Orange Beach is a charming city located on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. One of its central claims to popularity is being a significant hub for aquatic activities and its wide assortment of culinary fares.
It is one of the best places to go, whether aiming for a fun and memorable beach trip or would like to enjoy sumptuous meals from different restaurants across the city.
Families and groups of friends will indeed have fun exploring the coastal city of Orange Beach, from culinary festivals by the Gulf to fantastic live music to outdoor adventures and sports tournaments!
One of the highlights of Orange Beach’s food scene is its fresh and mouthwatering seafood meals. The city has various must-visit restaurants serving diverse culinary offerings, from traditional Asian cuisine to classic American dishes.
Fresh oysters, luscious shrimp, and well-cooked fish are just some of the options available, making Orange Beach a paradise for seafood enthusiasts!
To help you plan your next food trip, here is a list of the best seafood restaurants in Orange Beach you shouldn’t miss!
Top 5 Orange Beach Seafood Restaurants You Can't-Miss
Wolf Bay Restaurant is a long-time local favorite in Orange Beach, serving fresh fish meals and sandwiches and offering a salad bar.
The restaurant has been a staple in the city for generations, made possible by its reputation for offering delicious, high-quality dishes, all served in a cozy and welcoming setting.
Wolf Bay Restaurant uses locally caught seafood in all its dishes, proving its dedication to using only the best and fresh ingredients.
Enjoy a hearty lunch while relaxing amidst the stunning views of Orange Beach at Wolf Bay Restaurant today with your friends or loved ones!
Must-Try:
- Captain’s Platter – Stuffed crab, grouper, scallops, Gulf shrimp, and lobster tail broiled to perfection.
- Stuffed Shrimp – Fried or grilled Gulf shrimp stuffed with homemade seafood filling.
- Signature Shrimp and Grits – Smoked Gouda grit cake with WB three cheese mornay sauce, sautéed shrimp, scallions & diced tomatoes.
Reviews:
“Great seafood. The cocktail sauce was delicious. We also had create your own platter and Captains Platter. Very good food! Our server was attentive and took good care of us. We will eat here again when in this area!” – Doug Allen
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 24131 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States
- Price Range: $10 - $40
- Click here to check out their menu!
If you want a great coastal retreat with your closest friends and family, go no farther than The Gulf at Orange Beach! It is a stunning beachfront restaurant with a stylish but relaxed vibe that helps guests feel at home.
The Gulf’s refined rustic cuisine, with its seasonal menus and emphasis on fresh local ingredients, has made it a popular tourist destination in Orange Beach.
The restaurant’s recycled and reused building materials contribute to its one-of-a-kind aesthetic and eco-friendly vibe.
Dinners can enjoy a pleasant experience thanks to the perfect storm of breathtaking beach scenery, delectable food, and friendly service at The Gulf!
Must-Try:
- Tuna Poke Bowl – Sushi-grade tuna, Heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, pineapples, and seaweed on sushi rice with spicy mayo and ponzu sauce made in-house.
- Swordfish Reuben – Toasted Rye bread topped with blackened swordfish from the Gulf, Swiss cheese, and homemade 1000-island dressing. Complemented with a helping of our freshly cut French fries.
- Lobster & Shrimp Roll – Lemon Aioli, Fresh Chives, and Celery are added to Fresh Lobster and Gulf Shrimp. Fresh-cut fries and a Split Top Brioche Roll are included in the meal.
Reviews:
“I absolutely love The Gulf! It is a beautifully decorated place that is located right along the beach and is very spacious. The service was great, and our food was prepared efficiently and tasted amazing. The Gulf Burger and Loaded Fries might be the best burger and fries I’ve ever had from a restaurant. On top of it all, it is quite reasonably priced! I would definitely recommend The Gulf to anyone in the area!” – Kirian O’Dell
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 27500 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States
- Price Range: $10 - $75
- Click here to check out their menu!
Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar has been a popular food hub for decades, offering seafood staples in a rustic setting.
Famous for its fried shrimp, this restaurant also offers seafood platters, gumbo, oysters on the half shell, fish, and much more.
Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar, with its lovely setting on the shore, is a wonderful choice for seafood lovers. The freshness and care shown in preparing each dish this restaurant offers make it a must for seafood connoisseurs traveling to Orange Beach.
Must-Try:
- Shrimp Salad – Fresh shrimp served on top of our mixed salad greens.
- Super Seafood Platter – A platter of Shrimp, Oysters, Stuffed Crab, Fish Fillet, Creamy Cole Slaw, and Hushpuppies. With a free cup of Gumbo when served.
Reviews:
“A+. A must go to if your in the area every fried to perfection with just the right amount of batter. It’s rare I never complain about the quality and the taste. Today no complaints the service was second to none and the atmosphere was just what you would expect from a little drive seafood bar and grill. My only complaint is I wish I would have received more for my buck. Besides that it’s a must go if your wanting good seafood. Thanks.” – Justin Cotten
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 26029 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- Price Range: $10 - $40
- Click here to check out their menu!
Live Bait Restaurant is a casual diner known for its seafood nachos and other authentic fare. It is a hippy hangout in Orange Beach, where residents and tourists can come to unwind with great food, refreshing drinks, and good company.
The finest seafood, hand-cut USDA-certified steaks, tasty pasta, crisp salads, and mouthwatering sandwiches are just a few items on their extensive menu.
They also have a kid’s menu, unique treats for the whole family, and regular lunch and dinner specials. Live Bait Restaurant is a great spot to take the family for a nice meal because of the warm ambiance and friendly service.
A meal at Live Bait wouldn’t be complete without trying one of their delicious sweets, so be sure to check it out!
Must-Try:
- Firecracker Shrimp – Firecracker Shrimp is a flavorful dish with shrimp, sweet chili garlic sauce, lemon juice, honey, Sriracha, ginger, and salt.
- Fried Catfish – A classic Southern meal that is often accompanied by buttermilk hush puppies and buttermilk coleslaw.
- Chargrilled Oysters – A great appetizer, oysters roasted over charcoal have a salty, cheesy, peppery flavor.
Reviews:
“We just stopped for a snack. I have a half dozen oysters and they were huge! Wife had a salad. We did not check out the club or the outdoor section. The staff was very attentive and our food was delicious. Beer selection was decent and cold” – Scott Honeycutt
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 24281 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States
- Price Range: $10 - $30
- Click here to check out their menu!
Cobalt, The Restaurant is a popular seafood outlet in Orange Beach with happy hour specials and boat docks for sea travelers. There are three distinct kitchens where famous chefs create authentic delicacies.
Every seat is located adjacent to the Caribe Resort and just under the Perdido Bay Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding water.
Everything from luscious lobster and shrimp to delectable oysters and crab is available, which will surely satisfy your seafood cravings!
In addition to the savory food and breathtaking waterfront views, guests may also enjoy a diverse selection of expertly made drinks and superb wines. Better try them when you’re in town!
Must-Try:
- Pecan Fried Catfish – Filet from a local Alabama farm served with dill tartar with a side of tasso ham, sweet corn, and black-eyed pea succotash.
- Blackened Redfish – Jambalaya, grilled asparagus, and hollandaise sauce made with Louisiana hot sauce.
- Yellowfin Tuna – Seared rare and seasoned with peppercorns and coriander. Louisiana Hot Sauce hollandaise and chef’s Worcestershire sauce on the classic dish of Hoppin’ John.
Reviews:
“Wow! We had a lovely lunch at the Cobalt yesterday! Everyone loved their meals! The waiters were friendly and efficient! Great service the whole time! I also took home a wonderful box of a variety of dessert s from their showcase! I get to nibble on something sweet every day! Yay! We can’t wait to go back and we’re looking forward to the cooler Temps, so we can dine outside, under the stars, and enjoy the live music! Yay! Cobalt is an absolutely beautiful restaurant with a gorgeous view! Stunning 😍” – Debra Greene
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 28099 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL 36561, United States
- Price Range: $10 - $40
- Click here to check out their menu!
Why Seafood Here is Unique
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A common refrain heard about Orange Beach was, “Why would I want to visit Orange Beach just for its seafood cuisine?”
Each Orange Beach seafood restaurant has earned a stellar reputation because of its extensive offering of high-quality meals curated by expert chefs and served by the hospitable staff.
This city has a thriving culinary scene with a broad selection of restaurants to choose from. The quality, preparation, and presentation of seafood meals set Orange Beach apart from other neighboring cities.
Orange Beach has various restaurants to suit every taste, from casual seaside fare to fine dining. The city’s dedication to delivering world-class eating opportunities is on full display in its restaurants, which provide everything from fresh catches of the day to inventive seafood concoctions.
The city stands out as one of the best places to go for seafood lovers because of its convenient location and breathtaking coastline scenery.
Orange Beach’s chefs are also recognized for putting creative spins on classic seafood dishes, leaving diners with lasting memories of their meals every single time!
But the city offers more than just seafood to its visitors. There are also many other delicious alternatives, especially for individuals with dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Not only the cuisine makes these restaurants so popular among foodies; the friendly and inviting ambiance also draws customers in!
Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience for two or a laid-back seafood joint for the whole family, Orange Beach has you covered. Having your meal in a restaurant with a view of the ocean or right on the beach will surely be an experience you will remember for a long time.
Seafood Dishes to Try in Orange Beach
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Seafood Gumbo
Seafood Gumbo is a classic Southern American cuisine. Seafood like shrimp, crab, and even fish are common ingredients, along with vegetables like celery, bell peppers, and onions for taste.
Okra or filé powder is used to thicken the soup or stew and offer a distinctive flavor that elevates the overall appeal of the meal.
Over a steaming white rice, the flavors of Seafood Gumbo may really come together and shine. The dish is often served on special occasions or as a warm and soothing supper on a cold day.
Are you interested in trying this dish? Head over to Wolf Bay Restaurant in Orange Beach and check out their famous Seafood Gumbo!
Snow Crab Legs
Snow crabs are highly sought after for their crab legs owing to their soft and flavorful flesh. These have the benefit of having more meat on the bones compared to Dungeness crabs, which are sweeter.
In addition, the legs of a snow crab are often longer than those of other crabs, perfect for crab lovers! Snowy white diamonds are a delectable treat because of their sweet and subtle taste.
Curious about experiencing this dish? Visit Cotton’s Restaurant and explore their renowned Snow Crab Legs!
Tacky Shrimp
Tacky Shrimp is a flavorful dish simmered for hours in a unique blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings to produce a deliciously spicy broth. This dish is commonly dunked and served with French bread.
The shrimp are cooked perfectly, becoming delicate and luscious as they soak up the savory liquid. With each delicious taste, you’ll be whisked away to a tropical paradise thanks to the flavorful broth and crispy French bread.
Tacky Shrimp is a specialty dish popular at Tacky Jack.
Wrap Up
Visitors to Orange Beach certainly should take advantage of the opportunity to dine at one of the city’s many seafood establishments.
The city takes great pride in its mouthwatering seafood offerings, made with fresh ingredients supplied by the nearby Gulf.
Restaurants in Orange Beach have also become one of the many reasons many people are moving to the city. So if you are interested in your housing options, contact our team today!
We can help you explore the extensive real estate market of Orange Beach by offering expert guidance from our professional realtors, all while providing a seamless experience for you and your family!
Your journey to finding your ideal property in Orange Beach starts with us! Call us now at 251.543.6094 or message us at bruce@inlandbayrealty.com to be one step closer to your new home!
You can also reach us through our social media channels below:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, vegetarian or vegan options are available in several restaurants in Orange Beach, including Niki’s Seafood & Thai.
Are there options for kids?
Yes, kid meals are on the menu in various restaurants in the city, such as Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar.
How fresh is the seafood in Orange Beach restaurants?
Most restaurants in Orange Beach are located close to the gulfs and waterfront, allowing them to access and serve fresh seafood ingredients.
Can I book in advance?
Yes, many restaurants in Orange Beach offer reservations for their customers, including The Gulf – Orange Beach and Fisher’s Upstairs at Orange Beach Marina.
What's the best time to visit these restaurants?
When visiting restaurants, the best time to go depends on what customers are looking for. Different restaurants thrive at other times of the day, ensuring that there is always a perfect dining experience for everyone, no matter when they choose to visit with their loved ones.