Food lovers, bookmark this list of the best places to eat in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama! These areas are not just scenic havens with white-sand beaches and stunning sunsets; they are also home to a smorgasbord of dining experiences that will have your taste buds on a tantalizing rollercoaster.
Read on as I reveal my list of best places to eat in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, where your palate can partake in the freshest Gulf seafood and much more.
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Another Broken Egg Cafe
Kick off your day with a kaleidoscope of breakfast choices at Another Broken Egg Cafe. It’s not just a morning routine – it’s a plateful of pleasure! Devour cinnamon roll French toast that melts in your mouth or a flight of pancakes that whisk your senses away.
For something heartier, the Benedict with country-fried steak drenched in red-eye gravy is an epicurean delight!
Brick & Spoon
Brick & Spoonis your trendy go-to for a New Orleans-style brunch that lasts until 2 PM daily. Savor their Bananas in Pajamas – bananas cozily wrapped in egg roll wrappers and smothered in Foster sauce – a blissful start to your day!
Another tasty savory option is the signature Killer Creole Omelet loaded with succulence from the Gulf, Tasso ham, peppers, and house-made hollandaise. Brick & Spoon offers 50+ options to customize your own Bloody Mary.
Looking forunique things to do on the Alabama Gulf Coast? We’ve got a few cool ones in this post.
BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets
Buzz over toBuzzCatzfor a breakfast that’s as scrumptious as affordable. You’ve got to try the Buzz Bowl, which is tasty and filling, but the pecan praline cinnamon roll is hard to say no to.
If a whimsical and colorful spot is what you’re after, BuzzCatz again scores for your midday meal with salads, wraps, and specialties. They pride themselves on made-from-scratch goodies that turn a regular meal into a heart-full delight.
Coast
Visit The Beach Club Resort & Spa to dine at Coast, a family-friendly restaurant serving the finest seafood with the finest views.
Begin your culinary journey with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, a dish that led Coast to win the prestigious 2024 “Best of Baldwin” award. Their menu also boasts other standout dishes such as the Blackened Chicken Alfredo, Dry Aged Rib Eye, Crab Crusted Redfish, and Snow Crab Legs—just to name a few!
CoastAL Orange Beach
Stroll intoCoastAL Orange Beach, where the waterfront views will have you swooning before the menu even arrives. Local seafood and chef-inspired dishes take center stage, offering seasonal favorites and sweet endings to your meal.
Don’t pass up their savory Gulf Coast Blue Crab Dip—a local delicacy—and Island Grouper Bites with a pina colada dipping sauce. Mmm, mmm, good!
Cobalt
This one’s a keeper for those who enjoy a picturesque sunset to accompany their seafood.Cobalt, nestled in the Caribe Resort, is a dream for anyone who enjoys a varied menu. My favorite dish has to be the Avocado Stack, which made my mouth water with its perfect alliance of tuna and balsamic, all perched on a crispy wonton.
And if you’re craving a beach co*cktail, Cobalt’s Bushwhacker here is the tropical icing on your beach day.
Cosmo’s Restaurant and Bar
Cosmo’sinventiveness with seafood, pasta, and steak will have you snapping pics before taking a bite. Grab a seat at happy hour and sip on their drink specials, but don’t stop there. Cosmo’s Savory Cheesecake—with blue crab and apple—smoked bacon—is a harmony of flavors demanding an encore.
For dinner, the Chicken Roulade is a symphony over parmesan risotto with. a sage/leek cream sauce, and their Filet Mignon dances perfectly with garlic and smoked bacon grits.
And don’t forget about the Banana Leaf-wrapped Sea Bass, named one of the “100 Things to Eat in Alabama Before You Die” by The Year of Alabama Food.
DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen
DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen’s award wall is full of plaques testifying to its food’s deliciousness. Those plaques are telling the truth. If you leave DeSoto’s hungry, it’s your fault. The large portions will stuff you to the gills.
Start your meal with Southern crab cakes, alligator bites, or the hush puppy basket. The hush puppies are crunchy outside and tender inside, never soggy.I recommend the pecan-encrusted fish entree, made with the catch of the day. Ask for triggerfish. Its sweet taste is like crab meat with a buttery feel. The fish gives the pecan crust a sweet cream taste.
The key lime pie is precisely the right distance between sweet and sour. The co*cktails come in take-home drinkware with a sea turtle on top.
Thanks to Roxie Yonkey of Roxie on the Road for this review and photo.
Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar
Since 1984, Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar has been delighting folks with their locally sourced oysters – try them raw or baked for an authentic taste of the sea. Their homestyle fried seafood platters with crinkle fries and slaw are legendary, paired perfectly with a Southern sweet tea.
Oh, and the key lime pie? Simply divine!
Doc’s was voted TOP 10 Seafood Shacks In America by Fox News.
Flora-Bama Yacht Club
The Flora-Bama Yacht Club is where chill vibes meet culinary creativity. With its seaside charm in Perdido Key, this iconic staple’s menu sings with dishes like Greek Shrimp Nachos (olives and feta with a spinach-feta cream sauce) and Firecracker Coconut Shrimp. The sweet chili glaze will have you floating in a sea of happiness.
Foodcraft at Gulf State Park
Within the tranquil surrounds of Gulf State Park, two standouts promise an unforgettable dining experience.Foodcraftat The Lodge (a Hilton Hotel) plates up delectable dishes from dawn to dusk.
Here, the morning shines with the Banana Bread French Toast, a heavenly concoction o sliced bananas, savory pecans, and a generous drizzle of bourbon-maple syrup. Come dinner, the Honey Goat Cheese steals the spotlight, while their Spiced Apple Crisp is a sweet finale you can’t miss.
The Hangout
The Hangout is a must-see destination when visiting Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Overlooking the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, this restaurant offers a nostalgic yet trendy atmosphere with oodles of cool retro collections to admire.
The menu contains chef-inspired inventions, juicy burgers, and seafood dishes; it is the perfect spot to enjoy a culinary adventure. Share the Fried Pickles and Chicken Nachos with the table, and for your main course, consider the Ultimate Seafood Boil or Alabama Cobb Salad.
Hurricane Grill & Wings
Cozy up atHurricane Grill & Wingsfor a laid-back ambiance ideal for noshing on mouthwatering wings, tacos, and bowls. Hurricane Grill & Wings offers 30+ flavors of bone-in or boneless wings. Add a side of the irresistible garlic parm broccoli –the best side!
Check out the happy hour specials for more drinks and cheaper prices.
LuLu’s Gulf Shores
Make your way toLuLu’sfor that idyllic vacation vibe. The waterfront view teems with nonstop family fun. This spot makes everyone feel included with its commitment to catering to all diet preferences and special menus.
The Crab Nachos and Shrimp and Grits are dishes you’ll reminisce about long after you leave, though many people come for the massive selection of co*cktails, live music, and outdoor fun. You can even arrive by boat!
Luna’s Eat and Drink
Grab a table atLuna’sfor epic coastal dishes and original menu creations. They’ve got a knack for Southern-style delicacies that’ll have you returning repeatedly, or at least I do. Start your dining experience with the Beer Cheese Dip (soft pretzel bites) and the game-changing Pimento Hushpuppies.
Pair the Nashville Hot Chicken with buttered cornbread, and don’t miss their famous Bushwackers—it’s the stuff of local legend.
Old Oyster House
Old Oyster House is a cozy tavern serving Southern-style seafood delights. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience complete with a must-visit gift shop. The daily fresh salad bar is a testament to their commitment to freshness.
Old Oyster House’s Boudreaux’s Favorite echoes with local flavors, a blackened whitefish festooned with Tasso and smothered in Conecuh sausage cream sauce. And for dessert? Indulge in their decadent key lime pie or chocolate chip peanut butter pie!
Picnic Beach Bar & Grill
Picnic Beach Bar & Grill is the trendy new counter-serve eatery in Gulf Shores with a fun vibe. Their offerings include tasty sharables and bowls (Mediterranean, Caribbean, Tuna Poke, Vegan) vibrant with flavor—which you can enjoy indoors or out. Bring Fido along for the inviting outdoor patio.
Though the ambiance shines brighter than the taste of the food, it’s a spot worth visiting for an afternoon chill.
Ristorante Carmelo
Ristorante Carmelo is the new Italian darling on the block, showcasing pasta dishes that’ll make your heart sing and steaks that satisfy your inner carnivore. Their calamari? It’s fresher than a sea breeze!
And that lovely layered lemon ricotta cake for dessert—Bellissimo! The main courses include incredible pasta dishes, many of which are vegetarian.
Ruby Slipper Cafe
If you’re a breakfast aficionado or lunchtime legend, stop atRuby Slipper. The wait may test your patience, but the trifecta of Eggs Benedict selections will reward you threefold. Featured on this jaw-dropping dish are single portions of the Eggs Cochon (apple-braised pork), Shrimp Boogaloo (think Shrimp Creole), and Chicken St. Charles (pork Tasso cream sauce).
You’ll find more Ruby Slipper Cafe locations in New Orleans, Metairie, Mobile, and Baton Rouge.
Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill
Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill is at the Fort Morgan end of Gulf Shores. This restaurant believes that at the end of the day, nothing beats a friendly smile, good music, and great-tasting food.
The restaurant is known for their charbroiled oysters, which come from Navy Cove Oysters, just two miles down the road. Not an oyster fan? Try the Gouda Cheese Balls, hand-cut, fried, filled with smoked gouda cheese, and served with roasted red pepper sauce.
Southern Grind Coffee House
Casual mornings scream forSouthern Grind Coffee House, where coffee, chatter, and an arsenal of fresh, appealing eats await. Their avocado toast and breakfast burrito have me raving, and the Dublin cold brew? That’s worth a toast in itself!
You’ll fall in love with the aesthetics of this carefully curated shop. Try the Bushwacker coffee, a must when visiting the Alabama Beaches. You can even take home a freshly ground bag.
Sunliner Diner
Step back in time at Sunliner Diner and get comfortable in the nostalgia of the 1950s. Not only can you breakfast like a king at any hour, but they also serve up some mean burgers and shakes, dripping with that old-school diner appeal.
Tacky Jacks
Tacky Jacks is one of the most popular waterfront places to eat in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, with three locations in the area.
Since 1980, this casual restaurant has been serving a little bit of everything: seafood, salads, po’boys, sandwiches, wraps, fish tacos, and chicken. It’s known for its “Tacky Shrimp”, prepared using a special blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings.
Whether you arrive “by land or sea”, the whole family will love visiting Tacky Jacks.
The Village Hideaway
The Beach Club Resort & Spa is home to another fantastic family-friendly restaurant, The Village Hideaway. It’s the best place at the beach for pizzas, salads, wings, and tenders. The Hideaway also has an arcade, billiards, golf simulator, and giant yard games (outside).
Looking for somewhere to watch a sporting event? With 11 flat screen TVs, The Village Hideaway is the perfect place!
Vinny’s Pizzeria
When pizza is on your mind,Vinny’s Pizzeriaat The Wharf is where you’ll find satisfaction with its whopping 24-inch pies. The vegetable pizza is my personal fave—a guilt-free pleasure topped with an array of fresh produce.
For those preferring alternatives, bite into their scrumptious subs or fresh salads.
Voyagers Restaurant
For those special nights out, Voyagers‘ elegance shouldn’t be overlooked. Smooth service, delightful dinnerware, and a wine list set to impress are just overtures to the culinary concerto awaiting you. Chef Brody’s reputation as a masterful chef is displayed through amazing food and original dishes.
The chargrilled oysters here made me an overt fan, and the seafood platter is beautiful with lobster, crab, shrimp, and oysters. For those who prefer a perfectly cooked steak, they certainly deliver.
Wolf Bay
When you’re looking for a place where everyone feels at home,Wolf Bayserves up that familial warmth with a side of nostalgia. Their recipes date back to 1973, and they flaunt a salad bar that’s a staple for lunch and dinner.
The Cha Cha’s Crab Dip (made with cream cheeses, a sweet bourbon sauce, and bacon, served with fried pita) has a history of making taste buds dance and is my daughter’s favorite crab dip at the Alabama Beaches. Need a main course suggestion? The Stuffed Shrimp, for sure.
Woodside Restaurant
Woodside Restaurantis your uptown choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a down-home soul. The Muscle Shoals Omelet is a medley of shaved ham and smoked Gouda pimento cheese that’s simply irresistible for breakfast lovers. For dinner, who can say no to a Lowcountry Boil?
Beyond gourmet plates, this place, in the heart of Gulf State Park, features live tunes, trivia nights, and lively outdoor backyard games that beckon one and all. Pet-friendly outdoor seating is available.
The Yard Milkshake Bar
Aim straight for the Yard Milkshake Bar if you’re chasing the most Instagram-worthy dessert in town. Construct your dream milkshake here, decking it out with all your fave ice cream flavors and candies until it’s a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
From tempting strawberry and banana recipes for me, to irresistible chocolate and cookie dough options for my family, The Yard is where you’ll find it all.
Zeke’s
Zeke’s Landingis a destination. They operate a marina, provide boat storage, offer fishing charters, and have a killer restaurant, all located on Cotton Bayou, across the street from beautiful Orange Beach. A few appetizers we tried were the skillet cornbread, fried oysters, oysters on the half shell, and salmon dip, all of which were fantastic.
I opted for the fried Grouper for my main course; it was the best I have ever eaten. Zeke’s serves a wide variety of seafood from the Gulf, Maine lobster, Alaskan snow crab legs, steaks, and Wagyu burgers. You can even bring your catch from your fishing charter and have them cook it to perfection.
Whatever you do, leave room for dessert. The brownie with vanilla ice cream is the perfect ending to a great meal.
Thanks to Bob Bales of The Traveling Fool for this review and photo.
Orange Beach: A Tasty Address
Whether you’re a bona fide foodie or a casual diner out for great flavors and good times, these places to eat in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores offer a feast for the senses. Each establishment sings a different tune, from the twangy notes of traditional Southern comfort food to the high-pitched crescendo of gourmet bites.
Taste, enjoy, and savor every delicious note!
Disclosure: Some meals were hosted by Gulf Shores/Orange Beach CVB for my familiarization visit. All opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.
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