It should come as no surprise that seafood is the main ingredient many PCB menus are built around. Whether it's chargrilled grouper, Apalachicola oysters or Gulf shrimp stuffed with blue crab, you'll have your pick of delicious sea creatures to choose from. And you don't even have to go to a restaurant to enjoy the city's bounty: some of the best eateries are actually seafood markets that steam and season their freshest catches right in front of you. Anderson Seafood Market and Buddy's Seafood Market both come recommended by recent visitors.

If you're looking for a more formal environment, Saltwater Grill (which boasts a 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium inside the restaurant) and Capt. Anderson's Restaurant & Waterfront Market both received high marks from recent diners. Firefly is another local and traveler favorite thanks to its unique setting: the restaurant is arranged around a giant lit-up oak tree.

You'll also find plenty of casual beachfront eateries (try Schnoors or Sharky's). Though they cater mainly to tourists, it's hard to deny their prime locations, especially if you want to catch a classic Panama City Beach sunset.