Last month, I judged the World Food Championships for a second time and then spent weeks eating my way through Orange Beach. From seafood to burgers and BBQ, I’ve had the chance to try some of the best Orange Beach restaurants in Alabama. After much deliberation (and digestion), I’ve picked my favorites. Here’s my list of the 14 best Orange Beach restaurants!
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Visiting other destinations in Alabama? Check out our other guides:
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- 9 Must-Try Restaurants in Decatur, Alabama
- 8 Must-Try Florence AL Restaurants
- 10 Best Alabama Dishes
- 7 Must-Try Huntsville Restaurants
- 10 Must-Try Breakfast Places In Orange Beach AL
- Where to Find The Best Pizza In Orange Beach, Alabama
- 10 Must-Try Birmingham Restaurants
- 7 Must-Try Montgomery Restaurants
14 Best Orange Beach Restaurants
Voyager’s
27200 Perdido Beach Blvd //+1 251-981-9811
Located right along the Gulf Coast, Voyager’s offers an excellent opportunity for thoughtful fine dining. Their contemporary coastal cuisine features some unique tastes and flavors while remaining true to the area’s roots.
Their menu, which predominantly features sustainably harvested seafood, rotates with the season. When we dined here, we enjoyed this crispy herbed triggerfish over charred leek and fennel mashed potatoes topped with plum tomato brown butter:
The restaurant is a part of the Perdido Beach Resort and is open daily for dinner. Seatings run from 5 pm to 9 pm. Try to get a table as close to the floor-to-ceiling, Gulf-facing windows as you can. And, if the blue cheese herb-crusted steak is one of the specials when you visit, be sure to order it. Even now, a month later, I’m still talking about that steak!
Big Fish
25814 Canal Rd //+1 251-981-5516
I grew to love Big Fish because of their menu’s heavy Asian influence. Our group sampled several dishes, including a flash-fried lobster tail with wasabi tempura and sweet chili sauce, jumbo lump crab cakes with lemongrass aioli, pan-seared sea scallops with coconut fried rice, and sesame seared ahi tuna.
If you’re not in the mood for seafood, they also serve up prime steaks, pasta and salads.
Big Fish is also known as the best among Orange Beach restaurants for sushi. Their sushi menu contains sashimi and nigiri and American classics like California and Philadelphia rolls.
If you’d like to try something new, order their signature big fish roll. It’s made with white tuna, spinach, and fresh ginger. They also serve a lobster roll filled with tempura fried lobster, avocado and green onion.
The Gulf
27500 Perdido Beach Blvd //+1 251-424-1800
The Gulf is a shipping container restaurant with all outdoor seating. The quirky structure sits right beside Perdido Pass, where boats maketheir way in and out of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Gulf’s menu is laid out on chalkboards each day. The fried grouper sandwich is one of their best sellers, but I’ve also heard locals rave about their homemade hummus.
They also serve up some great craft cocktails, so make sure you go thirsty. Definitely one of the best Orange Beach Restaurants!
Doc’s Seafood
26029 Canal Rd //+1 251-981-6999
Doc’s Seafood has the (self-proclaimed) “best-fried shrimp in the entire civilized world.” Though I’m not sure if it’s actually the best, it can’t be far off. In addition to the amazing food, when you dine here, expect to find incredibly friendly staff in a laid-back/no-frills setting. This is the kind of place to go for lunch or dinner after a long day at the beach.
We loved the “make your own cocktail sauce” setup they had. That allowed each of us to make our own personal dipping sauce as spicy as we liked. If you haven’t already decided to go, you should know that Doc’s has been voted one of the top 10 seafood shacks in America. You definitely want to plan a stop here during your time in Orange Beach.
Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina
27075 Marina Rd #300 //+1 251-981-7305
Fisher’s has two locations in Orange Beach, so make sure you book a reservation to dine at Fisher’s “upstairs.” Their upstairs dining room may be the most upscale venue from all Orange Beach restaurants. We were immediately impressed with their reclaimed pine floors and antique cypress tables topped with white linen table cloths.
The food lived up to the extravagant ambiance. As expected in Orange Beach, the menu featured some incredible fish dishes, but there were also a few seriously tempting meat plates, including the pan-fried pork cheeks with a pancetta apple jam, roasted lamb served with preserved lemon rice grits, and a confit duck leg served with dirty rice risotto.
Make sure you ask your server about Fisher’s wine pairings. They had one of the most thoughtful wine menus I tried from all Orange Beach restaurants.
Luna’s Eat & Drink
25689Canal Road //+1 251-980-5862
Luna’s is a neighborhood sports pub featuring an impressive selection of craft beers. You’ll have not to trouble to find a pint you like here: they have 32 incredible beers on tap.
The menu features Southern comfort food classics such as macaroni and cheese, shrimp & grits, braised beef pot roast, and beer-basted burgers. When you go, check out what they have on special for that night—their rotating menu features some of the best in fresh local seafood.
Luna’s also has the largest list of craft beers on top anywhere in Orange Beach!
Cosmo’s
25753 Canal Rd //+1 251-948-9663
Cosmo’s tagline, “far from ordinary,” describes the place perfectly. This restaurant has an eclectic menu that features not just the freshest local seafood but also jerk chicken, burgers, and even fettuccine. We stuck with their seafood, and it was a good decision.
There were plenty of options: crab cakes, crawfish tails, duck and andouille sausage gumbo, sesame seared tuna, pecan-crusted redfish, and even fresh fish wrapped and baked in banana leaves.
If seafood isn’t your thing and Orange Beach can’t change your mind, we were also tempted by their steaks, pasta and an impressive-looking roasted red pepper Caesar salad (if you’re in the mood for something lighter).
Cobalt
28099 Perdido Beach Blvd //+1 251-923-5300
Cobalt boasts stunning views of Perdido Pass from every table. But you’ll have to pull your eyes away from that view to choose from a tantalizing menu that features tuna & avocado stacked between crispy wontons, creamy Cobalt crab and shrimp dip, Gulf shrimp and grits, and more.
Also popular are the fresh oysters. You can order them prepared in a number of ways: including char-grilled with garlic and Parmesan or uncooked with just a squeeze of lemon.
If none of the suggestions above have caught your attention, Cobalt also serves hearthstone pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and a peppercorn crusted filet. If you opt for that last option, order it with a side of smoked gouda and bacon grits. We were happy to learn Orange Beach breakfast brunch exists.
This restaurant serves up some great Sunday brunch every week from 11-2. It rightfuly holds a place on this list of amazing Orange Beach restaurants.
GT’s On The Bay
26189 Canal Rd //+1 251-980-8400
GT’s offers some of the best in bay-front dining along Orange Beach. Known for their fall-off-the-bone tender rack of ribs, they also have a pork chop that’s brined in sweet tea, then stuffed withConecuh sausage, onions and apples, and basted with a sweet bourbon glaze. I’m anxious to order it next time I visit.
Every Monday is prime rib night for $16—you don’t want to miss that!
Even if you have other dinner plans, make sure you stop by GT’s for their craft brew happy hour. They have some great starters to pair with a brew: gingered calamari, crab claws, and even fried pickles.
Anchor Bar & Grill
4575 S Wilson Blvd //+1 251-200-0250
Anchor Bar’s claim to fame is its amped up bar food. They serve intense and downright intimidating versions of almost everything that goes great with booze.
This place’s chef is known for his insane creativity. Menu favorites include chorizo meatloaf tots, cured tuna poké, Gulf shrimp tacos, and a pepper jelly chicken sandwich.
Be sure to start your dinner with one of their creative cocktails—their cocktail menu offers new takes on classics, including an Apple mule, the Anchor Bloody Mary with pork cracklings and a pickled green bean, a Mezcal Margarita, and even their own version of a Bushwacker, Orange Beach’s local signature drink. Theirs includes vanilla vodka and can be ordered with a vanilla bean infused topper. Orange Beach restaurants list cannot be complete without this one.
Playa
27842 Canal Rd //+1 251-981-9891
Playa is the sister restaurant of Fisher’s, one of the restaurants I mention above. While Fisher’s offers patrons the fine dining, white linen experience, Playa features a Caribbean and Latin American inspired menu with first class ambiance and service.
Options include conch fritters with roasted pepper aioli, tuna poké, Gulf ceviche with charred corn and jalapeno, crab and cheese crusted amberjack, and coconut grouper.
If you’re looking for something so tasty you’ll remember it months later, I recommend Playa’s street tacos on homemade tortillas. You can fill them with your choice of brisket, grilled shrimp, fried mahi and roasted pork. These were seriously tasty.
This is also a great place for dinner if you or anyone in your group has diet restrictions. Playa offers dairy free, gluten free, soy free and shellfish free menus for diners with food allergies or sensitivities.
Villaggio Grille at The Wharf
4790 Main St //+1 251-224-6510
The Villaggio is one of the best Orange Beach restaurants for Italian fusion cuisine. They’re located in the center of The Wharf, a shopping dining and entertainment complex. Though they don’t have a view of the Gulf, they make up for it with tasty food and great service.
Their menu features a few great Alabama twists on Italian dishes. Try their chicken scallopini, lasagna, or chicken Parmesan.
If you’re not in the mood for any of that, they also serve up some delectable wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and Louisiana wood-fired oysters. One last recommendation—make sure you ask for a seat out on the outdoor patio. If the weather’s pleasant, the atmosphere out there at The Wharf will make the meal even better.
Flora-Bama Yacht Club
17350 Perdido Key Dr. //+1 850-483-6272
Part of the (in)famous Flora-Bama family of restaurants, stores and bars, the Yacht Club offers great eats at water’s edge. Their menu is crafted around local comfort foods.
But, they also serve a few more unique offerings. You can start your meal with some Greek shrimp nachos or firecracker kalamari. Then, for the main course, try their blackened Gulf tripletail or the Cajun shrimp and crawfish manicotti.
If you’d really like to connect with your food, the Yacht Club even has a hook-and-cook option: they’ll arrange a fishing expedition for you through the Flora-Bama Marina and then cook up whatever you catch!
One tip: when you eat here, try to get a patio table outside on the sand. That puts you right next to the water of Ole River and makes for a great view, especially as the sun sets.
Flora-Bama Ole River Grill
17400 Perdido Key Dr. //+1 850-483-6262
Another member of the Flora-Bama family, Ole River Grill is right across the street from the famous lounge and oyster bar of the same name (where the Flora-Bama brand got its start at Orange Beach back in 1964).
Ole River offers more great local seafood and regional classics, but in a laid back, family-friendly setting. We were tempted by both their grilled amberjack and their surf’n’turf steak and shrimp plate. But, in the end, I went with their Bama burger:
They also serve up some delicious-looking seafood soups and salads here (if you’re looking for a lighter fare). If you’d like something sweet, you can end your meal with deep-fried twinkies or Flora-Bama’s legendary bushwacker.
Which Orange Beach restaurant do you most want to try? Let me know in the comments section below!
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Nathan
Travel writer and owner of the blog. My work has been featured on Fodors, Eater.com, International Living, and Great Escape Publishing, among many others.My story? Nearly six years ago, I left my job at an Oklahoma City law firm and embarked on a journey around the world. At the time, I thought I would only be gone for 6 months, but the more I traveled, the longer my bucket list became. Flashpacker describes how I travel. Rather than traveling as the normal world wise backpacker and staying in hostel dorms, I prefer a more comfortable experience, and typically stay in private rooms, take Ubers instead of taxis, and now use asuitcase instead of a backpack. Foodie, on the other hand, describes one of the key reasons why I travel. I love to pick a central “base camp” and then explore the surrounding area, really immersing myself in the culture and interacting with the people, and enjoying and exploring the food of an area is an essential part of this experience.
FAQs
14 Best Orange Beach Restaurants | Where to Eat in Orange Beach, Alabama? ›
Bushwackers are the signature drink of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and while you can't take one home, you can grab a bag of Bushwacker coffee roasted in-house at Southern Shores Coffee.
Is Gulf Shores or Orange Beach better? ›Gulf Shores vs Orange Beach- Which is better? Gulf Shores is a great destination for a family vacation or weekend getaway, but you may want to consider Orange Beach if you prefer a small-town atmosphere or if you are looking for more golf courses and upscale amenities.
Who owns cobalt Orange Beach? ›Brian and Jodi Harsany
For over ten years, Cobalt has provided the ultimate in waterfront dining with its unparalleled views, first-rate service and exceptional catering.
Shrimp and Grits
Now it's practically Alabama's official dish. Around the state, you'll find it made in a range of preparations, including spicy, peppery, cheesy, creamy and even tangy.
The best times to visit Gulf Shores are March through May and September through November. Travelers can take advantage of these sweet spots outside the busy (and more expensive) summertime and enjoy swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, which still offers pleasant temperatures in the late spring and early fall.
Can you drink alcohol on the beach in Orange Beach? ›Per the City of Orange Beach: "Drinking alcohol is allowed on the beach but glass containers are strictly prohibited."
How far is Orange Beach and Gulf Shores from each other? ›Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are located approximately 6 miles from each other and are separated by Gulf State Park.
Who owns Rick shores? ›Embracing the Gold Coast's relaxed atmosphere to a tee, co-owner David Flynn's mission was to make everyone feel welcome, whether they're in a three-piece suit or boardies and a t-shirt.
WHO OWNS Lunas Orange Beach? ›ORANGE BEACH, AL – Local restaurant owners, Brian and Jodi Harsany, have opened two new restaurants and an event center in Orange Beach.
Who owns Cosmos Orange Beach? ›
Jodi & Brian Harsany of Cosmo's Restaurant & Bar. Orange Beach, AL - (OBA®) - Brian and Jodi Harsany have built a solid reputation for community involvement in more than 20 years of being in the restaurant business in Orange Beach.
What sandwich is Alabama known for? ›Alabama: BBQ Chicken Sandwich with White Sauce.
What dessert is Alabama known for? ›The Lane cake, invented in Alabama in 1898 and made famous in "To Kill a Mockingbird," was named the official state dessert of Alabama in May.
What is Alabama signature food? ›Alabama is known for its barbecue, like many southern states, and even has it's own unique White BBQ Sauce. But it's also well-known for many other southern and soul food favorites like Fried Green Tomatoes, Classic Southern Smothered Pork Chops, Collard Greens, Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, and Tomato Pie.
What is the number 2 attraction in Alabama? ›2. USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. The star attraction of the Memorial Park in Mobile is the 1942 USS Alabama Battleship docked along the waterfront.
Which beach has the clearest water in Alabama? ›Alabama is well known for its beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. Fort Morgan Beach is a hidden beach with the clearest water in Alabama.
What beach in Alabama has blue water? ›Gulf State Park: The Beach In Alabama With Mesmerizing Blue Water.
What is the cheapest month to go to Gulf Shores Alabama? ›For the absolute best money-saving summer prices, the best time to visit Gulf Shores or Orange beach is: Early June, after the Memorial Day holiday. Before or after the big Fourth of July holiday weekend. Practically anytime in August, usually after the first week of the month.
What month is hurricane season in Gulf Shores? ›Hurricane season is June 1st through November 30th. Peak of hurricane season occurs in August and Septem- ber for interior southeast Mississippi, southwest Alabama and the western Florida panhandle.
What is the rainiest month in Gulf Shores Alabama? ›The month with the most wet days in Gulf Shores is July, with an average of 17.3 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The drier season lasts 9.2 months, from September 5 to June 12.
Is there a curfew at Orange Beach? ›
...
Top City Requests.
| Beach Weddings | Marriage Licenses | Drone Use |
|---|---|---|
| Toll Cards | Hurricane Decals | Trash and Recycling |
The smoke-free public beach in Alabama is part of an ordinance that also bans pets, fireworks, alcoholic beverages, open fires, drones, and laser pointers. The ordinance makes exceptions for service animals.
How deep is the ocean at Orange Beach? ›Depths in the inlet range from nine to 17 feet, with the west (port on entry) side of the inlet holding the best depths as a long shoal extends west into the inlet near the east jetty (this shoal appears in the lighter water above).
Is Orange Beach of Alabama an actual ocean? ›Orange Beach is located along the Gulf of Mexico, and is the easternmost community on Alabama's Gulf Coast, with Florida's Perdido Key bordering it to the east.
Is Orange Beach water clear? ›CLEAR, BLUE, WARM WATERS.
What do you wear to Rick Shores? ›Rick Shores has a smart casual dress code- having said that, we are right on the beach, and thongs are permitted! Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times, including patio dining.
What was Rick Shores called before? ›The space previously occupied by Meesh's on the beach in Burleigh Heads has been transformed into Rick Shores, a modern Asian fusion restaurant with a colonial twist. The trendy eatery is from the team behind Brisbane's popular LONgTIME restaurant.
What is a Rick Shores bug roll? ›Rick Shores bug roll
“The secret of these rolls is that you get the sweetness of the bug twice – once chopped up in the special bug mayo, and again as a whole tail deep-fried in beer batter,” says chef James Brady, who has been known to make up to 300 rolls a day. INGREDIENTS. 4 brioche buns.
In keeping with their tradition, Brian and Jodi Harsany have once again brought their unique culinary flair to Orange Beach. GTs On The Bay is a diverse and one-of-kind blend of local dishes and soon-to-be favorites. Definitely an unforgettable dining experience focusing on friends, family and food.
Who owns Valentina Encinitas? ›For Mario and Morgan Guerra, those dishes are translated on the menu at Valentina, the cozy Leucadia eatery named for their three-year-old daughter.
Are drinks free at Cosmo? ›
Enjoy a tipple with your meal or quench your thirst with free refills of your favourite soft drinks. To cap things off nicely, there's freshly brewed tea, coffee or indulgent hot chocolate.
How much does cosmos high cost? ›| 7d Low / 7d High | $8.77 / $10.39 |
|---|---|
| 90d Low / 90d High | $8.77 / $16.92 |
| 52 Week Low / 52 Week High | $5.59 / $44.52 |
| All Time High Sep 20, 2021 (a year ago) | $44.70 78.13% |
| All Time Low Mar 13, 2020 (3 years ago) | $1.13 764.22% |
We no longer have a STRICT dress code, but HIGHLY recommend dressing for the a nice night out.
What is the traditional food in Alabama? ›Alabama is known for its barbecue, like many southern states, and even has it's own unique White BBQ Sauce. But it's also well-known for many other southern and soul food favorites like Fried Green Tomatoes, Classic Southern Smothered Pork Chops, Collard Greens, Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, and Tomato Pie.
What is Alabama State Food? ›| State | Food type | Food name |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | State fruit | Blackberry |
| State tree fruit | Peach | |
| State dessert | Lane cake | |
| State vegetable | Sweet potato |
The area is known for its fishing charters, with both backwater fishing and blue-water fishing options available. In Gulf Shores, you can catch marlin, bluefish, flounder, grouper, Spanish mackerel, red snappers, and so much more. No matter what time of year you visit, it's fishing season.
What seafood is Alabama known for? ›Over the years, the area has become famous for its high-quality shrimp, crab, oysters and fish.
What should I bring home from Alabama? ›- Server from Civil Stoneware. ...
- Cheer Candle from Great Bear Wax Company. ...
- Plants from Botanica. ...
- Candy Dish from Orbix Hot Glass. ...
- Heart of Dixie Alabama Ornament from Prodigal Pottery. ...
- Love My State Hand Towel from Coast & Cotton. ...
- Gift Box from Wickles Pickles. ...
- Spirits from John Emerald Distilling Company.
If you've never heard of Lane cake, this delicious dessert is a bourbon layer cake with a unique filling that includes pecans, coconut, and raisins. Lane cake was named the official state dessert of Alabama in 2016, and it got a shout-out in the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
What candy is Alabama known for? ›ALABAMA: Divinity candy
Divinity is a well-known Southern confection made with sugar, corn syrup, and egg whites.
Is food cheaper in Alabama? ›
Alabama's grocery and food costs are fairly cheap when compared to the rest of the nation; this is fairly typical of Southeastern states in general, with the exception of Virginia and North Carolina where groceries costs are above the national average.
Are sharks common in Gulf Shores Alabama? ›(WKRG) — When you step into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, you're stepping into the home of thousands of marine species, including Bull sharks. Beachgoers have always known this, and sharks are frequently sighted all along the Gulf Coast, including this recent hammerhead shark sighting in Orange Beach, Ala.
What is peak season in Gulf Shores? ›How are the Crowds? During the summer months, visitors can expect larger crowds enjoying the beach and other favorite attractions. Popular vacation times during the summer months include Hangout Fest week, Memorial Day week, and the 4th of July holiday week, just to name a few.
What is the most common fish in Alabama? ›There are a few types of Seatrout, our most abundant fish, that live along Alabama's Gulf Coast. If it's on the menu, that's either the Silver Seatrout or the Sand Seatrout (often called White Trout), with thick, white filets and a taste similar to any freshwater Trout.
What is the biggest fish in Alabama? ›| SPECIES | WEIGHT | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Catfish, Flathead | 80 lbs | Alabama River, Selma |
| Catfish, White | 10 lbs 5 oz | Chambers Co. Public Lake |
| Crappie, Black (tie) | 4 lbs 5 oz 4 lbs 5 oz 4 lbs 4 oz | Fort Payne Res. Jefferson Co. pond Paint Creek |
| Crappie, White | 4 lbs 9 oz 4 lbs 8 oz | Lake Martin, Tallapoosa Co. Guntersville Reservoir |
Amberjack, red drum, grouper, sheepshead and so much more are caught and served fresh throughout the year. In March and April, bluefish, cobia, flounder, black drum, kingfish, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, pompano and sea trout all start biting.