Best Restaurants in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key & Pensacola

Fresh Gulf seafood, waterfront views, live music, and plenty of Southern charm — dining on the Gulf Coast is a treat for every palate.

No matter if you vacation in the Rockies or the Smokies, the calm shores of the Carolinas, or right here in Florida, one thing is true of any getaway: sampling the local food is always part of the adventure.

And that's especially true along the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Florida. From laid-back beach bars to upscale dining rooms with water views, the region is home to an exciting array of restaurants. 

Here's a quick taste of what's ahead:

1. Relax beachside at Sassy Bass Island Grill in Fort Morgan.
   
2. Dive into local favorites at Tacky Jack's and enjoy karaoke nights by the marina.
   
3. Start your day or brunch in style at Kiva Grill.
   
4. Taste tradition at Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores.
5. Step back in time at Sunliner Diner for 1950s nostalgia.
6. Savor sunsets and live music at Oso at Bear Point Marina in Orange Beach.
7. Join the fun at the legendary Flora-Bama on the state line.
8. Try deli favorites with Southern flair at Hub Stacey's in Perdido Key.
9. Discover rustic charm and fine seafood at Fisherman's Corner.
10. Satisfy your taco cravings at Taqueria El Asador in Pensacola.
11. Experience hearty Irish classics and live tunes at McGuire's Irish Pub.

At Luxury Coastal Vacations, we offer a wide range of rental options along the Gulf Coast. As experts in Perdido Key, Pensacola, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores, our destination blog covers everything from top pet-friendly spots and kid-friendly activities to must-try restaurants, local distilleries and breweries, and tips for the perfect beach day.

Planning your trip? This guide highlights some of the best restaurants in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and Pensacola — so you can plan your culinary journey with ease.

Top Restaurants in Fort Morgan

1. SASSY BASS ISLAND GRILL

Casual beachside dining with big portions and fresh flavor.

Sassy Bass Island Grill is a welcoming Fort Morgan favorite that combines ocean breezes with freshly cooked meals. Guests love the open-kitchen design and beach views that make every meal feel like part of the vacation.

Breakfasts are hearty, lunches are full of fresh salads and sandwiches, and dinners feature creative seafood dishes. The signature po' boys — stuffed with shrimp, oysters, or fish — capture the essence of Gulf Coast dining. Whether you're fueling up for the day or winding down after sunset, this spot never disappoints.

Highlights

• Open kitchen and beach views create a relaxed setting.
• Generous portions and freshly cooked meals.
• Signature po' boys with customizable seafood fillings.
• Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

2. TACKY JACK'S

Waterfront dining with karaoke nights and a family-friendly vibe.

Tacky Jack's sits right on the water, offering a front-row seat to marina life along with a fun, casual atmosphere. The menu covers everything from po' boys and salads to Gulf seafood favorites, making it easy for groups and families to find something they love. On weekends, it's a lively hangout with karaoke at Jack's Bar, where locals and visitors alike take the stage. Expect to wait during busy times — but the mix of fresh food, great views, and good energy is worth it.

Highlights

• Scenic marina views and casual outdoor seating.
• Popular po' boys and fresh seafood dishes.
• Karaoke nights add entertainment for groups.
• Locations also in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

3. KIVA GRILL

Brunch favorites with golf course views.

Inside the Kiva Dunes Resort, Kiva Grill delivers relaxed sophistication. It's equally beloved for weekend brunches as it is for weekday seafood specials. Mornings start with Southern classics and fresh coffee from their beverage bar, while evenings feature creative dishes built around local catch. The wraparound porch overlooking the golf course makes it a serene setting to linger with friends or family. Add in attentive staff and a versatile menu, and you'll see why locals return often.

Highlights

• Famous brunch and wide menu for all tastes.
• Seafood specials highlight local flavors.
• Spacious porch dining with golf course views.
• Coffee and beverage bar for mornings or afternoons.
  
  

Top Restaurants in Gulf Shores

4. ORIGINAL OYSTER HOUSE

A Gulf Shores institution with Southern hospitality.

Since 1983, the Original Oyster House has been a cornerstone of Gulf Shores dining. Families, locals, and visitors all gather here for its generous seafood platters, award-winning gumbo, and famously indulgent Peanut Butter Pie. The laid-back setting is perfect for groups, and the salad bar adds a lighter option to balance the hearty menu. If you want to taste tradition with a side of Southern charm, this is your stop.

Highlights

• Family-friendly restaurant open since 1983.
• Diverse oyster selections and fresh seafood.
• Award-winning gumbo and Southern specialties.
• Must-try dessert: Peanut Butter Pie.
  
  

5. SUNLINER DINER

Step back to the 1950s for hearty diner classics.

Walking into the Sunliner Diner feels like stepping into a time capsule. The retro décor, classic jukebox soundtrack, and vintage cars out front set the stage for plates piled high with comfort food. Think steak and eggs, tuna melts, strawberry sundaes, and milkshakes big enough to share. Affordable prices and quick service keep it practical, while the atmosphere makes it playful and memorable for all ages.

Highlights

• Retro 1950s décor and rock-and-roll soundtrack.
• Hearty meals like steak & eggs and tuna melts.
• Desserts including strawberry sundaes and key lime pie.
• Fun, affordable family dining.

Top Restaurants in Orange Beach

6. OSO AT BEAR POINT MARINA

Waterfront dining with live music and sunset views.

Oso at Bear Point Marina balances a lively atmosphere with relaxed waterfront dining. Guests can choose a cozy indoor table or sit outside to watch boats drift in with the sunset. The menu is wide-ranging, with standout gumbo, fish tacos, salads, and their signature Papa Oso cocktail. With vegetarian and kids' options, plus live music from local artists, Oso offers something for everyone — from breakfast through late-night fun.

Highlights

• Marina views and vibrant outdoor seating.
• Live local music for a festive atmosphere.
• Wide menu with seafood, tacos, and salads.
• Breakfast served daily for early risers.
  
  

Top Restaurants in Perdido Key

7. THE FLORA-BAMA

The world-famous beach bar with live music every night.

The Flora-Bama is as much a cultural landmark as it is a restaurant. Straddling the Florida-Alabama line, this rustic roadhouse is beloved for its oysters, tacos, and shrimp, all served with beach views and live music nightly. Guests browse its quirky gift shop, sip cocktails, and soak in the atmosphere that has made it famous since 1964. For many, no Gulf Coast trip feels complete without stopping here.

Highlights

• Legendary Gulf Coast beach bar since 1964.
• Fresh oysters, shrimp, and tacos.
• Daily live music from regional and national acts.
• Famous host of the "Interstate Mullet Toss."
  
  

8. HUB STACEY'S

Southern charm and the Gulf's best sandwiches.

Hub Stacey's is all about relaxed dining and good conversation. Tucked beneath oaks and magnolias, the wooden building and deck create a shady retreat for enjoying towering sandwiches, burgers, and fried specialties. Each sandwich comes with chips or potato salad, and locals rave about "The Gulf" and "The Galvez." A fun tradition? Sign a dollar bill and tack it to the wall — it's part of the restaurant's quirky personality.

Highlights

• Deli-style sandwiches with local favorites.
• Relaxed wooden building surrounded by trees.
• Burgers, fried dishes, and homemade chicken salad.
• Signed dollar bills add to the quirky charm.
  
  

9. FISHERMAN'S CORNER

Rustic setting, refined seafood.

At Fisherman's Corner, rustic meets refined. The restaurant occupies an old bait shop but offers a polished experience inside, with attentive service and a thoughtful wine list. Generous portions of Gulf seafood and Cajun-inspired dishes like crawfish étouffée make it a foodie's favorite. Steaks and pork chops round out the menu, making it ideal for groups who want variety without losing that coastal flavor.

Highlights

• Unique "diamond in the rough" location.
• Signature seafood dishes with Cajun influences.
• Generous portions and daily chef specials.
• Strong wine selection and friendly staff.
  
  

Top Restaurants in Pensacola

10. TAQUERIA EL ASADOR

Authentic Mexican flavors at a local favorite.

Taqueria El Asador proves that great food doesn't need a fancy setting. This family-run trailer behind a gas station has earned national acclaim for its authentic Mexican dishes. Tacos, burritos, and homemade salsas keep locals and visitors lining up. Service is warm and fast, and the prices make it easy to return again and again. Watching the chefs at work adds to the fun of this hidden gem.

Highlights

• Listed among the 50 Best Taco Joints in America.
• Authentic Mexican tacos, burritos, and sides.
• Family-owned with fast, friendly service.
• Budget-friendly and casual atmosphere.
  
  

11. MCGUIRE'S IRISH PUB

Award-winning steakhouse with an Irish twist.

McGuire's Irish Pub is one of Pensacola's most storied restaurants. Housed in a 1927 firehouse, it feels like an Irish saloon with dollar bills covering the walls and house-brewed beer flowing from oak casks. The menu ranges from hearty Irish lamb stew to premium steaks and pasta, and live music fills the air most nights. For many visitors, a trip to Pensacola isn't complete without a pint and a meal at McGuire's.

Highlights

• Authentic Irish pub atmosphere with live music.
• Menu standouts: Irish Stew, Boxtys, Cockles & Mussels.
• Famous house-brewed beers and cocktails.
• Over a million signed dollar bills decorating the walls.
  
  

Quick-Scan Table: Top Gulf Coast Restaurants

While you're on the Gulf Coast, stay in style

Looking for an extra idea to make the most of your vacation on the Gulf Coast? Book your stay with Luxury Coastal Vacations. We offer the finest selection of luxury rentals on the Gulf Coast, spanning Alabama and Florida.

When you choose to stay in one of our homes or condos, you can expect a 5-star experience that you'll cherish forever. Browse through our options and discover what awaits you on the beautiful Gulf Coast.