings like the bourbon salmon, Creole shrimp stack and filet.
Price: $12-$37
Flora-Bama
17401 Perdido Key Dr.
The Flora-Bama Lounge is notable because it sits right along the Florida-Alabama line, as if the name wasn't obvious enough. However, that fun factoid alone isn't enough to have kept the beach bar afloat all these years. In the decades since it opened, Flora-Bama has become the destination to go and spend time on the beach when you’re in Perdido Key or the Gulf Shores area thanks to its neverending lists of events and the myriad of stages that provide live music every weekend.
On the menu: The food isn’t necessarily the reason you go to Flora-Bama, but it’s a pretty good reason you won’t want to leave. The Oyster Bar and Ole River Grill are the two primary places you can grab a bit to eat. The Oyster Bar is a great place to start your visit with burgers, wraps and oysters. The Ole River Grill is an awesome place to hang out as it features an open-air deck with big screens for sports fans. Here you can grab a variety of things like key lime shrimp, fried chicken tacos, seafood baskets, house specials and more.
Price: $12-$20
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Lillian’s Pan Pizza
14514 Perdido Key Dr.
After spending the day on the beach, sometimes all you want is a delicious pizza. Well, Lillian's is the place for you. After serving up pies since 1989, they've become a bit of an institution in Perdido Key. Though pizza is their bread and butter, they have a pretty eclectic menu with items like seafood quesadillas, hot wings and even reuben sandwiches. This is the perfect place to go when you're trying to please varied palates.
The menu: Specialty pizzas include pesto, hot Hawaiian, stuffed, taco and more.
Price: $9.99-$26.50
Paul’s Pizza Company
13700 Perdido Key Dr., Unit 106A
Paul’s Pizza Company is a relatively new restaurant compared to the others on the list but it’s already considered a Perdido Key staple. Named after the owner’s middle name, the restaurant also offers pastas, salads and subs, and a gluten-free pizzaoption.
The menu: Specialty pizzas include buffalo chicken, taco, margherita, veggie and more.
Price: $10.99-$21.99
Hub Stacey's at the Point
5851 Galvez Road
Looking for a neighborhood sandwich spot that's anything but ordinary? Look no further than this gem. While it's true that they serve up some amazing sandwiches, this spot is so much more than just your average deli. One bite of their signature Hubba Bubba sandwich, stuffed with tender roast beef, sautéed mushrooms, and Swiss cheese smothered in savory gravy, and you'll be hooked. And if you're wondering how Perdido Key factors into the menu, just take a look at the names of their sandwiches - from The Johnson Beach to The "Salty" Dog, each item reflects the local flavor in every bite.
The menu: Hubs is known for its sandwiches like the 1/2 Landing, a lightly grilled Muffuletta loaf stuffed with salami, ham, bologna and melted Provolone cheese and Hub's own olive salad. You can also grab burgers and wings.
Price: $8.49-$10.69
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Perdido Key Breakfast Club
13700 Perdido Key Dr., Suite 140
The Perdido Key Breakfast Club is another newer face to the Perdido Key food scene. It’s owned and operated by mother and son duo Stacey Certain and chef Jordan Scott. As you probably expect, the Breakfast Club is strictly breakfast and brunch, which means mimosas on more than just Sundays.
The menu: There’s an array of breakfast Benedicts like the Nashville Hot Chicken, Chorizo eggs Benedict and steak tip Benedict; omelettes, club plates like steak and eggs, plain pancakes and steak osprey and breakfast sandwiches.
Price: $12-$36
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Sunset Grille
14050 Canal A Way
Sunset Grille is a local favorite for good reason − the food is great and the sunsets are spectacular. With a playground in view of the dining area, it's perfect for families with kids, and it's also pet-friendly. A must-visit spot for delicious cuisine and stunning views.
The menu: Specialty sandwiches like the grouper Ruben and the Sunset Shrimp "Taco," deli sandwiches, fresh seafood sandwiches and entrees, gumbo, soup and more.
Price: $11.99-$39.99
